Proud to be a Sikkimese: Sikkim Travel, Culture & Local Heritage

from Sikkim Express GANGTOK, Jan 30: This one's a first for Sikkim. Local farmers at Lachung have managed to grow a radish that weighs a record-breaking 10 kg. The proud farmer, Mrs Aie Phuti Lachungpa, pulled off the feat at Lachung in North Sikkim. “I've grown radishes weighing on an average as much as 5-6 kg. But, this is a welcome surprise,” Mrs Lachungpa said. "We used the same compost that we usually do but what could have made a difference is a late harvest.  We dug it up nearly a month late than we should have. Possibly, that gave it the time to grow so big," she said. “This is a proud moment for Sikkim. We're planning to hand over this radish to the state agriculture department so that it can be preserved," Mr Tshering Dorjee Lachungpa, Mrs Lachungpa's younger brother, said. “We regularly grow a large organic Tibetan variety of turnip but due to the lack of concern on part of the agriculture department, don't have any records to show,"...

Statesman News Service GANGTOK, Jan. 29: Sikkim is in the grip of a bitter winter and to compound the condition, the mountain state is being soaked by a steady drizzle. According to Mr K Sitaram, director of the state metrological department, the temperature in the evening was recorded at a minimum of 3.6 and maximum of 4.8 degree Celsius with 3.5 ml rainfall. The day-long drizzle with intense cold weather kept the people indoors ~ close to their fireplaces. It has also triggered a brisk business in warm garments.  “I sold 50 sweaters, 100 gloves, 70 warm caps and 20 woollen jackets today,” said Mr S Thakur, a cloth seller in the town. “We grew tired of waiting for the winter customers for the past two months,” he added. Yesterday snowfall was reported from the Tashi View Point about 5 km from the town, Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok, 10 km and 5 km respectively from Gangtok. Snowfall continued till today. Darjeeling experienced snowfall accompanied by a light drizzle today with the me...

Child workers play and work near a new road being constructed on the mountain slopes of the Himalayas. Sikkim is a semi-Indian-ruled state. It has its own government and flag but is still controlled mainly from New Delhi and has no real country borders. The hope of many Sikkimese people is to: one day become more like Nepal and fully rule their own country. Child labour is widely spread all over India and Sikkim is no exception. The poverty in the countryside of this region is many times extreme. http://djingen.blogspot.com/2008/01/working-kid.html

Jan 29 (UNI) Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today announced that a mandatory clause for local employment and use of local produce would be inserted in licences and its renewal for business establishments in the state. The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to formulate a concrete proposal and put it up before the government expeditiously.  Addressing a gathering of businessmen, civil society representatives and tourism stakeholders here, Mr Chamling said every shop and hotel must use local produce and project the organic products of Sikkim. '' I appeal to you to use local manpower in every job in your units, '' Mr Chamling told the stakeholders.  The Chief Minister directed the Urban Housing department to put condition while issuing or renewing licences to check how many locals and local produce were used. He also said vehicle owners must employ local drivers and the same must be verified while renewing the permits.

NEW DELHI:: The Supreme Court has slammed the Sikkim High Court for adopting a “draconian, arbitrary and authoritarian” approach to evict a hapless widow from her rented premises in utter disregard for law. In a strongly-worded judgment with severe strictures against the acting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court and another judge, the apex court ordered the restoration of the possession of the premises to victim Shanti Devi. A Bench of Justices Ashok Bhan and Altamas Kabir regretted that the action of the Sikkim High Court appeared more an effort at giving relief to the owner with “alacrity” rather than addressing the issues raised by the widow who had approached the court for justice. The apex court strongly deplored the manner in which the Sikkim High Court issued a contempt notice followed by a non-bailable warrant and then ordered the eviction of Shanti Devi. Offering relief to the victim, the apex court termed the action a “gross abuse of the due process of law, w...

