PRESS CLUB OF SIKKIM ELECTIONS HELD

Parasmani Dangal elected president of Press Club, Amit Patro as working president

GANGTOK, June 13: Editor, SAMAY DAINIK Parasmani Dangal was today elected president of the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) while Editor, SIKKIM EXPRESS Amit Patro was elected to the post of working president.
During the elections to the 12-member executive body of PCS conducted by the PCS Election Committee 2009 at the club premises here today, Hem Lata Gurung, Mingma Bhutia and Rajendra Pradhan were elected vice presidents, Ratan Gurung as culture secretary and Dilli Ram Dulal as assistant treasurer.
A total of 115 PCS members today cast their votes through secret ballot in the elections conducted for the remaining seven posts of the PCS executive body. Five posts were already declared unopposed. The five candidates declared unopposed were Bhim Rawat (General Secretary), Babbu Tamang (Treasurer), Anand Oberoi (Sports Secretary), Dhan Bahadur Rai (Literary Secretary) and Bijoy Gurung (Publicity Secretary). They were declared elected opposed by the Election Committee through its notification on June 11 after the process of scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination papers ended.
After the scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination papers ended on June 11, there were 14 candidates contesting for the seven posts of the PCS executive body.
After the time of voting ended at 3 pm, the votes were counted in presence of all the PCS members and the candidates by the Election Committee.
The PCS Election Committee 2009 was headed by Mala Rana Patro as chairperson with Pema Leyda Shangderpa and Suman Gazmer as members.
Milan Subba, Deputy Secretary from the State Information and Public Relations Department was present during the voting and counting process as Observer deputed by the State Information and Public Relations Department.
Later in the day, the Election Committee 2009 chairperson Mala Rana Patro and Observer Milan Subba handed out the certificates to the new 12 members of the executive body of PCS.
Meanwhile, the new executive body has expressed its gratefulness to the chairperson and members of Election Committee 2009 and the Observer for conducting the elections in smooth and fair manner.

Source: Sikkim Express

8 year girl fells victim to poisonous mushrooms CRH authorities harass family members for body release

GANGTOK, June 13: An eight year old child passed away and three other persons fell seriously sick after the poverty ridden family consumed poisonous wild mushrooms for dinner.
The family members of PB Rai hailing from the remote area of Chumbung- Chakung in West Sikkim had consumed the poisonous wild mushrooms for dinner last Monday.
According to the family members, they had been compelled to eat mushrooms collected from the wild as they have no other vegetables apart from rice grains.
The compulsion soon turned into a tragedy with Mr. Rai’s eight year old niece Nitasha Rai falling victim to the poisonous mushrooms and three other senior members of the family falling seriously sick.
The deceased was studying in class three and succumbed to food poisoning during treatment at Manipal Central Referral Hospital (CRH) here today morning. She was staying with her grandparents for study purposes. It is informed that the deceased child was a meritorious student.
The other three ill family members are under medical treatment at the hospital.
It may be recalled that four members of a Lepcha family including three children in Dzongu had died after eating poisonous mushrooms collected from the wild last month.
Meanwhile, the family members have alleged the CRH of acting cruelly to them during the post mortem formalities today. The CRH authorities had allegedly expressed their inability to conduct the post mortem as today was a ‘government holiday’.
“We were much hurt by the hurting words of the authorities here who told us to take the body only on Monday as today was a government holiday. We are from a very remote area and they did not understand our sorrows and problems”, said a family member.
The aggrieved family members had to struggle hard to get the post mortem formalities done and get the body of their niece released.

