Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal and Gyalmo Hope Cooke in photographs

These are some excellent photographs of the Royal family of Sikkim, i found in bbs.voc.com.

I owe this to Sikkim Express!

I owe this to Sikkim Express. Since the oldest daily newspaper in Sikkim, the Sikkim Express, allowed me to write a column on Sikkim's history, I have yet to look back. Over the last 20 months, I have written over 100 articles under the column "Himalayan review" that have helped me grow as a student of Sikkim History. Sometime around, I am referred by Sikkim Historian by my well-wishers, which I find very embarrassing. 

The history of Sikkim is vast, and over the last half a dozen years, I have dedicated myself to understanding Sikkim, yet I feel there is still time for me to be called a Sikkim Historian. My friend tells me that to become a historian, one needs to have a will and a desire, not a degree or a certificate. But sometimes you go unnoticed when you do not have a formal qualification. I am learning, and I feel better calling myself a student of Sikkim History'.

Being a Botany Honours graduate from Sikkim Government College at Tadong and being interested in the glorious past of Sikkim was something even my close one never expected from me but ….(what a big but ?) I believe destiny had another plan for me. I still say I am nothing; many people in our state are more qualified than me, and they should have done it. Whatever I write is information around us; we never give an ear to it, nor do we listen to it. Or it could be that people don't have time to care about history, which has always been tedious. I know that sometimes I might be wrong in my information, but I limit myself to make it happen to its lowest. 

Sangharsh NGO from Rongli felicitated me a few weeks back along with other 9 personalities, including Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol 3, in a musical ceremony held at Rongli Bazaar. It was a pleasant memory to receive my first award for the small effort I had put into writing about the history of Sikkim, more precisely, the ancient Sikkim. I am thankful to the trio of Praveen Pradhan (President), Biren Gurung (General Secretary), Kushal Pradhan (Joint Secretary),  and other members of the Sangharsh NGO for considering me for the honor.  Sikkim Express gave me a much-needed platform that helped me spread my little knowledge about Sikkim to people around me. 

I received calls from every corner of the state about people's reactions to my article.  I am happy to hear most of my readers are students. I always believe this, i.e., the young generation needs to be taught about our glorious past. We call upon preserving and conserving our glorious past, yet we never think of the vast mass of students that need to be introduced to Sikkim History in their school syllabus in their early schooling. Through this medium, I request that the higher authority develop an introductory lesson on Sikkim history in government schools.  

Today, I have my small yet intriguing identity, which was only possible with Sikkim Express and other newspaper mediums, including Now, Samay Dainik, and Voice of Sikkim, among others who have always supported me. I am thankful for all of them. Facebook, a social networking site, is the other medium that helped me introduce to my readers, and today, at the moment of this writing, I have over one thousand fans that follow my blog “Proud to be a Sikkimese." 

The love and warm response I received from people across the globe show that people are still interested in learning about Sikkim, which is very encouraging for me. My blog, “Proud to be a Sikkimese,” has been viewed by 64848 people around the globe, with 100 subscribers directly subscribing to their email addresses. 

This is just a small beginning, and I am sure the love and warmth I have received so far will be with me in the coming days, too.

Cleaniness drive at Majhitar

 

To promote majhitar in tourism sector and to make aware to all the residence of majhitar to be clean everytime. We Majhitar people thanks to Sikkim Police Rangpo on providing us 10 jawans, Zydus - 10, Cipla - 10, Ispat Majhitar - 5 with lunch-cold drinks, GREF, Himalayan Pharmacy and many more.

Suresh Lama 

On the behalf of Majhitar

The Darjeeling Tract - like an island in the middle of Sikkim

The Darjeeling Tract - like an island in the middle of Sikkim

One of the most revealing maps of History, the Darjeeling Tract which was given to the East India Company is seen for the first time inside the true stretch of the Sikkimese Kingdom

Source: beacon online

24th Singtam Basibiyalo feliciates freelancer Journalist Sanjay Agarwal

The 24^th Basibiyalo on April 18th held at Singtam felicitated Sanjay Agarwal, popular freelance journalist assonated with different newspapers in Sikkim and in Siliguri. The Chief Guest of the day, Bijoy Kumar Subba renowned writer handed over the trophy, memento and khada to the felicitating journalist. Speaking on the occasion, Bijoy Kumar Subba told that the work done by Sanjay Agarwal is significant and encouraged him to better his efforts.

