SIKKIM OBSERVER Dec 17-23, 2011

My support to Golay is conditional: Poudyal

“Golay must quit SDF and form his own party”

Gangtok, Dec 16: Veteran politician Ram Chandra Poudyal said his support to dissident ruling party legislator and former Minister PS Golay was conditional.

“I will support him if he proves that he is capable of leading a united front and dislodging Chamling,” Poudyal said in an exclusive interview to Sikkim Observer.

“I never said Golay is the future leader of Sikkim as reported in local papers,” Poudyal said. “What I said was that he has the potential to become a leader but he has to prove his worth to the people.”

“Like Chamling and Bhandari, Golay must be able to lead a revolt against Chamling and win elections on his own strength,” he added.

“As of now Golay is still with the SDF and is an MLA of the ruling party. He has to resign from the Assembly and form his own party to prove his leadership quality if he has any,” Poudyal said and added that he is willing to talk to former Chief Minister and Sikkim Congress President N B Bhandari to forge a united front to take on Chief Minister and SDF chief Pawan Chamling.

“Several politicians, including former MP Nakul Rai, CPIM’s Anjan Upadhaya, DN Nepal and NB Khatiwada, have met me recently on the present political situation in Sikkim,” Poudyal pointed out.

He said he is keen to become a “catalyst” for opposition unity and want the people to take advantage of him. He said he would also brief Congress and BJP’s central leadership to seek their support in opposing Chamling.

“I have now completed my religious studies and want to work for the people. I don’t want to become CM or MP,” Poudyal said, whose party, Sikkim Congress (I) won 11 of the 32 seats in the crucial election after the merger in 1979.

“I now don’t want to confine myself to working for the Nepalese only. I want to work for all Sikkimese, including those not within the three ethnic (Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepalese) communities,” said  Poudyal.

He said he has moved to his ancestral village at Chotta Singtam in east Sikkim after nearly two years’ self-imposed exile in Siliguri. “I will be moving to Gangtok shortly,” Poudyal said hinting that this move would expedite formation of a united front against Chamling.

Justice Kohli is Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court

Gangtok, Dec 16: Justice Permod Kohli was formally sworn in as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim on Monday. The oath of office was administered by Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh at the Raj Bhawan.

Prior to his elevation, Justice Kohli was serving at Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was among those who witnessed the oath taking function.

Justice SP Wangdi took temporary charge of the High Court as Acting Chief Justice recently after former Sikkim High Court Chief Justice PD Dinakaran was forced to resign following allegations of corruption against him.

Justice Kohli joined the Bar at Jammu on October 12, 1972. He was appointed Additional Advocate General of the State during Governor’s rule in 1990 and took over as the Advocate General in December 1990. He continued as Advocate General till January 1992 and was designated senior advocate in April 1991.

He was later appointed Additional Judge of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court on 7 January 2003 and as permanent Judge on 3 January 2005. He was later transferred to the Jharkhand High Court in Ranchi and took oath on May 4, 2006. He was later transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court and took oath on May 10, 2007.

17^th SDF GOVT FORMATION DAY

I’m satisfied, says Chamling

Gangtok, December 16: Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front President Pawan Chamling has expressed satisfaction over his government’s performance in the past 17 years.

At an indoor function to mark the completion of 17 years of the formation of SDF Government in the State here at was at Chintan Bhawan on Monday, Chamling said he was fully satisfied with the achievements of his government on all fronts since it came to power on December 12, 1994.

He said his government would rededicate itself to the task that lie ahead. “We still have huge responsibility ahead of us,” he said.

The Chief Minister urged his officials to do their best to ensure that people are served well. “The facilities provided by the government should reach the people,” Chamling said.

      A brief report on the achievements of the government during the last 17 years was presented by Development Commissioner A.K.Yadav.

      The Chief Minister also released an illustrative book on earthquake of September 18, 2011 published by the Information and Public Relations Department.

After he was expelled from the NB Bhandari-led Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP) for indulging in “communal and casteist politics” in 1992, Chamling formed his own political outfit – Sikkim Democratic Front – in March 1993.

Elections to the State Legislative Assembly was held in November 1994 six months after Bhandari was ousted from power by dissident SSP legislators who formed a Congress government in the State.

In the Assembly polls Chamling’s SDF won 19 seats and formed the government. The Chamling-led SDF returned to power in 1999, 2004 and 2009. The SDF chief hopes to set a new record by making a comeback in the 2014 Assembly polls.