Source: The Sikkim Express

Jhalak Dikhla Ja jodi wows Gangtokians

GANGTOK, June 13: The Jhalak Dikhla Ja jodi today wowed Gangtokians with scintillating Bollyhood numbers like ‘Aila Re and Bidi Jalai le’, compelling the crowd to shake their legs despite the drizzle at the Paljor Stadium here this evening.
Taking a short break from the show, choreographer Sonia Jaffer, the force behind Baichung’s victory talked to Sikkim Express to share her dancing experience with the Sikkimese footballer during Jhalak Dikhla Ja contest.
In an exclusive interview to Sikkim Express today, Sonia said the dream of sharing a common platform with the football icon turned into reality when she was selected as Baichung’s dance partner in Jhalak Dikhla Ja.
“It was never too difficult for me to teach dance steps to Baichung. He is a very modest and down to the earth person and we always co-ordinated with each other perfectly,” she said adding that dancing with Baichung was a learning experience for her as well.
“During my stay in Kolkata while training with Baichung, I discovered that he would excel in dancing given some more time. Even Baichung’s wife Madhuri was also very supportive and treated me as one of the family members,” she said in smiles.
A mother of an eight year old daughter, Sonia revealed life after Jhalak Dikhla Ja has completely changed her. “Dancing has always been my passion and moreover, to get an over whelming response from the people inspires me to go on,” she further said.
Happy and surprised with hospitality showered on her in Sikkim, Sonia has made a point to visit the State with her family. “I feel relaxed and comfortable being in Sikkim,” she added.

source: The Sikkim Express

78th episode of Basibiyalo held

GANGTOK, June 13: The 78th episode of monthly literary programme Basibiyalo was held today at Sub-division Library Hall, Kalimpong.
The programme jointly hoisted by Shiba Chhetri ‘Sibu’ and Raju Bhgai was attended by more than 50 literary figures mostly from younger generation, informs a press release.
In the programme, which is organized every second Saturday here, CK Shrestha a reputed playwright was present as the guest who also happens to be the founder of this popular programme. Other figures included novelist Gyan Sutar, senior woman writer Sanumati Rai, BK Shilal, Samsher Ali, BR Raichamling, TN Subedi, Dr. Kamal Pokhrel, Mira Chhetri, Capt (Retd) Bhumi Raj Rai, Jit Maskey, Harka Pariyar, Manita Rai, Paras Sharma, Birendra Kharka, Dr. Din Dayal Agarwal, Navin Rasik, Sarita Samdarshi, Bishnu Bhujel, Subash Sherestha, and others who recited self composed poems and short stories.
While Hira Chhetri presented a travelogue regarding his recent visit to Hyderabad, CK Shrestha read out a portion of his forthcoming drama Dailo (Door). Sahadeo S. Giri, Editor Charitra, presented a new feature called ‘Jungle Talk’ based on a true incident before the audiences. An eight year old boy Prashant Khati of Pasting Tea Estate surprised the gathering by presenting two melodious songs. However, the main attraction of the programme was ghazals recited by Asim Sagar.
This time a sizeable number of guest literary figures from outside Kalimpong were also present on the occasion including Apsara Dahal (Burmiok, West Sikkim), Bijay Narayan Pradhan (Namthang, Sikkim), Puran Lohar (Siliguri), Sudesh Khati (Gangtok), Binod Chhetri (Gorubathan) etc. They shared literary items and personal views on various topics.
Binod Chhetri who attended the programme after a long span of over 12 years, in his address not only highlighted the role of Basibiyalo in development of Nepali literature but also pointed out its contribution to expose the talents of young generation. Samsher Ali also echoed his feeling and opined that such creative activities should continue in the society while Tshering Bhutia expressed the difficulties being experienced by the youths due to improper method of issuing Gorkha Certificates. According to Mr. Bhutia, though the Bhutias, Lepchas and other communities residing in the hills are regarded as the Gorkhas, they are, however, not in a position to get requisite Gorkha certificate. His view was responded by CK Shrestha, who being the working president of a national organization Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh assured to seriously look into the situation. There should prevail feeling of acceptance of other communities in the Gorkha community if we (the Gorkhas) want them belong to us, Mr Shrestha said.
Meanwhile, the programme decided to hold the 79th episode of Basibiyalo on July 11 at the same venue as Bhanu Jayanti special which will be hoisted by Samsher Ali.
It may be recalled that the Basibiyalo was started during early 90s by a few literary personalities of Kalimpong working in Gangtok.

source: The Sikkim Express

India encroached Nepal’s land, says CA delegations

Kathmandu, June 14 (ANI): Separate delegations of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly and Parliament have concluded that Nepal was encroached by India in Dang district. According to a Nepal News report, Amik Sherchan, chairman of the Committee for Protection of National Interest, was one of those making the claim. Padma Lal Biswakarma, the chairman of the International Relations and Human Rights Committee, heading the parliamentary delegation, also made a similar charge at a press conference in Dang Saturday. Both urged authorities in Kathmandu to start rehabilitation of those displaced by the unruly acts of Indian border security officials. The team told local journalists that Indian SSB personnel threatened, harassed and barred Nepalis from purchasing daily consumer goods from the bordering market. Indian government and some Nepali officials including Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala have denied any border encroachment. (ANI)