Basibiyalo founder Mohan Pradhan “Neeraj” addressing the gathering informed Basibiyalo had started a felicitating policy from 21^st Basibiyalo and in 24^th Basibiyalo the felicitation is in journalism sector. He announced that though Sanjay Agarwal does not belong from Nepali community but has done lots of appreciable work in Nepali literature and in Nepali news sector from 2004.

Hill Boys’ United FC continues it winning streaks

Hill Boys’ United FC team

PRESS RELEASE FROM
Hill Boys United

Hill Boys’ United FC, a club formed in Kolkata by a group of youths hailing from the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim won its second match of the League stage at the prestigious Calcutta Parsee Club 5 a side Football Tournament on April 17th. Hills Boys defeated Shining Stars Club 3-2 in a hard-fought encounter. The Boys came from behind twice to earn this victory showing in the process the never say die attitude of the Youths from the hills. Shining Stars took the lead in the first half and it remained that way till halftime. But in the second half, Loden Lepcha with a stinging shot brought back the Hill Boys into the game but the equalizer was short-lived as Shining Stars again took the lead. Under Pressure Hill Boys lost momentum for a brief while but Gyaltshen Moktan struck home and brought back Hill Boys into the game for the second time.

When it was appearing that the match would head for a draw. Jigme Dorjee who struck a hat trick in the last match found himself some space in the left half and scored to give the Hill Boys that all-important victory. Now even if they draw their last game, Hill Boys will be through to the quarters. Hill Boys United team manager Roshan Prasad said after the match “The boys showed their character today and proved that even if we concede an early goal we can come back into the match”

Hill Boys’ United FC club was formed by the youths from the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim with an aim to assist footballers from this region who come down to Kolkata seeking trails as well as to play in different clubs. It also has an objective to help out students who apply to the different colleges in sports quotas. Hill Boys management is also planning to register the club with the Indian Football Association (West Bengal) which will give them entry into the Kolkata 5th Division League.

Download the article "Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal: Requiem" published in Talk Sikkim

Late Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last recognised King of Sikkim featured on the front page of April Issue of Talk Sikkim published from Gangtok.

The article "Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal: Requiem" written by Tenzin C. Tashi and published in Talk Sikkim, the most happening monthly magazine from the state of Sikkim is the talk of the town ever since it hit the stand. The article takes the readers to the world of Palden Thondup Namgyal, late Chogyal of Sikkim. The detailed story of Chogyal’s life is beautifully penned down. The outcome of his inability to cope with the emerging voices against him that finally led Sikkim to merge with Indian Union in 1975 is excellently highlighted. But (?) when the deposed King passed away seven years after his kingdom was taken away, “However, in death, Zhungkyang (Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal) finally had the honour denied him in his last years. A massive crowd- including his detractors, his bitter foe and one-time estate manager of Chakung, the people who had turned against him- all offered his kubur, decked out in Sikkim’s flag, a khada.”, writes the writer. 

I would like to draw everyone’s attentions in the extract below that tell us about the hard truth within the royal house after the merger.

“Deposed and betrayed, Zhungkyang (Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal) yet believed that at some point of time, people would understand that his ambition was not personal, it was for them. He always believed that he was only one in a long line of rulers whose sacrosanct duty was to ensure the survival of what he saw as the very heart of Sikkim, her Buddhist ethos. He knew too that this survival was possible only if there was a Chogyal. Things were so hard at the Palace that Crown Prince Tenzing himself was looking after the Palace cows so that they could at least have fresh dairy produce at the table. Zhungkyang also stressed to his younger children in America that as his finances were limited- ‘Abala does not have much money now’- they should study diligently and earn scholarships for themselves. He had to literally beg Delhi for foreign exchange for his elder daughter’s kidney operation. Crown Prince Tenzing’s premature demise in 1978 was the cruellest blow of all to the already beleaguered Chogyal for he had come to increasingly rely on his dynamic young son for companionship and succour.

With special  arrangements from the editor of Talk Sikkim, the admirers of Sikkim History can now download and read this article "Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal: Requiem", the cover story of its April issue.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Cover_story.pdf

The photographs attached with the article are very exclusive and most of them from the private collection of  Tenzin C. Tashi and her family.

