SKM welcomes 1,155 new members

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: A total of 1,155 new members are said to have been inducted into the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha during the Rolu picnic anniversary celebrations on Saturday.
In a press release, SKM’s Jacob Khaling informs that 17 CEC members and 800 primary members resigned from SDF and joined SKM at Rolu on Saturday as did some former civil servants. Some of the bureaucrats who joined SKM are former Special Secretary, Sonam Topgay Lepcha, former Deputy Director, Adup Bhutia and former Deputy Secretary, Dichen Phigu Bhutia, the release details.
Mr. Khaling adds that 29 new members from Bojoghari, 10 new members from Lunchok-Solangdang, 16 new members from Ganchung- Dugalakha, 126 from Rhenock, 28 from Timbutar, Saramsa, 22 from Assam Lingzey, 32 from Melli, 40 from Poklok-Kamrang, 15 from Mikhola joined SKM.
The new comers were welcomed into the party by SKM leader PS Tamang [Golay].

SDF opens GPU-level offices in Kabi-Lungtsok constituency

MANGAN, 21 Dec: In continuation with the opening of GPU level party offices in North District, the Sikkim Democratic Front inaugurated party offices at seven GPUs of Kabi-Lungtsok constituency on 19 and 20 December.
On the 19th, SDF party offices for Ramthang-Tanek, Rangang-Tumlong, Phensong, Menrongong and Kabi-Tingda GPUs were inaugurated by area MLA, TT Bhutia in the presence of the party’s North district general secretary Hangu Tshering Bhutia, District president Khamsoong Lepcha, ASDLF general secretary Norjang Lepcha, organizing secretary Norden Tshering Lepcha, publicity secretary [North], Zomin Limboo, CEC members Damber Chettri and LB Rai, Cheli Morcha convenor Dawa Phuti Bhutia, Sumitra Subba, panchayat and zilla members, youth, cheli and party supporters.
Likewise, on 20 December, party offices for Lingdok-Namphing, Navey-Shotak and Kyongnosla GPUs were opened.

SKM celebrates Rolu Picnic anniversary

GOLAY TO TAKE CHARGE AS SKM PRESIDENT ON 04 FEB 2014
NAMCHI, 22 Dec: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha celebrated the fourth anniversary of the Rolu Picnic of 2009 on Saturday at Rolu in South Sikkim. The “new avatar of Rolu” –was also unveiled on the day where a signboard naming the spot “RHOLU- Revolutionary Home for the Oppressed, Laid down and Underprivileged”.  In a significant and much-awaited announcement for the SKM supporters, its leader PS Tamang [Golay] informed that he will take charge as the party president on 04 February 2013, on the first anniversary of the party. The party does not have a president at present.
Addressing the celebration, Mr. Tamang said, “Sikkim is stepping onto a new path and this is the place where it all began in 2009. People are now starting to join our movement for change and showing faith in our party because they have been suffering under the SDF government”.
Mr. Tamang added that it was time to end suffering and unite in the fight for change. “Now that the SKM party has been officially registered, the party will decide all future plans,” he said.
Urging all party supporters to work in abidance of the party principles, he alleged that the SDF was trying to create rifts within SKM. “I am aware of the kind of web that SDF will weave against us in their quest for power as I have spent 15 years with Pawan Chamling,” he said.
He further announced that he will take charge as the SKM party president on 04 February 2014 while working president, Bharati Sharma, will continue on her post.
“SDF and Pawan Chamling will always term SKM as a party of goondas and druggists but we have a number of intellectuals as members and bureaucrats are also joining us. Now whether they too are goondas and druggists is a question only Mr. Chamling can answer,” he said.
Mr. Tamang went on to state that he will reveal the ruling party’s secrets by and by, having been part of it for more than 15 years.
“I salute all those government employees who were victimized for attending the Rolu picnic four years ago but still stood by their principles,” he added.
As per SKM, on the occasion, 13 CEC members along with 800 primary members of the SDF party, one working panchayat and a Cheli Morcha general secretary joined the SKM at Rolu. A number of former bureaucrats are also said to have joined SKM on the day.
SKM supporters from different parts of the state attended the celebration in large numbers. The programme was also attended by SKM working president Bharati Sharma along with other party members and workers.

Christmas Raffle for a smile

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: Dirty Angels Motorcycle Club has this time come up with a charity raffle with an aim not only to make this Christmas a memorable one by drawing the results on this auspicious day with attractive prizes but also with an objective of helping the underprivileged children of Sikkim by organizing a dental programme titled “Sudden Smile” during the month of March, 2014.
A press release informs that the first prize winner of the raffle can choose between a Royal Enfield motorcycle or cash of Rs 1,20,000. A 40-inch Onida television set and 15.6 inch HP laptop are the second and third prizes respectively.
The club has printed a limited number of raffle tickets of which around 500 are left now. Ticket sale will close on 24 December and the draw will be held on 25 December. The winning numbers would also be published in local newspapers.
The club will use the entire profits of the raffle for helping the underprivileged, the release mentions. The club has further appealed to the people of Sikkim to donate clothes, shoes and soft toys.

‘Land Where I Flee’ gets Gangtok release

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: ’Land Where I Flee’, Prajwal Parajuly’s second offering and his debut novel [the first being a collection of short stories “The Gurkha’s Daughter”] got its official Sikkim release over the weekend at Rachna Books here at Development Area. The author was on a quick visit to ‘the land where he flees’ and was camped at Rachna Books on 21 and 22 December, entertaining readers through an informal book release function. He interacted with the media, friends and readers who came in to get their copies. On both evenings, the author read out excerpts from his new release. The novel, based largely in Gangtok and Kalimpong, has already fetched some rave reviews – Manjula Narayan [Hindustan Times] reviewing it as “one of the best novels of the year”.