Supreme Court takes up Teesta hydel project transfer case

New Delhi, Dec 16: The Supreme Court on Monday (12.12.2011) heard a petition filed by Anand Lama on hydropower projects in Sikkim and fixed February as the next date for hearing.

The matter, a transfer petition, was listed for February on the request made by Lama’s counsel Raju Ramachandran during the hearing of the case on Monday.

The court made the following order after hearing the case: “At the request of Mr. Raju Ramachandran, learned senior counsel appearing for Petitioner, let this matter be listed in the month of February, 2012.”

Lama, a prominent local resident of Gangtok, sought for transfer of the case to the Supreme Court from the High Court of Sikkim.

He had filed a PIL in August 2011 and the date for admission of the case was fixed for November 15. Since his lawyer could not attend the case on the date fixed the Court adjourned the hearing of the case to March 2012.

Besides approaching the High Court, Lama has also filed a written complaint with the CBI, which is currently engaged in probing Lok Sabha MP Jagan Mohan Reddy’s disproportionate assets, including his investments in several hydro power projects in the State.

Reddy is believed to have made huge investments in the State’s biggest power project – the 1200 MW Teesta Stage III, located at Chungthang in North Sikkim. This project is run by Teesta Urja Limited and Himurja Infra Pvt Ltd.

Some of the respondents in the case are Union of India, Sikkim Government, Sikkim Power Development Corporation, Power Department, CBI, CAG and Teesta Urja Limited.

German club’s farewell football match for Bhaichung

Audi Football Summit in New Delhi on Jan 10

The exhibition match between the most successful German club, FC Bayern Muenchen and Indian National team will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, on January 10, 2012. The historic match will be a farewell for the Indian football icon, Bhaichung Bhutia, and the proceeds of the event will go to support the quake-affected people in Sikkim.

As part of the joint endeavour to bring international football to India, Audi is proud to extend its strong relationship with FC Bayern Muenchen, to promote the game here, and salute a true Indian football hero. The 111-year-old FC Bayern Muenchen, which has Audi as its premier partner, has won the German national championship, Bundesliga, 22 times and 15 other major titles.

To mark the countdown to the Audi Football Summit, FC Bayern Muenchen legend and a member of the German winning team of the 1974 FIFA World Cup, Paul Breitner said, “India can be a football power in years to come. It just needs to believe in its potential. Traditionally, both Germany and India have enjoyed a cultural and business relationship for years and it's time that we also work together in developing the popular sport of football in India. The Audi Football Summit is a big step towards achieving this goal. I hope that millions of youngsters will be inspired to play the game after watching their heroes in the exhibition match.”

Former Indian captain Baichung Bhutia who could not make it to the press conference owing to bad weather said in a telephonic interview during the conference that he was honoured by the gesture to give him a memorable farewell. Bhutia said. “As a footballer I always tried to put my best foot forward for the Indian National team, for my fans and my clubs. I would like to thank Audi India, FC Bayern Muenchen and my team-mates in the Indian national team. This is the best farewell I could have imagined.”

FC Bayern Muenchen, led by head coach Jupp Heynecks, will be stopping in Qatar for a training camp on their route to India. The German giants will turn up in their full strength for their Indian tour. Captain Philipp Lahm, arguably the world's best full back, Thomas Muller, the winner of the 'Golden Boot' in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, are expected to be in the star line-up for the match against the Indian National team.

On this occasion, Audi India MD, Michael Perschke said, “Audi is passionate about the sport of football and extremely proud about their association with FC Bayern Muenchen. Through this partnership, Audi India seeks to bring the world’s most popular sport to India and provide a strong platform for its budding talent. The Audi Football Summit in Delhi is a very prestigious event for us. We hope to attract millions of Indians to enjoy the game and inspire thousands of children to play football."

AIFF General Secretary, Kushal Das, who was also present at the press conference said, “It is the dawn of a new era in Indian football. Germany has produced world-class teams for many decades and FC Bayern Muenchen is one of the most respected clubs in the world. We hope that through the Audi Football Summit, we create excitement and awareness about the sport in India. Audi is truly committed to football and their initiative will immensely help in lifting the standard of Indian football.” (espnstar.com)

HERMONITES REUNION

All SIKKIM HERMONITES are requested to attend:-

1)      The Christmas celebrations organized by Class IV Staff of Mt. Hermon School at the school premises in Darjeeling on (Dec 25-Jan 1, 2012).