Hill Boys United FC starts 5 a side tourney with Jigmi Dorjee’s hat trick

PRESS RELEASE FROM

Hill Boys United

Hill Boys United FC, the team sponsored by kolkatafootball.com and co-sponsored by Hill-Queen Travels, won its first match of the Kolkata Parsee Club 5- a side invitational Football Tournament today at Kolkata Parsee Club Maidan. They beat the Street Ballers Club of Kolkata by 3 - 0. A 21-year-old promising Hill Boys United Striker Jigmi Dorjee scored a hat trick in the match. The first half result was goalless.

The 16 teams Football tournament started on the 10th where the Winner's prize money is Rs. 25,000. Being a 5-a-side game, the duration of the match was 15 minutes in each half. The team Street Ballers, which Hill Boys United defeated, was also a good side but they ran out of steam in the second half and Hill Boys took full advantage of this and scored all three goals in the second half. Saurav Rai, a Hill Boys United player missed a good chance to score in the 2nd half.

Now, Hill Boys united will play against Shining Stars, Kolkata on the 17th. Hill Boys United team Manager Roshan Prasad is very much pleased with the success of his Team. He told that, if his boys will maintain this kind of performance in all matches then, they will surely go a long way in the tournament. The Advisors of the team are well-known Footballers Nirmal Chhetri and Crispin Chhetri.

The club was formed with the intention of providing young and aspiring footballers with a platform to showcase their skills and get noticed. Apart from participating in various football tournaments, the club shall also provide promising players with trials and tryouts in the major football clubs of Kolkata.

TEAM- Hill Boys United: Ganesh Gurung, Saurabh Rai, Loden Lepchaa, Abling Lepcha, Yugal Lama, Tenzing Thinley Lepcha, Jigmi Dorjee, Gyaltshen Moktan, Akhilesh Raj Gurung.

Visit to the Ruined Royal Palace at Tumlong

My outlook towards the Heritage Management Seminar-3

Visit to the Ruined Royal Palace at Tumlong 

The second day of the Two Days Seminar on Strategy for Heritage Management for Sikkim organized by the Cultural Department gave us an opportunity to visit the ruined Royal Palace at Tumlong. I had earlier been to that place couple of years back but still, I believed I should go to it since I had a few questions in my mind after I had seen an old sketch from a European Journal while surfing at internet on Tumlong. The sketch provided the scene of the Palace from a distant place where a road with two chorten on its upper side is shown while a single chorten lower than the road along with few huts like dwelling place and few people around was clearly framed of that period of ancient Sikkim. It is believed that when Campbell and Hooker were captured they were kept in those hut-like.

I talked about the Tumlong sketch with a few of the officials during our short meetings. The only reply I could get from one gentleman was the authenticity of the sketch has a place of debate since the location of the place was sketched by the brother of Hooker who had never visited the place but drew it from his imagination put in the picture by his brother. But somewhere within myself, I was not satisfied.

It was also in my mind while on the way that last year during the renovation work there were findings of a few war-related objects from the ruins that had added some exciting tidings. Found at the premises of palace ruins were cannon balls, musket balls, and iron gear. These objects could probably be looked upon as a new era of warfare that was brought to the Himalayan land of Sikkim by the British. These materials are presently under the preservation of the Archives Department, Gangtok.

As Rabdenste Palace was repeatedly attacked by the Nepal royal army, Tshudpud Namgyal, the then Chogyal of Sikkim shifted his capital from Rabdenste to Tumlong in 1793. Tumlong was the capital of Sikkim till 1884 when Chogyal Thutob Namgyal shifted his capital to present-day Gangtok.

A significant breakthrough was also made at the renovation works with the rediscovering of the actual floor beneath the wreckage. According to the people working out there, it was informed that the original floor of the Palace was of mud and huge coats of mud had been under-covered from the different chambers of the wrecked house.

Sir Richard Temple in his Oriental Experience writes: “Darjeeling originally belonged to the Rajah of the native State of Sikkim, and was annexed to the British dominions by reason of his misconduct in imprisoning for several days Dr. Campbell, the British Superintendent of Darjeeling, and Dr. Hooker, the Director of Kew Gardens. In punishment for that offense, this district was taken from him and added to British India.”  It should be noted that this takeover of the lands of Darjeeling happened when Tumlong was still the capital of Sikkim. 

