At 74, Prem Dhoj Pradhan can still sing up a storm!

GANGTOK: When renowned Nepal-born singer, 74-year-old, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, sang ‘Goreto Gaonko…’ , a song recorded in 1962 in a studio in Kolkata, the jam-packed Sikkim Government College Auditorium, including the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling burst out in a rapturous applause on Friday evening.
Sikkim was treated to this rare experience this evening on the concluding day of the two-day Baisakhi Parva 2068 organized by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim here at Sikkim Government College auditorium.
The concluding day’s celebration was dedicated as a musical nite-cum-felicitation programme for the veteran singer Mr. Pradhan, whose songs include Ghumtima na aoun hai, Hasiney rahar haru…etc., which have remained evergreen till date.

Baisakhi Utsav dazzles despite drizzle

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling flagged off the two-day Baisakhi Utsav organised by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad here at MG Marg on Thursday. A heavy downpour, notwithstanding, the inaugural events cultural programme kept the spirits high in town this afternoon.
The numerous cultural dance and song performances by school children, representatives of social organisations and artists from outside the state are the highlights of this year’s celebrations.
The Chief Minister, who kept his inaugural address brief in light of the inclement weather, before leaving the podium today, commented, “The rains won’t allow me to speak long and I know everyone here wants to enjoy the gala cultural programme instead of listening to my speech, so let’s enjoy the programme together”.

Preparations begin for Baisakhi Utsav

GANGTOK: The Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim, in a meeting held on 14 March at its headquarters here, decided to celebrate Baisakhi Utsav 2011 in grand manner this year on 14 and 15 April.
The meeting, chaired by IPR Minister CB Karki, constituted a Baisakhi Utsav committee comprising of Ministers Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, NK Pradhan, MLA Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia, Gangtok Mayor, KN Topgay, Deputy Mayor, Shakti Singh, T Lachungpa, DK Khati and DB Thatal as advisors.