2)      Hermonites reunion after Christmas and before New Year at Hotel Tashi Delek, Gangtok. Former Mt. Hermon Principal Rev. J. A. Johnston and Mrs. Val Johnston (Tasmania), along with Sherab and Roslyn Namgyal & family (Australia) will be present at the reunion.

3)      Meetings on future of Mt. Hermon School in Gangtok and Darjeeling.

For details of the above programmes kindly contact Hermonite Punam Agarwal, Punam Building, MG Marg, Gangtok, ( 94343-39433).

Hermonite mobile phone nos:  , 94346-30097, 94343-57997, 97330-00888, 98320-66296, 94341-09784

(Karma P. Bhutia)

President

Sikkim Hermonites Association

Alexandra David-Neel: "the most astonishing woman of our time

Alexandra David-Neel was the first European woman to reach Lhasa.

By Barbara and Michael Foster

In 1965 Lawrence Durrell, on assignment from a popular woman's magazine, interviewed the 96-year-old Alexandra David-Neel at her home in Digne, in the south of France. Famous for her earlier adventures in India, China and Tibet, and the books recording these, Alexandra is best known for her daring journey to Lhasa over the Trans-Himalayas in midwinter 1924. Accompanied by her adopted son Lama Yongden, she was disguised as a beggar/pilgrim and eluded soldiers, brigands and officials of the British Empire. David-Neel became the first European woman to reach Tibet's forbidden capital, and she remains the most accurate, extensive source on the arcane Buddhist practices of a nearly vanished world. Durrell called her "the most astonishing woman of our time."

   When we interviewed the renowned novelist in a Greek neighborhood in the South Bronx, while researching our biography, "The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel," he fondly recalled her eternally youthful air. Although worn down by the hardship of her travels, Alexandra kept a radiance that had drawn countless admirers, including generals and heads of state. She was born Alexandrine Marie David (a distant relation of the artist David) in Paris in 1868 to a left-leaning father, a publisher and a puritanical mother.    

     Alexandra began her career as a lovely opera singer, complimented by Massenet. When her voice broke, she became a strongly feminist writer, while her interest in Eastern philosophy matured. In 1904 she married Philip Neel, manager of the French railways in Tunisia. It was a marriage of convenience for both parties, and Alexandra soon took off for India. Her one significant love affair, with Sidkeong Tulku, the young, handsome, reforming Maharaja of Sikkim, ended tragically when he died in pain, poisoned, in 1914.

   Alexandra, for solace and enlightenment, turned to the Gomchen of Lachen, the Hermetic master of a small monastery in a mountain village near the Tibetan border. Stout and ugly, the locals believed he could fly through the air, kill men by a glance and command demons. But the British authorities respected him, and with this wizard Alexandra seemed to magically learn Tibetan. His occult knowledge formed the basis of her "Magic and Mystery in Tibet," translated round the world. The practices the Gomchen taught her -- such as tumo, breathing to create heat to ward off the piercing cold of the snows -- permitted David-Neel to succeed on her journey via unexplored country to Tibet's capital. Her "My Journey to Lhasa," published in New York, London and Paris in 1927, became an instant classic of travel and adventure.

Above Lachen was the Gomchen's cave, at 12,000 feet, where he spent most of his time in meditation. Along with her adopted son, 15-year-old Lama Yongden, Alexandra took up residence in a nearby, sparsely furnished cave, to which she adjoined her tent, cooking utensils and her bathing tub. She agreed to become the Gomchen's disciple and promised him obedience. For the next two years, in cave, tent or cell, she studied tantric Buddhism with the Gomchen by conversation, reading texts, practice and telepathy. The Gomchen and Alexandra would sit together in silence, focused on the imagined aspects of a deity -- perhaps Vajrapani, the protector -- their goal being an entirely unified mental state. Afterward the Gomchen would quiz his pupil, who became sufficiently adept that in her trek to Lhasa she could receive messages "written on the wind."

    Alexandra became adept at tumo breathing, involving meditation on the fire within. For a final exam she bathed in a mountain stream on a moonlit night, then sat naked, meditating until dawn. She caught a cold, but tumo would save her life on the journey to Lhasa. First, she visited the Panchen Lama, second in the hierarchy to the Dalai Lama, at Shigatse, Tibet, crossing the forbidden border. She was impressed by the Panchen's erudition, and she realized that in Tibet she was coming in contact with a wise, civilized people. In contrast, the British Political Officer, Sir Charles Bell, despite being a Tibet enthusiast, had Alexandra expelled from both Tibet and Sikkim.