Physically challenged persons on a mission from Nepal reach Sikkim

GANGTOK: In their effort to set an exclusive record of wheel chair travelling through SAARC countries and also to gain first hand experience of the management of issues related to disabled persons and disability in various countries, a team of four physically challenged persons from Viklang Sansthan of Nepal led by Tej Bahadur Kaki reached Gangtok on 12th June.
Talking with media persons, Mr Karki said the present political turmoil in Nepal has disabled people from thinking for the welfare of the physically challenged persons, which resulted in the touring of SAARC countries.
“We will be submitting a report of all the activities being carried out in SAARC countries to the Nepal government once the tour ends,” he said adding “a total of 11 physically challenged persons from Nepal have set out in the tour without any assistance and support from the Nepal Government”.
After entering India via Pashupati, the team visited Darjeeling where Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung accorded them a warm welcome.
The team willl stay in Gangtok for five days.
In the meantime, a member of the group Ram Lochan Sai, who claims to be the Nepali Sai Baba was today not permitted to enter the Sarva Dhrama temple located at Balwakhani, few kilometres from here.
Ram Lochan Sai, it is informed, was told by the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation to return back from the main gate.
‘The Executive Committee of the Sathya Sai Organization has decided not to entertain any such persons claiming to be Sai Baba,” Lalit Gurung, the joint district president of the organization told Sikkim Express.
However, the organization has decided to provide food and shelter to the other four physically challenged persons during their five-day halt in the Capital. After their Sikkim tour, the team will be visiting Bhutan and Maldives next. Their journey in India includes visits to places like Kanyakumari, Thirivananthapuram, Chennai and Delhi.
Reports coming in from Namchi also inform that the same team accompanied by six volunteers reached the South District headquarter via Jorethang yesterday wherein they were welcomed by Patanjali Yog Samaj of Namchi.

source: The Sikkim Express

The Immortal Literateur: Balkrishna Sama & Laxmi Prasad Devkota

Dirgha Raj Prasai

Dirgha Raj Prasai is a former member of parliament in Nepal, former consultant of the administrative staff college of Nepal. He has written many books and articles, and is now a political analyst based in Kathmandu contributing to different newspapers and sites.

Literature and music are property of a nation. Nepalese laureates have significantly contributed to lead the country in creative path. Well known Sanskrit poet Kalidas says “Kavi karoti kabyani, ras jananti pandita” which means poet creates an epic and scholars enjoy it. Literature is mirror of present and future timeline. Music represents the present status. However literature guides present and future. Bhanubhakta, by translating Ramayana to Nepali language, not only contributed the extension of Nepali language but also united Nepalese people emotionally.

Hirdaya Chandra Singh Pradhan spreaded the message of improvement of the country and superstitious society. Lekh Nath Paudyal made aware the society to build its character. Great Poet Devkota leaded the country to freedom writing ” Beautiful, peaceful and great Nepal”. Balkrishna Sama enriched Nepali literature with his various drama and literatures. In one of great epic Chiso chulho (Cold stove), Sama spreads message of equity by showing the love of Sante Damai (lower caste) with Gauri of upper caste. Bhimnidhi Tiwari exposed the opportunistic characters and wrote that here (in our society) dogs are also worshipped. Similarly Dharanidhar Koirala made aware to Nepalese society. He says “Oh Nepal! Will I die seeing your smiling face or not”. In particular, he did his best for social betterment. Siddhicharan Shrestha uplifted national freedom and patriotism. Gopal Pande tried to change literature to pure creation. Similarly, laureates Lain Singh Bangdel, Surya Bikram Gyewali, Bhawani Bhikshu, Parasmani Pradhan and others contributed for increment of prestige of Nepal.

I never forget the great poet and dramatist Balkrishna Sama. I had been frequently meeting him since 1968 till he passed away. I visited him every Saturday. Still I remember as I missed the time, the honorable poet would search me. He used to ask me the reason of my absence. I have gone through all of his poems alluded in his drama’s book with doing acting. The poet also stressed anything necessary with the color of acting. The reader who goes through ‘Chiso Chulo‘ (Cold stove) and ‘Niyamit Akasmita‘ (Regular Casualties) knows the essence of life. He has written so many books as ‘Amar Sinha‘, Mutuko Byetha‘, ‘Mukunda Indira‘- having mission, vision and goals.