DC takes stock of damage around airport site

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: District Collector [East], Jitendra Raje, visited Pakyong, East Sikkim to take stock of the situation arising out of damages sustained by houses at the periphery of the Green Field Airport construction site in Pakyong. During the visit, the DC, SP East, SDM Pakyong and concerned officers from Land Revenue Department also visited some of the affected houses.
During the visit the DC convened a meeting with the local public in the presence of SDM Pakyong and AE Buildings. The DC informed the public that the State Government is monitoring the project in the interest of the people and assured that the District Administration will conduct monthly reviews of the project along with hearing the grievances of the affected people.
It was also informed that the five affected house owners who are staying on rent are being provided with the house rent and assessment of the compensation is under process.
The assessment of the compensation for 12 houses which are in a precarious situation is also under process, the DC informed. It was also informed that the assessment of the 47 houses below the road which have been reportedly partially damaged would be done through a technical committee.
The DC assured the people that safety of the public is the primary concern of the government and appealed to the people to be cautious and evacuate the houses if required. The District Administration is making necessary dwelling arrangements under the supervision of SDM Pakyong, he informed. He also directed SDM Pakyong to make necessary arrangements for demolition of the houses belonging to Dawa Rabden Kazi and Dawa Bhutia with all necessary safety arrangements.
During the meeting the DC appealed to the public to remain calm and assured that the District Administration is taking all necessary steps to address the grievances of the local public.

Orientation programme on Organic farming and Certification at Rongli

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: GVK-wise Orientation Program for Panchayats & Progressive Farmers on Organic farming and Certification began here at the Gram Vikash Kendra, Regu, BAC, Rongli on Saturday. The program is being organized by Sikkim Organic Mission in collaboration with International Competency Centre of Organic Agriculture [ICCOA] Sikkim Branch, and CONCEDE.
A total of 150 [Panchayats & farmers] from in-and-around Regu, Lingtam, Phadamchen, Latuk and Chuchenpari participated in the program. BDO, Sabindra Rai was present as the chief guest.
Addressing the program, Joint Director, Agriculture Department, HK Gautam urged all participants to take advantage of the program and work together in order to make the state a fully organic state. He informed that the state has been getting positive response for its organic produce and urged farmers to work in mission mode to achieve the desired results.
RN Sharma, [CONCEDE], spoke on the importance of fertilizers like vermi-compost. He highlighted the benefits of vermi-compost over other kinds of manure for cultivating vegetables. He expressed hope of positive response and cooperation from the concerned department in the future.
During the program, officials from the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Departments and field functionaries, panchayats, also addressed the function.

Dr Kumar Pradhan’s demise a great loss: Nepali Sahitya Parishad

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim has expressed its deep condolence on the demise of Late Dr. Kumar Pradhan and said that Dr. Pradhan was one of the tallest figures of Indian Nepali literature.
In a condolence message the Parishad has said that his demise is a great loss to the Nepali speaking community as well as the nation. Dr Pradhan was also a respected educationalist of the region, it is added.
During the condolence meeting, Nepali Sahitya Parishad president Churamani Khatiwara and writer Pradhumna Shrestha spoke on Dr Pradhan’s life and his contributions.

Alumni comes together for Namchi Public School

NAMCHI, 22 Dec: Ex-students of Namchi Public School came together to form the NPS Alumni Association here yesterday. The school will be celebrating its silver jubilee next year and it was a long-time desire of the ex-students to encourage, foster and promote closer relations between the school and its alumni, a press release informs.
NPS Principal, Fr. George A. D’Souza, welcomed the alumni members who have formed an interim ad-hoc committee which will draft the Memorandum of the Alumni Association. Karma Sonam Bhutia, SDM HQ, Namchi, was elected president, Sabi Gadaily, the vice president, Julius Brown, the general secretary, Dibya Raj Pradhan, joint secretary, Sonam Palzor Bhutia, treasurer and Dependra Dixit and Lokendra Mukhia as public relations officers, the release informs.
The alumni office bearers will be meeting next in the first week of February 2014. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by the vice president elect, informs the release issued by Manjari R. A. Iyer.

Orientation programme on Organic Mission at Namchi

NAMCHI, 22 Dec: A day-long orientation programme on Organic Mission cum training programme on Internal Control System was organized today here at Namchi Municipal Conference hall with the aim to sensitize panchayats, progressive farmers, field supervisors and field functionaries. The programme was organized by MR Morarka GDC Rural Research Foundation.
Present as the chief guest, NMC Chairman, BT Tamang said that it is the mission of the state government to give better opportunities to the farmers through organic farming. Though the production in organic farming is lower but such organic crops and vegetables have high value and are in huge demand in the national and international market, he said. Mr Tamang urged all the participants to cooperate with the state government and make this mission successful.
Additional Director Sikkim Organic Mission, Dr Yashodha Pradhan in her address informed that such a programme was being organized in different BACs of South district. Stating that it is the state government’s mission to make the state fully organic by 2015 she urged for cooperation from the panchayats, officers and farmers.
Power point presentation on negative effects of chemical fungicides and fertilizers was also made where the resource persons highlighted the pros and cons of organic farming system.      