   Undaunted, Alexandra headed for Kum Bum monastery in Eastern Tibet via China. The Manchu dynasty had collapsed, China was in turmoil, but Alexandra pushed on past brigands and warlords and immersed herself in the monastic life and the study of rare manuscripts at Kum Bum. She observed the practices of Bon, an ancient faith, and she engaged in some of their occult practices. In August 1922, with the help of another learned British official, Sir George Pereira, Alexandra began her zigzag journey to Lhasa. Alexandra was 55 when, along with Yongden, she defeated the fierce Himalayan winter and rugged terrain to achieve her goal.

    The epic story of Alexandra and Yongden's reaching Lhasa is too incredible to summarize here. Victorious, Alexandra descended to India, flaunted her triumph before British officials, and sailed for France. She made her home at Digne at the foot of the Basses-Alpes, which she joked were "Himalayas for pygmies." She stocked her villa Samten Dzong (fortress of meditation) with a collection of tankas, masks, prayer rugs, manuscripts and photos -- a miniature Tibet. She even brought home a necklace of gold coins, a gift from Sidkeong. She had refused to spend even one, no matter how desperate her need.

Over the next 40 years Alexandra and Yongden wrote two-dozen books on Eastern themes, ranging from adventure classics to "The Secret Oral Teachings In Tibetan Buddhist Sects," praised by Alan Watts as "wonderfully lucid." Occasionally, the pair -- she dressed in a lama's robes, he in a black suit -- sallied forth to lecture in European capitals, always planning new voyages of discovery that she grew too arthritic to undertake. At 100 Alexandra renewed her passport, fruitlessly planning a trip across Russia that would end at New York.

    Yongden had predeceased Alexandra, who passed away in 1969, just shy of her 101st birthday. At Samten Dzong, now a museum, some mementos from Alexandra's forbidden journey remain: a compass, a cooking pot, her automatic pistol, a native hat, box cameras, a Tibetan rosary made of 108 pieces of human skulls. Alexandra's real legacy endures in her books, which have inspired many Westerners to travel to Tibet, to study Tibetan Buddhism and to live the adventure that is life. (HuffPost)

(Barbara and Michael Foster are the authors of two biographies of Alexandra David-Neel: 'Forbidden Journey' and 'The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel')

Govt keeping eye on Chinese works in border areas: Antony

New Delhi, Dec 16: The Central Government on Wednesday said that special attention is being paid to Chinese infrastructure development in border regions and necessary steps have been taken to address national security concerns through development of rail, roads and air fields in such areas.

“Government is aware that China is developing infrastructure in border regions opposite India in Tibet and Xinjinag Autonomous Region. This includes Qinghai-Tibet railway line with proposed extension upto Xigaze and Nyingchi and development of road and airport facilities,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the Rajya Sabha.

He was replying to a question on Chinese construction works along the borders and the steps taken by government to meet security challenges there.

In his written reply, Antony said, “Government is giving careful and special attention to development of infrastructure in border areas opposite China in order to meet our strategic and security requirements and to facilitate economic development of these areas.”

Maintaining that all developments having a bearing on India’s security are under constant watch, Antony said attention is paid for developing infrastructure in the states sharing a border with China.

“This includes the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh,” he said, adding, “Security concerns are adequately addressed through development of rail, roads and forward air fields as well as the operational capabilities of the armed forces.”

“SCRAP HYDEL PROJECT IN SACRED SIKKIM”

Tashiding youth body warning against hydel projects

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Dec 16: The Tashya Tsogpo (Youth Organisation) of Tashiding in West Sikkim has supported the recently-formed “Common Platform” in its fight against hydropower projects in sacred areas in the State.

“We the youths of Tashiding are in full support of recently formed Common Platform of different organisations in fighting against the haphazard Hydel Projects mushrooming in Sikkim in particularly proposed over sacred rivers, rocks and lands all over Sikkim.,” a press release of the Tsogpo said.

“Sikkim is the land of Mahayana Buddhism protected and safeguarded by the Constitution of India under Article 371F and Places of Worship (Special Provision) Act 1991,” it added.

