Former Governor of Sikkim, RH Tahiliani, passes away

Admiral (retd.) Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani, who served as the Governor of Sikkim from 1990 to 1994 passed away today at Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi Cantt. A press communiqué from the Raj Bhawan informs that the former Governor passed away this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Governor Shriniwas Patil has expressed deep sadness and grief on the demise of Admiral (retd.) Tahiliani.

BJP petitions Governor against Govt’s attitude towards employees

GANGTOK, 15 Jan: The Sikkim-unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has petitioned the Governor, seeking his intervention in addressing what the BJP sees as “unconstitutional moves” of the State Government against government employees. In a memorandum through its Sikkim-unit president Palden Wangchuk Khangsarpa, the BJP has is “demanding immediate action against recent unconstitutional moves taken by the state Government”.

Governor on South Sikkim tour

NAMCHI, 21 Oct [IPR]: Governor Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil, along with the first lady Mrs. Rajani Devi Patil, arrived at Solophok Chardham here today. They were accorded a warm reception by the area MLA, Binod Rai, and all HoDs of South District. Mr and Mrs Patil are here with their guests from Maharashtra on a visit to Chardham and attended the evening’s special Aarati service performed in the main Shiva Temple. On the next day’s program, the Governor will proceed on sightseeing towards Samdrupste and onwards to the Tathagata Tsal in Rabongla from where they will return to the capital.

Governor attends Sri Morari Bapu’s sermon

GANGTOK, 23 Sept: The Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil visited the religious sermon being held by Sri Morari Bapu at Hotel Rendezvous, Gangtok on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor lauded the social works being carried out by Sri Morari Bapu for the people of the country and also congratulated him for the stature he has achieved amongst religious leaders.
He also appreciated the people of Sikkim and the students in particular for having inculcated the spirit of patriotism and respect for the nation and its symbol and also highlighted the essence of ‘unity in diversity’.
In his speech, the Governor expressed his gratitude and thanked the jawans of the Indian Army for their relentless efforts in guarding our international borders both in Sikkim and rest of the country.
The Governor also appraised the gathering that as a citizen of this beautiful country, people should inculcate noble traits of obedience, dedication and devotion akin to that of Lord Rama and Sita.

Governor discusses tourism with Minister, recommends more innovative promotion

GANGTOK, 22 Sept: Tourism Minister, Bhim Dungel accompanied by Secretary, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, C Zangpo called on the Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil at Raj Bhavan on Saturday.
A press release from Raj Bhawan informs that the delegates briefed the Governor on the tourism potential and various activities being organized by the State Government and stakeholders for the promotion of tourism in the State. It was informed that tourism had become the mainstay of the people of Sikkim in recent years.
The Governor expressed concern that tourism related activities in Sikkim had been affected by the ongoing tension and bandhs in the Darjeeling district of neighbouring West Bengal and directed the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation to come up with an action plan to revive the tourism industry.
He also desired that the State Government should come up with innovative ideas for healthy revenue generation from the tourism sector. He also stressed on the need to make tourism an organized sector by placing well organized infrastructure and methods in place, which should be supported by a dedicated school on tourism for imparting necessary knowledge, etiquettes and language to the youth of Sikkim for employment generation.
The Governor also highlighted the success story of the Gujarat and Maharashtra model and expressed his desire to similarly nominate a prominent person as brand ambassador for tourism in Sikkim.

Governor enrolled in National Population Register

GANGTOK, 20 Sept [IPR]: Governor Shriniwas Patel enrolled his name for the National Population Register capturing the Biometric based on ADHAR at Raj Bhavan here today.
The first citizen of the State enrolled his name and details of biometric in the presence of Kapil Meena, ADC (East) along with Sikkim Census officials SR Roy Deputy Director, T. Gajmer Statistical Investigator Grade-I and Deepak Sarkar, State coordinator for Sikkim from Electronics Corporation of India which is the technical project executor of National Population Register.
The ADC handed over the acknowledgement slip to the Governor.
The Governor of Sikkim appreciated the work of NPR all over the country and also shared his experience of working with the Census. He was feted with a Silver Medal in 2001 Census in Maharashtra. The Governor has also appealed to all the citizens of Sikkim to enroll their names in the National Population Register.
The ADC, Census officials and ECIL State Coordinator informed the Governor about the process and the importance of National Population Register.