Christmas Carol Fest at Loyola College

NAMCHI, 22 Dec: South West Sikkim Deanery, ICYM Youth Commission, led by Youth Co-ordinator, Fr. Anthony Dewan, organised a three-day “Christmas Carol Festival-2013”, from 18 to 20 December, 2013, at Loyola College of Education, Namchi. The theme of the festival was “Rocking around the Christmas Tree”.
A press release informs that the festival attracted 161 youths from different Catholic Churches of South and West Sikkim Deanery. A variety of entertainment programmes and competitions like, Carol singing, Dance, Skit etc., was organised during the festival for the participants.
The festival started with a prayer service conducted by the Rector of the Loyola College of Education, Fr. Giles Lepcha S.J. Later, Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Darjeeling, Fr. Fintan Moktan delivered the Christmas message, it is informed.
Other prominent speakers included, Fr. David Yozan Rai and Fr. Antony Dewan. President of Self Employees Worker Association and advisory member, Sushil Tamang was also present on this occasion. The participants also visited the District Prison, Namchi, and sang carols for the staff and inmates. The Prison, Superintendent of Police, KL Tenzing welcomed the participants and interacted with them.
The main attraction of the festival was the two sharing sessions to motivate and enlighten the youth. The first session was “Theology of Body – Human Sexuality”, presented by Rita Rai, from Pedong and “Building Leadership” presented by Monica Mukhia from Darjeeling. On the last day, Sisters of Loreto (IBVM) and Sisters of Carmelite Missionaries (CM) organised a vocation camp for their respective religious congregations, it is added.
President of Diocesan Youth Commission, James Rai and IBVM, Deanery Youth Lady Animator, Sr. Matilda Lakra anchored the entire proceedings of the festival.
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Lachen strengthens Zero Waste initiative

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan [NBA] cell of Rural Management & Development Department [RMDD] organised a programme on 20 December with the aim to accelerate the Zero Waste initiative already in place in Lachen.
A press release informs that the programme, under the Solid Waste Management component of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan being implemented by RMDD, had the participation of all stakeholders of Lachen viz. hoteliers, shop owners, representatives of Households, NGOs, the Pipon and members of Lachen Tourism Development Corporation [LTDC].
The programme was attended by Joint Secretary [NBA], Deputy Secretary [NBA], ADC-Development, GVA (Chungthang) and other field functionaries.
The RMDD has put in place a Resource Recovery Centre [a collection centre for storing all the segregated non-degradable waste], two waste bins for all households and shops for sorting and collecting non-degradable waste and also a component to impart regular awareness programmes to make the initiative sustainable. Simultaneously, the Department will support a group of educated unemployed already identified, to undergo skill development training on making saleable items [baskets, storage boxes, dustbins etc] from the collected waste at the Resource Recovery Centre, it is informed.
Further, shredding equipments are also being provided by the Department to be used for shredding the collected material at the RRC, which would bring down the volume of collected waste and compact it to a large extent. The remaining saleable items [tins, glass bottles etc.] will be sold to a scrap dealer already identified from Chungthang.
It may be noted that in a remarkable decision the Dzumsa has imposed a ban on bottled water in Lachen, thereby reducing waste to a great degree, it is mentioned. This move reiterates their commitment to Zero Waste in true spirit because alternatively, the LTDC has brought about installation of water filters in all the hotels and shops. The LTDC further arranges for getting the three water sources tested every six months at the RMDD State Water Quality Testing Lab at Tadong.
The RMDD officials also inspected household and community toilets in Lachen and en route in Tingchim, Kabi and Mangan, it is further added.

HGEWA organises coaching for Class V students at Hee-Gyathang

MANGAN, 22 Dec:  A total of 28 Class V toppers from different schools of three constituencies of North Sikkim were given free coaching classes here at Hee-Gyathang Senior Secondary School from 13 to 20 December.
The children were coached by 6 teachers on English, Maths, Environment Studies and General Knowledge. The classes were organized by Hee-Gyathang Employees Welfare Association [HGEWA]. Most of the students are the first generation of their families to get education.
Both the teachers and students have enjoyed the coaching classes, said the president HGEWA, Jorbu Lepcha. He added that this initiative is an attempt to bridge the gap between the rich and poor along with bringing government school students at par with private school students.
HGEWA has extended gratitude to JD North, MLA Dzongu and panchayats for their support and further extended best wishes to the children for the Chief Minister’s Meritorious Scholarship state level test on 21 December.

Garchen Tsechu Puja and Vajra Dance at Bodh Gaya in Jan 2014

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: The 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje along with other eminent Rinpoches and Lamas, will lead a grand Garchen Tsechu Puja and Vajra Dance at Bodh Gaya from 03-16 January next year. The Karmapa will confer Guru Rinpoche empowerments, teachings on Mipham’s Commentary on the Seven Line Prayer, and continue his teaching on Jamgon Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s text The Torch of Certainty, which concerns Mahamudra preliminaries.
A press release informs that this is the first time ever that the Garchen Tsechu Puja and Vajra dance is being held at a sacred site such as Bodh Gaya, India, with the participation of many thousands of ordained and non-ordained sangha, for the benefit of all sentient beings and world peace.
This year [Buddhist calendar], the  10th day of the eleventh lunar month is of particular significance as it is the anniversary of the day when many centuries ago Guru Rinpoche prepared to conceal millions of Treasures (gter sbas) all over Tibet; he subdued  many local deities and made them guard the Treasures. Hence, making offerings on this 10th day brings many benefits such as the purification of afflictive emotions and the removal of obstructions to knowledge.
The practice of the great Garchen Tsechu Puja and Vajra Dance has continued as an unbroken tradition at all the major seats of the Karmapa, unaffected by changes in times or circumstances, it is mentioned.
The main puja will be held on 07-09 January while the Garchen Tsechu Vajra Dance will be performed on 10 January. Five-day Kagyu Monlam will be held from 11-15 January followed by lamp offering prayers on the last day 16 January.

