January 8, 2018
Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman on Monday was
officially announced the first brand ambassador of Sikkim. He said he is
honoured to be the face of a state which is not just visually but also
culturally beautiful.
Rahman was honoured here at the onset of 'The Red
Panda Winter Carnival 2018', which aims at increasing the flow of tourists by
promoting the state's bounty.
"As Helen Keller rightly said - The best
and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. I feel
this was said for Sikkim and Sikkim only," Rahman said in a statement.
"The beauty of Sikkim doesn't only lie in its hills and valleys but in its
feelings and culture as well. I am highly impressed by the State's development
and mesmerizing culture. I'm honored to be the face of this beautiful state," he
added.
At the event, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling felicitated
Rahman and said they look forward to working in tandem with him "to take the
state to higher levels and achievements".
Ugen T. Gyatso, Sikkim's
Tourism Minister, is happy to have the Mozart of Madras on board to promote the
state.
"Despite being the second smallest State in the country, we are
growing at a rapid pace.
"We see a bigger and better future for Sikkim
and with Rahman and his versatility and graceful nature, he lives up to the
affectionate nickname of aIsai Puyal' (Music storm) as he breezes in from the
south to the Himalayas, resonating his mellifluous melodies to the world. There
couldn't have been a better fit," Gyatso said.