Sabitra Bhandari and the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship Semi Final Victory

In the world of women's football, the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship has been a hot topic of discussion. The Nepal women's football team, led by the trailblazing striker Sabitra Bhandari, made headlines with their stunning victory in the semifinals, where they defeated India. This victory has brought the team into the limelight and highlighted the incredible talent and determination of players like Sabitra Bhandari, Priti Rai, and Rekha Poudel.

Sabitra Bhandari: The Trailblazing Striker

Sabitra Bhandari, affectionately known as Samba, hails from the picturesque village of Pamchowk in Lamjung, Nepal. At just 23, Bhandari has made headlines as the all-time highest goal scorer in Nepalese football history, netting an astonishing 49 goals and solidifying her status as the highest woman goal scorer in South Asia.Her journey began humbly, playing with boys in her village, where she first learned to hone her skills. “I never felt weaker than the boys,” she recalls, her voice tinged with pride. “Football was my passion, and I embraced every challenge that came my way.”

The Journey to the Top

Bhandari made her international debut at the tender age of 17 during the 2014 South Asian Football Federation Championship, where she scored just minutes after stepping onto the field against Bhutan, helping her team clinch an impressive 8-0 victory. “That moment changed my life,” she reflects. “It was the start of something beautiful.”Her journey took her beyond Nepal's borders, leading her to the Indian Women’s League, where she played for Sethu FC and later Gokulam Kerala FC. Here, Samba flourished, scoring at an incredible rate and leading her teams to championship victories. “I fell in love with the game all over again in India,” she admits, her eyes sparkling with the memories of her achievements. “The competition was fierce, and it pushed me to be better.”

Breaking Barriers

Bhandari's success is not just measured by goals; it is about breaking barriers. She has faced stereotypes and prejudice as a player who prefers a boyish haircut and attire. Yet, she wears her identity with pride. “People often called me ‘dai’ or ‘bhai’ because of my looks, but I never let it define me,” she says with a chuckle. “I am Sabitra, and I play football.”Her recent move to the French club En Avant Guingamp marks another milestone in her career, making her the first Nepalese player to compete in a European league. “It’s surreal,” she exclaims, excitement bubbling over. “I hope to inspire young girls back home to dream big and chase those dreams relentlessly.”

The 2024 SAFF Women's Championship

As she prepares for the upcoming SAFF Women’s Championship final, Bhandari’s eyes are set on a new goal: leading Nepal to its first-ever championship title. “We’ve fought hard to be here,” she declares passionately. “This is our moment, and I believe we can achieve it together.”

With every match, goal, and challenge, Sabitra Bhandari continues to forge her legacy—one that transcends football. She inspires a generation to believe in their potential and, most importantly, to embrace their authentic selves. As she steps onto the pitch, the world will be watching, rooting for the girl who dared to dream beyond borders.

The Inspiring Journey of Posakey Primary School (2005-2015)

Adapted from the article written by Tsewang Choden Sherpa, 

teacher Posakay PS published in the Decadal Issue of the school magazine

Posakey Primary School, established in 2005 under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), is a beacon of hope and commitment to education in the remote region of Chujachen under Rongli Sub-Division, Sikkim. The school was set up with the goal of providing quality elementary education to children aged 6 to 14, with a focus on eliminating educational disparities and creating a nurturing environment for young learners.

The story of Posakey School began when intellectuals from the Human Resource Development Department (HRDD) of the Government of Sikkim, along with the local Panchayats, worked together to find a suitable piece of land for the school's construction. Thanks to the dedication of local leaders like Mr. Uttam Gurung, the groundwork for the school was established, and the school opened its doors on March 2, 2005.

Initially, the school faced significant challenges. Without a permanent building, classes were held in rented rooms provided by the landowner, Mrs. Ganga Maya Pradhan. The classrooms had limited resources, with carpets and chairs serving as the only furniture. The enrollment at the time was 17, and the school started with just two classes: pre-primary and Class I, with only one teacher, Ms. Tsewang Choden Sherpa.

As time went on, more teachers joined the school, including Mrs. Pushpa Pradhan and Mrs. Ranju Bhutia, who helped strengthen the teaching staff. Despite their limited experience, the teachers worked with great enthusiasm, helping the school run smoothly. In 2007, construction of the new school building was completed, allowing for better infrastructure and more spacious classrooms.

The school also faced financial hardships, with teachers often managing expenses for school supplies out of their own pockets. Despite these difficulties, they persevered, focusing on the holistic development of the students. In 2009, the arrival of Mr. Amrit Thakuri as the headmaster marked a turning point for Posakey Primary School. He brought new energy and ideas, implementing initiatives like English-speaking sessions and the motto "3G"—Grow, Glow, and Go—to improve education quality.

