Saturday, August 31, 2013

Revisiting Dalapchand

It may sound strange, but the famed Lampokhari better known as Aritar Lake is not at Aritar but is found within the boundary of Dalapchand.  I, too, like many were unknown of this fact until during my two years stay at Dalapchand SS.

I had come across people out there who told me myths of Lampokhari that were followed from one generation to another. The oral folk lore is fabled stories thou sometimes hard to believe but are nevertheless interesting to read. I believe it is these stories that gave birth to the charisma of Lampokhari that is today visited for its mesmerizing and unparalleled beauty.

Dalapchand originally called Do-le-che means flattened rock as old people recount. This little-known village more popular for its green vegetables today was a major mule route to Tibet starting during British Expedition 1888 till the Indo-China conflict in the early 60s. Today more than five decades after the closing of the mule-driven trade along with the development of better transportation facilities those mule routes at Dalapchand are now scattered in patches. Those routes are now left with wild grasses and their golden past long lost.

The fort at Lingtu as seen through a powerful glass from Dolepchen village in Sikkim. Lieutenant C. J. Markham (1890) Report On The Sikhim Expedition
The fort at Lingtu as seen through a powerful glass from Dolepchen village in Sikkim
Lieutenant C. J. Markham (1890) Report On The Sikhim Expedition

Gadha-taar is one such place at Mandir Line, Dalapchand which still holds its name from its long-drawn-out history. It is an open field where sports activities of the locality are occasionally held off lately. Old folks talk about mules being kept to rest at this open field a few decades back. Similar to the place where Lampokhari Festival is held annually, there used to be a grass go-down that stored grasses for the mules during the trading season. Often I have heard people at that place would enjoy their late-night stay with dance and drinks then.

It is interesting to note that Dipok Dey, a well-known Postal Stamp designer in his article on Sikkim Postal History mentions, it was the aftermath of the British Expedition 1888 that laid the foundation of the Postal History of Sikkim. The year 1888 saw the British Expedition Force driving out the Tibetan forces beyond the Jalepla which led to the permanent stationing of the military escort at Gangtok. Thus, it was finally that a Post & Telegraph Office was set up in Gangtok.

An old mule route at Dalapchand.

With the advance of troops, a Post Office was opened at Dulapchin (now Dalapchand) that was later removed to Ranglichu (now Rongli). At the same time, other Post Offices were also opened at Gnatong, Sedonchin, Gangtok, Rhenock Bazaar and Pakyong.

1888 map of Sikkim shows a place called Dolepchen (Dalapchand)


Dalapchand must be a place of significance to the British towards the latter 1880s when it finds its name printed on a map of Sikkim in 1888, the name mentioned is ‘Dolepchen’. I have found another instance where during the Sikkim Expedition 1888 a sketch had been printed on a book of Lingtu (now Lungthung) fort that was earlier occupied by the Tibetans. The British had pushed back the Tibetans beyond Jalepla.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Federation of Consumers Association of Sikkim holds a meeting



SINGTAM, AUGUST 28:  Federation of Consumers Association of Sikkim (FCAS) held a meeting at Gangtok on August 27 to re-establish its organization.  Jayashree Pradhan was the President of the meeting that had people from different profession along with students participating and sharing their experiences. Kuber Dahal, Former Additional Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Mahesh Sharma, Assistant Controller, Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department along with people gathered from Gangtok, Singtam, Central Pandam and others were present on the occasion.
Highlight of the meeting was to re-organise the organization. The members of the organization shared their experiences and echoed the importance of a forum that would raise voice for consumer related issues. The Consumer forum was started in 1997 but in the last few years it had lessened its work.
New executive members were also formed on the occasion. Jayashree Pradhan (President), Pushpa Basnet (Vice President), Rohit Pradhan (General Secretary), Dr. Daisy Rasaily & Shekher Khatiwada (Secretary), Anurag Dhungel (Treasurer), Kishore Shrestha (Assistant Treasurer), Suresh K Lama (Chief Coordinator), Praveen Pradhan (Coordinator – East), Bikash Sharma (Coordinator- Student), Shital Pradhan and Dilli Ram Dulal (Publicity Secretary).