Temple in his account about the Palace at Tumlong fancies it to be a comparatively humble and picturesque dwelling, situated on a hill, about 5000 feet high which was more of a Winter Palace. He explains during the summer when the rains descend, the king lives in the valley of Chumbi with the permission of the Grand Lama of Tibet. Since Chumbi had a climate not affected by the rainy season; but during the winter he lived at his ‘little palace’ of Tumlong. 

This “little palace” of Tumlong, which now has scattered rubbles all over the places, marks an attempt from the Cultural Department which is making efforts to renovate it. I immediately hurried my exciting feet to the other side of the hilltop in search of ‘that road’ (as in the sketch I had seen) that was on the lower side of the hill just below the Royal Palace. But over the last couple of centuries, the road I was looking for had vanished and with new topographical positions and the cardamom fields, it was near impossible to compare the two pictures of the place. 

But at the end of the day when there were talks between the Government officials and the locals my heartbeat grew louder when those people told about the presence of three chorten two on one side and another one below the ruined palace hills. I could not stop myself from smiling; I wished there could be some excavation at this site and who knows we might unfold some hidden facts about our past.

PhD student from Gangtok conferred the highest ranking academic award by University of Texas at Arlington

from Sikkim Express

Yasoda Sharma, a resident of Gangtok, Sikkim and currently a PhD student and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington, TX has been conferred the highest ranking academic award from the university. The award officially known as the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges program will be conferred to her in the Academic Excellence day of the School of Social Work on the 16^th of April. Coming from a humble background of a business family, Yasoda had completed a Masters in Social Work from the prestigious Banaras Hindu University in the year 2001. After providing her services in various ranks in BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Sikkim Manipal Health Institute, and GATI international she got accepted to pursue PhD in Social Work at the University of Texas in the year 2006. 

Yasoda has won a number of accolades for her academics and research within and outside the university. This even includes the Dean’s award for the Most Promising PhD student for the year 2008. She has also published and presented her research findings in journals and forums of international repute. Among all the awards the Who’s Who Among Students is considered to be the most important and highly regarded among the educational sphere in USA. 

Yasoda attributes her success to the support from her mentors (Dr. Beverly Black and Dr. Pillai) and her family members (Mother- Mrs. Manuka Devi Sharma, Father- Shri Hari.Prasad.Sharma, Siblings (Latta, Mohan, Ambika &Ved ), Husband (Bibek), and In-laws). She wants to work for the betterment of the life of the underprivileged in future.

Sangharsh felicitates Prashant Tamang and 9 others; Hailstones, rain could not affect Prashant mania

Prashant Tamang being felicitated by Dhiraj Pradhan (BDO) Regu BAC

Sangharsh NGO celebrated its Annual Sangharsh Felicitation 2010 with the felicitation of six members of the underproduction Nepali movie “Angalo Yo Maya Ko” produced from Sikkim along with four other local personalities from Rongli Sub-Division on the night of April 10. 

The felicitated group included Indian Idol 3 winner Prashant Tamang, who is also the lead actor of the movie “Angalo Yo Maya Ko” followed by Vinod Sereng (Director), Kishore Dungmali Rai (Producer), Yubraj Rai (Cinematographer), Praja Pradhan (Assistant Director cum Bungee Jumper) and Mahendra Gurung (Actor). 

Prashant Tamang entertaining the Rongli crowds

From the local felicitators, Bhanu Gurung was honoured for his contribution towards ‘Music’, Ganesh Pradhan in ‘Arts and Culture’ for his Ram Gauri Sangralaya at Rhenock while Shital Pradhan received the felicitation for bringing out articles on ‘History of Sikkim’ at Sikkim Express newspaper and also for his blog on Sikkim History “Proud to be a Sikkimese”. 

Biren Gurung was the fourth local personality to be felicitated for his involvement in the field of ‘Education’ by initiating excellent results in Pathfinder Program (free compartmental coaching for CBSE) conducted at Rongli were other four local personalities honoured on the late-night felicitation program. Ten years of solved mathematics sample paper prepared by Biren Gurung was also revealed through the hand of Prashant Tamang before the gathered public.

