Himalayan Guardian  Oct 19, 2011

BHUTAN’S ROYAL COUPLE DAZZLES THE WORLD

Prince Charming marries childhood sweetheart

Punakha (Bhutan), Oct 18: The fifth Dragon King came down from his golden throne to place a silk crown upon the head of his bride. Monks chanted in celebration and she took her seat beside him on Thursday, as the new queen of the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan.

After a simple yet spectacular wedding, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema on Friday began a historical journey from this ancient city of Punakha to capital Thimphu as thousands of people lined up the road and gave a rousing welcome to the Royal Couple.

The couple got married on Thursday in a traditional Buddhist ceremony at an imposing monastic fortress in this city located between two rivers and Wangchuck crowned his childhood sweetheart Pema, who was educated in India, thus proclaiming her as the ‘Queen of the Kingdom of Bhutan.’(SEE PAGE 8 …full story)

Sakya Trizin performs Fire Puja for quake victims

Hill Media Network

Gangtok, Oct 18: His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, who is here on a month-long visit, performed jensek (fire puja – yajna) for victims of last month’s devastating earthquake here at Ngor Gompa yesterday

The fire puja is being performed for peace and purification of the departed souls. Though the exact number of those who died in the September 18 quake in the State fall below 70-75, there are reports that more than 100 died in the tragic incident. North Sikkim was the epicenter of the 6.9 magnitude quake that hit the region.

His Holiness, along with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, will grace Ngor Gompa’s function here tomorrow to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the monastery, which was established in Gangtok in 1961.

After his arrival here last Sunday, His Holiness, Gyalyum Chenmo, and His Eminence Khen Rinpoche paid a short visit to south Sikkim last week, where he visited Samdruptse (Namchi), Tibetan Settlement (Ravangla) and Gyaltsab Rinpoche’s gompa in Ralong.

China inching closer in Arunachal

Himalayan News Network

New Delhi, Oct 18: That China has intensified focus on Arunachal Pradesh - or so-called south Tibet - is becoming increasingly clear, with the People's Liberation Army crossing the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern sector more frequently than ever.

The PLA has also increased forays by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the West and East Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Top government sources said in the other part of the eastern LAC - Sikkim, especially the Nathu La area - there had been no intrusion since 78 transgressions in 2008, Hindustan Times reported.

But in north Arunachal, the PLA is not even allowing the locals to cross the Dichu river that marks the border between India and China to come to India for trade, a centuries-old tradition.

A part of the Dichu - a tributary of the Lohit - is disputed by the two countries.

There were 90 intrusions, including 13 PLA patrols, so far this year against 88 (12 PLA patrols) in 2010 and another 123 (six PLA patrols) the previous year.

Although the Indian army has begun focusing on the area this year, it is yet to send any patrol to the area to mark its presence.

Dalai Lama hits out at China, says it is built on lies

Himalayan News Network

Dharamsala, Oct 18: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has hit out at China saying it is built on lies and its officials are hypocrites. The Dalai Lama was speaking via videophone after visa problems prevented him from joining Archbishop Desmond Tutu's birthday celebrations in South Africa. He was to be travelling there to celebrate Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 80th birthday.

For more than an hour, two old friends brought together by technology, giggled and teased one another, as they exchanged views on politics and spirituality. During the exchange, Archbishop Desmond Tutu asked the Dalai Lama why the global giant and South Africa's main trade partner, China, feared his fellow Nobel peace laureate so much, tibetnews reported.

In his answers, the Dalai Lama, who was sitting in a room decorated with orchids and silk hangings in his home in exile in India, was playful at first.

He said communist propaganda portrayed him as a ''demon,'' an answer which drew laughter from Tutu and others watching him on a video screen at the University of the Western Cape, near Cape Town.

The encounter was streamed live on the Internet, but not broadcast by South African state television as had been expected.

The Dalai Lama spoke about communist officials and those in other totalitarian systems: "In a communist, totalitarian system, and not only communist but many totalitarian systems, hypocrisy, telling lies, has unfortunately become part of their lives. So, you see someone who tells the truth, honestly, truthfully, transparently, those people who carry hypocrites are a way of life, then feel uncomfortable."

The Dalai Lama added that the Chinese people should be able to hear his views and judge for themselves. "Censorship is immoral," he said. He also called for legal reforms in China. "The Chinese judiciary system must raise themselves up to international law standards," he said.

So far South African officials have denied that they stalled the Dalai Lama's visa, because of pressure from China. They said the visa process was delayed by problems with the timing and completeness of the application. But officials from the offices of Tutu and the Dalai Lama have denied the application was late or incomplete.

