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

The Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur was something I didn’t know much about until my team and I found a hotel nearby. We had just arrived in Udaipur, Tripura , for a week-long North-East Chess Tournament (December 17-21). When we got to the Udaipur Railway Station, I was surprised by its palace-like structure. I couldn’t believe I was in North-East India and not in Rajasthan ! There were 45 chess players in total, along with over 60 parents cheering us on. Our team from Singtam included nine players from Mt. Zion Academy and East Point SSS. While looking for hotels, we stumbled upon the footsteps of Mata Bari , the home of the Tripura Sundari Temple, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas . The area around the temple reminded me of Chaurasta in Darjeeling , and there were plenty of shops selling Pera , a sweet that devotees like to offer as prasadam . Nearby, we discovered Kalyan Sagar , a lovely pond filled with different kinds of fish and tortoises. Devotees often feed the fis...

  25.12.24, Singtam : The young chess players of the town of Singtam have made a significant impact at the 22nd North East FIDE Chess Tournament held at the Sports Complex in Udaipur from December 17 to 21, 2024. Manasvi Acharya and Palak Agarwal , students from Mount Zion School, finished third in the Under 11 girl’s category and fifth in the Under 9 girls’ category, respectively. Additionally, three players from Singtam— Arnav Rai , Ayan Rai , and Akshay Anand received ratings under classical chess norms. A total of nine players represented Mount Zion School and East Point Senior Secondary School . The players' scores were as follows: Ayan Rai: 5/9, Manasvi Acharya: 4.5/9, Suyog Shital Pradhan: 4.5/9, Yedhant Agarwal: 4/9, Aarav Pradhan: 3/9, Prashanti Dhungel: 2.5/9 and Palak Agarwal: 2/9 (all from Mount Zion School); Akshay Anand: 4.5/9 and Dhrubajyoti Saha: 2.5/9 (both from East Point Senior Secondary School). These talented players are part of the Knight Chess Academ...

December 12, Singtam : Dongeythang Primary School celebrated its Annual Day joyfully and enthusiastically. The highlights included the distribution of felicitations, mementoes, certificates, and cultural and sports events. Shri Suresh Kumar Tamang , President of Singtam Nagar Panchayat, and Shri Uttam Pradhan , a Cinestar and Sikkim State Awardee , were the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively. Other distinguished guests present on the occasion included Shri Sherap Dorjee Bhutia , President of CLC ; Smt. Dhan Maya Sharma ; Smt. YM Sharma ; heads of different schools; former retired teachers; officials from Panchayats and ICDS ; members of SMCs ; the Parent Teacher Association ; school staff; parents; and students.  Suresh Tamang, the Chief Guest of the day, addressed the audience, encouraging parents to enroll their children in government schools to avail themselves of various scholarships. He also appreciated the school for organizing different initiatives for the ...