Darjeeling celebrates Everest Day ; releases a Special Cover on Tenzing Sherpa

A Special Cover featuring the Legend –Tenzing Norgay was released from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling today commemorating the 105th Birth Anniversary of the Legend. The cover was released at a function organized by the HMI celebrating the 105th Birth Anniversary of Tenzing Norgay. After conquering the highest mountain peak – Mount Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay was always associated with the HMI, Darjeeling ever since its establishment in the year 1954. He was the first Director of Field Training of the HMI and an advisor till his death.

A special cover is a cover (an envelope) that is released for a special person, occasion, monument or place.  It has to be approved by the Postal Department of India. They are released in limited quantities and so they hold philatelic values and are sought by Philatelists and collectors all around.

The special cover and the special cancellation for the event were designed by Vivek Yonzone, a National award-winning Philatelist from Darjeeling who is also the Secretary of Alpine Philatelic and Numismatic Society Darjeeling.

He said that it’s an honour to work on the cover of such an Icon, a Legend, the First Man on Top of Mt. Everest, and thanked the Principal of HMI, Capt. Jai Kishan for entrusting him with this responsibility and opportunity. Darjeeling last witnessed a Special Cover released in the year 2014, so this was a release after 5 years and it is also an effort to promote Philately in the Hills, which is the main motive of the Society, he added.

The cover was released by the Chief Guest, Sayeed Ahmed Baba, Jamling Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, son of the Legend, The District Magistrate of Darjeeling, The Director of Postal Services, Principal of HMI, Capt. Jai Kishan and Vivek Yonzone.

Devanshi makes her International Air Rifle debut for India at Czech and Germany; first Sikkimese to do so

SINGTAM, MAY 21: Devanshi Agarwal, Sikkim born teenage shooting talent participated in her first International Tournament held at Czech Republic and Germany. In her 10 m Air Rifle Women Junior she bettered her own personal achievement with 612.8 points and secured 34th position at the International Shooting Competition (under 21) at Hanover, Germany held on May 3-12. 

She was one of the youngest participants (aged 15) in the tournament that featured 96 participants from 38 different countries. Earlier at the 50th Grand Prix of Liberation held at Plzen, Czech Republic, she had scored 608.5 points.

Speaking from her hometown Singtam, Devanshi says it was the proudest moment wearing the Indian Jersey and playing for the country. That moment cannot be described in words. Shooters from all over the world had proudly dressed up in their respective jerseys. It was ecstatic to see all of them. The skills and tricks which they use were another reason to cherish, all of them trying their level best.

In Czech Republic, it was an open championship; there were no age categories, so that added to be more exciting. In Hanover, I was in the under 21 category, it was a little difficult for me to adjust to that new range but it gradually defended, she further added.

Participating in her first International, she shared her experience. There was a huge difference in the competitions held in India and abroad, that firstly, there are more shooters and some better ones too. The difference I felt was the system of organisation, she said.

In the Air Pistol Junior Women category, another Sikkimese talent Tusitta Rai scored 517 points securing 46th position. Both Devanshi Agarwal and Tusita Rai studied at Ecole Globale International Girls’ School, Dehradun. Shiv Lal Dogra, School Head Coach had also accompanied them at the two tournaments. Both the shooters achieved the distinction of becoming the first from Sikkim to represent India and an International event.

Movie poster for nepali horror film Rahasya released

Rahasya, the first Nepali horror film made in Sikkim releases its new poster at Gangtok. Speaking on the occasion, Omkar Dhital, Producer of the film said, the premiere show is scheduled for May 19, 2019, at Mannan Kendra, Gangtok. We have given our best for this film. The film is filled with suspense and thrill, it has good music and I am sure we will win the hearts of the audience.

The special effects are a major highlight in the movie and were done in Mumbai, he further added. All the actors and actresses in the movie are from Sikkim. The film is directed by Arjun Chapagai and made under the banner of Kreative Eye Production

Anecdote: Scissor inside a bamboo root

Anecdote: When I last heard a scissor, not of proper use, was thrown at the bushes at Shantinagar just near to my home some 19-20 years back and when in 2015 people were digging the field for the construction of the new building they found it and gave it to me.

Over the years the roots of bamboo growing nearby had gone through the scissor. Thus making an amazing story to be re-told.

INTERESTING MATERIAL FOR MY MUSEUM!!