“Tashiding Bhum-Chu (Holy Vase Water), the origin of which dates back to the time of Great Master Guru Padmasambhava in 8th. Century is in a great risk today because of the proposed unwanted three Hydel Projects (Lethang HEP, Ting-Ting HEP and Tashiding HEP) over Rathong Chu River,” the release further added.

The youth body warned, “The water from the upper part of Rathong Chu is use to replace and refill in this holy vase. Any provocation and pollution of Rathong Chu River will tantamount to attack on sanctity and sacredness of the water.”

“Scrap hydel projects to preserve heritage”

Gangtok, Dec 16: The Kalzang Welfare Association of Tashiding in West Sikkim has requested Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to scrap the proposed hydropower projects on sacred Rathonchu River in West Sikkim.

“We are very much optimistic that the Hon’ble Chief Minister would definitely yield to the demands being made by the Buddhist followers of Sikkim,” a press release of the organization said.

The Association said “it is also our responsibility to preserve and protect our dharma, heritage and above all, its sacredness as unfolded by Guru Rinpoche.”

The release said Yuksam-Tashiding-Pemayangtse in West Sikkim area forms the nucleus of Bayul Dremo Jong (Sikkim) and should be declared a sacred area by the government.

North Sikkim Club supports anti-Rathongchu hydropower project platform

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Dec 16: The Rongong Youth Club of Rongong-Phodong in North Sikkim has welcomed the recent formation of a joint action committee by several social organizations in the State to oppose mega hydropower projects over Rathongchu River in West Sikkim.

In a press release, the Club said, “We would like to extend our full support for the noble cause and like to request this platform to include proposed 99MW Dikchu HEP being constructed by Sneha Kinetic Power Project Pvt. Ltd. in North Sikkim also in the list to be scrapped.”

“We cannot compromise with the Holy Bum-Chu festival of Tashiding Monastery which is globally famous and known today in the name of unwanted power project,” the release said.

While stating that the “wounds” of the September 18 earthquake in the State “is still fresh in the mind Sikkimese people” the Club has requested the State Government to abide by the advice given by the Minorities Commission and scrap the three projects over Rathongchu.

Central panel meet on quake victims

New Delhi, Dec 16: Stung by reminders from Odisha (Orissa) and Sikkim, the Centre’s High Level Committee (HLC) was expected to convene a meeting  here yesterday to clear financial aid for the two states affected by natural calamities. Sikkim — hit by a massive earthquake on September 18 —has sought Rs7, 400 crore from the Centre under the disaster response fund. Odisha had asked for Rsn 3,265.38 crore after it suffered two floods in September.

The HLC, headed by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, has Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Home Minister P Chidambaram and the plan panel Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia as members.

While Sikkim is learnt to have submitted a memorandum on November 28 to the home ministry demanding relief, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to finance minister on December 2, asking the Centre to quickly dispose monetary aid.

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN Dec 8-13, 2011

Dalai Lama wants to visit Burma

Yangon, Dec 7: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama expressed his desire to visit Burma to pay homage at the country's holiest shrine of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon.

The message was conveyed to leaders of Burmese Buddhist monks at the Global Buddhist Congregation 2011 held in New Delhi on Nov. 27, The Irrawaddy magazine reported.

“The Dalai Lama said he has a great friendship with Burmese monks because they are well-versed in Buddhist scripture and also strictly follow the code of conduct of monkhood. And he wants to pay a pilgrimage to Shwedagon,” said Ashin Nyanissara, an influential Burmese Buddhist monk who joined the event in Delhi.

Burmese Buddhist monks responded to the Dalai Lama by saying that he would be invited to Burma at an appropriate time, Ashin Nyanissara said in a note posted on the internet.

But it is not clear when the Dalai Lama intends to come to Burma or if the Burmese government, a major ally of China, would issue a visa. Burma has already angered Beijing recently through the suspension of the Chinese-backed hydropower dam project in northern Burma.

Come, modernize Bhutan's crafts: Queen Mother of Bhutan

Ahmedabad, Dec 7: The Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, said she is looking forward to partnerships with India in various fields. The Queen Mother, who has been actively involved in promoting social causes, including the promotion and preservation of the art of weaving in Bhutan, said that India and Bhutan can draw from each other's proficiency.

"Bhutan's art of weaving has gained international recognition and is the source of livelihood for many. In Bhutan, design is limited to colour combinations and pattern motifs. I believe a lot can be done, especially by building partnerships," the Queen Mother said at the 32nd convocation of National Institute of Design (NID) on Monday.