HGEWA organizes farewell-cum-felicitation programme

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: A farewell-cum-felicitation programme was organized by Hee-Gyathang Employees Welfare Association, Dzongu in North Sikkim at Hee-Gyathang Senior Secondary School auditorium on 18 December. The function was chaired by the area MLA and Power Minister, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha as the chief guest.
On the occasion, the association also felicitated Sonam R Lepcha for being the first from Hee-Gyathang to receive a PhD and inspiring others in the area.
Likewise, the association also bade farewell to retired ACF, Mingma Lepcha, ex-Serviceman, Tshering O Lepcha and retired BO, Tshering B Lepcha.
It is informed that the event was the first organized by the Hee-Gyathang Employees Welfare Association after its formation and the association plans to carry out many other activities for the welfare of the people of the area.

CM condoles Dr Kumar Pradhan’s demise

GANGTOK, 22 Dec [IPR]: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling have expressed deep anguish over the demise of Dr. Kumar Pradhan, an eminent journalist, an intellectual of high repute and a social reformer. Dr. Pradhan, former Editor of Sunchari, passed away in New Delhi on 20 December.
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Mr Chamling has said that the passing away of Dr Pradhan is a huge loss to the nation and the Indian-Nepali speaking society in particular. He expressed the need for today’s generation to take inspiration from the illustrious life of the litterateur. Mr Chamling called on the Nepali-speaking people to take pride in the legacy left behind by Dr Pradhan.
The Chief Minister has wished strength and resilience to the family members in their hour of grief.

21 REDRH and CMRHM homes inaugurated in Chungthang GVK

MANGAN, 22 Dec: A total of 21 REDRH and CMRHM houses at Chungthang GVK were inaugurated today. ADC [Dev], Chungthang inaugurated 15 REDRH & 6 CMRHM houses at Lachen, Lachung, Shipgyer and Chungthang GPU. He was accompanied by GVA, AE, JEs along with the Pipons/ panchayat members of respective GPUs.

8 shortlisted for Himalayan Classic Bodybuilding Championship 2013

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: The selection trials for the 3rd Himalayan Classic Bodybuilding Championship [to be held in Darjeeling] were conducted here at the Central Gym in Development Area on Saturday. The championship will be held from 26 to 29 December at Gorkha Bhawan in Darjeeling.
In a press release, Sikkim State Body Building Association [SSBBA] informs that members of different gyms participated in the selection trials and out of 10 body builders, 8 were shortlisted for the championship. The selection trial was conducted under the supervision of SSBBA joint secretary, IB Gurung, vice-president, Arun Gurung and publicity secretary, Sunil Gurung.
The selected body builders are Pema Dorjee Bhutia [SAP], Navin Pradhan [SAP], Suresh Chettri [Ultimate Fitness gym], Pema Wangyal Bhutia [Ultimate Fitness gym], Sonam Dadul Bhutia [White Hall gym], Tika Ram Pradhan [Rhenock Fitness Center], Naseeb Tamang [Anga Iron Pump] and Amar Rai [Anga Iron Pump].
The team will be accompanied by IB Gurung as team manager who will also be serving the championship as National judge, Arun Gurung as an official, Sunil Gurung as coach and National judge and Rabin Pradhan as National judge.
The team will be leaving on 26 December for the championship.

Bhutia Kayrab Tsogpo organises coaching camp for class X and XII students

GANGTOK, 22 Dec: A Winter Coaching Camp for students of class X and XII, who will be appearing for the board examinations in March next year, started here at West Point Senior Secondary School on Saturday. The forty-day residential coaching camp is being organized by Bhutia Kayrab Tsogpo [Bhutia Literary Association].
The inaugural day of the camp was chaired by Rajya Sabha MP, Hishey Lachungpa as the chief guest, while HRDD Director [School Education], Chewang Gyatso was present as the special guest.
A total of 187 students of class X and XII from across the state have registered for the camp. The association has engaged seven teachers who will be imparting coaching in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English and Bhutia. Apart from the regular subjects, the association is also organizing classes in Bhutia culture and traditions.
In his inaugural address, Mr Lachungpa encouraged students to take the coaching camp seriously for better performance in the upcoming board examinations. He urged them to set a target and to have an ambition to be successful in the future. While encouraging students to focus on their studies, the MP announced that he would bear 50% expenses of the camp.
Speaking on the Bhutia language, he said that better command over the language would help them understand Buddhism better. He further encouraged young students to work for the preservation and development of Bhutia language and culture.
The function was also addressed by the Tsogpo’s general secretary, Lomden Bhutia. The inaugural function started with the welcome address by publicity secretary, Sangay Dorjee and concluded with the vote of thanks by a member of the association, Karma Lobzang.
The function was also attended by president, Namdul Bhutia, vice-president, Karma Gyurmie and other executive members of the association.

Sudha M Rai’s Bhumi-Geet released

GANGTOK, 22 Dec:  Poet Sanu Mati Rai released an anthology of poems, “Bhumi Geet”, by Sudha M Rai. The book release function was held at the Nepali Sahitya Parishad Bhawan here and included a recital by the author and other poets present for the function.