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Anmol Chhan brings this Christmas on September


“Anmol Chhan – A Christmas in September” from the makers of Super Hit nepali film “Angalo Yo Maya Ko” is making its way to cinema hall world –wide next month. Produced by Kishore Dungmali Rai under the banner of Sinai Enterprises, this nepali film shot at the beautiful locales of Sikkim and parts of Kalimpong and Kolkata is about family values and self-belief. Directed and story by Anmol Gurung, the story revolves around three people and their journey of life.

Sneha Rai from Majhitar makes her debut as a lead actress. Shalom Kabo and child artiste Anurup Rai are the other lead actors in the film. The other artists include “Katha fame” Timothy Rai, Nita Pradhan, Sandhya Sundas, Suraj Chettri, Abigel Rasaily, Smriti Rai, Praveen Mangar, and others. Praja Pradhan and Smriti Rai are the Assistant Director and the Production Designer.


Anand Rai and Anmol Gurung are the Music directors. Saikap Dev has given the background score while cinematography and editing are by Punu Lucksom. The music had been recorded at Hyssop Studio Kalimpong and Sangeet Studio, Kolkatta. Elishiba Rai from Singtam, winner of ‘Voice of Shalom Sikkim’, Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol 3,  Banika Pradhan, Himalayan Idol,  Anmol Gurung, Bigyan Baraily, and Navin Rai have given the playback singing.

It should be noted that Kishore Dungmali’s earlier film “Angalo Yo Maya Ko” was a worldwide success having been released in Nepal, 5 States of the United States of America, Singapore, Malaysia, Hongkong, Thailand, and most of the places of India. The new film “Anmol Chhan – A Christmas in September” is expected to follow the same.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Chisopani JHS felicitates a choreographer



SINGTAM, AUGUST 26:  A small thanks giving program was organized at Chisopani JHS today to felicitate Geeta Sharma, Choreographer  for her contribution to the school at the recently held 67th Independence Day. Khadas was offered to Geeta Sharma by the school staff. Sharma was also presented an appreciation certificate and a gift.
Mahesh Dahal, Headmaster of the school in his brief speech thanked Geeta Sharma for her involvement in the school’s dance activities as well as in the student’s drill that was performed at the school ground on the occasion of 67th Independence Day. He further said, the public was entertained with the wonderful dance performed by the school students. During her short stay at the school, the students had been benefitted from her dancing lessons, added Dahal. Geeta Sharma in return thanked the school staff for giving her the responsibility and cooperation. She added she enjoyed being part of the school team. She especially thanked Romila Rai, Sushma Pradhan, Anu Gurung, Meena Rai and Nirmala Chettri for supporting her during her stay.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Nepali Bhasa Diwas reception photograph from Singtam (1992)

On the occasion of the 21st Nepali Language Recognition Day, I here share a photograph of people from Singtam waiting for the reception of Mr. and Mrs. NB Bhandari near the old Iron Bridge after nepali language was recognized and included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. (1992)

Smt. Dil Kumari Bhandari, then Member of Parliament and Shri NB Bhandari, then Chief Minister of Sikkim had played a significant role in including Nepali as a National Language in Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Singtam Canara Bank provides financial assistance for six girl students



SINGTAM, AUGUST 20:  Canara Bank, Singtam Branch had provided financial assistance to six SC/ ST girls’ students of Government Sr. Sec. School, Singtam. The scheme called Canara Vidya Jyothi Scheme2013 was a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The cash prize was handed over to the students by Shri Am Prasad Sharma, Area MLA, Khamdong Singtam and Parliamentary Secretary on the occasion of 67th Independence Day at Golitar, Singtam. Present on the occasion was distinguished guests that included Councilors of Singtam Nagar Panchayat, Dr. A.H. Khan, Jitendra Kumar, Manager, Canara Bank, Singtam Branch and others.
The cash prizes of Rs. 2500 was presented to three girl students of classes v, vi and vii while the cash prize of Rs. 5000 was presented to the girl students of classes viii, ix and x. The girls honoured during the event were toppers in their respective classes.
The students awarded included, Sarena Bardewa (Class V), Nisha Sundas (Class VI), Dhan Maya Darjee (Class VII), Simran Subba (Class VIII), Prava Tamang (Class IX) and Premika Subba (Class X).
TB Pradhan, President 67th Independence Day Celebration Committee said that it was a great gesture from the Canara Bank to help those students. We all should appreciate them for their social cause, added Pradhan.

