INAUGURATION OF FREE COACHING CAMP FOR HCMMS ASPIRANTS AT RONGLI JHS

RONGLI, DECEMBER 19: On 11th December 2017, in the presence of Hon'ble Zilla Adhakshya, EDZP, Shri Samsher Rai as the Chief Guest, BAC level free coaching camp for HCMMS aspirants was inaugurated at Rongli JHS. The 15 days long coaching camp will end on 26th December 2017.

The camp is being organised with the active involvement of Deputy Director, HRDD Rongli Sub-division, Shri Dorjee Sherpa, Assistant Director, HRDD, Regu BAC, Shri Narad Chettri, other officers & staff of HRDD, and head of the institutes of all government schools under Regu BAC. The inaugural function had the presence of Deputy Director, HRDD, Rongli Sub-division, AD, AEO, Coordinators of HRDD, Regu BAC, head of the institutes, teachers and the guardians of the students who are availing of the coaching facility.

Chief Guest Shri Rai appreciated the efforts of HRDD officials of Regu BAC & Rongli Sub-division and all who are involved in this noble initiative. He assured that provide all possible help to support towards making this camp a success. The inaugural function which was coordinated by Shri K P Dawari, CRC ended with the vote of thanks proposed by AEO, Shri K N Pradhan.

Sikkim Newar Guthi Youth Affairs screens Euta Kura

GANGTOK 18.12.2017: Sikkim Newar Guthi Youth Affairs (SNGYA) promoted the short film "Euta Kura" - Sikkim Pledge for Swachh Bharat Mission was premiered at Manan Kendra, Gangtok on December 17. Tulsi Devi Rai, Minister, of Social Welfare presided as the Chief Guest for the evening. The guests included Tilu Gurung, MLA Namthang Ratepani constituency, Shyam Pradhan MLA Arithang constituency, Uttam Pradhan, Chairman, Sikkim Film Board, Sawan Pradhan, President, Singtam Nagar Panchayat, Maya Devi Bareily, Bhaskar Basnet and others. Deepanjali Pradhan of SNGYA was the host for the evening. Hari Prasad Pradhan, Sikkim Newar Guthi, Vice-President welcomed the crowd and shared information about the film.

The programme included Cultural programmes from Inspire Academy, Arithang, Sadam Newar Sakha and Sikkim Student Newa Pucha. Yogendra Pradhan on behalf of Sikkim Newar Guthi thanked the crowd for their presence in his vote of thanks. He also mentioned the names of all the sponsors who supported us and briefed us about how to commit ourselves to making our Sikkim clean & Green. It was a small effort of Sikkim Newar Guthi youth affairs to promote local youths who worked on the movie and also to circulate the message of Swachh Sikkim across our state which is a vision of our Hon'ble Chief Minister.

RES Rongli celebrates 6th Annual Day

SINGTAM, DECEMBER 14: Riverine Elementary School, Melatar, Rongli celebrated its 6th annual day with joy and enthusiasm on December 12. Samsher Bokhim, Zilla Ashyaksha, 20th Chujachen was the chief guest on the occasion while other distinguished guests included KN Pradhan, AEO Regu BAC, Shem Pradhan, Panchayat, Changeylakha, Mohan Chettri, Panchayat, Dalapchand, KN Pradhan, Retd RO, Dilip Pradhan, members of SMC, guardians and others. 

Bikki Rai, Principal of the school read out the annual report of the school. Rai informed the gathered crowd of the participation of the school in different activities. Students passed out the academic examination with good marks, he added. Rai further announced it was a proud moment that the school managed to win second prize at the Junior Division Dance Competition at the famed Lampokhari Festival. The highlight of the day was the prize distributions to the students who have excelled in different fields both scholastic and non-scholastic. The musical performance by the students and the teachers of the school was highly enjoyed by the gathered audience. Six former teachers of the school were felicitated on the day. The skit by Kartabhya was highly appreciated by everyone. 