Prajwal arrives home to release ‘Land Where I Flee”

“THIS DEBUT NOVEL IS MY LOVE LETTER TO GANGTOK AND THE NEPALI LANGUAGE”

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: Sikkimese author, Prajwal Parajuly, is in Gangtok for the Sikkim launch of his second book and first novel, “Land Where I Flee”. His debut work, ‘The Gurkha’s Daughter’, a collection of short stories, had released on 29 November last year.
A year on, his second book was officially launched in India on 03 December in New Delhi. The book will be launched here on Saturday at Rachna Books, Development Area.
Speaking to media persons today, Prajwal says, “It is fantastic to be back in Gangtok and have a weekend launch of my new novel at Rachna’s”. This is the Indian edition of the novel, the UK edition will be launched in February next year while the book is also set to be launched in Pakistan in June 2014. He informs that more than 10,000 copies of the 266-page book have been printed for the first edition.
“The book is about four siblings living in various parts of the world who come together in their home in Gangtok to celebrate the 84th birthday of their grandmother. The story is based on a Brahmin family where the 84th birthday of a grandparent is a very big occasion. The novel is a family drama in which secrets are revealed, enmities developed and delves on issues of class, caste, sexuality, gender and of keeping your ears and eyes open, all in all it is a full-fledged novel,” says Prajwal.
The book is set around the period between 2007 and 2011 which saw the revival of the Gorkhaland statehood and identity movement, just after Prashant Tamang won the Indian Idol and therefore Gorkhaland too is mentioned in the book, he adds.
Prajwal informs that the novel berates politicians who give false hope to people and fail to deliver on their promises.
“80% to 90% of the book takes place in Gangtok and is my love letter to Gangtok and the Nepali language. The book contains a lot of Nepali words, even though I can’t write very well in that language”, he shares.
On the use of Nepali words in his novel, Prajwal says, “If other authors can use French or Spanish words in their English novels why can’t I use Nepali in my work?”
When asked about other future projects, he stated that it would take some years now for him to write another book. “I don’t know when the next novel will come out, but yes it will definitely take some time now,” he added.

Red Carnival concludes on a high

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: Red Carnival 2013 ended here at MG Marg this evening with a gala musical extravaganza which warmed up the town with some energetic performances despite the winter chill. Even the constant drizzle through the bitter cold did not dampen spirits as people stayed till the last song of the night was belted out.
Legendary musician from the northeast, Lou Majau rocked the evening with his energy and passion and won over the crowd with whom the singer interacted fluidly on HIV/ AIDS through his performance. Also performing today at the musical concert were well known bands and performers like Mahima Apchunna Rai, Shristi Rai, Half Past XII, Nightmares and B-Tunes.
The day also saw dance performances by b-boing artists, B Crew from Namchi, BRSTP Namchi and Funky HOP crew. Theme-based drama performances by Kushboo & Group, Dasharthick Sangh, Gelling, West Sikkim were also appreciated by the audience.    
The two-day carnival, which included several crowd pulling events like the Red Painting competition, Red Vehicle decoration competition, slogan writing competition etc engaged people from all walks of life and all ages on the important theme of AIDS awareness. The Carnival was sponsored by Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SSACS) and organised by the Recovering Users Network (RUN).
During the earlier part of the day, Deputy Mayor Shakti Singh and the SSACS Project Director Dr. Uttam Pradhan gave away prizes to winners of the competitions. Sikkim Table Tennis Association won the first prize in the slogan writing contest with Badminton Association of Sikkim and Sikkim Press Association coming second and third respectively. SK01T3334 won the first prize for the best decorated vehicle while SK01T0259 and SK01T4159 won second and third positions.
The painting competition was won by Samir Gurung while the joint team of Pradip Rai and Yogesh Chettri won second and the third prize went to Mandhira Rai.

Sikkim’s long distance runners impress at Delhi Marathon

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: Nine athletes from Sikkim have returned after participating in the Delhi Marathon held on 15 December. The team was mentored by the State Athletics Coach, Basant Pradhan and had Norchung Bhutia from 4th Mile JN Road was the manager.
A press release informs that Mangali Tamang and Somu Balmiki entered in ‘Top Indian Elite Team’ and Suren Chettri entered in ‘A’ Category run. Likewise, Basant Pradhan stood 1st in 21km Marathon in 35 to 40 years category while Mangali Tamang came 6th in Open Category.
The release informs that the event drew participation of recognized long distance runners from across the world. As for the event itself, it drew the participation of 35,000 people.
The Sikkim Athletes expressed their gratitude towards the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs for sponsoring the Team and also thanked Sikkim Amateur Athletic Association for its support.

SSB celebrates 50th Raising Day

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: The 52nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal [SSB] deployed at Yangtey celebrated the 50th anniversary of the force today.
A press release informs that on the occasion inter-company volleyball competition and open badminton competition was organised. Dy Commandant, Sachin Kumar congratulated all the members of the force and their families on the occasion.
The jawans displayed their skills in the various stalls put up which was followed by the ‘Badakhana’ at the Battalion HQ and all the border outposts of the unit deployed along the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders, the release mentions.
SSB was raised on this day in 1963 in the wake of Chinese aggression and to undertake various programmes like national integration programme, medical civic action, veterinary civic action and to inculcate a sense of security among the masses along the Indo-Pak and Indo-China borders. In 2001, the force was assigned the duties to guard the Indo-Nepal border and in 2004 it was assigned the duties to guard the Indo-Bhutan border.