India, Nepal push for closer ties as Beijing watches

RP Sharma

Kathmandu, Oct 18: Nepal’s newly-elected PM Baburam Bhattarai will visit India from October 20 to 23 on his maiden official outing after becoming PM six weeks ago. His visit comes at time when New Delhi is concerned over growing Chinese influence over the Himalayan Kingodm’s politics.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had met his Nepalese counterpart Bhattarai on the sidelines of the 66th session of the UNGA in September and invite him to India.

Bhattarai who was sworn in late August had been in news for making statements like Nepal is no longer a buffer state between India and China. He had said, Nepal would act as a “friendship bridge” between India and China rather than just being a “buffer state” between the two giant neighbours.

The two sides will discuss a host of issues of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

India shares a porous border with the Himalyan Nation and New Delhi calls the cooperation on issues of mutual security concerns relating to the open border a "hallmark" of its relations with Nepal.

Nepalese side has assured at various levels that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India. There are streamlined bilateral mechanisms to address all issues concerning security, including cross-border crime, and establishing effective communication links between and along the bordering districts to further facilitate the exchange of information.

Nepal wants to conclude a power trade agreement with India, which, the Nepal government believes, will open the door to power investors. Reports said power development agreements of over seven projects have been delayed for more than a year.

Rahul dances to Bhutanese tune

T. Dem

Thimphu, Oct 18: The only guest at a private ceremony hosted by the Royal Bhutan Army for the royal family and government leaders was Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi accompanied the royal family to a public celebration in Thimphu’s main stadium. There, tens of thousands of people spent seven hours watching musical and dance performances as the royal couple wound through the crowd shaking hands.

As the event ended, Gandhi joined the royal family, along with all the day’s performers, in dancing a traditional Bhutanese folk dance on the stadium’s soccer pitch. The elder king showed Mr. Gandhi the proper moves and led him around in another display of the comfort and closeness the Bhutanese royals feel with their people, Wall Street Journal reported.

Though thousands of people were on the field, Gandhi was easy to find in his distinctive white kurta and black jacket.

After the dance ended, Gandhi and several other members of India’s delegation stood chatting with the Bhutanese royal family for several minutes. Dancers gathered around them in a circle but gave them space to speak privately.

Of course, India wasn’t the only country with official representation at the wedding. Ambassadors from 25 other countries were also there. And they danced in the big stadium, too.

Panel recommends genuine autonomy for JK

L. Verma

New Delhi, Oct 18:  The three-member interlocutors’ panel on Jammu and Kashmir -- journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, academic Radha Kumar and former civil servant M M Ansari -- on Wednesday submitted a report to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, suggesting a “roadmap” to address the Kashmir issue.

It is learnt that while avoiding the "pre-1952 status" phraseology, the report advocated for ensuring a "meaningful autonomy" for Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources informed that the report is said to have recommended the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Disturbed Areas Act from the state.

The report is said to have suggested developmental councils for all the three regions of the state -- Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh -- and devolution of powers to the sub-regions. In addition, the report has recommended massive economic package to address the huge unemployment and infrastructure development in the state.

Announced exactly a year ago, the team of three interlocutors completed their report within the time-frame of one year given by the government.

The interlocutors visited various parts of the valley and met a cross section of people to understand their view points.

The interlocutors' panel had met nearly 700 delegations during the past one year. The interlocutors claim that in the report they have taken into account both mainstream and off-stream opinions. The report has also put on record the perceptions of the people the team had interacted with during the past one year and even the views of the separatists, who refused to interact with them.

Darjeeling gears up for booming tourist season

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, Oct 18: Despite last month’s massive earthquake that hit the region tourism is gradually picking up in the hills.

The signing of the much-awaited tripartite deal in the formation of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) on July 18 and subsequent focus on development of Darjeeling by the Mamata Government is gradually leading to what many see it as a booming tourist season this winter.

Because of the devastating impact of the earthquake in neighbouring Sikkim, where major tourist hotspots such as Yumthang, Gurudongmar and Tsangu in north and east Sikkim have been cut-off or roads badly damanged, a large number of tourists have been diverted to Darjeeling.

 “For the last three and half years, hotel occupancy has been 60-65 per cent of capacity. Now there is 100 per cent occupancy and bookings for 5-6 per cent additional rooms,” said Raj Basu, chairman of Eastern Himalayan Travel and Tours Operating Association, a national daily reported.

During her visit to the region, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a master plan for tourism development. The bounty included Rs 10 crore for beautification of Darjeeling Mall and renovation of Planters’ Club, Gymkhana Club and the church as well as a tea festival from December 20 to January 5.

Kalimpong school battered by 9/18 quake

Dr. Graham’s Homes forced to suspend classes

Hill Media Network

Kalimpong, Oct 19: The September 18’s earthquake has caused extensive damage to the 111-year-old Dr. Graham’s Homes, forcing authorities of the premier educational institution in the hill town to suspend classes from nursery to Class VIII till October 10.

