Singtam Sakha Guthi celebrates Kwati Punhi; felicitates International Medalist Bhawika Pradhan

12.08.22, Singtam: Members of Newa Bhay Bowneykuthi, Singtam Sakha Guthi observed the Kwati Punhi Festival at Nepali Dharalsala, Singtam. Highlights of the festival celebration included launching the organisation's magazine, felicitation program and the special newar dish Kwati served to all the invited audiences.

The Chief Guest, Shyam Kumar Rai, Assistant Director, Government Food Department, Singtam along with Nirmal Pradhan, President, Sikkim Newar Guthi and other distinguished guests released Jhigu Saa, the annual magazine of Newa Bhay Bowneykuthi. The activities of NBB, Singtam Sakha Guthi since its formation in December 2018 were published.

The other guests present in the celebration included Ujal Pandey (MEO Singtam Nagar Panchayat), Kishore Chettri, Bindhya Subba and Yad Kumari Bishwakarma (all Councillors), Ganesh Pradhan (Food Inspector, Singtam), Sundar Rai (AEO Duga BAC), Prashant Pradhan (Chairman NHPC), Suresh Kr. Pradhan (Principal Singtam SSS), PB Subba (HM, Sakyong Chisopani JHS), MK Pradhan, Advisor, SNG, Dr Sushen Pradhan, (General Secretary, Sikkim Newar Guthi), Raj Pradhan (GS IJC), Binita Pradhan (CEC, SNG), IK Pradhan, (CEC SNG), MK Pradhan, (Exam Officer, SSTRB), Tinku Adhikari (President Singtam Motor Transport Welfare Drivers Association) and members of Sikkim Newar Guthi and Newa Bhay Bowneykuthi.

Karna Kumari Pradhan, a resident of Gangtok and her family had donated land for the construction of the Newar Mandir at Lower Tinek near Singtam. She was honoured with a citation for her noble gesture. Bhawika Pradhan, a Physique Model who had won the third position in the recently held 54th Asian Body Building and Physique Sports Championship was congratulated and presented with a memento. The Sister duo of Nisha Pradhan and Sarita Pradhan from Burung, near Singtam were also presented with a memento for the emerging entrepreneurs.

Anmol Pradhan sang a newar song while Ishmita Pradhan and Sushmita Pradhan presented a newar dance performance appreciated by the gathered audience. Dilu Pradhan readout her poem dedicated to Newars.

‘Kwa’ meaning Hot and ‘ti’ meaning soup were explained by DK Pradhan, a member of NBB, Singtam in his speech. He said Kwati is a hot soup made of nine sprouting beans, benefit to better health and a tradition carried out in the newar culture for ages.

Gopal Pradhan, President, Newa Bhay Bowneykuthi speaking on the occasion shared the journey of the organisation of four years. Nirmal Pradhan, President Sikkim Newar Guthi congratulated the efforts of NBB, Singtam Sakha for organising the event. Every Newar celebrates Kwati Punhi at their home to bring the community celebration under one roof is an achievement, said Nirmal Pradhan. Shyam Rai, the chief guest also admired the endeavour of the Newa Bhay Bowneykuthi for inviting different communities to celebrate the occasion. Prakash Kazi Sakya was the host of the day while Shital Pradhan was the host for the Mementoes presentation.

Rongli my birthplace

BY SHITAL PRADHAN A small hamlet in an eastern side Silent raush on its way, The old silk route, More older it look Upon which I stay, Hey that’s Rongli, Rongli my birthplace Years went by, years dried up, Yet the small village is as it was, Silent, peaceful and introvert Today’s picture of Rongli, Houses as station bogie, Looks a cradle, from Chujachen, Upon which the blue sky, As if I can touch thee, Roaring River, As the legend we hear, Still watch with glee, The terror of 1890 somewhat forgotten, Yet another terrorizing moment, 68 was the year… 1968, When sky too wasn’t pleased. That was Rongli, Rongli of the past. Playing along the Baar-Pepal tree, Hiding in the Shivalaya, Watching videos and aloft Is a decent memory, now? Sweet time in treasure, Yet when I am in Rongli, I am happy, in whither sweet. Rongli my birthplace !

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