New Delhi, Jan 29: The central government Tuesday lauded Sikkim and Tripura for providing basic sanitation facilities to all households. "Against the deadline of 2012 to make available the basic facilities to all households, the (two) governments have achieved the goal much in advance, a lesson that other state governments should learn from them," Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said at the 8th Social Editors' Conference here Tuesday. Singh praised the Tripura government for successfully implementing the Bharat Nirman Scheme, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's flagship programme aimed at providing basic infrastructure in rural areas.  The minister said there was an encouraging response to the sanitation programmes in other states as well, "which is why I am confident of achieving the goal of providing basic sanitation facilities including toilets and sewage treatment plants in rural areas by 2012", he said. ...

Respected fellow citizens, On the auspicious occasion of the 58th Anniversary of the Indian Republic, I extend very warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Sikkim. This very day in 1950, the citizens of India gave unto themselves the written Constitution to guide and nurture our great Country and to chart out the destiny of the new Nation. Sikkim which joined the Indian mainstream later in 1975 has been guided by the ideals and principles as enshrined in our Constitution for emerging from the past to a vibrant State.  When Pt. Nehru unfurled the tricolour from the rampart of Red Fort, it was indeed a beginning infused with a grand vision and solemn pledges to restore the dignity and self-respect of millions of the population. Our Constitution over the years has provided us with a broad framework to conduct ourselves to the best of our abilities on the basis of democratic principles and traditions as laid down by the forefathers of our Constitution.  We can realize that...

MESSAGE OF H.E. THE GOVERNOR OF SIKKIM ON THE 58TH REPUBLIC DAY - 2008 My Dear Fellow Citizens, On the occasion of the 58th Anniversary of our Republic I convey my heartiest felicitations to you. May the New Year bring happiness, progress and prosperity to the people of our State. Ours is the largest democracy on earth. This is an occasion for us to re-dedicate ourselves to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution by our founding fathers. The principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, as epitomized in our Constitution, form the bedrock of our national ethos, in the context of the lingual, religious, cultural and social diversities. Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation. I also extend my heartiest greetings to the gallant members of the Armed Forces and the Paramilitary forces who guard our borders, as also to the valiant Sikkim Police personnel, who maintain our internal security. I would also like to pay my respectful homage to those martyrs, who sacrificed their lives...

http://sikkimdarjeelingkalimpong.blogspot.com/2008/01/cars-burnt-in-sikkim.html

By Jawed Naqvi NEW DELHI, Jan 27: China has lodged a diplomatic protest over Indian military activity in Sikkim and claimed that Indian troops were trying to be active on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that divides their troops along the disputed Himalayan border, the Sunday Express said. Coming shortly after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s successful tour of China earlier this month, which followed the first ever joint exercise by the armies of both countries, the protest has stumped New Delhi, the paper said. “It’s learnt that China has taken objection to building of structures along the LAC and the Indo-Bhutan border, pointing out that this is in violation of the understanding to maintain peace in the area,” the Sunday Express said. “The timing of the protest — after Singh’s China visit and ahead of his maiden trip to Arunachal Pradesh — has once again brought the boundary question in the spotlight.” India last week appointed former army chief Gen J.J. S...

NEW DELHI, JAN 28 (PTI) The Supreme Court has slammed the Sikkim High Court for adopting a "draconian, arbitrary and authoritarian" approach to evict a hapless widow from her rented premises in utter disregard for the law. In a strongly-worded judgement loaded with severe strictures against the acting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court and another judge, the apex court ordered restoration of the possession of the premise to victim Shanti Devi. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhan and Altamas Kabir regretted that the action of the Sikkim High Court appeared more an effort at giving relief to the owner with "alacrity" rather than addressing the issues raised by the widow who had approached the court for justice. The apex court strongly deplored the manner in which the Sikkim High Court issued a contempt notice followed by a non-bailable warrant and then ordered the eviction of Shanti Devi. Offering relief to the victim, the apex court termed the action as "gross ab...