Dhiraj Pradhan, (BDO) Regu BAC was the Chief Guest of the show while Deo Kumar Dumi, a popular musician of Sikkim Nepali music was the Guest of Honour for the night. Along with the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour, other distinguished to present the citation and the Shawl included Dawa Tshering Bhutia, Kunti Bhutia, Dr. Chewang Namgyal Sherpa and TT Bhutia. The citation was read by Padam Parajuli, Udhav Gopal Shrestha, and GK Chettri.

Prashant Tamang felicitating Shital Pradhan

Talking with this news reporter, the local crowds thanked Sangharsh NGO for this huge extravaganza that was entry free for all. It was a lifetime show with no such huge crowds and such programs were seen before in any level of gathering in and around Rongli, they echoed. Sangharsh has made us proud by bringing Prashant Tamang to Rongli, we thoroughly enjoyed all the performances of the star singers, they said. The entire three and half-hour program was entirely telecast directly on the local channel of Rongli Sub-Division too.

Praveen Pradhan, President Sangharsh NGO in his address appreciated the kind gestures of the film unit of “Angalo Yo Maya Ko” for accepting their invitation and accepting the felicitation program to be held at a small place in Rongli. Pradhan expressed best wishes for the film from his NGO and also from the people of the Rongli Sub-division Chujachen constituency. Biren Gurung, General Secretary of Sangharsh NGO thanked the members of Sangharsh NGO who worked hard for the last one week for the success of the show. Sangharsh NGO also extends gratitude towards Rongli Power Department, Rongli Police Department, Rongli Driver Associations, Gati Company and others for their kind cooperation in making the show a success, Biren added.

Late-night show that was to be featured from 6 pm onwards was untimely welcomed by rain, hailstones, and power failure, just before the show. Despite that, an audience of over three thousand people that arrived from almost every district of the state patiently waited for the start of the grand show. Huge cheers for Prashant Tamang were echoed from every corner.

Prashant Tamang entertained the huge gathering with more than half of dozen of his popular songs that captured him to the heart of his admirer around. The gathered crowd joined him in his songs, danced and enjoyed with him every moment of his stay at the stage. Prashant Tamang acknowledged the patience of the crowds and thanked them. He also thanked Sangharsh NGO for letting him interact with his admirer and well-wishers from this side of Sikkim. He accepted he is a common man’s singer and shall always keep up with it.

Other singers of the night program included Deo Kumar Dumi who sang his own song composed by Nepali music legend Gopal Yonzon, Ganga Mukhiya sang two nepali fast paced songs from his successful debut Nepali Rock Album “Aakarshan”, Prahlad Chettri and Prakash Sundas who were part of Indian Idol Auditions that reached till 3rd round in Indian Idol 4 and Indian Idol 5 respectively presented Hindi numbers.

Bhanu Gurung and Milan Sharma, the gifted local singers from Sudunglakha and Chujachen rendered their compositions from their latest nepali album “Astitwa” while Sushma Dahal, the winner of Pratibha Ko Khoj, state level talent show on singing from Rongli too entertained with the crowd dancing at her tunes. Finalist of the Sikkim Rock Star, the young dancing group of Modern Dance Academy, Rongli too performed a dance item that was appreciated by every one.

Gangaa Mukhia: Sikkim Nepali Rock Music gets an “Aakarshan”

Music in his principle is universal and above caste, creed, and culture.  He is a pioneer of Singtam’s Nepali Rock Music and has been a popular face in every musical entertainment since his school days. Meet Gangaa Mukhia, he is the talk of the town with his debut album “Aakarshan”, a Nepali rock music album, recorded at the studio in Mumbai. Aakarshan got raving reviews from his admirers that he is set to come up with its music video very shortly. 

The music album was officially released on the occasion of the final of the Nachiyo Babari, the dance reality show held at Paljor Stadium at Gangtok through the hand of Dr. Pawan Chamling, the Chief Minister of Sikkim. A special stage show for this album is all set to hit the town of Guwahati in Assam in the coming months.

Born and brought up at Singtam, Gangaa Mukhia today runs a musical class at his residence at Shantinagar, below PWD Office.  More than two dozen music enthusiasts had undergone vocal classes under his guidance over the last couple of years. His music lesson includes vocal classes along with a lesson about playing guitar. One of his vocal students recently went on to sing for the Nepali Film featuring Prashant Tamang in lead. 

