Chisopani JHS visits Gangtok on educational field trip

SINGTAM, JUNE 29: Students of Chisopani JHS went for an educational field trip in and around Gangtok on June 28. Escorted by Shital Pradhan, Monu Hang Khewa, teachers from Chisopani JHS, and Arjun Chettri, HM, Tadong Primary School, North Sikkim, around 18 students were visiting the state capital.

Most of the students were visiting Gangtok for the very first time. They visited Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Himalayan Zoological Park, Tashi View Point, Smriti Van, Burtuk Helipad, Ban Jhakari Falls, MG Marg and Gangtok Lal Bazaar.

The students echoed that it was the best day of their lives and that they would always remember their visit to the places they had been to in Gangtok. We saw Red Panda, the state animal of Sikkim that was limited to our school books; it looks like the size of a cat, said Mailika Lamichaney, one of the students. Birds and animals at the zoo were so beautiful, added Roshni Gurung, but I don’t want to remember the leeches out there, she further said.

Niraj Rai, the student, said I enjoyed the most time at Ban Jhakari Falls, and the same was also echoed by other students. Despite some drizzle, it was fun to visit Gangtok with students and towards the end, we could also take our students to the Painting exhibition at MG Marg, said Manu Hang Khewa, Graduate Teacher from Chisopani JHS.  

World Anti-Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Day observed at Ralap SS

SINGTAM, JUNE 26: Awareness programme on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held at Ralap Secondary School today. The major highlight of the programme was the rally participated by the school staff, students and their parents, Panchayat members and others. Sharmila Chettri, Panchayat Secretary, Ralap Dung Dung GPU was the Chief Guest while Bishal Sunar, Panchayat Ralap Ward was the Special Guest on the occasion.

The programme stated with the speech by KN Dhakal, Teacher, Ralap SS. Dorjee Sherpa, Headmaster, Ralap SS in his address spoked about the importance of the day. He appealed the students to stay away from social ills. Sherpa also informed the gathering about the theme for the year 2014, “A message of hope, drug use disorders are preventable and treatable” and talked in brief about it.

MN Shivakoti, Science Teacher spoke in short about Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Bishal Sunar in his speech told the students about the consequences of using drugs and alcohol. Sunar further advised the students to be a better example in the society. Rally was organized with students holding placards related to anti drugs theme. The rally started from Ralap SS till Panchayat Bhawan and back to school.

Interview with Former Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly: Mr. KT Gyaltsen

 

PRESS RELEASE

Press Secretary

Office of PD Rai, Lok Sabha MP for Sikkim

Q. We saw some disruptions in the Assembly today as opposition members stormed into the well of the House. What is your view? Can you recall any such incident in the Sikkim Legislature’s history?

A. What we saw today was unfortunate. The disruption was wholly unwarranted and violated the established Rules of Procedure and Conduct of the Assembly. When SDF had first come to power in 1994, and returned in 1999, there was a sizable opposition and even they used to raise issues. But the kind of disruptions we saw today is unprecedented and should be condemned by all Sikkimese. We are for peace and we want to set an example for the rest of the Country. That is the kind of message that should be going out from our Legislators.

Q. After 3 sittings of the Assembly, how to you evaluate the new opposition? Any message for them?

A. When opposition members enter the Assembly, they bear on their shoulders the responsibility to voice the issues of the people they represent, and work in the interest of the State of Sikkim. I had expected that this largely young group will go beyond passing judgment on right and wrong and come up with good suggestions for the Government to consider. But they have come across as confrontational and only interested in finding fault with SDF’s 20 years of Governance.

I’ll suggest that they should look at the larger interest of Sikkim and give up disruption tactics and opposing for the sake of opposing. Most of them are first time MLAs and they should focus on having a positive impact within the framework of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct. I’m sure that the Leader of the House, Hon’ble Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, will take their views positively.

Q. The opposition has demanded that Assembly Sessions be telecast live. Your comments?

A. At present, there is no such provision under the rules of the Assembly that will allow live telecast of Assembly Sessions. Technical Capability will also have to be looked into. However, I welcome the suggestion.

Q. Your views on the Governor’s Address to the House that highlighted the priorities of the Chamling-led Government?

The Governor’s Address, and the Chief Minister’s Budget Speech, both were comprehensive, positive, and covered all aspects concerning the development of Sikkim. One thing that stands out in the Governor’s Address is that he congratulated the SDF Party for winning the mandate of the people for a record fifth term. He said that, “[SDF] has proved again that the policy intervention and the development process initiated by this Government has been fruitful and the people have reposed their faith once again in the 20 years old Government.” I’m happy to note as a former Speaker that the Governor’s Address has placed the remarkable achievements of successive SDF Governments on record.

Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has endorsed Sikkim’s Organic Mission. Do you see Sikkim taking the cue and becoming a model-state in the North-East?

The PM’s endorsement, that too on the floor of the House of the People – the Lok Sabha - has certainly given a huge boost to the Government and the SDF Party. It’s a resounding acknowledgement of the Organic Mission’s Success. It also goes to show that the success of the Chamling-led Government’s programs is recognized nationally. In many ways, Sikkim is already a leader amongst the North-Eastern States. As we have heard from the Chief Minister, in this term, the Government’s focus will be on Quality & Implementation - from Water & Electricity Supply to Road Construction. In the next 5-years, we will see Sikkim emerge as a model state not only in the North-East Region, but also the whole of India.