Many laureates and artists praise Balkrishna Sama for his great contributions. Here are few words quoted by artist Gehendraman Amatya. “Sama was colonial Nepalese army. He resigned from his post and served Nepalese literature. He joined the opposition group against Rana regime. He established himself as a successful laureate, dramatist and artist and became immortal figure. He created an art just observing the funeral at Aryaghat, Pashupati. He was called Shakespeare of Nepal. Sama hated foreign goods and loved native ones. After the revolution of 1950, he became Director of Extension Department. Later on, he also became first chief editor of Gorkhapatra (the first Nepali national daily newspaper).” One of his poems has left a profound impression in my life. The content of the poem was-‘ If the immortals descended from the heaven lying to the people, they will be down trodden for ever.’ Sama was born in February 10, 1903 (24 Magh, 1959 BS). He was very talented and great nationalist. Sama was nominated- the Vice chancellor of Academy and the member of the Royal council (Raj Shabha).

Though I could not meet the great poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, I had read him and was aware of his precious thinking and marvelous poetic characters. Devkota was a stanch democrat. He was born in 13 Nov, 1909 (1966 Kartik 27) on Laxmi Puja. He has written so many books to uphold democratic norms & values. He was a poet of nature having the great quality of patriotism. It will be a great achievement of reading Devkota’s Muna-Madan and Laxmi Essay Collections. The epic ‘Sulochana‘ leaves one deep impressing line as- ‘I am the king of the house though it is cottage.’

Nepalese literature has been blessed with the genius of romantic trends introduced with the rise of Devkota. His quest advocated human values, virtues and civility in nature. Devkota & Sama both are follower of Vedic period as well as western philosophy. Devkota was an extempore poet and Sama was a therapist. The topmost playwright, Balkrishna Sama, gave a new impetus to the Kalidas period of Sanskrit, being inspired by the Greek dramatist Homar and English scholor-poet Shskespeare. The poet Bhimnidhi Tiwari also made a great contribution in plays-writing.

In 1937 Nepali Bhasha Anubad Parisad (Nepali Language Translation Council) was established under the chairmanship of Balakrishna Sama and poets Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Madav Ghemire, Badarinath Bhattarai, Purna Prasad Brahman and Shyamdas Vaishnav were involved in the council. Devkota had a multi-dimensional personality. His activities were not limited only as poet, but he contributed in various fields. In 1957, Devkota became the minister under premiership of Dr. K.I. Sigh and played a vital role in searching appropriate land at Kirtipur for Tribhuwan University. After the restoration of democracy of 1950 we never forget poet-laureate – Lekhnath Paudyal, the great poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, dramatist Balakrishna Sama, the poet of era Siddhicharan Shrestha, Gopal Pande Asim, Bhupi Shercan. Those poets were of infallible character, never sold their soul, were ever free, spoke the voice of their conscience and never breached the nation. We, Nepalese people want such independent creators to born in today’s Nepal.

Some so called donors, with the help of black money, have established Literary Prize Funds. They are polluting the field of literature and society. Now-a-days it seems the field of literature is captured by such opportunistic pollutants. We want such nasty things would not repeat now and then. The literature shouldn’t be interfered by political dirtiness because it creates free opinion and innovative ideas. Therefore laureates are accepted as creators and forecasters of societal reform.

The  writer can be reached at email: dirgharajprasai@gmail.com

An Interview with Young Gorkha Boxing Sensation SHIVA THAPA

I WAS BORN TO BE A BOXER –Shiva Thapa

Mission 2012 London Olympics

He played soccer like any other next door guy, cricket never could fascinate him and barely at 7 he donned the boxing gloves that brought international gold medal for the nation and glory for the 16 years old boxer from Assam. Promising young Indian boxer Shiva Thapa in an exclusive interview with Nanda Kirati Dewan at his Birubari residence in Guwahati spoke his heart out. In a reply to a question “If not a boxer What would Shiva Thapa be?”….. After a pause with a sweet innocent smile “Sir, I was born to be a Boxer.” Recently Shiva won a bronze medal at the World Junior Boxing Championship in Armenia. Here are the excerpts of interview

Shiva Thapa, who bagged a Bronze medal in the recently concluded World Junior Boxing Championship 2009 held at Armenia seen given a heroes welcome by the Assam Amateur Boxing Association in the streets of Guwahati, Assam on 03-06-09.

