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

TB Pradhan, Advisor of Singtam Basibiyalo SINGTAM: The 10 th edition of Pratibha Manch was conducted at Rhenock’s BAC on July 3 that was attended by members of Pratibha Manch, Rhenock, a group of Singtam Basibiyalo and others. Highlight of the day was the audition round of the school level Nepali poetry competition for the Bhanu Jayanti celebration. More than 12 schools from neighbouring region had participated in the competition. TB Pradhan, Advisor of Singtam Basibiyalo was the Chief Guest of the day while TT Bhutia, national awardee Principal of Chujachen SSS presided the day long function. Speaking on the occasion TB Pradhan appreciated the efforts of Pratibha Manch in promoting literary talents of the region. Pradhan urged the younger generations to come forward and exhibit their talent that would build a better individual. Talking about Singtam Basibiyalo TB Pradhan told that this platform has supported and encourage people to come forward, similarly in days to come more...

{Sonam Lama, a multifaceted persona and a teacher by profession passed away on June 14, 2011 and his Anthesti Kriya falls on July 4, 2011} Sonam Sir  as he was fondly remembered was a house of talent that could never be replaced. It is a great loss for Singtam as such a persona of brilliance shall never be seen again. He was a year short of 40 but yet he has given enough memories to make him remember for a long-long time.  Sonam Bhena  to me was much of a friend and I did share many close moments with him over the last few years. Memories of his hilarity still thrive over my thoughts and I find it hard to make myself realize that he is now no more with us. I was with  Sonam Bhena  in the 42 days of Teachers Training the last two winters and summer at PNGSS. Off lately, it was during those training sessions I came to know him much better, being his bench mate; I got a chance to get closer to his character and his enthusiasm to give something to humanity. I...

Charles Alfred Bell (Pic: Wikipedia) The Archives Section under the Culture and Heritage Department at Gangtok stores the rarest of documents related to Sikkim. I shall always remain grateful for an opportunity granted to me to flip over pages of that epoch which is more of a dream come true. Over the last few years I have spent most of my time learning and understanding Sikkim, and it gives me pleasure to share what I know or what I listen to. I am more of a storyteller, those stories that got lost along the helm of time. This time around let me take you back to the year 1917, and the date reads 10 th of March. An official letter arrives at his Palace to His Highness Maharaja Tashi Namgyal of Sikkim. The letter inquires about naming the new Civil Hospital at Gangtok, which was ready for public use very shortly. CA Bell, Superintendent of Sikkim State, the writer of the letter writes that it occurred to him and a Civil Surgeon whether the hospital could be named in memory...