The Queen Mother, who was the chief guest at the convocation, said that the biggest challenge for Bhutan is to replace traditional techniques in crafts with modern technology without forgetting traditional skills and knowledge.

"I am impressed that since its inception NID has upheld its vision of providing holistic education. NID's role in promoting design along with the role of artisans is worth emulating," the Queen Mother said while inviting young designers of NID to play a role in Bhutan's development.

Tibetan women at UN climate meet in Durban

Durban, Dec 7: Two members of the Tibetan Women’s Association (WTA)  – Tenzin Woebum, head of Women’s Environment and Development Desk (WEDD) and Tenzin Dolma, Joint secretary, who represent Tibet Third Pole (T3P) – arrived here on November 28 to take part in the two-week Conference of Parties (COP-17) meeting (November 28 – December 9), an undertaking of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Tibetan delegates joined NGOs from around the world at the UN’s climate change negotiations to advocate for equitable and durable solutions to the world’s growing climate-change crisis and significantly to represent Tibet at the conference, according to a press release of the WTA.

Around 11,810 delegates: 1409 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), 86 Inter Governmental Organizations (IGOs) from 200 countries – are taking part in the deliberation.

Funded substantially by TWA and partly by the Global Fund for Women, the Tibet presence was made possible by accreditation and letters of invitation accorded by Global Campaign for Climate Action and Oxfam, South Africa respectively both through the International Tibet Network, thus providing an alternative voice for Tibet at the biggest climate meeting.

Scientists have termed Tibet as the Third Pole in terms of its storage of glacier ice and its status as a reservoir for the world’s largest rivers which feed one billion people in 10 downstream countries in south East Asia.

China’s response to the growing climate-change crisis in Tibet has been two-fold. First, China has begun building dozens of mega-dams and water diversion projects to capture and re-direct water from India and SE Asia to an increasingly thirsty China.

Second, China is forcibly removing all of Tibet’s 2.25 million nomadic herders, creating a human-rights crisis masquerading as conservation. This human-rights crisis comes despite the nomads’ traditional ecosystem knowledge and millennia of sustainable stewardship of Tibet’s grassland ecosystems, and despite scientific evidence that shows the nomads’ positive role in promoting ecosystem abundance, diversity, and resilience, the release said.

 “The world has gathered in Durban to continue addressing the ethical challenge that climate change has created.  Does a sovereign nation have a moral responsibility to act not only in its own self-interest, but also in the interest of people living beyond its borders? China’s actions in Tibet answer – no”, states Woebum, head of the Tibetan delegation.

Nepali Buddhists resent Prachanda link with Lumbini

Kathmandu, Dec 7: The Buddhist community in Nepal are not too happy with former Prime Minister and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda)’s association with a development project on Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Prachanda has been made head of a national committee formed by the government to develop Lumbini. He is also vice-chairman of Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APEC), a Hong Kong based NGO, that had run into controversy over its US $ 3 billion Lumbini development plan.

Buddhists, who comprise around 11%  of Nepal's population, are unhappy with Prachanda's association with Lumbini as he is a Hindu and has a violent past.

"Prachanda is responsible for deaths of thousands during the civil war and is not a Buddhist. He should have no role in Lumbini's development," said Amar Deep Moktan, a Buddhist, according to a journal.

Moktan is spokesperson of a new group called Coordination of Preservation of Buddhists' Concerns which enjoys support of nearly 100 Buddhist social, religious, youth and women groups in Nepal.

On December 7 nearly 5,000-10,000 Buddhists from all parts of Nepal will gather in Kathmandu to take part in a silent rally against Prachanda and demand protection of their religious rights.

Last month Prachanda had met UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon and sought his help to develop Lumbini. Buddhists in Nepal also sent a letter to Moon protesting the Maoist leader's association with Lumbini.

Despite Nepal's transition from a Hindu kingdom to a secular republic three years ago, Buddhists still feel neglected and sidelined by the nearly 80% Hindus in the country.

4 Himalayan nations clinch deal on climate change

  Thimphu, Dec 7: Four Himalayan nations facing the threat of weather changes have agreed to collaborate on ways to adapt to climate change after a two-day summit in Bhutan.

India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan were part of the Climate Summit for a Living Himalayas held in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu recently. They agreed to cooperate on energy, water, food and biodiversity issues, Associated Press reported.