NKD.:- Shiva, Congratulations for the laurels you brought for the nation and state!
Shiva.:– Its my pleasure and I m really honoured. Thank You Sir.

NKD. :- Shiva be formal…. No more Sir OK.
Shiva. :- No Sir…. I m OK.

Shiva with his parents Padam Thapa and Goma Thapa

NKD.:- But I m not OK dear … Shiva how did boxing happen?
Shiva.:- Initially like any other next door guy I too played soccer and I need to admit that I was good with soccer too. Later at one staged I tried myself with taekwondo also and I excelled in it too. But finally under my father I took up an individual game as my brother Gobind Thapa is also a boxer. I was only 7 years when I donned the boxing gloves.

NKD. :- Where were you trained initially?

Shiva.:- Intially I was trained in this room ( We are in the drawing room of  Mr. Padam Thapa’s residence where medals, citations, trophies, jhapis and other felicitated decorative items were decorated) by my father. I should say that my father Padam Thapa is a cultured sportsman and has this spirit even today. He is first coach. It was he who took me to Sports Authority of India(SAI), Guwahati and got admitted their for nurturing my talent at that time I was barely 7.

NKD. : – Technically boxing is known to be a power game. How does Shiva generate that power?
Shiva.: – The concept that boxing is a power game; I as a boxer totally disagree with it. Boxing is more a mind game. More than a healthy person an intelligent man with good fitness can take up this game. It is not that the hard hit gets point. Boxing today more than a power is a mind game.
I work out everyday in the gym, go for a morning walk early morning, eat lot of salad and drink adequate water. I avoid junk and oily food. I take a total balanced diet as suggested by my coach and federation. And the best part I practice everyday.

NKD. :- How do you plan your game in the ring? Not the secrets but the truths that every body has seen you?
Shiva:- There is no harm sharing secrets to you because game plan is always very flexible. It differs from game to game and opponent. For instance if my opponent is tall I would prefer to play like a tempo boxer. The best thing is to “Float like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee”- a famous quotation on boxing by the Great Md Ali.

All SMILES on his face

NKD. : – Then Shiva idolizes Mike Tyson? What do you like about him. How would you react on meeting him?
Shiva. : – Yes Mike Tyson has been my idol before I donned the boxing gloves. I saw him playing this game on television when I was 6 as my boxer brother used to watch it. I like Tyson’s respect and love for the game. He executes each punch so skillfully that he always tries gain a point from every punch he blows. His techniques are fabulous I wish I can learn his techniques in future. His will power and fitness is also enviable.
Meeting Tyson would be a part of dream coming true. However my dream and aim is only one to bag a gold medal at the Olympics donning the tri-colour for my country. I would love to meet him in any of the international event or at the 2012 Olympics. On meeting as per a tradition of my nation and Gorkha community I would bow before him and seek his blessing.

Shiva with his 1st coach his father Padam Thapa

NKD. :- I wish all your dreams comes true. The nation’s blessings and best wishes are always with you.
Shiva. : – Thank You. I would love to make my countrymen proud and I seek their prayers and blessings. I thank all my country men for their support till date I hope the shower of love and blessing would continue on me till I answer them with a gold medal at the Olympics and even there after….

NKD. : – What are you doing as of now other than boxing?
Shiva. : – I am 12th class student in Poona College. Academically too I am not crammer I secured 1st division in my HSLC exam as well I have several times topped my class. Recently I passed my 10+1 exam and enrolled myself 12th std. I stay in Pune and getting trained at Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune under Mission Olympics. However my interests are 80% on boxing and 20% on studies. I skip lot of classes following my practice session and events. Before my induction into the institute, I learnt to trade punches at the Sports Authority of India centre in Guwahati under coach Amar Deka. While representing the state, I won my first the Sub-Junior Nationals three years ago. It was at the ASI Pune where they selected me for the boys scouts programme,

Shiva Thapa in action at an International Event

NKD. : – You were noticed as a amateur boxer by Assam when bagged Gold in Titabor Jorhat at All Assam Invitational Junior/ Sub Junior tourney in 2004. When was Shiva noticed as a pugilist by the country?
Shiva: – It was at the 21st Sub- Junior National Boxing Championship 2005 in Noida UP where I ended up with a gold medal after beating services boxer having very good tract record. It was my first national appearance. Assam recognized me as a boxer the day I joined SAI Guwahati and donned the gloves.