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 26: Within days of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s return from a “successful visit” to Beijing, China has stumped India by lodging a diplomatic protest over Indian military activity in Sikkim and claiming that Indian troops are trying to be active on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It’s learnt that China has taken objection to building of structures along the LAC and the Indo-Bhutan border, pointing out that this is in violation of the understanding to maintain peace in the area. The timing of the protest — after Singh’s China visit and ahead of his maiden trip to Arunachal Pradesh — has once again brought the boundary question in the spotlight. Further, it may be noted that India did not specifically take up reports of Chinese incursions and transgressions during the visit despite confirmations of aggressive patrolling by China and a reassessment of Chinese ability to move in troops more quickly. The reopening o...

Son of Sikkim and India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia have been selected for for the Padma Shri award this year, in recognition of his distinguished career and service to the game in the country. Bhutia, who was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1998, will become the fifth Indian footballer after Gostho Behari Paul (1962), Sailen Manna (1971), Chuni Goswami (1983) and PK Banerjee (1990) to receive the prestigious civilian award. He will become the fifth Sikkimes after Sonam Gyathco, Deny Denzongpa, Sanu Lama and Karma Sonam Lepcha to receive the prestigious civilian award. External affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, renowned playback singer Asha Bhonsle, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, DMRC chief E. Sreedharan and noted industrialist Ratan Naval Tata are among 13 eminent persons who have been selected for Padma Vibhushan this year. Former Chief Justice of India A. S. Anand, NRI businessman Lakshmi Narayan Mittal, hotelier P. R. S Oberoi, former diplomat...

Darjeeling, Fan Club decided to place a shop at Chowrasta on every Saturday and Sunday. Delicious puffy MoMos and Sel-roti are the main foods available. Generated revenue is being used for voting Prakiti Giri… Darjeeling, 12 January: These days, Star Plus TV crew are busy taking shoots at Loreto convent (Prakiti’s school), Haridas hatta etc. for their on going TV show programme. They also participated in the fund raising programme, organised by Prakiti fan club at Chowrasta. Food festival also held on occasion of ‘Magge Sanskrati’. Typical Nepali foods were demonstrated and served during the occasion. Singers from Darjeeling Sudhir Rai, Sovna Pradhan, Anupama Pradhan and Sushil Pradhan performed their songs and appealed spectators to Vote Prakiti Giri…. (Little girl dancing in her own tune at Chowrasta premises…. after the occasion of fund raising programme for Prakiti Giri, 12 Jan) http://www.darjeelingtimes.com/news/Photo-Stories/Prakiti-Fan-Club-at-work.html

Gangtok: Governor Sudharshan Agrawal and Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr. Pawan Chamling extended their greetings to the people. Governor Agrawal highlighted the performance and achievement of the State Government while Chief Minister said about that his Government is successful for the emotional intergration of the people of Sikkim with the nation. Chief Minster also said that his Government is committed to work for self reliant of Sikkim by improving resource mobilization capacity and further said that major source of revenue will be from the hydel power. He declared that Government of Sikkim has signed agreements with Independent Power Producers(IPPs) for generation of 3364 MW of hydel power. He said that these projects are expected to yield total revenue of Rs. 1140 crore by 2020.

In memory of the brave Gorkha soldiers of the Darjeeling Hills who laid down their lives for the greater cause of the motherland, Nayan Subba takes the opportunity to recall their contributions on the occasion of the 58th Republic Day The Gorkhas are a small little community in India where people of diverse origins mingle to contribute a great composite Indian culture. They are the descendants of General Amar Singh Thapa who invaded India and annexed Garhwal and Kumaon that included the hill stations of Simla, Musssoorie, Lansdowne, Almora, Nainital, Ranikhet and Pithoragarh. In the northeast General Johar Singh and General Purna Ale overran a major part of Sikkim in 1788, which included Nagri and Darjeeling. The British defeated the Gorkhas during the Anglo Gorkha war of 1814-16 and the lands they had conquered were ceded to the British and re-profiled. Those who have been living in India since the Gorkha invasion are known as the Indian Gorkhas. Darjeeling is a much favoured tour...

