Member of Parliament calls on Hon'ble Governor Shriniwas Patil

 Press Release

• Discusses the opening of the Nathu La - Mansarovar route and its implications
• The governor reiterates maintaining peace is a high-priority

Gangtok: September 27, 2014

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Shri Prem Das Rai called on the Hon'ble Governor Shri Shriniwas Patil this morning at Raj Bhawan as a courtesy call.

Hon'ble Governor discussed matters relating to the welfare of the people and the development of the state with Shri Rai.

They also discussed at length the landmark agreement between India and China to open an alternate route to Mansarovar and Mount Kailash through Sikkim’s Nathula pass. The Hon'ble Governor noted that this would create many new opportunities for the youth of Sikkim to exploit in tourism and other sectors. He noted that this was a long-standing demand of the Chief Minister with the Centre.

He emphasized the need to move in this direction and create the capacity amongst the youth to ensure the maximum extent possible of livelihoods for the people of Sikkim and such opportunities. Shri Patil also offered several suggestions that the Government will consider.

The Hon'ble Governor expressed happiness that the State Government has prioritized preparedness for this unique opportunity and reviewed the ground conditions. He was referring to the Hon’ble Ministers' visit to Nathula yesterday.

The Governor reiterated that Sikkim's peace and tranquility must be maintained at no cost. The Lok Sabha MP informed the Hon’ble Governor on several other important issues, especially the functioning of Parliament. He also said that many experts will be coming to the State to assess Sikkim's organic status, which would ultimately benefit the state's farmers.

Sawney Primary School joins ‘Swacha Bharat Abhiyan’

SINGTAM, SEPTEMBER 27:  Sawney Primary School, West Pandam, East Sikkim, joined with the rest of India to observe Prime Minister Narendra Modi's month-long nationwide "Swacha Bharat Abhiyan” from today. A cleanliness drive along the school premises was observed. Mohan Pradhan' Neeraj’, Headmaster of the school, spoke about the importance of the day in a small program held at school premises. 

Cleanliness has always been our primary concern in school, and we are happy that this time, we are observing a nationwide program, said Pradhan. He added that every student has the opportunity to be an example in society, and he encouraged each individual to be prepared for it. He further spoke about having better hygiene for improved personality development.

Padam Gautam, a teacher, spoke about the significance of cleanliness, while Ganesh Pradhan, a teacher, talked about the impact of cleanliness on the environment. BR Subba, CB Chettri, Nandu Sharma, and Tulshi Pradhan, teachers, also gave brief speeches on the topic. Teachers and students are assured to make this month-long program a successful one. They echoed, ‘Today’s students for today’s society’.

RGKA participants congratulated

SINGTAM, SEPTEMBER 24:  Mahesh Dahal, Headmaster of Sakyong Chisopani JHS, congratulated his students for successfully participating in the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, which was held at Khamdong on September 18 and 19. A small program was held at the school premises, and the participating students were presented with medals.

The GPU level Under 16 boys & girls sporting events had participants from Khamdong GPU, Simik Lingzey GPU, Sirwani- Chisopani GPU, and Dungdung-Thasa GPU falling under the Khamdong Block Administration. Boys and girls participated in boxing, archery, badminton, Kho-kho, and football games. The students of Sakyong Chisopani JHS, representing Sirwani Chisopani JHS, won the football final, defeating their rival GPU team by two goals to one. 

Roshna Gurung, a class vi student, placed first in an archery event. In addition to the football and archery events, the boys of Sakyong Chisopani JHS were runners-up in the Kho Kho event. The school girl’s team placed third in the Kho Kho competition and collected bronze medals. 

 

The winners of football and archery events, along with the runner-up boys' Kho Kho team, will now represent Khamdong Block in the next level of competition, which will be held in Gangtok next month. Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Dahal, Headmaster, said he felt very happy that his schools had made the Sirwani Chisopani GPU proud. 

Dahal added, " We have high expectations from our students in the next round of competition." He also congratulated Yogesh Gurung, Coach of the school team, and Romila Rai, Team Manager.

Kho kho played at Block Level Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan at Khamdong

 

Boxer Jaslal Pradhan in Block Level Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan at Khamdong

Photo Feature of Indra Jatra 2014 :The Rituals

Singtam celebrates Indra Jatra

SEPTEMBER 09, 2014: The State Level Indra Jatra Celebration at Singtam marked a historic moment. It was the first time that the Kumari Devi’s puja had been performed outside Gangtok in the last five years. Singtam, the busiest town in Sikkim, takes the honour of receiving the Kumari for the first year; it has been announced that Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of the Newar community, shall travel to different places of Sikkim for the coming eight years, and shall return to Gangtok thereafter.

The Indra Jatra event was organised by Sikkim Newar Guthi and hosted by the Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014, Singtam. The festival was held in two phases: the morning (ritual) session and the second (cultural) session.

 
Somnath Poudhyal, Area MLA cum Minister, Food Security & Agriculture & AHVS was the Chief Guest of the morning session that included Indra Rath Poojan and Kumari Jatra. The puja was performed by Parampujiya Guruji Shri Shri Suryabir Tuladhar from Swayambu Mandir, Gangtok. Thousands of Newars from different corners of the state had visited Singtam, the event venue. Sagoon (Samay-baji) was offered to every individual after completing the puja.