Governor calls on Vice President Dr Ansari at New Delhi

GANGTOK, 15 Sept: Governor Shriniwas Patil called on the Vice President of India, Dr. Hamid Ansari, on 13 September in New Delhi.
A press release from the Raj Bhawan informs that Mr. Patil sought the blessing of Dr. Ansari for a fruitful tenure as Governor of Sikkim. Dr. Ansari warmly congratulated Mr. Patil on his appointment as the Governor of Sikkim and also expressed confidence that Sikkim would make giant leaps and make rapid progress in all fields under the able guidance and supervision of Mr Patil, the release adds.

Sikkim’s UPSC aspirants call on Governor

GANGTOK, 13 Sept: Sikkimese students undergoing coaching for the UPSC Civil Services Examinations in Delhi called on the Governor Shriniwas Patil at Sikkim House in New Delhi on Thursday.
As per a press release, the Governor greeted the students and enquired about their preparations for the Examination. He wished them good luck and encouraged them to work hard and take advantage of the facilities being offered by the Sikkim Government to achieve success in the tough competitive examination. He also enquired about their well being and difficulties they were facing in Delhi.
There are altogether 99 students being sponsored by the Human Resources Development Department, Government of Sikkim for coaching in various institutes in Delhi. This initiative has been hailed as a strong morale booster for the students and youth of the State and is aimed to encourage them to achieve success in the most prestigious competitive examinations in the country and to reduce dependency on employment opportunities within the State, the release mentions.

Governor meets Sikkim students in Pune, enquires on their welfare and opens home to them

GANGTOK, 11 Sept: Governor Shriniwas Patil met Sikkimese students studying in Pune at his residence at Pune on Tuesday. He was on a three-day tour of Maharashtra for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, a press communiqué from Raj Bhavan informs.
The release informs that the students were invited to the Governor's residence in Pune for lunch. Nearly 20 students attended the lunch. They were welcomed by the Governor's son, Sarang Patil and daughter-in-law, Rachana Patil.
The Governor had a discussion with the delegation of students and enquired about their studies and accommodation arrangements in Pune. He assured them of all assistance and asked the students to contact him or his son in case of any difficulty or emergency in Pune.
He also impressed upon the students to form an association of Sikkimese students to help each other and guide any new students aspiring to come to Pune for higher education, the release mentions.
The Governor also emphasized upon the need for more students from Sikkim to pursue higher education in various fields and secure their rightful place in the professional and corporate world. He appealed to the students to always keep in mind that they are the young ambassadors of their State and to be aware of their responsibilities for the welfare and image of Sikkim.
The meeting and lunch was attended by Yeshey Bhutia, Karma Bhutia, Tshering Bhutia, Tikchan Pokhrel, Aashish Gurung, Rekha Thapa,Awan Pradhan, Manisha Sharma, Manisha Upreti, Indira Sharma, Dushant Dahal, Sanjeevani Dhakal among others, the release informs.

