Sikkimpex 2026: North Point Academy and Cultural Philately Shine in Gangtok

11.03.26, Adampool, Gangtok: The state-level philatelic exhibition, Sikkimpex 2026, concluded with a vibrant celebration of history and heritage. A major highlight of the opening day was the release of two Special Covers dedicated to traditional Lepcha musical instruments: the Pumtong (bamboo flute) and the Tungbuk (plucked instrument), further cementing the event's focus on Sikkim’s indigenous culture. In a unique move to bridge generations, a Time Capsule Mail was also established; these special messages were sealed to be cleared exactly ten years from now, on March 10, 2036.

In the School Category, North Point Academy claimed the top spot (1st Mark) for their global theme, "Heal the World," followed by Reconocer Academy in 2nd and 3rd. The Senior Category saw Nilema Yonzone earn a "Large Silver" (LS) for "Women Empowerment," while Abhishek Prasad, Anand Yonzone, and Deepen Pradhan secured "Silver" (S) honors. Avishu Pradhan led the Junior Category with a Silver mark for "Stamps on Philately."

The exhibition showcased diverse talent from participants like Karan Barman, Anshu Rai, Sanchita Upadhyay, Sunita Gurung, and Sishir Pradhan. Veteran collectors in the Invitee Category, including Roshan Prasad, Uday Mani Pradhan, and Sabyasachi Burman, displayed rare treasures ranging from "The Story of Cricket" to "Tibet through Stamps."

Presided over by Jury Members Rajesh Jhunjhunwala, Vishal Sanganeria, and Manojit Chandra (Dy. Supdt of Posts, Sikkim), Sikkimpex 2026 successfully bridged the gap between traditional heritage and the younger generation of philatelists.

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JANHA BAGCHA TEESTA RANGIT

This was a national song of Sikkim sung in the Nepali language during the monarchy system. During the merger with India, the song got banned and later re-released. Two words on the 8th para, which earlier said 'Rajah rah Rani,' were replaced with "Janmah bhumi." This song was dedicated to the King and Queen of Sikkim. The song lyrics were penned by Sanu Lama, and the music was composed by Dushyant Lama. The song was first sung on the birth anniversary of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal on April 4, 1970, at Gangtok by Aruna Lama, Dawa Lama, and Manikamal Chettri. JANHA BAGCHA TEESTA RANGIT, JAHAN KANCHENDZONGA SEER YEHI HO HAMRO DHANA KO DESH, TAPAWAN HO PYARO SIKKIM INTERLUDE PHULCHAN YEHA AANGANAI MAA, CHAAP , GURAS, SUNAKHARI SWARGASARI SUNDAR DESH KO HAMRO PYARO PYARO JANMAHBHUMI JANHA BAGCHA…… BATASHLE BOKCHAA YAHA, TATHAGAT KO AAMAR WAANI ...

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