Sikkim's first Philatelic Special Covers

An Inaugural Day Special Cover of Sikkimpex-82

An Award Day Special Cover of Sikkimpex-82

Despite being associated with its postal history since 1861, the state of Sikkim lack in promotion of philately. A significant chapter of Sikkim Rocket Mail Experiment 1935 had different pioneering achievements in the world philately today.  Till this date, only four philatelic exhibitions had been held in the state, and the last one was held in 2008.

A little is known or read about the first philatelic competition that was held for three days at Gangtok during November 2-4, 1982. The exhibition was called “Sikkimpex-82” and inaugurated by Homi J.H. Taleyarkhan, then Governor of Sikkim. More than 30 stamps enthusiasts had taken part in the exhibition. Two Special Covers with the illustrations of an orchid and a yak and a souvenir book was also released on the occasion

I here want to share a small anecdote that happened during the second Philatelic Exhibition that was held at Gangtok in 2002, exactly after twenty years. I was one of the 40 participants who took part in the exhibition and my first foray into the world of philately.

In a welcome speech, one of the officials of the Postal Department of Sikkim told that the exhibition was the first philatelic exhibition to be held in the Himalayan state of Sikkim but they had to accept their mistake when they were told that the first exhibition in Sikkim was held in 1982 and Mr. Ganesh Pradhan from Rhenock had exhibited the three special covers that were released then. A handful of these covers are still available with Mr. Ganesh Pradhan.

Interestingly, I am happy to write that I had come across a certificate of Late Ganga Kaptan, Sikkim's first Nepali Novelist who had taken part in that competition. It gave me immense pleasure that a legendary personality of Sikkim Nepali literature was a fan of a stamp collection that we never knew.

Chogyal and Gyalmo's Greeting Card

Ebay as i always say is a wonderful find for me for some rare materials. I had always been passionate about Sikkim and whenever i get an opportunity to watch anything of my Sikkim's past, i just want to share with everyone.

 If ever i had any regrets in life, i am sure i have this in my small heart that i could not see "my Independent Sikkim" and my Chogyal. So whenever i come across materials associated with my old Sikkim, my happiness knows no boundary. Here i am presenting a greeting card of Chogyal and Gyalmo and more sweeter is the name written in it ....." Hope and Thondup"

44th Basibyalo felicitates Shital Pradhan

From Sikkim Mail

Singtam 27 May: The Singtam Basibyalo today felicitated the teacher Shital Pradhan on its 44th episode that was held at Singtam. Mr. Pradhan was felicitated for his contribution in the field of Philately and also to bring accolades to Sikkim in the map of the national and international forefront through his popular blog Proud to be Sikkimese.

The chief guest of the day veteran singer and music director Madhu Sudan Lama did the honour. The Basibyalo which is organized in every last Sunday had zilla panchayat, Namfing-Tsalamthang DR Khatiwara, Yugantar Pariwar, president Kalchini Dooars Ram Kumar Lama,  Suresh K Lama as the special guests. Lama in his address said that the literature has to have the taste of the land, though there are different castes and religions but the identity has to be strong. He also said that one blood needs to have that identity.

Lama also congratulated Pradhan and his contribution towards the society. The next episode of Basibyalo is said to be in Adarsh Goan in Lower Namphing. The Goan has decided to gift a generator to the Singtam Basibyalo. The day was made colorful by recitation of poems and cultural programmes. The programme which was hosted by the founder Mohan Pradhan Niraj had popular singers from Gangtok Prakash Sundas, Nirmal Subba, Sumit Pariyar and Bhanu Sunar who lighted the programme to a next level.

A birth of a butterfly

I found these photographs in one of the website and was interested enough to share with my readers. Since i am teaching about the different stages of a birth of a butterfly these days. So the pic was more than a fun for me.

Himali Sangh, Dalapchand felicitates "Proud To Be A Sikkimese" blogger

Lingtam SS observes Environment Program

RONGLI, MAY 23: Govt. Sec. School Lingtam, East Sikkim observed National Environment Awareness Campaign on the theme ‘Forest for Sustainable Livelihood’ at the school premises on 22^nd and 23^rd May on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day. The programme was attended by Dorjee Sherpa, Headmaster, teaching and non teaching staff of the school, CRC coordinator K P Dawari, Panchayat, SMC, SMDC members, local villagers and students of the school.

In the first day of the programme, huge rally was carried out with posters, placards and banners from school via Lingtam bazaar that culminated at Lingtam Bridge. Cleaning of Lingtam bazaar, Panchayat Bhawan and weeding of planted trees along the roadside was done by the students.

Dorjee Sherpa, Headmaster of the School on his speech stressed upon forest and wildlife conservation and its importance in our daily life. Shyam Kumar Shah, Green Teacher of the School asked the students to be proactive when it comes to forest and trees and save them. School captain Surjay Rai also placed a speech on environmental awareness.

During the second day i.e. 23^rd May, drawing competition by the students  on the  theme     ’Forest for sustainable Livelihood’ was held and prizes for participants were also distributed by Headmaster of the school.  

Dalapchand SS observes two days National Environment Awareness Campaign

RONGLI, May 20:  Two day National Environment Awareness Campaign 2012 was held at Dalapchand SS on May 18-19, 2012. The nationwide held environment program had a theme ‘Forest for Sustainable Livelihood’ and supported by Envis Centre, Sikkim. Passang Doma Sherpa, BO Territorial Rongli Range was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Other guests included Pemchung Lepcha, Head Forest Guard and Tej Bahadhur, Forest Guard. Also present on the occasion were ST Bhutia, Headmaster of the Dalapchand SS, staff, students, SMC member and Panchayat members.

On the first day action component was observed in which the school teachers and students weeded the plants that was planted last year along the school and its surroundings. A couple of hours long cleanliness drive was held along Dara Gaon till the Gurung Goan. Cultural programmes and short skits by the students was the highlight of the second day function.

Karma T Bhutia, School In-Charge was the host of the day that had important and educative speeches from CD Rai, senior teacher, TN Poudhyal, GT, Prabha Sharma, Discipline Captain, Pemchung Lepcha, Head Forest Guard, ST Bhutia, Headmaster of the Dalapchand SS and Passang Doma Sherpa, BO Territorial Rongli Range.

Quiz competitions was also held that was hosted by Shital Pradhan and Prakash Poudhyal. Winners of the quiz competition were Keshab Rai, Class V (Primary Level), Prashan Gurung Class VII (Upper Primary Level) and Surab Rai Class IX (Secondary Level). Sonam Dorjee Bhutia, GT (BIO) gave the vote of thanks.