Sikkim’s journey since 1975 has been most fulfilling and rewarding: Governor

GANGTOK, 16 May: “It gives me immense pride to introspect on the factors that have led to the development and the recognition that Sikkim has been achieving. The communal harmony existent amongst all the communities that has also been recorded in the 350 year history of the state speaks volumes that this harmony has now become a way of life of the people here,” said Governor BP Singh in his address delivered at the State-level State Day celebration here at Chintan Bhawan today.
The Governor added that the people of the state have over the years, devised and maintained a ‘code of conduct’, a model that was exemplary and worthy for all to follow. He said that ‘Democracy was the heart of Sikkim’ and had become a way of life here.
“I am happy to state that the journey which began in the year 1975 has been most fulfilling and rewarding,” the Governor conveys in his State Day message,
The Governor further said that the will of the people had prevailed in Sikkim and that democracy had now taken deep roots here. In this regard he said that this will of the people has been respected and each and every Sikkimese had been given an opportunity to live with dignity and respect.
“Political leaders should respect the dignity of all Sikkimese and I hope that the political leadership in the state always preserves this trend of culture, democracy and good-governance and not do anything that will damage this fabric that is taking Sikkim to even greater heights ,” the Governor said.
He also stated that democracy did not only mean holding elections and remarked that it was good governance that had led Sikkim to where it stands today. He added that good governance did not come by chance and that the people of the state willed and demanded it and that this was possible only in a true democracy.
While remarking that education was in transformation in Sikkim, the Governor said that as an individual he ‘admired’ the Chief Minister’s initiative of selecting students from the remotest of villages on merit and sending them on full scholarship to the best public schools. He said that he believed that if these children were given the right guardianship along with the facilities then a time would come when every Sikkimese will be seen as a person of merit, someone with dignity who should be respected.
“In 1975 only 16 percent of the total population was educated but now less than 16 percent are illiterate here. It is numbers such as these in areas of much needed intervention that make me admire the present leadership. There will be a day when we will have zero illiteracy in Sikkim, no poor, all pucca houses and creation of dependable workers , and that day is not far,” expressed the Governor.
Amongst areas that needed further attention, the Governor said that a need to collectively take advantage of the resources within and outside the state for it’s and the country’s development was an important area. Further, while stating that the work of the civil police within the state was good he urged for the need for the police to be prepared to tackle the crimes that come with prosperity.
The Governor also spoke on the need to improve the work culture in government offices and develop the collective will to have pride in work. Similarly, he also pointed out the need to ponder on the subject of the high number of suicide in the state along with the high rate of substance abuse.
In his address the Chief Minister stated, “In the past 38 years Sikkim has been an important part of the country. You all know what Sikkim was before and what it has become now. Now our responsibility and duty is to make the Sikkim of tomorrow. The responsibility lies in our hands, every mode through which we contribute towards the development of the nation will speak volumes about our contribution. Be it education, health, basic amenities, hydel, tourism, social justice and basically all round development, all the areas where we are contributing are being recognized. 22.8 percent is our growth rate, this we have to maintain and further strengthening this rate is our duty as Sikkimese and Indians. Our work should speak for itself.”

Raj Bhavan grants for 9organisations

GANGTOK, 15 May: Nine social organizations from different parts of the State were handed over cash grants from the Governor’s Discretionary Fund by Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh at Raj Bhavan here today.
The discretionary grants were in recognition of the activities and significant achievements of the nine organisations and to provide encouragement, an official press release informs. The grants are to be kept in fixed deposit for ten years, with the interest component utilized towards meeting recurring expenses in the running of programmes and activities of the recipient organizations.
The organizations which received grants today are: Wangdi Faith Mission Home, Mangan (Rs. 1 lakh), Sikkim Kalyan Ashram, Ranipool (Rs. 1 lakh), Sikkim Viklang Sahayta Samiti (Rs. 1 lakh), Inner Wheel Club of Gangtok (Rs. 0.5 lakh), Press Club of Sikkim (Rs. 1 lakh), Spastic Society of Sikkim (Rs. 1 lakh), Duga Sr. Sec. School (Rs. 1 lakh), Sikkim Archery Association (Rs. 1 lakh) and Scheduled Caste Welfare Association (Rs. 1 lakh).
Meanwhile, a Press Club of Sikkim press release has conveyed its sincere and heartiest thanks to the Governor for the kind contribution. Last year, the Governor has released Rs. 1.5 lakh to PCS to institute the Grameen Patrakarita Puraskar. PCS had earlier submitted a detailed performance and the activities report to the office of the Governor, the release informs.
“I am very happy with the performance of the press and media fraternity in Sikkim, keep up the good work”, the PCS release quotes the Governor as saying.
The grant today was received by the PCS president, Bhim Rawat, who was accompanied to the brief interaction with the Governor by executive members Joseph Lepcha, Arjun Piyush, Babbo Tamang, Nirmal Mangar and Sagar Chettri.