Gangtok, January 23: Severe cold was experienced since last 24 hours, the entire sky of the capital and most of the part of Sikkim including the North Sikkim is covered with cloud. It was the first rainfall of the year in the town and surrounding area and the temperature decreased drastically from 8 degree Celsius to around 2 degree celsius and there was rainfall of about 3 centimeter, however, the metrological department is yet to confirm the gravity of cold and actual rainfall. There is report of again the snow falling in Lachen, Lachung and Nathula. There was low turn out of the people in the street who had taken shelter under the umbrella at their hands from the rain fall. There is report of the cold weather and the foggy at Darjeeling, Guwahati, Shillong and most of the part of North Eastern States.

Saturday, January 12, 2008 10:08 [IST] Gangtok: Sikkim, comprising 0.5 per cent of India's landmass, has 84 glaciers, the largest number as compared to any other state or union territory. The present number of glaciers at 84,with the mapping exercise still underway to find about out more ice caps in the state has grown by about four times over the past six years as the figure of glaciers stood at 21 at that time, a senior scientist of the science and technology department, which has been carrying out mapping of the glaciers and other landscapes of the state, told PTI. The glaciers have been mapped by using remote sensing application system and capturing data through satellite, he said. The rise in the number of glaciers belied the impact of the global warming phenomena in this region with the scientist pointing out that the impact of global warming has never been a factor in the climate of the border state with the state being landlocked and surrounded by the mountainous land...

Posted by barunroy on January 10, 2008 Gangtok, Jan. 9: Sikkim governor Sudarshan Agarwal today issued a stern warning to the authorities of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) for their failure to properly maintain the facility. “I am very unhappy. Don’t let things slip out of hand,” the governor told hospital superintendent R.L. Sharma just before he concluded a two-hour tour of the entire facility. Agarwal was apparently peeved by the condition of the road connecting the state hospital to the national highway. “Are there no engineers with STNM?” he asked. When told that the hospital has an engineering cell, the governor wanted to know what it was doing about the road. Agarwal also expressed his disappointment over the lack of cleanliness and hygiene in the hospital complex. In fact, from the expiry dates of medicines to the absence of western-style flush toilets for patients, little escaped his notice. The governor started his tour from the main wing of the hospital located...

http://onion17.multiply.com/photos/album/119/Sikkim_Gangtok_Part_I

Statesman News Service GANGTOK, Jan. 9: A group of three goons kidnapped a businessman for Rs 45 lakh in Gangtok yesterday, but failed to carry out their scheme in the end. “I was returning home from Gangtok when I got a call. The people who called up are known to me. I was requested to attend an urgent meeting and so I went to meet them accordingly,” said Mr Sanjay Agarwal, the victim. According to him, the trio took him to a hotel at Tadong and locked him up in a room. “Tthey threatened me by demanding Rs 45 lakh immediately. The trio even brandished a revolver. I shouted for help, but no one came to rescue me,” Mr Agarwal said. The victim promised to raise Rs 10 lakh immediately as the banks had closed by then. “They took me to a bank for the money. Once we had reached the bank, I screamed for help. Locals rushed in to help me and as a result of this, the goons fled. Mr Agarwal then went to the police station and lodged an FIR. Police today arrested Chandan Singh Gurung, one of the ...

Debasish Deb  If you are bored of watching the Kanchenjunga from crowded Darjeeling or Pelling, it’s time you headed for Rinchenpong. Far away from the bustle of noisy tourist spots, Rinchenpong was, till recently, a small village in the hills of West Sikkim, 6,000 ft above sea level. None other than Rabindranath Tagore had spent a couple of days in this getaway in the 1920s. Rabindranath Smriti Van, the house where the poet stayed and enjoyed the scenic view of the Himalayas, is just 2 km from Rinchenpong bazaar. It is a major tourist draw and has been maintained well. Rinchenpong, which is more popularly known as Silent Valley, is particularly attractive for those who like short hill treks. Jungles, orchids, a variety of birds and treasures of ancient Sikkim are the draws along the trail. About 3 km from Rinchenpong bazaar is the Resum monastery. Located at the junction of three hills, this place of worship was built almost two centuries ago by a local lepcha and is still u...