NKD: – How does it feel the country recognizing Shiva Thapa as an international boxer whose family has a record of serving the nation in defence?
Shiva: – My ancestor has served the nation as defense personnel and I got the opportunity of serving the nation as a pugilists. It really feels proud wrapping the tri-colour standing in front of the globe. My first international appearance for my country was at the Hyder Aliyeve Cup at Azarbaizan in Russia in 2008 where I won a gold medal. My country erupted with joy and cheered me. Out of love and encouragement they nicknamed me “SHIVA ALI” after Mohammad Ali-the veteran Indian pugilist.

NKD: – How do you feel to be known as a Gorkha of Assam in a national side?
Shiva. : – Many veteran Gorkhas have palyed for this country. Ace shooter Jaspal Rana, Arjuna awardee Jaslal Pradhan, sensational footballer Sunil Chetri to name a few. I am one just Indian citizen. It doesnot make me feel different as a Gorkha but I am proud to have donned the tricolour. I as a Gorkha of Assam have been an integral part composite Assamese society. My community has been a mainstream ethnic community of Assam as I have learnt. Assam applauds my success and encourages me. It is really great feeling. Not only the Gorkhas, people of entire North East have extended huge support for me at the national events. I am pleased to have represented the North East.

NKD. : – On writing “Gorkhali” as your mother tongue in your International profile?
Shiva: – Everyone knows about an Independent nation Nepal which our closed neighbour. The citizen of Nepal writes Nepali as their citizen and mother tongue. If I use Nepali anywhere in my profile I would go to represent Nepal. My mentors in Pune tell me that Indian constitution recognizes Nepali language as Gorkhali in the constitution so in order to avoid confusion in the international arena I recognize myself as a Gorkha. My grandfather was a Gorkha soldier and I am a Gorkha boxer certainly not Nepali.

NKD. : – Your happiest moment?
Shiva. : – To be honest with you. The gold medal at Hyder Aliyeve Cup at Baku in Azerbaijan in Russia was my happiest moment. I am the 1st Indian ever till date to have won a gold medal in this tournament. My gold came in the 50kg category against Azerbaijan’s Gurbanzade Saikhan.

Shiva (Extreme Left) with his family

NKD. : – Tell us something about your family?
Shiva. : – I am the most pampered and youngest in my family. My father by profession a small scale business man owing small steel furniture shop a leading telecom franchisee in Guwahati. My brother Gobind Thapa is a silver medalist boxer at the 33rd Guwahati National Games. All four of my sisters are very supportive. My mother Goma Thapa is a house wife.

NKD. : – Apart from boxing what does Shiva love to do in leisure time?
Shiva:- I listen to music a lot. I listen scores of English, Nepali, Hindi and Assamese music. I am tuned with music than the lyrics. It energizes me as it gives relaxation after practice. Whenever I have sufficient leisure time I love to swim. I do all activities like any guy of my age does.

NKD. : – How does this golden boxer handle success?
Shiva. : – I am never carried away by success. Fame coming by the way of my success is a moral booster. Organisation from different background has felicitated me. I thank them all through you.

NKD. : – “If not a boxer What would Shiva Thapa be?”
Shiva. : – After a pause with a sweet innocent smile ……..“Sir, I was born to be a Boxer.”

NKD.:- Your take on our conversation?
Shiva. :- Honestly more than interview it was like a chat at my home with a relative. Anyways it was really very pleasant talking to you. Thank you for your efforts to highlight me in your esteemed publication. I look forward for your association in future too.

NKD. :- Sure Shiva. Thank you for sparing your valuable time with me.
Shiva. :- Mention not. Lets go for lunch Sir.

NKD. :- Finally one sentence for budding pugilists..
Shiva, :- “Float like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee”
NKD. :- All the Best for your future Shiva.
Shiva. :- Thank You Sir.