Under the leadership of Mr. Thakuri and with the support of HRDD officers, the school progressed from a lower primary school to a full-fledged primary school. New activities were introduced, including annual educational excursions, cultural events, and co-curricular activities to provide a joyful learning experience for the students. The school even organized an Annual Prize Day to celebrate the achievements of its young learners.

The dedication of teachers and headmasters has led to recognition from various educational authorities. In 2015, Mr. Lalit Kumar Sharma and Mr. Netra Kumar Pradhan transferred, marking an irreparable loss, but the school continued to thrive, adapting to changes and finding new ways to grow. The perseverance and passion of the school staff earned accolades, including a prestigious National Award for the headmaster in 2013, which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team.

Today, Posakey Primary School stands as an inspiring example of resilience and community-driven development in education. The school has adopted innovative teaching methods, such as print-rich classrooms, reading corners, and a child-centered approach, all aimed at fostering holistic growth and a love for learning among the students.

"Plants by cultivation, men by education." Posakey School truly embodies this spirit by cultivating the minds of its young learners and empowering them for a bright future.

Remembering Major Durga Malla: A Tribute to a Gorkha Hero

Major Durga Malla, the first Gorkha soldier in the Indian National Army (INA), devoted his life to India's independence. Born in July 1913 in Doiwala near Dehradun, he was the eldest son of Nb Sub Ganga Malla. At the age of 15, he was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March, which sparked his vocal opposition to British rule. By 18, he had joined the 2/1 Gorkha Rifles in Dharamshala, aligning himself with the INA under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose by 1942. His exceptional skills and dedication earned him the rank of Major and a vital role in intelligence operations.

On March 27, 1944, while gathering enemy information, Malla was captured near Kohima. Tried and sentenced to death at the Red Fort in New Delhi, he faced coercion from authorities to confess his rebellion. Even under immense pressure, including the presence of his wife Sharda, whom he had married just three days before being recalled to duty, Malla remained resolute. His final words to her emphasized his faith in India's future: "The sacrifice I am offering shall not go in vain. India will be free."

At Kalimpong

Malla was executed on August 25, 1944, a date now observed as Balidan Diwas (Martyrs' Day) by Gorkhas across India. In 2004, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveiled a statue honouring him at the Parliament House Complex, with dignitaries in attendance. Additional statues have been erected in Garidhura village and in front of the Darjeeling Municipality.

In a further tribute to his legacy, India Post issued a commemorative stamp on January 23, 2023, celebrating Major Durga Malla's contributions to India's liberation. His life inspires us, reminding us of the sacrifices made for freedom.

The Legend of Tendong Hill

Tendong Hill is a legendary name in Sikkimese culture, steeped in history and spirituality. Rising 8,350 feet in the Himalayas, it is located about 20 kilometers from the town of Namchi. This sacred mountain holds a special place in the hearts of the Lepcha people, who share a powerful story of survival—the tale of the great flood, a legacy echoed in cultures worldwide.

Today, Tendong is celebrated during the Tenmdong Alho Rum Faat Festival, a beautiful occasion of gratitude for the mountain’s protection during that devastating deluge. I had been searching for the oldest published reference to this story when I discovered an account from Among the Himalayas by Major L.A. Waddell, published in 1900. This tale highlights the connection between the Sikkimese people and their natural surroundings.

Long ago, when only the Rong (or Lepchas) inhabited this land, a terrible flood struck. The waters rose swiftly, drowning everyone in the valleys and covering all the mountains except for two: the peak of Tendong and its northern neighbor, Mainom.

The few people who managed to escape to Tendong watched in sorrow as Mainom disappeared beneath the waves. This is why it is called ‘Mainom’ (or Ma-ptom), meaning ‘The Disappearing Sister.’ Even today, the echoes of those who drowned can still be heard from Tendong, which stood tall above the flood.

As the waters kept rising, they threatened to swallow Tendong as well. Desperate, the terrified survivors prayed earnestly to the mountain for help. In a miraculous moment, the mountain answered their pleas, lifting itself even higher and keeping them safe above the raging waters. That’s how Tendong earned its name, meaning ‘The Uplifted Horn.’

Eventually, the floodwaters receded, and the people rejoiced, their hearts filled with gratitude for Tendong’s protection. 

In bygone days, these words echoed as the high priest chanted in the local language while offering to the mountain spirits:

"Ki-ki so-so la-so-lal Lka-gyal-o! Dud-pam-bol!"

(Pray accept our offering! The spirits are victorious! The devils are defeated!)

Since that day, the Rong have honored and worshipped this mountain, seeing it as a symbol of hope, safety, and the strength of their ancestors. This story of resilience and faith continues to inspire the people of Sikkim, reminding them of their deep connection to nature and the enduring spirit of their heritage.