SKM delegation calls on Governor with complaint against pamphleteers

GANGTOK, 14 May: A Sikkim Krantikari Morcha delegation called on Governor BP Singh at Raj Bhawan today and submitted a memorandum seeking immediate action on circulation of anonymous pamphlets aimed at character assassination of its leaders.
The SKM working president Bharati Sharma led a 13-member delegation to meet the Governor and urged him to initiate immediate action on circulation of such pamphlets, which she highlighted, were written in extremely poor and offensive language and were disturbingly disrespectful of women.
An SKM press release informs that the Governor gave a patient hearing to the SKM delegation and assured to look into the issues raised by them. The release contends that the Governor told the SKM team that he has invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Sikkim to hear out public grievances himself, suggesting that one day be devoted to this exercise without the presence of any State Government representatives.

Governor presents Rs 1 lakh cash grant to local NGO

GANGTOK, 27 Jan: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh met with office bearers and members of Narayani Prathiba Social Club at Raj Bhavan on Republic Day eve and presented the club with a cash grant of Rs 1 lakh in recognition of the club’s activities and significant achievements and to provide encouragement.
A press release issued by the PRO to the Governor informs that the grant is to be kept in a fixed deposit and the interest accrued to be utilized towards meeting recurring expenses in the running of programmes and activities of the Club, especially with regard to re-admission of school drop-outs and imparting of computer education in rural areas, the release mentions.
The Narayani Prathiba Social Club, which is a registered social organization from Dangeythang, Simik Aritar in East Sikkim, has been working with the help of unemployed educated youth of the area in the field of education and health.
The club has been actively engaged in a number of social service activities such as encouraging school drop-outs to rejoin their schools with proper guidance, conducting coaching classes in spoken English, dance and yoga for children of financially weak families and also in various activities aimed at improving health awareness among rural folk, the release adds.

CM and Governor’s greetings

GANGTOK, 27 Dec: On the occasion of Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam, the Governor of Sikkim extends his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim as per a press release from the PRO to the Governor.
The Governor’s message reads, “My greetings to the people of Sikkim and the Sikkimese Limboo community in particular on the auspicious occasion of Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam.
On this joyous occasion let us all rededicate ourselves towards strengthening the bonds of peace, unity, brotherhood and love amongst all sentient beings.”
The Governor has also extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of the New Year.
He has said, “On the joyous occasion of advent of the New Year 2013, I extend my heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people of Sikkim. Let the New Year bring happiness, prosperity, peace and brotherhood among different communities of people.”
Extending his greetings on the occasion of Tamu Lhochar, the Governor said, “On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartiest greetings to the people of Sikkim and to the Sikkimese Gurung community in particular.
May this joyous occasion reinforce the bonds of brotherhood, love and harmony amongst all sections of our society.”
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and Smt Tika Maya Chamling have also extended their warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim on the auspicious occasion of Teyongsi Sirijunga Sawan Tongnam.