REDRH Project MIS bags the e-North East Award

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: The REDRH Project MIS [management information system] has bagged the e-North East Award under e-governance and citizen services delivery category for bringing transparency and better management. The award was presented during the 4th e-North East Award Summit 2013 held on 13 December at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
A press release informs that the Award Summit focuses on the best ICT practices for development and governance. Nineteen winners from the North East India region whose IT/ICT applications and innovations have impacted the common people were recognized and felicitated during the summit.
The event was hosted by the Information Technology Department of Arunachal Pradesh and North East Development Foundation and was attended by Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Nabam Tuki and other respected delegates.
The release informs that the REDRH MIS has been developed in-house by the Department of Information Technology and the Rural Management and Development Department, Government of Sikkim. The REDRH project is funded under the PM’s Special Package with LR&DMD as the nodal agency.  Zangpo Gyaltsen [AD-IT in Department of IT] and Alisha Basnet [IT Manager with RM&DD] were the key programmers who developed this application in-house, it is added.

Sensitization underway for JEs on rural development in South Sikkim

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: With the transfer of Junior Engineers to 47 Gram Panchayat Units of South Sikkim, a two-day sensitisation programme for the JEs on the various schemes being executed at the GPU level is being organised by the offices of the Additional District Collector (Dev), Namchi and Ravangla, in collaboration with SIRD Karfectar. The programme is being held at the Conference Hall of SIRD, Karfectar on 20 and 21 December.
Present on the first day were ADC (Dev) Namchi, Benu Gurung, ADC (Dev) Ravang, Tashi Chophel, SE (South) RMDD, Kewal Sharma, Assistant Engineers of GVK Sumbuk, Wok and Yangang and 40 Junior Engineers representing the various GPUs.
As per a press release, ADC (Dev), Namchi, welcomed all present and requested all the participants to take the sensitization programme seriously as the Junior Engineers would be responsible for planning and execution of all civil works in the GPU. As many of the Junior Engineers have been recently recruited she asked them to study the guidelines of the various schemes being executed in the GPUs so that a uniform procedure could be followed.
Superintendent Engineer (South), RMDD, in his address pointed out the roles and responsibilities of Junior Engineers and outlined the various projects carried out under RMDD. He further asked the participants to follow the various guidelines issued by the government in preparing estimates and maintaining Site Order Book.
Chandra B Mangar [PO/Consultant, CCDU, SIRD] spoke on the various aspects of the National Rural Drinking Water Programme and the need to provide pure drinking water to all rural households. The technical aspect of NRDWP was explained in minute detail by AE, Wok, Ramesh Sharma and existing problems in the field was discussed.
In his closing address, ADC (Dev), Ravang, thanked the various resource persons who spoke on the day. The following day’s programme was also shared wherein sessions on MGNREGA, REDRH and CMRHM would be taken by AE, Sumbuk, Sandeep Kathiwada, BRGF and Tendering Procedure would be explained by AE, SDZP, Dawa Tshering Bhutia. Dhruba Mukhia, Accounts Officer, SDZP would close the day speaking on the Accounts aspect, it is informed.

Achchuchu…

The mercury is plunging with a vengeance and Gangtok shivering hard. Official data informs that max temps were 6 to 7 degree Celsius below normal today. The weather-underground website informs that temperatures came down to 2 degree Celsius in Gangtok on Friday and it sure felt like freezing weather as Gangtokians salvaged every scrap of wood to fire up some ‘bonfires’. The litter of wood scattered by the windstorm of Sunday morning helped warm up many conversations, even as erratic power supply kept many hearths cold. The forecast does not hold any promise for sunny days next week either. Let’s hope the met guys are wrong like most other times…

Dr. Bhanwala takes charge as NABARD Chairman

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala has been appointed as the Chairman of NABARD by the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, New Delhi.
He succeeds Dr Prakash Bakshi, who retired in September 2013, after which Snehlata Shrivastava [Additional Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance] was given the additional charge of the said post.
Prior to this appointment, Dr Bhanwala was the Executive Director(ED) at India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), a state-owned infrastructure lender.
He was also holding the charge of CMD, IIFCL for about six months. He was earlier looking after the Corporate Planning, Human Resource Development and Credit Enhancement initiatives as Chief General Manager at IIFCL. During his tenure at IIFCL, he also held the Chairmanship of the two subsidiaries of the company — IIFC (UK) Ltd., London, and IIFCL Projects Ltd., New Delhi.

Dr. Kumar Pradhan passes away

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: Former editor of Sunchari, respected historian and academic, Dr. Kumar Pradhan, passed away following a brief illness in New Delhi today.
Dr. Pradhan received his PhD in history from Calcutta University. He served on the Department of History, Darjeeling Government College, from 1966 to 1984, when he took over as the principal of Kurseong College, Kurseong.
He was an eminent writer and critic who has edited a number of literary journals and anthologies and published learned articles in Nepali. He is the author of A History of Nepali Literature (1984), published by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in the Sahitya Akademi Histories of Literature Series.
His work Pahilo Pahar (1982) was awarded the Bhanubhakta Puraskar in 1983 by the Nepali Academy instituted by the Government of West Bengal. In 2002, he received the Nepali Sahitya Sammelan Puraskar awarded by the Nepali Sahitya Sammelan, and in 2003, the Agam Smriti Puraskar, an award given every three years for contributions to the Nepali language and literature by the Sikkim Sahitya Parishad.
His most substantial academic work is “The Gorkha Conquests: The process and consequences of the unification of Nepal, with particular reference to Eastern Nepal”, published in 1991 and heralded as an important milestone in Nepalese historiography because it was a direct challenge to a ‘nationalist’ orthodoxy presenting the military campaigns of King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha and his immediate successors as an heroic venture on behalf of all the people of Nepal.