Distinguished guests present on the morning occasion included Bikram Pradhan, Chief Whip, Government of Sikkim; AK Ghatani, Minister, Health Care and Family Welfare and IPR; Uttam Pradhan, Chairman, Song, Dance, Drama and Film Board; Indra Pradhan, Chairman, State Welfare Board; councilors of Singtam Nagar Panchayats; and guests from Nepal, Darjeeling, Jaigoan, and others.

 

Kumari Jatra, the highlight of the Indra Jatra Celebration, had a procession that moved through the Singtam bazaar and returned to the venue. In their traditional costumes, the Newar community carried banners of their respective gut and participated in a huge gathering. Lakhey Dance was performed in the streets of Singtam for the first time. On returning back to the stage, bhoj was offered to the gathered crowds.

Bikash Pradhan, a Newar Language Teacher from Namthang SSS, gave a brief introduction to the day and discussed the importance of Indra Jatra and Kumar Puja in the Newar community.

The afternoon session started with the arrival of Ugen T Gyatso, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, who also was the Chief Guest of the cultural event. The highlight of the second session was the release of ‘NEWA’, a documentary on Newar Language and Culture. The documentary was made by Badhaichha Creation, Singtam. The Chief Guest and other guests released the DVD, and the unit team of ‘NEWA’ was also offered khadas by the Chief Guest on the stage. The documentary offers the simplest means of speaking newar language and learning cultural knowledge. Praveen Pradhan and Shital Pradhan directed the documentary.

The Chief Guest and other guests were offered newar topi and mementos from the Sikkim Newar Guthi. TB Pradhan, President of Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014, Singtam, gave the welcome speech. Pradhan shared his experience with an opportunity to organize such a huge responsibility on his shoulders. He thanked every individual for their support.

The participants from Namchi Sakha Guthi, Dentam Sakha Guthi, Melli Dara Sakha Guthi, and Gangtok performed different cultural programs. Rajendra Pradhan from Namchi, Pushpan Pradhan from Doars, and Arun Pradhan from Singtam entertained the crowds with their thrilling voices. On the occasion, Smarika, Indra Jatra Samaroh 2014 was also released.

In a speech, Bikram Pradhan, Chief Whip, Government of Sikkim, shared his experience and the blessing on Indra Jatra. He spoke about the Government's role in developing the Newars of Sikkim. Somnath Poudhyal, Area MLA cum Minister, Food Security & Agriculture & AHVS applauded the achievements of the Newars in Sikkim in his words. He said it is an example for society. 

Ugen T Gyatso, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, added that the Indra Jatra festival should be acknowledged as a tourism festival. He further said Singtam has managed to keep the prestige and status of a state-level Indra Jatra. Prakash Pradhan and Jayashree Pradhan were the Master of Ceremonies of the program.

Promo of “Newa’ released

SINGTAM, SEPTEMBER 6: NEWA, a documentary based on the Newar Language and Culture produced by Badhaichha Creation, Singtam, was officially released at the Production House Office at Singtam. Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj,’ Sansthapak and Singtam Basibiyalo clicked the video file that was uploaded to YouTube. 

Present on the occasion were Praveen Pradhan, Managing Director, Badhaichha Creation, and his members, including Bikash Pradhan, Shital Pradhan, Pramod Pradhan, Pranay Pradhan, and others. NEWA documentary will be released at the Indra Jatra celebration on September 8th at Golitar, Singtam. The documentary features Uttam Pradhan, a famed actor in Nepali cinema, along with Newari dance performers from Dentam Sakha Guthi. It also focuses on learning the Newar Language, which was designed by Bikash Pradhan, a Newar Language teacher from Namthang SSS. 

Bikram Pradhan, Chief Whip, Government of Sikkim, and Rohit Kr. Pradhan, President Sikkim Newar Guthi, Gangtok supported Badhaichha Creation's efforts and shared their messages to the Newar community through this documentary. 

Biren Lama shot and edited the documentary, while Suresh Thapa was his technical assistant. All the artists in the documentary are from Sikkim.

Badhaichha Creation brings “NEWA” on Indra Jatra

SINGTAM, SEPTEMBER 4: Badhaichha Creation, Singtam, has created a documentary aptly named “NEWA” based on Newar Language and Culture. The documentary will be officially released on the auspicious occasion of Indra Jatra at Singtam. Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of the Newar community, is being held for the first time outside Gangtok. The event was held under Sikkim Newar Guthi and organized by the Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014.

Praveen Pradhan, Managing Director, Badhaichha Creation, Singtam, said in a press release, "We have considered this project keeping in mind that we need to conserve our culture and traditions. We feel proud to say that Sikkim is the only region in the world where the Newar language is recognized as an official state language, and for that, we shall always remain grateful to the Chief Minister of Sikkim."

Uttam Pradhan, famed actor and now Chairman of Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance, and Film Board, played a pivotal role in the documentary. The Grammar portion used in the documentary is written by Bikash Pradhan, the first Newar language teacher of Sikkim. He is now working at Namthang SSS, South Sikkim. His grammar book is taught in different Government schools in Sikkim.  

The concept behind the documentary was to make available the easiest way to learn the Newar Language. We have designed an elementary Newar speaking course based on Newar grammar, and we believe this medium will help any individual interested in the Newar Language. Besides that, we have focused on Newar household items and a couple of cultural knowledge.

The teams behind this project are Praveen Pradhan, Managing Director, Badhaichha Creation, Singtam, Mohan Pradhan ' Neeraj', Sansthapak Singtam Basibiyalo,  Bikash Pradhan, International Newar Culture performer and Newar Grammar writer from Namthang, South Sikkim and Shital Pradhan, blogger, Proud to be a Sikkimese.