Gangaa Mukhia is very thrilled about his first album and wished that everyone would listen to it and provide him with the best suggestions that could be of importance for his coming album in days to come, he said. He was one of the star attractions in the recent Sumin-Lingchey School’s Annual Function where he performed before distinguished guests. 

He is set to perform at the felicitation program at Rongli, in the coming week. Gangaa Mukhia in his own words told me that people invite him to their program and I believe it is my opportunity to perform before my crowd.

Singtam’s Heritage

My outlook towards the Heritage Management Seminar-2

Singtam’s Heritage

One of the interesting topics of the day (at Two Days Seminar on Strategy for Heritage Management for Sikkim organised by the Cultural Department at Denzong Residency) I really enjoyed was about the talk on Cultural Resource Mapping of Sikkim beautifully presented before the listeners. To be serious I never knew much about this till that day. The objectives of cultural resource management are the preservation, conservation and enhancement of cultural resources. Since being a student of Sikkim History, the topic of preservation and conservation too holds an important terms in my dictionary. While going through the presentation I was talking within myself did it featured the four historical landmark of Singtam. Here I am talking about the four monuments I wish the State Government could take interest on. These includes the Old Iron Bridge (1929), Toppakhani Tunnel (late 1920s), Pre-merger Sikkim Milepost and Old Hospital Gate (1950s).

The matter that was taken into discussion inside the Seminar on Strategy for Heritage Management for Sikkim was very innovative and exciting and I wish to provide few informations of my little knowledge that could be of some important for Singtam’s Heritage in days to come.

1. Old Iron Bridge (1929): The British period Iron Bridge build in 1929 by Burn and Company Limited, Bridge Builders, Howrah as it is cleanly mentioned in its name plate hangs atop of the front and the back side of the bridge is a landmark that people love to talk. Though limited to pedestrian walk since few years it is a heritage that could be preserved with proper renovation. This bridge is also known as old bridge since the new motorable bridge runs from the other side of the Town without entering Singtam bazaar. This bridge could probably be one of the oldest iron bridges in Sikkim.

ALSO READ -  Legacy of a 91 year old Iron Bridge of Singtam

                                                   Heritage Iron Bridge of Singtam gets facelift

 

I had read in the pages of old Kanchenjunga magazine, in the early 1960s when there was political unrest between India and China in Nathula frontier, for every Indian Army entering and leaving Singtam was distributed free oranges juice at this very particular old bridge.

2.Toppakhani Tunnel (late 1920s): The construction of the Toppakhani Tunnel, a couple of kilometers from Singtam was carried around the same time when the Iron Bridge of Singtam Town was raised. The Toppakhani Tunnel finds in the history of Sikkim as the first motorable tunnel in Sikkim. Build more than nine decades earlier, today it needs proper maintenance, usually in the rainy season the waters dripping from the stone roof is observed that could result in serious mishap.

I have an interesting account of the Toppakhani Tunnel though never recorded in the pages of history but followed from one generation to other. During the first day of the construction of the Toppakhani Tunnel in the late 1920s, the labourers working at the site had killed a snake most probably a cobra. Call it a mere coincidence that from the very next day the small inn bazaar of Singtam was surrounded with the mysterious disease still remembered by the old folks as “kalo zoro”. 

Even to this day when those old folks recall that period they say Singtam was a desolated town and a popular phrase related to that endemic was the talk of the state, they would say “even the crows would not stay at Singtam”. The first contractor of the Toppakhani was a Bihari by caste who fled Sikkim after the incident while the latter construction was completed under Palaram Sardar in the 1930s. I was told there used to be a song written on Palaram Sardar which I hope someday I shall collect.

3. Pre-merger Sikkim Milepost: A rare mile-post from the old transport days of Independent Sikkim are found lying alongside the National Highway 31A at Shantinagar, a kilometer from Singtam. Built during the British influence in Sikkim shows Rangpo 8 mile with the arrow pointed towards the left side i.e. west direction, while the distance towards Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is pointed 17 miles towards the east. 

So accurate is the calculation then that even on this date the transformation of 17 miles from Singtam to Gangtok is the same when it is converted into kilometers i.e. 27.2km.