HGPI students seek appointment with CM, want to move to another campus

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: A group of 35 students who returned home from the Himalayan Group of Professional Institutes’ Kala Amb campus in Himachal Pradesh, waited outside the CM’s official residence, Mintokgang, the entire day today hoping to meet the Chief Minister. Some of them had even approached the CM’s Office last evening seeking an appointment.
Talking to NOW!, they said that they have been told that the CM would not be available till 24 December.
Around 45 students of Sikkim studying at the HGPI Kala Amb had fled back to Sikkim on 18 December following a clash with Haryana students at the campus in Himachal Pradesh. The students had alleged that they no longer felt secure studying at the institute.
“We thought it best to meet the CM as he is also the Minister in Charge of the Social Justice Department,” said the students today. All the students who returned were on scholarships provided by the Social Justice Department and are demanding that the State government assists them in getting transferred to another campus of the institute. The HGPI reportedly has two more campuses in HP, one each at Solan and Shimla.
“The administration at the institute watched as we were being threatened and roughed up by other students who even got outside help,” related one of the students. It was informed that the other group got local goons who came on motorbikes and seemed to be armed as well. “We were in the process of giving our semester exams; but now that is unlikely. The administration at the institute was unsupportive and we only want that we be transferred to another campus,” they stated.
It was informed that they had also met the Director, Social Justice Deptt, yesterday. “The meeting was not very encouraging as the Director tried to convince us to return to the institute”, stated one of the students. They were reportedly told that they could also lose their scholarships. Returning to the same campus is not an option for them, they insist.
Though they are from different parts of the State almost all of them have gathered in Gangtok to push their case for a transfer.
Getting a transfer to another campus is not a very complicated matter, they insist, and could have been done by the institution back in Himachal itself, especially as they were in the process of giving exams. With the administration not listening, they hope that the state government could at least put in a word for them given that they are on state scholarships.

Gati workers hold token strike

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: A section of employees of the 99 MW Chujachen hydel project in East Sikkim being developed by Gati Infrastructures held a token strike at the project site office on 19 December.
A press release issued by one Anil Tamang informs that they were protesting the laying off of local workers by the company and also fulfillment of demands. The deadline given by them to the company ended yesterday.
The release adds that the workers have approached the area MLA and the Chief Minister with their complaint but to no avail. They mention that they have been engaged in the project for the past 9-10 years and are now being arbitrarily terminated as the project is nearing completion.
Of the around 123 local employees engaged with the company, 71 have been let off, it is informed, and it is expected that more will be let off as new lists are drawn. The first list of employees to be discharged was released on 21 November; the second list of employees to be retrenched was released by the company on 29 November, it is informed. The workers had also alleged that the company was not providing other kinds of benefits such as increments, promotions, bonus etc.

EMRS-Gangyap girls gear up for U-19 CBSE Nationals

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: A 12-member girls basketball team of Eklavya Model Residential School [EMRS], Gangyap in West Sikkim will soon be leaving to participate in the Under-19 CBSE National Basketball Championship.
A press release informs that the team will be escorted by Team Manager Tini Tshechu and Coach, Principal S. Yonzone. The championship will be held at John Milton School in Agra from 23-28 December.
The team, however, is still struggling with some injuries, it is informed.
Team captain Nima Doma informs that the team is in high spirits but adds that the fight is going to be tough since there are a number of junior players of classes VIII and IX in the team. Nevertheless we will give our best, she adds.
The EMRS basketball team has thanked their sponsors for the national tournament - Karma Thinley Namgyal and Ugen Ladakhi.

Not About Reunification

Editorial:-
A Darjeeling-based political outfit was recently in Sikkim to announce the name of its Lok Sabha candidate from Darjeeling. The group was in Sikkim because it is lobbying for a Darj-Sikkim merger and seeks to build support here. People in the Darjeeling Hills are still grappling with identity issues and their statehood demand and it is unlikely that too many there take such a merger proposal too seriously because it complicates their more passionate extant demands. In Sikkim, reactions to a merger proposal veer on extremes – either not taken seriously at all, or dismissed with vehemence. It can be safely vouched that even those who will discuss the issue here without throwing a fit will consider the option only at an academic interest level. There are too many things that militate against the proposal and the demand will not find many backers in Sikkim. The demand, however, continues to be raised off and on and some comments need to shared on it as well from time to time.
Darjeeling, although just a district/ territorial administration, packs in many more people than the state of Sikkim. Its people are also seen as politically smarter [even though the continued sway of dictatorial regimes would have one believe otherwise]. Since democracy is all about numbers, Sikkim knows that it will be swamped if a merger is ever formalised. The Darjeeling Hills also subscribe to a more aggressive brand of politics, and Sikkim’s penchant for vehicle-burning and stone-throwing political clashes pale in comparison to the violence which Darj politics can visit its players. When it comes to politics then, Darjeeling with its numbers, muscle and reputation can prove too overpowering for a Sikkim still trying to find its voice in the Indian mainstream. Darjeeling Hills were a part of Sikkim at one time long ago, but history has carved separate identities for the two in the nearly two centuries that have lapsed since it was severed from Sikkim. Darjeeling, for instance, is much older as a hill station than Gangtok is as the capital of Sikkim. The people on either side of Rangpo have evolved their own ethos and are not in sync with each other. In fact, there is also a strong cynicism in how the two people regard each other and while they might come together for reality show voting and even emotional support for political demands, a strong sense of mutual distrust also exists. This skepticism that the two people harbour about each other also underlines why a Sikkim-Darjeeling merger is ill-advised any time soon.
The two regions might have been a composite unit at one time, the people, however, were never so because the neighbouring Hills were populated after Darjeeling was carved away from Sikkim. This is not a land where people were partitioned away along with territories; in this case, the boundaries were carved and the people came in later. The emotional strands required for ‘reunification’ do not exist and only historical context is not enough to push through a merger. All this, of course, applies for the now; what the later future holds, no one can say…