Shiva with Journalist Nanda Kr

Thereafter Shiva started packing off his luggage as he was leaving Pune that evening and thereafter to Uzbekistan for two months. He is also all set to play for Assam at the 34th National Games in Jharkhand. He is expected to represent India at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi. The pugilist is confident of booking a ticket to London 2012 Olympics and bring home a gold medal.

Photo Courtesy:- Pitamber Newar(PTI), Padam Thapa and N K Dewan(UB Photos)

Nanda Kirati Dewan

The writer Nanda Kirati Dewan is Principal Correspondent; Assam Times, North East News Bureau,Gorkhatimes, Darjeeling Times and Photojournalist/Reporter/News Editor with UB Photos. He also has been voted as TOP 10 Gorkhali of Assam by “Saparivar” magazine and is an active executive member of AAGSU. Mr. Dewan can be contacted at nandadewan@gmail.com or dewan88@rediffmail.com and at +919864077700 (M)

Indian Forces shift Border Pillars deep inside Nepal: Reports

“These are the fake pillars…real pillars are embossed on both sides” says Amik Serchan- a Maoists senior leader who is currently leading a delegation comprising of eighteen political parties and some human rights activists on a filed visit to observe the illegal land occupation by India in the district of Dang, Nepal.

Currently, the thirty three member delegation is on a five day field visit to the bordering areas of Dang wherein Indian Security Forces have been illegally occupying Nepali lands.

The Indian security Forces have dug holes in some 28 check points along the border and all the border pillars are fake, say reports.

Another Constituent Assembly eighteen member delegations representing the National Interest Preservation committee led by Padma Lal Biswokarma however, returned to the capital without observing the occupied territories.

“The new border pillars have been placed in the mid of Jungles well inside the Nepali territory and in some places they are placed right in the courtyards of some houses”, reports further reveal.

“There is no presence of Nepal Government in Rajpur VDC…there is no Jungey Border Pillars in the area” says Serchan adding “all the border pillars have freshly been placed”.

“Not only that the Indian security forces are day in day out occupying Nepali territories…they come here quite often and threaten us to quit the area…they claim that this is their land”, say scared local residents talking to journalists.

Similarly, says Ajay Deep Sharma, the vice-president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Dang Chapter, the “real border pillars are well within three kilometers inside the Indian Territory”.

“We have recently located a concrete pillar marked Koilabas-2, yet an old one, which is three kilometers deep south of the current location where the fake pillar is erected”, he adds.

An all party delegation that has come from the far-west claims that the Indian security forces have erected a Stone Pillar in the mid of Rajpur VDC.

“Ye Bharat Ka Jameen hai-This is the Indian Territory”, the fake border pillar reads.

“They came and forcefully placed the Stone in the middle of our village, we could not think”, the villagers said.

source: TelegraphNepal

Demand to lift rafting suspension

Teesta Bazar, June 12: River guides based here and in Melli have demanded that the DGHC immediately lift the suspension it had imposed on the rafting in the Teesta following a mishap about two weeks back.

However, the 70-odd guides of the 18 rafting units in these areas under the banner of Red and White River Rescue Group and Guides’ Association were prevented from going ahead with their plan to block the Teesta-Pesho-Jorbunglow road for 12 hours by the Teesta branch of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today.

The guides said they were being made scapegoats following the June-1 incident in which a tourist from Mumbai died after a raft had capsized in the river near Chitrey.

“The tourism department (of the DGHC) is now saying we are not trained. What was the department doing all these years? Had we not been competent, we wouldn’t have been able to rescue 11 of the 12 rafters on board when the mishap occurred,” said Sanjog Gupta, the vice-president of the guides’ association. The proof of their skill, he said, lies in the fact that many of them were hired by rafting groups in Jammu and Kashmir and Arun achal Pradesh.

The guides said with the rafting season only 15 to 20 days away from ending, it was imperative for the authorities to lift the suspension, as their families survived on their earnings.

The off-season lasts for three months from July to September. “We have lost 12 days of earning. Rafting is the only source of my family’s income,” said Dipen Gurung, a guide.

While each guide gets Rs 250 for one rafting trip, his assistant’s fee is Rs 100. On a good day, the guides manage to do three or four trips.

“It is not just the guides, but at least 70 per cent of the economy of the Melli-Teesta bazaar-29 Mile area also depends on rafts,” said Saran Chhetri, the Morcha’s Teesta branch president.