KN Pradhan, Retd RO, Guest of honour appreciated and congratulated the entire team of the school for the beautiful and successful program. Other people to speak on the occasion included Shem Pradhan, Panchayat, Changeylakha, Mohan Chettri, Panchayat, Dalapchand, Dr. Sushen Pradhan, Chairperson of the school and Mohan Rai and SMC Representative. Speaking on the occasion, Santosh Pradhan, Academic Head thanked every individual for making the event successful. He further announced admission for the new session has started and there will be more opportunities to the students to perform with the introduction of the ‘learn with fun’ method

Sikkim Newar Guthi Youth Affairs promotes ‘Euta Kura’

GANGTOK, NOVEMBER 7: Praja Pradhan directed ‘Euta Kura’, a short film on “Swachh Bharat Swachh Sikkim” and ‘A New Tourism Destination in Sikkim’ a documentary based on bungee jumping is being screened at Manan Kendra, Gangtok on December 17. The show is organised by Sikkim Newar Guthi Youth Affairs. Pradhan is a popular film personality from Sikkim who had so far been associated with more than 30 Nepali films, documentaries, short films, music videos and others.

“Euta Kura- Sikkim Pledge for Swach Bharat Mission” is shot at different parts of Sikkim with performances from local artists as well as popular personalities of Sikkim including Chunilal, Ghimirey, Kishor Dungmali, Gopal Baraily (MLA) and Timoty Rai to name few. The short film pledges an effort from Sikkim to make our small state ‘Clean and Green’ which is also a vision of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. Swachh Sikkim Campaign was initiated in Sikkim in 2003, 13 years before the Swachh Bharat Mission was started. It was the vision of our Chief Minister we had been able to reach many milestones and had been an inspiration for many. Euta Kura focuses on spreading these Swachh Sikkim messages to the society. 

Similarly, the other documentary introduces bungee jumping as new tourism destination around Sang-Nazitam and in Sikkim as a whole. Sikkim Newar Guthi Youth Affairs is a youth wing of Sikkim Newar Guthi set-up at Gangtok earlier this year and have been working for the development of its society at all the corners of the state. The Voice of Sikkim is the official digital media partner for the event.

Sikkim Philatelic Society receives two silvers at National Philatelic Exhibition

SINGTAM, DECEMBER 7: Ganesh Pradhan, President Sikkim Philatelic, and Numismatic Society (SPNS) had congratulated both Roshan Prasad and Vivek Yonzone for grabbing silver medals each at recently concluded INPEX 2017 held at World Trade Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Pradhan in his words had said both the philatelists had brought laurel and recognition to the society. Prasad from Singtam and Yonzone from Darjeeling won the medals in the Thematic Philately Category with their 5 exhibits on THE STORY OF CRICKET and ELEMENTS OF MUSIC respectively. 

SPNS was represented at the exhibition by Surya Kanta Biswas, Patron from Murshidabad, and Vivek Yonzone from Singhmari, Darjeeling. The Society is in its eleventh year. Based in Sikkim, the members of the Society are from places like Sikkim, Darjeeling, Siliguri, and North Bengal. “INPEX 2017” National Philatelic Exhibition was organized by “The Philatelic Society of India” in association with the Indian Postal Department and The Philatelic Congress of India to commemorate the 120th Foundation year at the World Trade Centre, Mumbai from 30th November to 4th December 2017. 

The event witnessed a display of more than 400 frames of Philatelic material with competition in many categories like Traditional Philately, Postal History, Indian Pre and Post Independence Stamps, Thematic Philately, school collections, and many more with almost 150 participants from all over India. There were special covers released as well.

Singtam Retired Employees felicitates two of its senior members

SINGTAM, NOVEMBER 19: Quarterly meeting of Sikkim Government Retired Employees Welfare Association, Singtam Branch was held at Nepali Dharamsala, Singtam. On the occasion, two senior retired persons were felicitated on the day for their contribution towards the society even after their respective retirements. Netra Prasad Dahal, former employee of Power Department had been retired for the last 28 years while Smt.Indra Basnet had retired 18 years back from Health Department. 

Sawan Kumar Pradhan, President, Singtam Nagar Panchayat was the Chief Guest of the day. Pradhan handed over the appreciation letters to the awardees. TB Pradhan, President SGREWA, Singtam Branch was the host of the day. Important talks and discussions were held for the betterment of retired government workers. 

Other people to talk on the day included LN Pradhan (Chief Advisor), Rinzing R Lhamu (Joint Secretary), PP Upprety (Treasurer) and others. Maximum numbers of members in and around Singtam attended the quarterly meeting that is held in every three months.

