The Indian Army’s 33 Corps, under ‘Operation Sadbhavna’, has organised “The Golden Voice of Sikkim,” a large-scale singing talent hunt that has drawn an overwhelming response from aspiring singers across the state.

Nearly 1,340 singers from Sikkim’s four districts registered for the auditions, officials said.

The grand finale, scheduled for March 15, will feature the top 6 contestants competing for the title. The competition began with a promotional drive. Local college student volunteers spread the information about the competition ensuring widespread participation from all parts of the state. After initial screenings, the top 100 participants advanced to online auditions on March 5.

The selection process will continue, narrowing down the field to 60 semi-finalists and 18 finalists “The response has been phenomenal,” stated an official from the organising team.

“We wanted to reach every corner of Sikkim, and the enthusiasm we’ve witnessed is truly inspiring,” the official added.

“This initiative is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of Sikkim’s rich musical heritage,” said a spokesperson for the Indian Army.

“We are committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young artists to shine,” he added.

The participation across the state includes 367 participants from South Sikkim, 450 participants in East Sikkim, 407 participants in West Sikkim and 116 participants in North Sikkim (116).