 “The success of our initiative will not only have direct and immediate benefits for our own people, but we could be setting a worthy precedent for other countries that share similar conditions,” Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y. Thinley said according to a press statement.

Pakistan, China and Afghanistan were absent from the summit but organizers downplayed that, saying that the summit was focused on securing ecosystems, endangered species, and food and water sources for only the Himalayas’ eastern part.

The summit called for action amid the international community’s inability to agree on limiting greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global climate change. The next round of U.N. climate talks begin in Durban, South Africa on Nov. 28, but the expectations of any breakthrough there are limited.

As part of the declaration the four nations agreed to work together to increase access to “affordable and reliable” clean energy resources and technology through a regional knowledge sharing mechanism, a press statement from the World Wildlife Fund said.

The most contentious part of the talks dealt with water security, according to the WWF release, but the four nations did agree to work together on ecosystem and disaster management, sharing their knowledge in water use efficiency.

 NC leader vows to fight on for JK autonomy

L. Verma

Srinagar, Dec 7: Senior National Conference leader, Mustafa Kamal, who was recently ousted from party posts by the high command, on Monday vowed to continue the ‘war’ with New Delhi "till autonomy is restored to Jammu and Kashmir".

Briefing reporters here, Kamal said that the party will not remain silent till the internal autonomy resolution passed by the state legislature is implemented by the central government.

“It is imperative for New Delhi to address political aspirations of the state and the hearts and minds of the people can only be won when they take political initiatives like restoration of autonomy for the resolution of the Kashmir issue,” Kamal said.

 “Our efforts will continue. We will not remain silent. We will not get tired. We will precede the unresolved agenda of Sheikh Sahib for which he spent years in jails for political settlement of the Kashmir issue,” he added.

To a question about his possible inclusion in the state cabinet, Kamal said, “Chief Minister and Congress high command has the authority to include any one in the cabinet and sack any one. Let us wait.”

“National Conference is fighting against wrongs done by New Delhi since 1953. They have to undo the wrongs and key lies in restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir,”  he added after paying homage to his father and National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 106 birth anniversary.

Dev Anand was a college student in Dharamsala

Dharamsala, Dec 7: The legendary actor Dev Anand who died due to cardiac arrest in London on Saturday had special bonding with Dharamsala, unofficially declared as winter capital of Himachal Pradesh and popular all over the world for being abode of the Dalai Lama.

The local government college where the legendary actor had studied and passed his intermediate has not even a single picture of one of the greatest legends of Indian film industry.

The charming actor who made huge name and fame in the movie world had given some breathtaking stage performances at the Dharamsala College when he studied here from 1938-1940. The actor loved the cool environs and calm ambience of the college located in the backdrop of Dhauladhar ranges.

Later he went to Lahore and enrolled himself at the college there. Some of the students of the college currently studying said that it is a matter of great honour and pride that legendary actor Dev Anand had studied here. They said that Dev Anand’s association with the college would always be written in the golden chapters of the history.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in his condolence message said that with the death of Dev Anand, an era of film industry has come to an end. He said that Dev Anand was a versatile actor and a great human being. He said the void created by his demise was difficult to be filled in the history of Indian Cinema.

Editorial

SACRED RATHONGCHU

Go Ahead And Face The Music

The intentions of the Sikkim Government and anti-mega hydropower projects in Sikkim are clear: there is no scope for consensus. If this stand persists it will inevitably lead to a showdown which the Chamling Government cannot afford at this juncture when it is facing growing pressure from the Opposition on various issues – corruption, dictatorial rule, misuse of quake funds, identity of ‘Sikkim Subjects’  etc.

The State Government and the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, which have been ruling Sikkim for the fourth consecutive terms, ought to know by now that it is not just the indigenous minority Buddhist Bhutia-Lepcha tribals who are against the projects. The majority Sikkimese Nepalese and the old business community of Sikkim are gradually realizing the need to take care of Sikkim if they wish to live in Sikkim in peace and prosperity.

Presently, the anti-dam protesters are confined to three hydropower projects over sacred Rathongchu river in the Tashiding-Yuksam region in West Sikkim. This region is of great significance to Sikkim in terms of history, culture and religion. As the agitators move forward they are likely to come on a common platform with anti-dam activists who are opposing mega projects on the Teesta river in North Sikkim.

