Meet and Greet Bijay Bantawa in Guwahati

by Nanda Kirati Dewan
Photo Journalist/ Reporter;
Guwahati (Assam) INDIA

Gangtok based senior journalist from Sikkim Bijay Bantawa who is in Guwahati in a ten day visit for ground study on various spheres of life of Gorkhas in Assam today met members of various Gorkha organizations that includes All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU), Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh; Assam State Committee, Nepali Sahitya Kala Niketan, Nepali Mandir Prabandhak Samitee. The formal meeting presided by Purna Chetri Gorkha columnist and journalist was attended by Dr. Shanti Thapa Assistant Editor “Hamro Dhwani”, Rohit Goutam Deputy Editor “Saparivar”, Nanda Kirati Dewan Guwahati Bureau Chief “Gorkha Times” , Gokarna Mishra former Executive Editor “Saparivar”, Sanjay Pradhan Publisher “Hamro Dhwani” and poetess Indu Prava Devi also representatives of the named organizations.

The “Meet and Greet Bijay Bantawa” program was held at the office of AAGSU, Gorkha Thakurbari Paltan Bazar Guwahati. Mr. Bantawa on his arrival at Nepali Mandir (Gorkha Thakurbari) was accorded warm welcome with flower bouquet and traditional Asomiya phoolam gamocha. In a formal introduction ceremony he was felicitated by all the organization while Gorkhali press fraternity of Guwahati felicitated him with a traditional Asomiya Xorai and published books and magazine from Assam.

In his welcome address Purna Chetri who is also the spokesperson of Gorkha Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC) said that its been an honour to meet and greet a personality like Mr. Bantwa who has served the Gorkha community as a journalist for the 25 years now. He asked him throw light on demand of Gorkha Autonomous Council in Assam, on agitation and formation of proposed Gorkhaland and Sikkim’s stand on both issues. He welcomed him in virtual capital of the North East and wished him a healthy stay in Assam. He also requested him to speak on issues he feels to address in common.

The editor of “Himgiri” replied to all the queries raised in the meeting by all organizations in a very sweet and simple way. “The adoption of Gorkha Development Council by the state cabinet in Assam is good news not only for the Gorkhas of Assam but also for the nation as a whole”, he added. He threw light on need of creation of Gorkhaland a homeland for Gorkhas and asserted that Gorkhaland is never for Darjeeling alone. Bantawa in his short speech outlined the history of Sikkim and settlement of Gorkhas in the state. Representatives of all the organization also exchanged their views in the meeting. The veteran journalist finally after replying to queries thanked the overwhelming response, love and affection showered by the people of Guwahati.

The senior journalist in few days will discuss issues with AAGSU, Assam Gorkha Sanmellan, BGP Assam State, Nepali Sahitya Parishad; Assam, Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha and GACDC. He will also interact with members of Gauhati Press Club. Message of arrival of Bijay Bantawa has spread like a forest fire. The common people of Guwahati has expected a good well researched material online on Gorkhas of Assam

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BY SHITAL PRADHAN A small hamlet in an eastern side Silent raush on its way, The old silk route, More older it look Upon which I stay, Hey that’s Rongli, Rongli my birthplace Years went by, years dried up, Yet the small village is as it was, Silent, peaceful and introvert Today’s picture of Rongli, Houses as station bogie, Looks a cradle, from Chujachen, Upon which the blue sky, As if I can touch thee, Roaring River, As the legend we hear, Still watch with glee, The terror of 1890 somewhat forgotten, Yet another terrorizing moment, 68 was the year… 1968, When sky too wasn’t pleased. That was Rongli, Rongli of the past. Playing along the Baar-Pepal tree, Hiding in the Shivalaya, Watching videos and aloft Is a decent memory, now? Sweet time in treasure, Yet when I am in Rongli, I am happy, in whither sweet. Rongli my birthplace !

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

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