The quake has damaged 19 of the 22 cottages that house the co-ed school’s 900-odd boarders. Some classrooms, too, have developed cracks. The Katherine Memorial Chapel and the Steele Memorial Centre, the school’s infirmary, have also developed multiple cracks.

Seven of the 19 damaged cottages have been evacuated. “We have accommodated the boarders from the seven cottages in other cottages and the KG section,” headmaster S.L. Banerjee said.

Most of the damaged cottages are over 100 years old.

Spread over 500 acres, the school, founded in 1900 by Scottish missionary Dr John A. Graham, also has a workshop, a bakery, three playgrounds, a swimming pool and a farm.

The headmaster said some of the 11 staff quarters, including his, had suffered structural damage. The school has a student strength of 1,460, of whom 920 are boarders.

A retired UK teacher falls in love with Darjeeling, a school is born

Hill Media Network

London, Oct 18: A retired Whitby Community College (UK) teacher has raised over £90,000 to establish a school for disadvantaged children in India.

Former deputy head Helen Jones (69) travelled around India in 2002 and fell in love with the Darjeeling region, in the foothills of the Himalayas.

After this life-changing trip, she would return to the region several times, travelling with a young guide called Bijoy and his family.

Upon seeing children walking miles to school each morning, Mrs Jones had the idea to set up a charity, named School Aid India.

The Grosmont resident said: “It was Bijoy’s wife Rachana who really made it work.

“She emailed that she had found a suitable building and we agreed that I would set up a charity in the UK and Rachana would become director of the school.”

Mrs Jones confessed to being horrified when she first saw the building, a semi-derelict hovel, but Bijoy and his team knocked it into shape and Roseberry School, Darjeeling, opened its doors in March 2007.

“There was such a demand for places that they ran out of space after only one year,” she added, “so we had to launch an appeal for funds to build an extension.

“We had no idea where all the money would come from, but after only three years we reached our target of £50,000.

“All kinds of people have been amazingly generous, it is very humbling, but there are a lot of people in the UK who want to help folk worse off than they are, even in these difficult times.”

Although it has been a huge challenge, Mrs Jones insisted: “My reward is to see the eager shining faces of children at the school, and to know that we really are changing lives for the better.

“One of the reasons for our success in fund-raising is that donors can see where their money is going because I regularly bring back photos and reports on progress.”

A new four storey building is currently under construction, and five new classrooms will hopefully be ready by the start of the new school year in March, but Mrs Jones added: “We haven’t got enough funds to finish the fourth storey at this stage, but we hope to get enough fairly soon.

“The dank old storerooms being used for lessons at the moment are awful, and outdoor assemblies are difficult during the monsoon.”

The school had a major scare in September when a huge earthquake struck the region, the first for over 35 years.

Miraculously nobody was hurt and only the old building suffered some minor damage.

School Aid India’s next event is an open day at the Hazlewood Tearooms in Grosmont on Sunday 30 October.

“Sue and John, the owners, have always been very supportive of our work,” said Mrs Jones, “they donate their takings on the open day, and there will be photos of Roseberry School, and a stall selling Indian gifts.”

(For more information visit www.schoolaidindia.org.)

EDITORIAL

STILWELL ROAD

Implement Look East Policy

   Both India’s North-East and China’s South-West are underdeveloped. The key to accelerate economic development in this region is to allow its people, who share many things in common, to mingle with each other and encourage trade and tourism to flourish. India’s Look East Policy would be meaningless if it fails to allow this to happen. The surest and fastest way towards economic regeneration in the region, though infested by hostile insurgent groups, is to open the historic Stilwell Road, formerly known as Ledo Road. Major portion of this route passes through Burma, which is gradually opening up. 

  This historic road used to connect India’s Northeast with China’s Southwest through Burma in the Second World War. Most Northeast governments are in favour of opening this route and have urged the Centre to act speedily on the issue. China, too, has taken a positive view on the subject. However, New Delhi, despite its occasional symbolic gestures on opening the road, has not taken any concrete stand on the issue. This may be due to its security concerns in the vulnerable Northeast region, where many insurgent groups still have not given up their sovereignty demand.

  Apart from India, China and Burma regional cooperation among the South Asian nations also stand to benefit if the road is opened and hence there is an immediate need to redress the issue rather than deferring it. New Delhi can begin to do this by taking a fresh look on the problems and prospects of the Northeast region. There is much justification for the Northeast people being alienated from the Indian mainstream. Instead of encouraging real economic development in the region New Delhi seems satisfied by pouring more money to the Northeast through corruption politicians, who in turn plough back some of the central funds as kickbacks to central leaders. This must stop or India will forever be stuck in the mud.