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

Introduction:  Nestled in the heart of Itanagar , the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum stands as a testament to the cultural diversity and historical heritage of Arunachal Pradesh . This repository of knowledge and artifacts offers a captivating journey through the tapestry of the state's diverse tribes, encapsulating their traditions, artistry, and history. In this blog post, we will explore the mesmerizing displays of different tribes, the North Eastern States Gallery , and the invaluable historical archaeological findings that grace the halls of this remarkable museum.   The Diverse Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of indigenous cultures, with over 26 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes calling this state home. As you wander through the halls of the museum, you'll encounter meticulously curated displays showcasing the distinct cultural heritage of these tribes. From the vibrant fabrics of the Apatani to the intricate jewellery of the Adi ,...

In Ghoom, on the outskirt of Darjeeling is a Gorkha War Museum started by Hemant Pradhan. Pradhan, now in his early 60s had been collecting war artifacts related to the Gorkha regiments since he was 17 years old. Some of the highlights of the museum include 200 medals (including Shamana medal of 1891; Tibet medal of 1903-04; Abor expedition medal of 1911-12 along with First and Second World War medals), photographs, uniforms, and a surrendered Samurai sword. The ground floor houses the museum that displays artifacts in chronological order depicting the history of the Gorkha regiments (both Indian and British Gorkha regiments.) The first floor has the trustee office, the archives, a research museum, and a lecture and seminar hall. The terrace has a view deck where Mount Kanchenjunga can be viewed along with a park displaying history, busts of Victoria Cross (British army) recipients, and recipients of Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and other coveted decorations of...

I had long wanted to visit Rabindranath Tagore 's Museum at Mungpoo but was not able to do so. It was only on my recent third trip to Mungpoo. I could make my way to one of the historical museums of our hills. We, the staff from Sakyong Chisopani JHS , attended the funeral of our senior staff, Mrs. Geeta Pradhan's father to Mungpoo.  I had in mind that this time, I needed to visit the museum, so I made my Headmaster and other staff agree that we should visit the Rabindranath Museum. On our return to Singtam , after visiting Mrs. Pradhan’s house, we all visited this museum. Despite the drizzle, my enthusiasm to look inside the house drove me crazy. A locked gate welcomed us as we approached the museum; it was enough to give me a setback. A shout from the gate of the Government Quinine Factory nearby caught our attention, and we were told to stay back. That person gave a call from his mobile and shouted to us. He had informed the caretaker about our visit, and a man in hi...

 first published in SPARK magazine, edited by Shital Pradhan “…..his hunger never stops.” This often-repeated phrase echoed by many of his friends aptly suits the persona of Mr. Ganesh Kumar Pradhan. Known mostly among the associates as a humble and soft-spoken gentleman, this grandfather has so far successfully carved a niche of himself among the odds.                               His Ram Gauri Sangalaya, named after his parent’s name is a self-made personal museum that has in a short time capitulated his name and fame across the state and beyond. The three-story museum house has had visitors including the Governor of Sikkim Shri V. Rama Rao, numerous ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretaries, DGPs, High ranked officials from Army, and others beyond the state to have been to his home. Some of the noted personalities of ‘who is who’ of Nepal...

Ram Gauri Sangralaya from Rhenock had been selected to attend the workshop on Conservation of Wood and Textile and other Ethnographic objects at Bhopal. The five day long workshop started from January 19th till January 23rd was organised by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manv Sangrahalaya, Ministry of Culture Govt. of India, Bhopal. Speaking from Bhopal, Ganesh Pradhan, President of Ram Gauri Sangralaya told that they are taught about the importance of preserving the materials. They were taken to the museum out there and necessary information about its maintenance was provided. The participating organisation included groups from North East States and others, he added. Pradhan have thanked Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, Govt. of Sikkim for giving their museum an opportunity to attend such quality workshop that was very essential to them. Ram Gauri Sangralaya is represented by Ganesh Pradhan, Deepen Pradhana and Subhash Pradhan.