The Press Release was provided by
Jitendra Kumar, Manager, Canara Bank, Singtam Branch, 7602574785, 03592-233046

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Chisopani JHS creates history with I’Day celebration



SINGTAM, AUGUST 16:  A history was created in Chisoapni JHS play ground with the mega celebration of the 67th Independence Day. It was for the first time such a huge celebration was organized in the village. The major highlight of the celebration was the felicitations of 12 societal personalities, Inter School Football Tournament, Open Football Tournament, Inter School Nepali Folk Dance Competition and others. Shri Am Prasad Sharma, Area MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The other guests present on the occasion were Major Rohan Louis (Melli), Bimal Lamichaney, President, Sirwani Chisopani GPU, LP Chettri, DE, Power & Energy Department, Toppakhani, Sumitra Gurung, Ward Panchayat and others.
The program started with the welcome speech by Anu Gurung, teacher Chisoapni JHS. Captain Iqbaljit Singh, OIC, GREF unfurled the tri-colour flag in the morning and received the salute from the ‘March Past’ performed by the students of Chisoapni JHS. The drill had been attempted at this school for the first time in 37 years of its establishment. Patriotic song followed by Rhymes by nursery students was performed. The newly upgraded school students of Chisoapni performed drill that was appreciated by guests and crowds. Patriotic song was also performed by the guest students of Burung JHS. The day long programme was hosted by Arjun Chettri, teacher Chisoapni JHS. Mahesh Dahal, Headmaster of the school in his speech briefed about the school history and informed the gathered house that it was after sometime the school is celebrating the occasion on a larger scale and he thanked Sirwani Chisopani GPU for the extended support.
On the occasion the new school building of Chisoapni JHS was also inaugurated by Shri Am Prasad Sharma, the Chief Guest of the day. 12 personalities from different fields were felicitated with a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ citation from the hand of the Chief Guest. Those eminent individual included Captain Iqbaljit Singh, OIC, GREF, Shri PN Pulger, Assistant Engineer, Road  & Bridges, Singtam, Shri Rajendra Prakash Gurung, Superintending Engineer, Toppakhani, Singtam, Smt. Tesering Kee Chingapa, Singtam SSS, Shri Mohan Pradhan, Headmaster, Government Primary School Sawney, Shri C Choppel, (Officer-In-Charge, Singtam), Shri T B Pradhan, Inspector, Communication, Gangtok, Shri Pema Lama, Bank Manager, State Bank of India, Singtam, Shri PS Lepcha, Food Inspector, Rangpo, Shri Sarad Tamang, Food Inspector, Singtam, Shri Manzil Kharel, Range Officer, Singtam and Shri Nandu Dutraj, Press Reporter, Singtam, Apart from them Ramesh Gurung (Govt. Contractor) and PB Tamang (SMC member) was also honoured with Letter of Appreciation from the Chief Guest. Bimal Lamichaney, President, Sirwani Chisopani GPU was the host of the felicitation program.
Sports activities for school students and general public were also organized that was enjoyed by everyone. In the Inter School Nepali Folk Dance Competition, Burung JHS won the first prize, followed by Chisopani JHS and Rehma English School, Sang Khola receiving second and third prizes. The other school in the competition included Rapdang Chotang Primary School, Rising Sun Academy, Sang Khola and Dippu Dara Primary School.
Upgradaton of the school has given new enthusiasm to the school team and we really appreciate their efforts in introducing innovative ideas to encourage our children, told Bikash Rai, the guardian of a Chisopani JHS student. We have witnessed those drills in films and television and to watch our children perform in-front of us makes us proud, thanks to the school team, echoed Beena Gurung, a local villager.