Chhetri said his party would take up the cause of the river guides with the DGHC authorities on Monday. “We will have to settle the issue across the table. The blame game must stop. We realise that the guides have little employment opportunities here,” he said.

source: The Telegraph

Morcha asks hills to stock up for ‘long strike’

Darjeeling, June 12: The advent of the monsoon signalling an end to tourist season in the Darjeeling hills has prompted the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha once again to revive its agitation for Gorkhaland — this time in the nature of a “long strike”.

However, Morcha president Bimal Gurung, who had not called a general strike of more than six days last year, has appealed to the people to be ready and his outfit has already started setting up godowns to stock up foodgrain to tide over the agitation phase.

The date for the commencement of the strike will be announced once the central committee of the party meets in a few days, he said, in an interview to a local cable channel here last evening.

Explaining why his party had refrained from any agitation in the past four months, Gurung said: “There was no agitation because of the board examinations and the tourist season. Had I intensified the movement, drivers, hoteliers and everyone connected to the tourism industry would have been very angry, but that period is over.”

“We have already sent an MP, Jaswant Singh, to Delhi and now need to convey a message to the capital and the rest of Bengal from the grassroots level. There will be hardships but we must not forget our issue of statehood,” Gurung said. Going by his statement, the strike is likely to begin at the end of June that marks an end to the tourist season.

Even then, with the Morcha chief announcing that the party would stock up godowns with food items and urging people to do the same, tour operators are wary of the effects of prolonged strikes. “The tourism sector is a sensitive one and lengthy disruption at any time of the year is bound to have a long-term effect,” one of them said.

As far as tea gardens are concerned, planters are not too worried as the Morcha usually leaves the sector out of its strikes. However, if the party includes gardens, as Gurung said he wanted to make an impact on Delhi and the rest of Bengal, planters fear that they might be affected very badly.

“The first flush was poor as the weather was dry and with heavy rain during the second flush, the soil temperature has come down. We expect the second flush to continue till the third week of July. If there is a strike in the tea industry at that time, gardens will suffer very badly,” a planter said.

Many here feel the agitation should take place in phases. “The monsoon has arrived and immediate relief and restoration need to be carried out to prevent the havoc of the type caused by landslides at the end of last month. Taking this aspect into account, I do not think the Morcha will go for prolonged strikes,” a resident said.

Last year, the most prolonged strike was for six days — from June 17 to 22. But the party had kept government offices closed for almost two months at a stretch only to allow them to open for disbursement of salaries.

source: The Telegraph

Bhaichung bonhomie for hills

Bhaichung Bhutia: Friend of the hill people

Darjeeling, June 12: The Darjeeling hills voted when Bhaichung Bhutia needed it most. This time the footballer has come forward to help the hills.

The captain of the Indian soccer team has decided to donate four of his jerseys and 10 signed footballs to the Bhaichung Fan Club in Darjeeling for an auction to raise funds for relief to the people in the hills.

The club had been set up to help Bhaichung win a television dance reality show. His team had received the maximum number of text messages in his favour making them the winner.

“After his victory he wanted to come to Darjeeling to thank the people for the support. He has also decided to donate four football jerseys and 10 signed footballs so that money can be raised for relief work,” said Lakpa Sherpa, the convener of the fan club.

“Bhaichung has always been very close to the hill people,” said Lakpa, who is currently the coach-cum-player of the Bengal police’s north brigade team. Lakpa and Bhaichung had started their football career playing along at Sikkim Boy’s Club. Lakpa joined the Peerless in 1996 and was later associated with the Mohammedan Sporting Club.

The auction will take place on Sunday at 4pm at Gymkhana Club in Darjeeling. “A lot of hoteliers and businessmen have already shown interests,” said Kesang Sherpa, the co-convener of the club.

On that day, Bhaichung and other former footballers from Darjeeling will be felicitated. But the organisers have scaled down the show in memory of the 28 people who had died in the recent landslides. “We had planned a major event but given the recent tragedy the show has been scaled down,” said Tenzing Khambachay, the organiser of the show.

In recent memory, this is the first time that Bhaichung is coming here for a public event. “Another well-known footballer Reneddy Singh will also be accompanying Bhutia to Darjeeling,” said Kesang.

Bhaichung has donated Rs 1.5 lakh to the Bengal chief minister’s relief fund of the Rs 40 lakh his team had received on winning the dance show.

Source: The Telegraph