Q. Finally, would you say that this Assembly - with 10 opposition MLAs - is evidence of the deepening of democracy in Sikkim?

Certainly. The opposition will bring up many issues. All MLAs - be it from the treasury or the opposition - must come fully prepared to the House. If the opposition approaches its role positively and constructively, then definitely, it is good to have an opposition in the House. It will keep the Government and especially it’s implementing mechanism - the bureaucracy - on its toes, which is ultimately good for democracy.

Jalipool cremation area set to get a major facelift

 

PRESS RELEASE

Press Secretary

Office of PD Rai, Lok Sabha MP for Sikkim

 

Following a high-level meeting of the Officials of DoNER and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, where both Sikkim MPs were also present, the Ministry has began taking action on development projects for Sikkim. As a first step, funding for retrofitting and beautification of the cremation area in Jalipool (near Ranipool), in East Sikkim has been sanctioned.

Earlier the MPs had met the Minister of State (IC) DoNER, General (Retd) VK Singh. “This multi-crore project will give the area a facelift, including environmental upkeep, and will restore dignity for the final journey of departed souls. The project will be implemented in a transparent manner with multifaceted consultations by

the Govt. of Sikkim,” said PD Rai, Lok Sabha MP. “I am sure that all sections of our Society will be happy by this approval which has come about due to the intervention of the Hon'ble Chief Minister in New Delhi," he said.

The pace of decision making has speeded up significantly under the new Modi-led Government at the Center. This quick approval of funding for an important social project comes as a reinforcing expression of commitment by the Center towards the development of Sikkim after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented endorsement of Sikkim's achievements in Organic Farming.

Innovation in Tourism, New Careers for Youth Top Chamling’s Agenda: PD Rai

PRESS RELEASE

Press Secretary

Office of PD Rai, Lok Sabha MP for Sikkim

SDF’s 5th term in Government will see new career paths getting created for the youth and remarkable innovation in tourism, says PD Rai commenting on the Governor’s address that spelt out the priorities of the Pawan Chamling-led administration.

Statement:

As the Governor said today, connecting Organic Mission with Eco-Tourism adds a new dimension of innovation to Sikkim’s Tourism strategy. Tourists, especially those who visit our home-stays, will not only enjoy Sikkim’s remarkable beauty but also get a chance to taste our organic produce. I’m sure that when they return home, they’ll tell their friends and family about it. This will give a fillip to both Sikkim’s Organic Brand and it’s Tourism.

This is the logical next step to promote the Chamling-led Government’s two great achievements - organic farming and eco-tourism - especially after the unprecedented endorsement by PM Narendra Modi. PM Modi had hailed Sikkim as a model for the entire north-east saying, "If a small state like Sikkim can do it, why can’t we dream of developing the whole of our north-east as an organic state? The Government of India will help it in capturing the global market."

The fact that the Center is eager to develop low-cost airports and promote connectivity to smaller towns means that Sikkim will be one of the first beneficiaries. The Governor’s address also pointed out that a fast, time-bound, and well monitored program for execution of National Highways will end the stagnancy of the past. This is a clear indication of this Government’s resolve to accelerate road construction and solve connectivity issues in this term.

Better connectivity will boost the upcoming flagship tourism projects that the Governor pointed out in his address: Development of the Buddhist Tourism Circuit, Statue of Ban Jhakri at Jhakri Dunga, Skywalk at Bhaley Dhunga, Development of Phamdong Waterfall along with a Ropeway, and the Water Park and Picnic Spot at Sumin Lingzey and Sikkip.

Another thing that stands out is the focus on creating new career paths for the youth within the Skill, Scale and Speed framework. Eco-Friendly Industrialization, Eco-Tourism linked to Organic Farming, and new Hospitality Infrastructure, all supported with Skill Development and Capacity Building will create several new avenues for our youth. High-Priority placed on Information Technology Education will also help create knowledge-based jobs.

The Government’s plans to setup academies in the fields of Archery, Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing and Wushu will lift the morale of Sikkim’s sportspersons engaged in these sports and give them the platform they need to participate in national and international tournaments.

There is now a renewed confidence that with a new Govt. at the center which believes in ‘Cooperative Federalism’, we will see a resolution of our long pending demands of seat reservation for Limboo-Tamang communities, ST status for all left-out communities, Tribal Status for the whole of Sikkim and brining HH 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ugen Trinley Dorjee to take his seat at Rumtek Monastery.

Thanks letter to the photographs send in 1969 to Bridgette Aurora

(THIS LETTER IS SEND BY GHANASHYAM PRADHAN TO HIS THEN SCHOOL FRIEND BRIDGETTE AURORA WHO HAD GIFTED HIM PHOTOGRAPHS OF MUSSOORIE DURING THEIR SCHOOL DAYS AT WYNBERG- ALLEN SCHOOL IN 1969.)

Dear Bridgette

                      Thanks for those photographs of Mussoorie which was supplied through your kind consideration. Those nostalgic days have to be ............
                                                                         ..............Remembered
                     Rest ok from this side. Hopefull of the best days for you and your family. Do try to contact through email ever.

                                                        Ghanashayam Pradhan
                                                           (June 22, 2014)

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