Students of Tadong School from The Week magazine

Students of Tadong School from The Week magazine August 2002

Corona Virus, Sikkim ; the story retold

As I listen to the news of Prince Charles of Wales, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and others getting affected by coronavirus, I am worried about my small Sikkim. More than 190 countries are fighting against this deadly virus that started in Wuhan, China, at the beginning of January. We at Sikkim are blessed that we haven’t had any positive cases till now. On March 16, the state government came forward with a prominent decision to combat this pandemic disease.

At Shantinagar, Singtam

 

A notification was issued of closing down educational institutions along with those places of mass gathering, including gyms, cinema halls, public gatherings, government meetings, melas, casinos, pubs, religious functions, and others, until April 15, 2020. A major step was taken when Sikkim banned the entry of domestic tourists. After that, a series of notifications came to public notice in passing days, mentioning every precautionary measure and announcement. The screening of visitors and travelers from other states was started. Ban on entry of labourers into the State was also issued.

 

Prem Singh Golay, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, came forward and requested the people of Sikkim to avoid traveling beyond the state of Sikkim unless it was an emergency. Of the five check posts, three were closed (Rambam, Reshi, and Uttarey), and only Rangpo and Melli were opened, where medical checking facilities were made available.

 

The time came when Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation (March 19) and asked every Indian to join hands to fight against coronavirus with a junta curfew on Sunday, March 22. A self-imposed curfew for every citizen of India from 7 am to 9 pm to break the coronavirus chain from spreading further. In the evening, people were advised to clap their hands or ring a bell to honor those people who were doing their regular duties despite the disturbing news of the disease. Not in the history of India had a Prime Minister addressed the nation twice a week. Prime Minister Modi (March 24) came in front of national television and announced that India would be a total lock-down for the next 21 days.

 

When I am writing this article, the total number of positive cases worldwide with coronavirus so far is 597,262, death cases registered is 27,365, wherein Italy - 9,134, Spain - 5,138, and China - 3,295 are the top three most affected countries. Positively, the recovered cases give relief, and it is 133,363. In India, too, the positive cases have risen to 887, with the death toll reaching 20. Villages, towns, cities, and web pages are full of gossip and rumors. Rumors are given life by social media, and I do agree there are fears among people about this virus.

 

China announced its first death from the virus on January 11, followed by Thailand on January 13, which confirmed that the deceased had a visit history of Wuhan. Soon after, some of the countries also announced coronavirus-positive cases. Within no time, WHO, on January 30, announced this virus as a global emergency. On the same day, India, too, confirmed its first positive case.

 

Corona Virus is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 termed as SARS-CoV-2. This disease spreads through respiratory droplets through cough, sneezing, and surface-contaminated touching. The symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Muscle pain, sputum production, diarrhea, and sore throat. It is said that the virus can live on surfaces. The use to 72 hours. The use of masks is essentially suggested. Also, hand washing and covering while sneezing are healthy signs.

 

The two World Wars have never taken such a huge toll on human lives. Ultimately, I just pray and wish this phase to pass…very soon.

Happy 14th Birthday Bebay

Mann tah yaha aakorirahanchha

Jhyal batah…chitiz tirah heri nai rahanchha

Timro naam ko gunjan, yo mutu ma

Sadhainai dhak dhakai rahancha

Aankha kholda, timi harauney bichar

Aakhai nakholu nakholu, lagirahanchha

Mah maun, mero bhawana mah bhitrrai maun

Khai.. kasari timilay bhujney

Mann tah yaha aakorirahanchha

Jhyal batah…chitiz tirah heri nai rahanchha

Dearest Bebay - I love You

Life as a hostellers at St Xaviers, Pakyong (90s)

Bhutan's actor Sangay Tsheltrim to feature at Salman Khan's Radhe

Bhutan's actor Sangay Tsheltrim is playing the third villain in Salman Khan's much talked next release of 2020 'Radhe'. But sorry to say, web pages at internet is flooded with news that says Sang Hae (mis-pronounced) is a well known actor from Sikkim.

Sangay Tsheltrim, former Mr Asia silver medallist and gold medallist at the 50th Asian Body-building and Physique Sports Championships's debut film Singye from Bhutan was a big hit and he had won the best debut actor award.

Success story of Hariyo Makha initiative celebrated

SINGTAM, March 16: A felicitation program was organized at the school premises of Adarsh Vidhya Mandir (AVM), Singbel, East Sikkim on March 14. Shital Pradhan, a teacher and a blogger was the Chief Guest of the day. The event also saw the presence of B.B. Chettri (Headmaster, Dipudara Primary School), Lomas Dhungel (Founder cum Developer, Hariyo Makha), Bhim Prasad Nepal (1971 Bangladesh war veteran), along with SMCs, SHGs, students and locals.

The event was the celebration of the success story of Hariyo Makha initiative. Lomas Dhungel led Hariyo Makha initiative had shared his idea on upcycling plastics for book covers to Ajambari Self Help Group (Singbel) for a social experiment on cleanliness. For this purpose, a small Plastic Collection centre was established at Singbel in November last year. 

More than 300 volunteers including the public, students and teachers from 11 government and 2 private schools from both East and South districts had collected and donated around 30,000 plastic pieces that were up-cycled for making more than 2100 book covers of AVM. The schools included Makha SSS, Singtam SSS, Sonamati Memorial SSS, Bermiok Tokal SSS, Lower Samdong SS, Tumin SS, Kambal JHS, Singbel JHS, Bhirkuna JHS, Dipudara PS, Kokaley PS, Adarsh Vidhya Mandir and Bethesda Academy. Lomas Dungel won National Award last year for his initiative.

Assuming a weight of 5 gm per plastic, the idea led to a reduction in waste by 150 kg along with countless areas required for their disposal. In addition to cleanliness, the experiment also led to a new type of Seasonal Employment earning a total of Rs. 21,000 out of the works.  A part of the revenue is also expected to be utilized for the educational purpose of at least two female SHG members, said Lomas Dhungel.

Shital Pradhan, the Chief Guest of the day appreciated the efforts of the SHGs in completing their goals. He added such a program should be supported and shared with other parts of the state. The student volunteers and SHG members also received certificates from the hands of the Chief Guest. Other speakers of the day included B.B. Chettri and HL Adhikari, Principal, Adarsh Vidhya Mandir.

Roshan Prasad wins his first International Literature medal on Philately

SINGTAM, MARCH 8: Sikkim Philatelist Roshan Prasad added another feather to his International Philatelic medals when he bagged a bronze medal at the Stamp Exhibition EPAEX 2020 – Dubai held on March 3-7, 2020 at Dragon Mart 2, Dubai, UAE. He won his medal for his book – The Stamp Collector’s Dictionary. Eight countries had participated in the exhibition that was organised by Emirates Philatelic Association. 

Earlier he had won Vermeil in Saudi Arabia, two Silvers at Taipei and Dubai, and now his fourth medal too at Dubai. His three international medals were on his cricket philately while this year’s bronze medal was won at a literature class. In addition, he has also won four medals at National Philatelic Exhibitions. His book is also selected for the 37th Asian International Philatelic Exhibition NZ2020 to be held in Auckland, New Zealand (March 19 -22, 2020). 

Speaking on the occasion, Prasad likes to thank Javed Mohammad, Emirates Philatelic Association for all the support he has provided. He has also thanked Shital Pradhan, Secretary, Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society for being a mentor at this hobby. He is a member of the Emirates Philatelic Association and Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society.