Governor speaks on Future of Democracy at Radhari Singh Dinker Memorial Lecture

GANGTOK, 23 April: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh spoke on “The Future of Democracy” at the Ramdhari Singh Dinker Memorial Lecture before a packed audience in New Delhi today. The lecture was chaired by the Senior Parliamentarian, Dr. Karan Singh, and was also attended by the Governor of Bihar, Devanand Konwar, a press communiqué received from the Raj Bhavan informs.
Ramdhari Singh Dinker (September 23, 1908 – April 24, 1974) was a Hindi poet, essayist and academic of great repute. His patriotic and inspiring poetry earned him the title “Rashtrakavi”.
The Governor’s address focused on the evolution of democracy as a form of people’s government and whether it has been able to live up to its founding ideals. The address drew from the experiences of three events in the recent months: the Arab Spring; India Against Corruption; and Occupy Wall Street.
According to Mr. Singh, these three disparate events signify both, a yearning for democracy and a disillusionment with it. He said in his address: “It is quite evident that in several democratic countries, citizens have expressed disapproval of the way of working of the key democratic institutions like National Parliament, States Assemblies, Civil Service and Local Self Government bodies. Yet people continue to believe in the virtues of democracy and clamour for it even where dictatorial or monarchial dispensation prevails… Are alternatives to democracy being contemplated both in democratic countries and authoritarian ones?”
The recent anti-corruption protests in India have highlighted the inefficacy of our democratic system to curb corruption and provide succor to the marginalized sections of the population. Democracy has also failed to address the concerns of the poor and the rift between the rich and the downtrodden stands wider than ever before. In this charged environment of disenchantment with the existing system, Mr. Singh said, “…‘million mutinies’ are taking place almost on a daily basis in India. The need is to go for ‘million negotiations’ that would ensure that government, market and civil society work together for the empowerment of the poor and the dispossessed.”
In this context, the address also questioned “whether India’s democracy can rise up to the task of effecting improvement of its service delivery systems; accommodate the dispossessed and marginal communities in its policy making systems; and impart them skills to become beneficiaries of market mechanism? Is it possible for our democracy to enable us to invest more in the country’s long future? We have shown imagination during the Freedom Struggle and in the early years of the Republic in solving our major problems. Can we do this now as well?”
The future of democracy has been pushed into uncertainty owing the threat it faces from rising public dissent as also from religious fundamentalism and authoritarian rule. However, the lecture prophesied that “the democratic ideals of liberty, equality and justice will continue to be the guiding lights for mankind. And yet, it is realistic to hold the view that democracy cannot sustain itself on its own momentum.”
The Governor’s address concluded on an optimistic note with the assertion that “Democracy needs no astrologers. The time has thus come for political leaders, jurists, enlightened citizens and others who are concerned about the future of democracy to look closely at the challenges facing democracy in their country, and devise ways and means to remedy the short-comings in the working and structure of democratic governments.”

GOVERNOR BRIEFED ON RURAL WATER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES

Deptt directed to reinforce water supply infrastructure against natural disasters and contamination

GANGTOK, 15 March: A presentation on water supply management in rural Sikkim was made before Governor BP Singh by RMDD Secretary AK Ganeriwala at Raj Bhavan Winter Camp in Rangpo today. Emphasizing the need to distinguish between water supply and drinking water supply, the Governor reminded the concerned officials of the need to strengthen water supply infrastructure in a manner that it was not vulnerable to natural disasters and contamination.
The Governor, a Raj Bhavan communiqué informs, was apprised of the successful implementation of the Rural Water Supply Scheme in adherence to National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). The Department is undertaking schemes like Dhara Vikas to ensure sustainability of these water sources by recharging the groundwater level.
Some of the interventions are visible in the revival of Dolling Lake at Barfung and Deythang Lake under Ravangla Block, the revival of which now benefits around 90 households and has supported floriculture and horticulture activities in the area.
Under NRDWP, it was informed that out of 2,498 rural habitations in Sikkim, 1,833 have already been fully covered, 665 household partially covered and no habitation left ‘uncovered’.
To mitigate water shortage in dry areas in Sikkim, RMDD has been facilitating construction of roof harvesting structures. Since 2008, a total of 1,704 such structures have been constructed in the State. Further, a number of storage tanks have also been constructed to preclude water scarcity problem.
It was informed that although NRDWP - a Central Government Scheme - follows 90:10 ratio vis-a-vis Centre:State share, the State government’s share, at its own initiative, is close to fifty percent of the total pool.
In order to monitor drinking water quality, the Department has opened two state-of-the-art labs with latest equipment- one at Tadong, Gangtok and the other at Jorethang.
The Governor emphasized the need to distinguish between water supply and drinking water supply to the rural areas. He said that drinking water supply system needs to be strengthened in a manner that is not vulnerable to natural disasters and contamination.
He directed the Department to evolve a more holistic approach to reach safe drinking water to each and every household in the villages.
The Governor was pleased to know that under this scheme, the planning is initiated at the gram sabha level. He wanted the department to promote local initiatives in water conservation. The Department must devise a system that meets complaints of the local people about the quality of drinking water. The system should also allow sharing of information of the nature of contamination in drinking water found in the labs with the stakeholders.

