Sikkim's Rahul Gurung Emerges Victorious in 21st North East FIDE Rating Chess Tournament

27.10.23, Itanagar:  Twenty-one-year-old Rahul Gurung from Gangtok, Sikkim, won the coveted title at the 21st North East FIDE Rating Chess Tournament, held at Dree Ground, Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh.

Gurung's outstanding performance earned him a cash prize of one lakh, an impressive trophy, and a distinguished certificate. His strategic prowess and dedication were on full display throughout the tournament. This was his third title win after 2018 and 2019. 

Players from Assam demonstrated commendable prowess, claiming the second and third positions in the fiercely contested event. The competition saw 351 participants hailing from the eight states of North East India, showcasing the region's burgeoning talent and passion for chess.

Another standout performance was delivered by Rohit Gurung, also from Sikkim, who clinched the sixth position and was awarded a cash prize and certificate, recognizing his exceptional gameplay and tenacity.

Additionally, Thendup Tamang and Prakhar Dangar were awarded as the best two Sikkimese players, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. They were presented with cash prizes, along with well-deserved certificates, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the tournament. More than 30 aspiring chess players representing the Sikkim Chess Association participated. 

The event, which commenced on October 22, 2023, was a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and competitive excellence that characterizes the North East FIDE Rating Chess Tournament. It brought together some of the brightest talents from the region, underscoring the vibrant chess community in North East India.

Sikkim Philatelists wins two silver and three bronze at TARAIPEX 2023

16.10.23, Singtam: Sikkim Philatelists achieved remarkable success at the two-day TARAIPEX 2023, a District Level Philatelic Exhibition organized by the Department of Posts at Ramkinkar Hall, Dinabandu Manch, Siliguri. In the senior category, Depen Pradhan secured a silver and a bronze medal for his exhibits “India Pre-Independence" and ‘Indian Freedom Struggle through Philately’. 

Similarly, Sishir Pradhan and Shital Pradhan each received a Bronze for their exhibits 'The World of Football' and 'Special Covers of Sikkim', respectively. Master Avishu Pradhan, a student of St. Joshep, Rhenock won a silver in the Junior category for his exhibit 'Stamps on Personalities'. Roshan Prasad, the other philatelist from Sikkim was in the invitee class. 

Philatelists from North Bengal including Darjeeling, Siliguri and Cooch Behar and, Sikkim participated in the exhibition. The two-day program also featured a Letter Writing Competition, Sit and Draw competition, Magic Show, and a Quiz Competition for the attending students. Eight schools from Siliguri participated in these events. 

A special cover commemorating the 100 years of Jalpahar Post Office, Darjeeling, was released on the first day, and a booklet (stamp holder) was released on the second day. Rajesh Jhunjunwala and Aranya Dutta Choudhary, eminent philatelist from Kolkata were the jury of the exhibition. 

Ganesh Pradhan, President, SPS has congratulated the Sikkim team for their success. Through this press release he also thanked and congratulated Sudeep Mandal, Inspector, Philatelic, Siliguri HPO for the wonderful event.

94th Foundation Day Celebration at Kumari Pema Tsedeun School, Rongli

The 94th Foundation Day of Kumari Pema Tsedeun Government Secondary School, Rongli (formerly MKPT School), was celebrated on September 29, 2023, with great pomp and show. Mr. Bishnu Kumar Khatiwara, Minister for Culture, Printing and Stationery, Government of Sikkim, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Mr. K. B. Rai, Area MLA, 20 CHUJACHEN Constituency, Mrs. Laden Lama, President of Pakyong District Zilla Panchayat, Mr. Sujay Gurung, Member of Regu-Premlakha Territorial Constituency, along with the family members of Late Maharaja Kumari Pema Tsedeun (Princess), were amongst the Guests of Honour.

Panchayat members, officers from the Education Department, RM&DD, social workers, well-wishers, retired teachers, retired government officials, SKM Party Functionaries, and generous trustees of the school, namely: Mr. Nima Wangdi Tamang, Mr. Pema Wangchuk Bhutia, Mr. Dhiren Gopal Shrestha, Mr. Khush Gopal Shrestha, Mr. Navin Tamang, Mrs. Junu Pradhan, Mrs. D. K. Pradhan, Mr. B. N. Pradhan, and Mr. B. P. Rawat, as well as Mr. Suren Kumar Pradhan, Principal of Govt. SSS, Rhenock, Mr. Pramod Pradhan, Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Melli, Mr. Krishna Subba, Principal of Alpine Vocational Govt. Degree College, Dentam, Mr. Ganesh Kumar Chhetri, HM of Govt. SS., Mulukey, and Mrs. Shreya Pradhan, the former Headmistress of the same school, along with other School Heads, also graced the occasion.

Members of the Sikkim’s Royal Family, including Sem Sem Sonam Dolma Yapshi Pheunkhang (the eldest daughter of Princess Pema Tsedeun), Pempola Sey Kusho Jigmee Wangchuk Yapshi Pheunkhang (son of Princess Pema Tsedeun), and Sem Sonam Yangchen Dolkar Yapshi Pheunkhang (the youngest daughter of Princess Pema Tsedeun), along with her two daughters and son-in-law, honoured the event with their esteemed presence. Their attendance added a touch of regality to this momentous occasion.

On the same occasion, the beautiful School Anthem, written by Shri Uddhav Gopal Shreshtha, a famous poet of Nepali literature, was also launched. Further, Mrs. Shabnum Golay, the Headmistress of the school, presented the annual school report for the academic session 2022-23. Mesmerizing song presentations by Mero Voice Universe winner Pritam Rai and Sargam Sikkim winner Sushma Dahal, colorful traditional dance performances by the students, felicitations to the retired teachers, presentations of awards and certificates to the meritorious students, and a grand reception of the guests by the school's pipe band were the highlights of the programme.

The school acknowledges its sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, Special Guests, trustees, and all the supportive well-wishers for their extended cooperation."