Proud to be a Sikkimese: Sikkim Travel, Culture & Local Heritage

FIRST IN SIKKIM SERIES: 27.05.23, BORDANG, WEST PANDAM - Pritam Shilal , a resident of Bordang, West Pandam, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first International Referee in Boxing from the state of Sikkim . This remarkable achievement comes after Pritam completed the IBA 1 Star R&J Course organized by the International Boxing Association, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from April 3 to 8, 2023. Pritam's journey began in 2018 when he completed the National level 1st Star R&J boxing referee course in Dergaon, Assam. He displayed exceptional dedication and talent, subsequently pursuing and completing the 2-Star R&J and 3-Star R&J courses. His expertise as a referee has been witnessed at various regional and national-level events, including the North East Olympics, East Zones, Elite Nationals, Khelo India, and National Games. Recognizing his outstanding abilities, Pritam Shilal was honoured with the title of Best Referee at the Sub Junior Nationals held in ...

Gangtok, Sikkim - The National Institute of Newar Language and Culture (NINLC) proudly presented the successful culmination of its first batch of students with a vibrant cultural event held at Manan Kedra on 24th June 2023. The event, named "Jhigu Tajilai," was organized by the students themselves and showcased the rich heritage and traditions of the Newar community.  The NINLC's one-year-long course, initiated by the Sikkim Newar Guthi, aimed to preserve and conserve the invaluable Newar Language and Culture. This historic batch comprised Newar students from various parts of Sikkim, reflecting the institute's commitment to inclusivity and the wider representation of the Newar community.  The highlight of the event was the enthralling performances in the Newar language. The talented students showcased traditional Newar dances, mesmerizing Newar songs, captivating recitations of Newar poems, and even shared their personal experiences at the institute, all delivered elo...

RANGPO, SIKKIM - June 25, 2023: Smt. Ambika Pradhan, a Lady Health Visitor (LHV) at STNM Hospital, Sochakgang, was warmly welcomed by her family members and esteemed organizations at Atal Bridge, Rangpo upon receiving the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Award for the year 2023 in New Delhi from the President of India.  Returning to Rangpo, Smt. Ambika Pradhan was greeted by a heartfelt reception organized by Shiv Lata Pariwar, named after the Late Siba Narayan Pradhan and Late Nirlata Pradhan. The event was attended by over sixty family members who celebrated her remarkable achievements. Smt. Ambika Pradhan, is the grand-daughter of Shiv-Lata and the daughter of Late Ghanashyam Pradhan, the eldest son of Shiv Lata.  During the program, members of her family presented Smt. Ambika Pradhan with a shawl, a memento, and an Appreciation Letter, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession. Additionally, members of Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti expre...

Sikkim Newar Guthi is very delighted to congratulate the legendary Olympian, International Boxer, Arjun Awardee Shri Capt. (Retd) Jas Lal Pradhan for announcement of Establishment of a Boxing Academy in his name by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri P.S. Golay (Tamang) at 6th Youth Men’s National Boxing Championship 2023 held at Indoor hall, Palzor Stadium Gangtok.  Words cannot even express our thanks, but Sikkim Newar Guthi is so grateful and sincerely expresses deepest gratitude to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri P.S.Golay for establishing a boxing academy in the name of Shri Jas Lal Pradhan.

Singtam, 16th June 2023 - Singtam Badminton Club (SBC) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim for granting ownership of the Badminton Hall at the top floor of the New Shopping Complex, located at Lal Bazaar Singtam. This significant announcement was made during a press conference held at the Badminton Court, Shopping Complex, Lal Bazaar, where Dr. JB Gurung, President of SBC, emphasized the club's commitment to the promotion of badminton in the state since 2019. Since its inception, Singtam Badminton Club has continuously strived to elevate the sport of badminton, resulting in numerous achievements for both the club and players from Singtam and beyond. Notably, the club successfully organized two consecutive State Level Badminton Competitions, attracting renowned players from distant states such as Assam and West Bengal, as well as participants from neighboring Nepal. Looking towards the future, Singtam Badminton Club has ambitious plans for fur...

