Guwahati, April 16: In a major stride toward preserving indigenous heritage, UNESCO has partnered with the Government of Sikkim to document and recognize the Ru-Soam—the Lepcha Traditional Cane Bridge—as a vital symbol of cultural and ecological ingenuity.
A high-level meeting was convened at the Tashiling Secretariat by the Intellectual Property Rights Section of the Department of Science and Technology. Chaired by Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, the event brought together experts, artisans, and cultural leaders to spotlight the ancient bridge-making practice still alive in the Lepcha communities of the Dzongu Tribal Reserve, located within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.
Entirely crafted from natural materials such as wild cane and bamboo, the Ru-Soam is not just functional infrastructure—it is a living heritage that embodies centuries of oral knowledge, eco-sensitive design, and disaster resilience.
UNESCO’s Regional Director, Tim Curtis, joined the meeting virtually, praising the initiative and pledging support for technical documentation and global heritage recognition. Artisans from Dzongu, scholars from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and cultural representatives enriched the session with deep-rooted knowledge and stories. Dr. Benno Boer, Chief of Natural Sciences at UNESCO, is expected to visit Sikkim in May 2025 to take the collaboration forward.
This initiative marks a meaningful commitment to safeguarding Sikkim’s intangible cultural heritage, aligning with UNESCO’s broader global mission. The effort to document, digitally archive, and celebrate the Ru-Soam is now officially underway—shining a global spotlight on the indigenous wisdom of the Lepcha people.
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