Governor apprised of State Government’s strategy to restore and rebuild earthquake damaged monasteries

GANGTOK, 14 Mar: A presentation on the State Government’s strategy to restore and rebuild the monasteries damaged during the 18th September 2011 earthquake was made before the Governor of Sikkim, BP Singh by the representatives of the Ecclesiastical Department, Cultural and Heritage Affairs Department and Building and Housing Department at Raj Bhavan Winter Camp today.
The representatives were led by the Additional Chief Secretary, R Ongmu and the presentation was made by Additional Town Planner, UDHD, Devika Chettri.
According to a press release issued by the Governor’s PRO, Mr Singh was informed that the Ecclesiastical Department had received reports of damages from 326 monasteries. Acting on the reports, the Ecclesiastical Department and the Building and Housing Department had undertaken a joint survey of monasteries. Following this, the Building and Housing Department has submitted detailed project reports for restoration, repair and minor retrofitting of 124 monasteries to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of India.
The Government of Sikkim has recognised 6 monasteries (Ringhim, Chawang,  Tashiding, Chungthang, Hungri and Tholung) as critically damaged and accordingly, DPRs for restoration works have been submitted to the Culture Ministry of the Central Government. The restoration process is being planned by involving the experts and also through design research, mapping and documentation, the release mentions.
The Governor emphasised that the monasteries in Sikkim lend a unique identity to it among the union of States. The State should do its best to ensure that the sanctity and beauty of the monasteries are maintained.
The release further informs that the Governor directed the Building and Housing Department to ensure that the restored and reconstructed monasteries, be made earthquake resistant. He also called for involvement of the local communities in the rebuilding process.
The Governor also expressed the need to create inventories of all the relics in the monasteries, the release adds.

Governor salutes optimism of Sikkimese people in R-Day message

GANGTOK, 25 Jan: “I am happy that the 18th September earthquake has not marred the optimism of our people,” states Governor BP Singh in his Republic Day message to the people of Sikkim. The Governor’s R-Day address, which details Sikkim’s developmental achievements and future plans, devotes a substantial portion on the 18 September Earthquake, its aftermath and the continuing rehabilitation works. “Although the State’s economic activities were temporarily impaired, we are resolved to reinstate Sikkim back on the path of progress,” the Governor assures.
Pointing out that the earthquake impacted every person in the State, the Governor conveys his special gratitude towards the “brave jawans and officers of the security and police forces who provided urgent and valuable assistance in relief and rescue operations”.
“People showed exemplary patience and courage in this natural calamity,” the Governor records, highlighting that it is inspiriting to recall that there were no reports of thefts or stampede for food and relief materials. “Young boys and girls came forward in remote areas of north Sikkim to lend their hands in running of temporary shelters as well as relief camps. This was an inspirational sight,” he states.
The rehabilitation work is now afoot, he details, while commenting that the temblor “brought before the Government agencies as well as to the people of the State new realities”. “It is quite evident that we need earthquake proof houses, better built roads, nature resistant water pipelines and earthquake resistant workplaces. Our existing urban building laws and the construction manual need close scrutiny,” he observes.
Pointing out that the role of the youth will be important to the rebuilding efforts, the Governor welcomes that many of them have come forward to become civil contractors and tour operators.
“Our educational institutions and capacity building institute should cater to the requirements of these persons as well as of our engineers by making them available fresh ideas and training programmes so that we can build roads and houses of world standards. Similarly, our tourism facilities including logistic support system need to be upgraded to achieve global standards,” he advices.
Detailing the various developmental achievements and future plans of the State Government, the Governor stresses that the challenges of the 21st century need to be met by building a knowledge-based society
“Several developments in recent times have taught us the need to cultivate positive thinking and to work in unison. Let us pledge to move together with earnestness on a path of development and progress. Let peace, harmony and development continue to be Sikkim’s distinctive features,” he appeals, adding: “The peace-loving people of Sikkim are both a source of motivation as well as an important ally in the development of the State. We seek their cooperation as stakeholders in the effective execution of the schemes and policies of the government”.

