At just 21 years old, Prajal Regmi from Sikkim is already making waves in his community. Passionate about local culture and driven by a desire to help others, Prajal has taken on roles that many would consider beyond his years. Starting at just 16, he provided a platform for local artists through events that celebrated their talent, laid the foundation for a clothing brand that reflects the spirit of Sikkim, and stepped up as a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic to support those in need. Prajal’s journey is marked by youthful ambition and a deep commitment to his community, making him a young changemaker whose story is truly inspiring.
A Humble Beginning
Prajal was born and raised in Sikkim, growing up in a close-knit family with his father, mother, elder sister, and grandmother. His family instilled in him values of hard work and community service, which became the guiding principles in his life. Prajal followed his own path, driven by a curiosity to explore the world around him.
From a young age, Prajal was involved in various NGOs, where he developed a sense of social responsibility. His early experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of giving back to the community, and these values would later fuel his entrepreneurial and social initiatives.
Discovering Local Talent
During his college years, Prajal’s passion for the arts began to flourish. He noticed that Sikkim was brimming with talented artists—musicians, dancers, poets—who had incredible potential but lacked opportunities to showcase their skills. This realization struck a chord with him, and he became determined to change the status quo.
Inspired by the success stories of business icons like Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, Prajal’s entrepreneurial spirit took root. He admired their ability to drive change and wanted to create a similar impact in his own community. Recognizing Sikkim’s untapped talent, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
The Birth of a Cultural Movement
Prajal’s journey began with organizing open mic nights, where local artists could perform and share their talents. What started as a small event quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon, with young people eagerly participating and the community showing strong support. These events provided a much-needed platform for artists to connect with audiences, and soon, they became a staple in Sikkim’s culture.
The success of these events inspired Prajal to aim even higher. He wanted to create a cultural movement that would not only showcase local talent but also build a sense of pride and community among the youth. His dedication to this vision paid off as the events grew in popularity, attracting large crowds and media attention.
Launching Ripra Clothing
With the success of his cultural initiatives, Prajal sought to make a broader impact by laying the foundation for his own apparel venture, Ripra Clothing. While the brand itself is still in development, Prajal has already made significant progress by establishing a manufacturing unit in Lucknow. This unit is dedicated to producing quirky designs that embody the spirit of Sikkim and support local artisans by promoting indigenous arts from the region.
Leading in Times of Crisis
Prajal’s leadership qualities shone brightly during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world was grappling with uncertainty, Prajal stepped up to coordinate relief efforts in his community. He mobilized over 200 volunteers to assist in managing the crisis, working closely with media houses and government officials to provide support to those in need.
In just 13 days, his team helped over 1,000 patients, delivering essential supplies and raising awareness about health and safety measures, demonstrating his commitment to social welfare and his ability to bring people together for a common cause.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
In 2022, Prajal faced one of the most challenging periods of his life. He struggled with mental health issues, including agoraphobia, which kept him confined to his home for seven months. This was a breaking point for him, but he never gave up. Through medication and self-belief, he overcame these challenges and redirected his energy into his business. He shifted his focus from event management to building a clothing textile manufacturing unit in Lucknow, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Recognition and Impact
Prajal’s commitment to his community and entrepreneurial spirit have earned him several prestigious accolades. He was nominated for the prestigious Ashoka Young Changemaker award in 2022, a recognition that highlights his innovative contributions to social change. Additionally, he serves as the President of the Young Entrepreneurs Forum India for Northeast.
He has also received the Bal Ratna Puraskar from Bal Awaj Pariwar and was recognized as the Best Young Social Entrepreneur in West Sikkim in 2023.He has also played a key role in the Sikkim Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) cell, an initiative launched by the Chief Minister to promote and support entrepreneurial growth in the state. As a member of this team, Prajal has contributed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sikkim.
Through his initiatives, Prajal has inspired countless young people in Sikkim to pursue their passions and contribute to their communities. His belief in the power of collective action is evident in his work, and he often shares the sentiment that “Alone we can do so little; together we can do a lot.”
Looking Ahead
As Prajal reflects on his journey so far, he remains grounded in his mission to uplift local talent and foster socio-economic development in Sikkim. He envisions a future where young entrepreneurs like himself can lead the charge in transforming their communities, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for everyone.
With plans to expand Ripra Clothing and continue promoting local artists, Prajal is determined to leave a lasting legacy in Sikkim and beyond. His journey is a shining example of what it means to dream big, act boldly, and inspire change.
A Message to the Youth
Prajal’s message to the youth is clear: “Entrepreneurship is not just about business; it’s about mindset and environment. It’s about doing what makes you happy and staying connected to your roots.”