Namchi, Sikkim - June 14, 2023 - Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti (SGSS) was honoured with a memento and certificate from the World Book of Records, London, and an International Life Saver Certificate from the National Integrated Forum of Artists & Activists (NIFAA), a national-level organization based in Karnal, Haryana. The esteemed accolades were presented to Krishna Chettri, President of SGSS, at the Samvedna Certificate Distribution ceremony held at Officer's Club, Namchi.  The event, organized by NIFAA Sikkim State, celebrated the successful completion of the Largest One Day Blood Donation Campaign, acknowledged by World Book of Records, London that took place on March 23, 2021, in multiple locations across India, including Sikkim. The campaign witnessed an impressive participation of 1,27,675 registered individuals, resulting in 97,744 units of blood being donated.  The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Sushri Kavita Sapkota, Additiona...

Singtam, Sikkim - June 9, 2023 - Members of the Sikkim Government Retired Employee Welfare Association (SGREWA), Singtam Branch, gathered together to honor and felicitate four outstanding students from Government Secondary School, Singtam, for their exceptional performance in the recently concluded Board Examinations 2023. The event took place at the premises of Singtam SSS. In a heart-warming gesture, two school toppers from Class X and two from Class XII were presented with khadas, and bestowed with mementoes as a token of appreciation for their exemplary dedication and commitment to academic excellence. Master Aditya Chettri (Humanities, 91.6%) and Miss Anjali Kumari (Commerce, 90.6%) emerged as the top two school toppers in Class XII. Meanwhile, Miss Sonia Kumari (94.4%) and Master Emmanuel Waiba (87.6%) secured the highest percentage scores in Class X. Pic: Dharmu Singh Darnal Recognizing the collective efforts of Government Secondary School, Singtam, in nurturing and guiding...

Long ago, before 45 BC , the Roman calendar was a bit of a mess. The year started in March and only had 10 months, which made it only 304 days long. Then, a Roman king Numa Pompilius added two more months, February and January , which made the year longer, about 354 or 355 days. Pic: Amazing Planet But there was still a problem. In 450 BC , they moved February to where it is now, between January and March. They also had to add an extra month sometimes to make up for the missing days. This extra month was called Intercalaris or Mercedonius , and it had either 22 or 23 days. Later on, they realized that the years were too long. So, every eight years, they dropped seven days from the calendar to make it better. This made each year about 365.375 days long. To fix all these issues, a calendar reform was needed. In 45 BC, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar , which is the basis for the calendar we use today. But before they could start using it, they had to fix the old calenda...

Singtam, June 4, 2023 – Suyog Shital Pradhan, a nine-year-old student of Mt. Zion, Kid Zee Singtam, was congratulated by the Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti (SGSS) for his participation at the 2nd KP Guha Roy Memorial Chess Tournament in Jalpaiguri. He participated at the Under 10 category and Open category. SGSS members, led by Krishna Chettri, President of SGSS, visited Suyog's residence to offer their congratulations and present him with khadas, expressing their best wishes for his future endeavors. SGSS has always come forward in the upliftment and encouraging every individual for a better society.

Singtam, June 5, 2023 – Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti (SGSS) enthusiastically joined hands with the global community to observe World Environment Day. The day was marked by a significant tree plantation drive, with over 200 saplings being planted along the scenic Rani Khola Walkway in Shantinagar, Singtam. The program was graced by the presence of Shri Sanjeev Chettri, Range Officer from the Singtam Forest Department, who served as the Chief Guest. Krishna Chettri, President of SGSS, presented a traditional khada to the chief guest, while also highlighting the various activities undertaken by the organization as part of its green mission. During his speech, the Range Officer praised the commendable efforts of SGSS and expressed his assurance of full support from the Singtam Forest Department. He acknowledged the significance of such initiatives in preserving and nurturing the environment for future generations.

Shantinagar, June 1, 2023 - The members of Shantinagar Gaon Sudhar Samiti (SGSS) warmly welcomed the newly transferred Khamdong Block Development Officer, Shri Sawan R Dhakal, in a short meeting held at the residence of Shri LN Pradhan in Shantinagar. The meeting, organized by Shri Krishna Chettri, President of SGSS, was attended by Smt. Deepa Chettri, Ward Panchayat, senior advisors,and other members of the organization. Members of SGSS offered khadas to the new BDO. During the meeting, the Block Development Officer congratulated and presented khadas to two SGSS members. Smt. Tara Pradhan, a retired teacher, was felicitated by the Sikkim Teacher's Association, while Shri Shital Pradhan was promoted to the position of Head Master PS. In addition, the SGSS Student Meritorious Grant 2023 was awarded to Sushri Upashna Chettri, a member of the organization. The grant, valued at six thousand rupees, was generously sponsored by Shri LN Pradhan, who has been contributing to the Meritoriou...