Governor presents paper on ‘Building Peace: The Bahudha Approach’ at ISEAS, Singapore

GANGTOK, 16 Jan: On special invitation from the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS), the Governor of Sikkim, Balmiki Prasad Singh, presented a paper titled ‘Building Peace: The Bahudha Approach’ before a handsome gathering on 10 January, 2012 at ISEAS, Singapore, informs a press release issued by the PRO to the Governor.

On his maiden visit to the Institute, Mr Singh was warmly received by the Director of ISEAS and the Ambassador of Singapore to Jordan, K Kesavapany and his staff. He introduced Mr Singh to the gathering and spoke briefly about his academic credentials.

The thesis of Mr Singh’s address was based on peaceful resolution of conflicts by means of the Bahudha approach, the release informs. Through this harmonious approach, Mr Singh presents an alternative view to Samuel P. Huntington’s theory of the Clash of Civilizations.

The Bahudha approach is both a celebration of diversity and an attitude of mind that respects another person’s point of view. It also promotes a feeling that the world would be a dull and over-uniform place if there was only one religion, one God, one language, one folklore and one folk tale.

The inculcation of attitude of mind inspired by the Bahudha approach would mean that one hears others in a manner that is akin to our behaviour with family members or with our neighbours. It helps us appreciate and even adopt good practices and value systems of others without diminishing our own.

The lecture was divided into two segments: paper reading and paper discussion of 45-minute duration each. The paper discussion was extremely well participated by the academicians, research scholars and students from the Institute and outside, the release mentions.

At the institute’s library the Governor garlanded the bust of Rabindra Nath Tagore. He gifted the Institute a Sikkimese thanka and a copy each of the books “Bahudha- in the post 9/11 World” and “India’s Culture”- authored by him- and also a copy of “Sikkim’s Raj Bhavan”, the release adds.

Governor visits Institute of Technical Education in Singapore

GANGTOK, 16 Jan: The Governor of Sikkim visited the Institute of Technical Education (West) College of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore at Choa Chu Kang Grove on 11 January. He was warmly received by Principal of the College, Dr. Yak Tiew Ming and the staff.
A press release from the PRO to the Governor informs that the Governor was accompanied by First Secretary (Commerce), Amitesh Bharat Singh and Attache (PIC) of the High Commission of India, Debashish Choudhuri and Joint Secretary to the Governor, Thakur Thapa.
The Governor was given a presentation by the Principal, Dr. Yak Tiew Ming. The ITE  works under the ‘One System, Three Colleges, Governance and Education Model’ introduced by the Singapore Government in 2005 under which the ITE-HQ oversees the broad system, policy issues and ensures standards while the ‘three colleges’ are empowered to develop niche areas of excellence to enhance attractiveness of ITE education.
The ITE owes its success primarily to its unique ‘Hands on, Minds on and Hearts on’ education philosophy where students integrate theory and practice through course work, industry exposure, projects and experimental learning, the objective being to prepare and expose students of different abilities, talents and interests to the realities and challenges of the global market.
Later in the afternoon, the Governor visited Singapore’s Asian Civilization Museum at Empress Place, the release informs. He was received by Senior Curator and Head of the Museum’s South Asian Collection, Dr. Gauri Krishnan and Curator, Cross Culture, Clement Onn.
He was briefed about the museum, its collections and about the influences India has had in shaping the cultures of Southeast Asia through the centuries.
The Curator, Mr Onn also guided the Governor on a tour of the museum, where the highlight of the museum was the ongoing exhibition-‘Patterns of Trade-Indian Textiles for Export, 1400-1900’- where Indian textiles of different colors, patterns and materials produced and exported from India were displayed. Some of the exhibits were more than 600 years old, the release further mentions.

At the end of the tour the Governor thanked the Museum’s staff and presented the museum with a Sikkimese thanka, a copy each of the books “Bahudha- and the post 9/11 World”, “India’s Culture” and “Sikkim’s Raj Bhawan”. In return he was presented several books documenting the museums collections and Singapore’s ancestral cultures, the release adds.