New Tinek Chisopani GPU Panchayat takes oath

Shantinagar, November 13, 2017: Members of Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti welcomed the newly elected five panchayats of Tinek Chisopani GPU (Shri Navin Rai, Shri Ramesh Gurung, Smt Karuna Moktan, Smt Anita Sewa and Smt Deepa Chettri) at Shantinagar. The Panchayats had returned from Gangtok after taking their official oath function. Around hundred party supporters from all the five wards and members of SGSS came together and offered them tika and khada. 

Krishna Chettri, President SGSS and host of the day congratulated all the elected panchayats and offered best wishes for the coming days ahead. Chettri, also a CLC Vice President of SDF Party from 17-Singtam Khamdong constituency promised them to provide support and suggestions from SGSS and the SDF party. 

Navin Rai, the first Panchayat President of the newly formed Tinek Chisopani GPU thanked the members of SGSS for their work and effort in creating the new GPU. Further, he said soon a Panchayat office will be opened and they will begin their services to help the people of this GPU. He further said all the Panchayats are determined to work for the betterment of the society and promised to follow the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling to make the state proud.

Karuna Gurung (Vice President , Tinek Chisopani GPU), Ramesh Gurung, Anita Sewa and Deepa Chettri thanked Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti in their respective addresses to the gathered crowds, they thanked for choosing them to lead the society and vow to work towards the development of their wards. They thanked the party for having faith and belief in them.

Elected Panchayats of Tinek Chisopani GPU celebrates victory rally

SINGTAM, NOVEMBER 6: Newly elected five Panchayats of Tinek Chisopani GPU along with Zilla Panchayat took a victory rally from Toppakhani Tunnel till Singtam Bazaar. More than nine vehicles along with SDF party supporters participated at the rally. The rally was organised by Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti. 

Deepa Chettri, winner of Shantinagar Ward-05 under Tinek Chisopani GPU made history when she defeated her rival with 151 votes to 18. Chettri became the first winner of the Panchayat election from the newly created Shantinagar Ward. Out of five wards, three wards were declared uncontested while the two wards had contest. Deepa Chettri in her Thanks-Giving address congratulated and thanked members of Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti along with its President – Krishna Chettri. She thanked SGSS for creating three separate wards at the created Tinek Chisopani GPU. The new Panchayat vowed to work for the development of their respective wards. 

Speaking on the occasion Krishna Chettri, President Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti thanked the state government for the creation of the new wards. He also congratulated all the Panchayats and the Zilla Panchayat and wished them success in days to come.

Danny Denzongpa - Gitanjali Thapa's Bioscopewala to be premiered at 30th Tokyo International Film Festival

Sikkim these days happens to be around Bollywood's corner. Priyanka Chopra produced the Nepali film "Pahuna" shot in Sikkim just made its presence at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. Now the biggest of all news for all Sikkimese fans, our Agya Danny Denzongpa's film ‘Bioscopewala’ directed by Deb Medhekar is completed and will be there at Tokyo International Film Festival this October. 

The film also features another talented National awardee Gitanjali Thapa from Sikkim.

Pic: Mid-day.com

My anecdotes with NB Bhandari

 

I still remember RB Subba, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development Department of Sikkim, during his recently concluded Teacher’s Day speech at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok said, “…..this year is a sad one as one of my teachers passed away who had taught me at my elementary classes. A teacher with whom I fought against and defeated in his last political battle. He was none other than NB Bhandari, former Chief Minister of Sikkim”. 

Nar Bahadhur Bhandari, three times Chief Minister of Sikkim, passed away two days before my 39th birthday day in New Delhi (July 16, 2017) after a prolonged illness. I was in shock like most of the Sikkimese and Nepali-speaking population, it was just a few weeks back a letter written by Mr. Bhandari to Bhim Rawat, President of Press Club of Sikkim had surfaced on Social Media regarding his words on the ongoing Gorkhaland issue. It seemed he would come back to support the movement of the Gorkhaland. 

Returning to my childhood, I don’t remember the exact year; it could have been the late 80s. But I somehow recall it was his birthday, the birthday party of Mr. Bhandari, the then Chief Minister of Sikkim. I accompanied my father and his hospital staff to the party somewhere in Gangtok. I saw people everywhere, and I could move my eyes around. Happy celebration mood across, and I had never seen such huge gatherings. People were standing in a queue, offering khadas to HIM; I, too, was among them, looking around at HIS smiling face, waiting for my turn.