DACS launches Contract Farming in South Sikkim

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: The Denzong Agricultural Cooperative Society Limited (DACS) launched the Contract Farming program at Daragaon, Turuk, South Sikkim.
A press release informs that the program began with the welcome address and brief background and modalities of Contract Farming and its expected impact among farmers by Managing Director, MT Sherpa. This was followed by signing of Contract Farming Agreement between DACS and beneficiary Co-operative Society.
Thereafter, the Chairman handed over the cheques of first phase funds amounting to Rs 8 lakh out of total project value of Rs 10.28 lakh to the Cooperative Society along with day-old chicks and feeds to the farmers. The Chairman and Board of Directors also gave away Poultry Crates to local farmers as free grant.
The Chairman in his address stated that the State Government under the able leadership of the Chief Minister has been working hard to adapt the State into a self-sustaining and self-reliant economy and the DACS’s initiative also shares the same objective. He impressed upon the beneficiary farmers to make proper use of the support provided by the Society.
The president, SECUN in his brief address appreciated the step taken by DACS as fulfillment of Cooperative principle. The president, Turuk Poultry Livestock Cooperative Society on behalf of the farmers expressed gratitude to the DACS for implementing farmer centric schemes and empowering rural farmers. The program concluded with vote of thanks by General Manger, DACS, Arun Nepal.
DACS has taken up the Contract Farming of poultry broiler with Turuk Poultry Livestock Cooperative Society, a cooperative comprising of progressive local youth of Turuk, South Sikkim at the cost of Rs 10.28 lakh. Under the arrangement, DACS will provide funds in two phases for purchase of 8000 day-old chicks and required feed and medicines for the beneficiary poultry farmers. Further, as the DACS provides full assurance to buy back the produce, the farmers do not have to worry about the market.
The release states that the DACS’s contract farming initiative is first of its kind in Sikkim. The Society has already successfully implemented two such schemes with similar local cooperatives in the past. Such an effort will vastly benefit rural farmers in fulfilling their much needed fund and input requirements, it is mentioned.
The scheme will also benefit the Army as consumers since the quality of local produce surpasses all quality benchmarks compared to imported produce from outside the state. With the implementation of Poultry Mission by the State Government, the local production of poultry broiler has increased to the size of fulfilling almost all demands by the Army through DACS. The Contract Farming has two objectives – to support the farmers on the one hand and fulfil the Army demands on the other, it is added.

CAEPHT conducts test trials of multipurpose tool frame

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: The College of Agriculture Engineering and Post Harvest Technology [CAEPHT], Central Agricultural University [CAU] Centre of All India Coordinated Research Project on Increased Utilization of Animal Energy with Enhanced System Efficiency has developed attachments [digger, ridger and mould board plough] for animal drawn improved multi-purpose tool frame.
The test trials were conducted by Principal Investigator, Dr. RK Tiwari and Assistant Agriculture Engineer, SK Chauchan along with college staffs. The field test trials of light weight tool frame with attachments were conducted on terraces in the fields of farmer Roop Narayan Bhattarai of Samlik in East Sikkim.
The light weight multi-purpose tool frame [weight: 19.8kg] with seedling attachment was earlier demonstrated for sowing on terraces. The tool frame attached with mould-board plough [weight: 3.1kg, size: 150mm] for ploughing showed work rate of 215 sq.m/h and it was found to be advantageous over the traditional practice of ploughing using local plough.
The use of tool frame with ploughing attachments [weight: 9kg, unit price: Rs. 1000/-] saved 65% cost of operation and 55% time than the traditional method of ploughing [cost of operation Rs/ha= 3300/-]. The draft requirement for ploughing was 40kg in residual soil moisture [dry basis] of 18.2% and average depth of operation of 157mm.
For making ridges on terraces, two row attachment [weight: 4 kg, size: 256 mm of each ridger, unit price: Rs. 1500/-] was fitted to the multi-purpose tool frame and it showed work rate of 815 sq.m/h and cost of operation of Rs 465/ha. The ridger attachment fitted to the tool frame has created two ridges in single pass having 135 mm height at residual soil moisture [dry basis] of 18.3%.
The potato digger attachment [weight: 4.4 kg, size: 200 mm, unit price: Rs1500/-] was fitted to the tool frame and it showed work rate of 370 sq.m/h at depth of operation of 105 mm. The draft of potato digger with attachment to the tool frame [weight: 10.2 kg] at bullock speed of 2.57 km/h was 33 kg and cost of operation of digger was Rs 1000/ha.
There found net saving of Rs 3500/ha over the traditional method of manual digging [using narrow spade] in animal based farming system [cost of operation, Rs/ha = 4500/-].The potato growers in Sikkim may get benefit of 78% in cost of digging over existing traditional manual digging method [kudal/khurpa].
The unit price of the multi-purpose tool frame with five attachments was Rs 8500 which may be affordable due to multiple uses in different unit operations i.e ploughing, sowing, ridge making, potato digging and intercultural operations under animal based farming system in place of having separate equipment for each operation.
The durable and light weight attachments have been considered to be useful to bring down the human drudgery due to higher work rate, ease in operation and adjustment transportation/lifting under in terrace condition.