4. Old Hospital Gate (the 1950s): The gate is the only thing that's left of that Old Hospital out at Shantinagar, a kilometer from Singtam. The King of Sikkim, late Chogyal Tashi Namgyal had visited this place to inaugurate the hospital in mids 1950s. Today the hospital had been shifted to another place the much larger District Hospital of Singtam and over the years this lone gate stands against all odds.

I have heard people talking to dismantle it since their loads on the truck do not move beyond this gate but I ask is it worth removing the pillar of the past. I say how much such heritage structure is there in Sikkim compared to its great past. Still to this day, the popular name of this place is Old Hospital Colony that had been changed intoShantinagar just a few years back.

My information on Singtam’s heritage would be incomplete if I don’t mention the small Coronation Park that is found little above the Singtam Bazaar on the way to Gangtok. Then build in an occasion of the Coronation of the Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal in 1965 as few such Coronation Parks were also constructed in other parts of Sikkim. Today the Coronation Park is changed into Bhanu Udhyan where yearly state-level Bhanu Jayanti is celebrated with the garlanding of the Bhanu Bhakta statue that is installed at the Park.

I had heard old folks talk about those pre-merger days in the early 70s when the gathered crowd in Singtam blocked the road near Bhanu Park and stopped on the run of Crown Prince in his motor vehicle forcing him back to Gangtok. During that instant, the pro-merger activists were caught, made captive, and kept at Thakurbari mandir! I here also give importance to a Shiv Mandir inside the Thakurbari Mandir in the heart of the town that is also as old as the establishment of Singtam, constructed by the early inhabitant of this place.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to take Priyanka Tiwari death mystery matter seriously

It is really nice to hear about the assured assistance of the Chief Minister of Sikkim in Priyanka Tiwari's death mystery. According to the news published in Voice of Sikkim, the deceased father K. Tiwari had a meeting with the Chief Minister on Thursday and placed all the related documents. CM had assured to take the matter seriously to the Central Home Ministry and also seek for CBI investigation.  

Chief Minister further told that our Sikkimese youths who are studying and working across the country and outside the country will be fully escorted by whatever lawful means. Treating this incident as most unlikely for Sikkim, the Priyanka Tiwari case will be justified thoroughly, he said.

Talking to the media over the phone the deceased father said that to date no autopsy report is being prepared which should have been done within a couple of days by investigating the body. He also claimed that while enquiring about the status either the officer’s phone gets disconnected or investigating officer makes a narrow escape by telling ‘Wrong Number’. He also said that over the phone if he says ‘I am calling from Sikkim …’ immediately the official’s phone gets disconnected!

It may be noted that after a media infringement, a second step was taken by Kolkata Police by transferring Investigating Officer ASI Tapan Das replacing him with Chandan Chakraborty. It may further be noted that ASI Tapan Das took the first-hand reporting of the said case and tried to bifurcate the said case annoyingly. Police claimed to have undoubtedly raised a murder syndrome in the case when the matter got heated up in a public was told, writes Voice of Sikkim in their website.

Mr. Tiwari said to the media that to date his daughter’s mobile is under police custody in Bogoitey Police Station which in fact can reveal some light into a case, he told. “The spot where my daughter’s murder took place tampered and even now the place is carelessly abandoned which should have been sealed unless the investigation was completed. He told that the entire episode of the incident points finger towards suspicious murder and the matter of fact is that all crucial characters involved in a case are openly moving around. Reiterating to his previous tone, Mr. Tiwari stated that he would not live in rest unless the whole picture is unveiled as such that will help other girls get justice living outside their State in the future. I will not let the horrible incident repeat against any girls or boys from the remote state who are living outside, I am now more concerned for them! ”, said a father of a deceased daughter.

It should be noted that the intervening police ward of Bogoitey Police Station Kolkota had filed a case under suicide until the national media and local media of Sikkim had not pressurized the incident would have rested in vain, said the father K. Tiwari of the deceased girl. My girl in no cause could take such a harsh step, there is some mischievous involved in a case that is clear in all aspects. A Series of threats over the phone was received by the poor family for not indulging in a high-profile case by a roommate of Priyanka Tiwari, a girl named Prakriti Chandra.

Post Card from North Sikkm-1