 

 

I was given a khada by my father. As I was about to offer my khada, HE surprised me by putting my khada around my neck. HE asked for an envelope (I still remember it was a brown envelope) from a person nearby and handed it over to me and said ‘mithai khanu’. I never knew what to do with it, so I moved a few steps further, went near a corner, and looked inside. It was a hundred rupees note of five. I was very happy, almost on cloud nine. With joy around, returning home, I just recalled when I would visit him again on his next birthday! 

The year passed by, and the D-day arrived. It was the birthday of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, and Bua was there again to accompany me to the party. Like the previous year, my visit was nothing but the expectation of that brown envelope – which, to be very frank and with sadness, I did not receive, nor did I see anyone near HIM. Though there was unhappiness around my face and my heart, the charisma of the party was something to be seen. I had never come across such celebrations for ages now. In between, many years later I learned about him more from my mother. I was told HE was a teacher at Rongli before joining politics; he and his family used to stay in a rented room at Aja’s place. Even today, when I enter THAT room, I can feel the aura of presence. 

In my growing years, I was always fond of hobbies, and one such hobby was autograph collecting. In 2003, despite little hope, I wrote to a few of Sikkim's leaders for an autograph, and to my surprise, I received two letters within some time, one from BB Goorong, the shortest reigned CM of Sikkim, and one from Mr Bhandari.

My second meeting with HIM was at STNM Hospital, Gangtok, a few years back. My father was kept in one of the private wards of STNM Hospital. I heard Bhandari Sir was admitted to the next ward. I wanted to meet him, but I was hesitant. 

Breaking my hesitant, I went inside the room. I greeted Namaste and went near HIM. There were four people around, and HE greeted me with folded hands. Bhai lai chinnu sakinah, he told. I replied I am the grandson of Siba Narayan Pradhan from Rongli. CB (Siba) Gurubau, he said to which I nodded my head. He told me about his days at Rongli and his bonding with Aja. As I talked with HIM, a man came and asked HIM for his identity card so that he could complete the hospital discharge form. 

He handed over a card. A little later, that man returned, claiming the nurse wanted a voter card and no other card. He laughed at that man’s words and said, "This is a Member of Parliament Identity Card that your Chief Minister also does not have." Smiling back, he gave his voter card to that person. I, too, bid farewell. He told me to introduce myself whenever I came across him. 

That was Nar Bahadhur Bhandari, three times Chief Minister of Sikkim, one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India. During the first death anniversary of my grandmother, held at our home in Shantinagar, Singtam, earlier in March, HE arrived. I did not go near him but clicked his few photographs with Dhaba and others. That was the last time I saw HIM.

Triplet born in STNM Hospital

It is not often that you hear of triplets born in Sikkim, and when it happens, it is news. Three girls Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati, named after the great rivers, this triplet was born in the centenary year of the STNM Hospital, Gangtok, on September 27, 2017. Born to the couple Man Bahadhur Tamang and Sapna Tamang from Lingmoo near Yangyang, South Sikkim.

Interestingly, her mother told her that the ultrasound report did not mention the triplet. She was brought to the hospital in the evening, and the babies were born the next day.  The eldest of the girls weighs 2,600 gm, and the other two 1,800 gm

Video : The Voice of Sikkim

5th LEGISLATORS’ MEET AT THE SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT VI, AIZAWL

September 22, 2017, Aizawl: The Sixth Edition of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit organized by the Integrated Mountain Initiative annually, concluded at Aizawl on the 22nd September. The three- day long Summit was a platform for discussion and brainstorming of ideas and solutions for issues surrounding its two major themes- Climate Change and Sustainable Mountain Cities. A Meet of the Legislators from across the Indian Himalayan States held under the aegis of the Summit was a grand success. 

The Meet was chaired by the Hon’ble Speaker of Mizoram State Legislative Assembly, Shri Hiphei and co- chaired by Member of Parliament from Sikkim, Shri PD Rai, themed ‘Climate Change- Impacts and Way Forward’. The Meet saw the active participation of 8 Members of Parliament from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam and Uttarakhand, 19 Members of Legislative Assemblies including two Ministers and Deputy Speakers from all 11 Mountain States. 

Shri Hiphei, Hon Speaker, drew the attention of the Delegates to the issue of Climate Change and adverse impacts due to excess rain. He said that for floods adequate relief measures were in place however, for landslides no such mechanisms were available. Hence, said that this must be looked into immediately. He looked forward for interesting debate and discussion over the next few hours. He thanked IMI for the bringing this meet and also thanked all the Legislators who made their presentations in Hindi. He said that the MSLA was enriched and the dignity of the Assembly enhanced by this. Shri Rai reflected on the value of the IMI platform and the Legislators Meet. He said that the increasing interest of the Legislators in the meet showed the usefulness of the conversations that were happening amongst Legislators. He said that this meeting was by far the most in terms of participation. 

The Keynote Speaker Dr. Mandira Kala, from PRS Legislative Research drew the attention of the Legislators towards challenges facing the region, cross sectoral impacts of climate change at the level of constituencies and need to strengthen Policy framework on Climate Change. All the legislators present participated in the discussions. The discussion surrounded challenges, legislative measures already present in states and necessary future action. Some of the issues raised by the Hon MPs and MLAs were - recent series of extreme climatic events such a heavy rains, floods and landslides affecting the region; policy Framework by the Center often does not take into account that the increased cost of infrastructure projects in the North Eastern Region; lack basic infrastructure such as hospitals and schools in far flung areas of most Mountain States and adverse impact of climate change on main drivers of economy such as agriculture and tourism. 

A set of policy initiatives and reforms were put forward by the Legislators. So me of the suggestion were that traditional knowledge preservation has to be actively boosted in order to live in harmony with nature; consideration of the green bonus of 2% of Gross Budgetary Support to States, recommended by the BK Chaturvedi Committee; an integrated Ministry for Himalayas as a solution going forward; adequate fund allocation is required to make farmers shift to sustainable farming practices; need to formulate policies to accommodate probable influx of climate refugees from our neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and focus on renewable energy has to be enhanced. 

Shri Conrad Sangma, MP, summarized the ideas that came out of the animated meeting. He also read out the Aizawl Declaration and was supported by all members with thumping of desks. Sikkim's MLAs, Shri Choppel and Shri T. W. Basnet attended the meet and also participated in the deliberations. The Legislators' Meet concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Aizawl Declaration 2017, centered around re-engineering State Action Plans for Climate Change; engaging more at the Constituency Level; working closely with Universities for Research; stepping up disaster preparedness and intervention and oversight by Legislators in the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies

Images of Sikkim Newar Guthi election 2017

Candidates of Sikkim Newar Guthi election 2017

How to change Whatsapp language setting?

I never knew when i hit the 'hindi' language button on my Whatsapp setting. Since then trouble, trouble and only trouble. Tried to show it to everyone i knew but with little help. I went through all the phone surfing until i found it and i am here to share it. 

Open your Whatsapp settings then go to chats then inside the top flank you have App Language. whew!! that's it. Now it seem easy but earlier its was itchy!

Rotary Club of Gangtok Confers Nation Builder Awards 2017 to Teachers

Engineers build bridges, Doctors save lives, and Police ensure law & order, but the teacher builds all of them; in that sense, they are the true Nation Builders. Acknowledging the efforts of the teachers, who are the True Nation Builders, is crucial. Rotary India Literacy Mission's Nation Builder Award recognizes one outstanding teacher from a school through an evaluation process that involves the participation of the Principal/ Head Teacher and 10 students for each school. This year, the Rotary Club of Gangtok chose 25 schools in East Sikkim and evaluated the teachers of these 25 schools. 

The 25 outstanding teachers of these schools were awarded the Nation Builder Award by the Rotary Club of Gangtok after a brief citation presentation program of the Club with Joint Director East, Human Resources Development Department (HRDD), Govt. Of Sikkim, Mrs Tshering Keyee as chief guest at Hotel Tara Palace, they all received recognition in front of the Honourable Governor of Sikkim, Shri Sriniwas Patil, Minister of HRDD, Shri R. B. Subba, and a host of other dignitaries in the State's Teacher's Day Function organized by Human Resource Development Department at Chintan Bhawan on 5th September 2017. 

Members of the Rotary Club of Gangtok were also present at the occasion. They felt that by honouring these outstanding teachers, they also paid tribute to their own teachers and encouraged the teacher fraternity to do even better.