Monks of Sikkim want “anti-Buddhist” hydro projects scrapped

Support 8 organizations’ opposition to mega hydro power projects over sacred Rathongchu

Gangtok, Dec 7: The monk body of the former Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom has urged Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to ignore the alleged unreliable report submitted by a panel on hydropower projects in West Sikkim and uphold the religious sentiments of the people and scrap mega hydro projects in that district.

Supporting the demand for scrapping of these projects by 8 social organizations in the State, the ‘Monks of Sikkim’ in a press statement by its General Secretary Lopen Tshering Norbu Lama here yesterday demanded that  all “anti-Buddhist” hydro projects over “sacred Rathongchu” river in West Sikkim should be scrapped immediately.

“All the Sikkimese monks and monasteries welcome the endeavors jointly made by eight organizations to protect and preserve the sacred Rathongchu from being polluted or desecrated,” the release said.

“The Sikkimese monks also questions the veracity and authenticity of the recommendation of the high power State Committee lead by Chief Secretary when, in its so-called recommendation/Report, it utterly failed to addressed the religious-spiritual aspects associated with the anti Buddhist Projects vis-a-vis Denjong Neyig,” the release said.

“It is very surprising that these committee members even did not considered it befitting to interview any Rinpoches, Khenpos, Tsampos, Lamas to realize the religious aspect or implication of the projects,” the release said and added, “We reject the so-called recommendation of this Committee.”

The stand adopted by the monk body follows the demand on the issue made by 8 social organizations in the State which have urged Chamling to scrap the projects or face agitation.

The organizations that want Sikkim’s sacred religious and cultural heritage, besides the environment and ecology of the State, preserved are: Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), All Sikkim Monastery Association (ASMAN), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESE&U), Peoples’ Forum on Earth Quake (PFOE), Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan (NASS) and SAVE Sikkim (SAVE).

They have come together on a platform called Platform for Joint Action Against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro Power Projects in West Sikkim on December 3.

GNLF celebrates 6^th Schedule deal in hills

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, Dec 7: After its short break the GNLF has started mobilizing its party units in various parts of Darjeeling.

This week its supporters held rallies across the hills ostensibly to celebrate the 6^th anniversary of the agreement that promised autonomy for Darjeeling under the 6^th Schedule of the Constitution.

GNLF supporters feel that even as the people, by and large, have not accepted the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and the cry for Gorkhaland has been revived the only solution to the hills problem would be within the purview of the 6^th Schedule.

According to reports, the celebrations at Barbotey, Bijanbari-Phulbazar, Rimbick-Lodhama, Rohini and Mirik was authorized by the GNLF supremo Subash Ghising.

Though the GNLF has not been able to win any seats in the recent Assembly polls at least 40,000 votes were polled by its candidates.

Gorkhas-Adivasis for joint campaign on GATA

Kumani (Kalimpong), Dec 7: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the Adivasis has agreed to form joint committees and campaign for Gorkha Adivasi Territorial Administration (GATA), a set-up that seeks to cover the Darjeeling hills and the Dooars and Terai.

The Morcha also said it was willing to spend 50 per cent of the Rs 200 crore that the Centre had promised to the GTA for the development of the Dooars and the Terai, a national daily reported.

Last week, north Bengal development minister Gautam Deb had said an agreement had already been reached with the Morcha and the government would not consider any fresh proposals like GATA.

But Morcha president Bimal Gurung and party general secretary Roshan Giri shared the dais with Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad leaders here on Sunday to pitch their support for GATA.

After the meeting at the forest grounds here, Gurung told reporters that changing the name of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) to GATA will not be a problem.

“Once the governor gives his assent to the GTA Bill, we will sit together with the Centre and the state and the name will be changed (to Gata). That will not be a problem,” Gurung said.

PM faces naked protesters in Manipur

Imphal, Dec 7: Seven male volunteers of Manipur People’s Party (MPP) Youth Front led by its president Maniton Mangang stripped off at their office complex to protest Prime Minister Manmohon Singh’s visit to the State on Saturday.

The naked protest was carried out under the banner “Welcome Prime Minister of India with Black Carpet.”

The protestors shouted the slogans “No Supra State Body in Northeastern Region”, “We Condemn Insensitive Attitude to NE People by Indian Government”, “Stop Divide and Rule Policy Amongst Ethnic People of NE Region”, “Stop Negligence of Northeastern People” etc.

Speaking to media persons prior to the naked protest, MPP Youth Front President, Maniton Mangang stated that the Central government has remained insensitive towards the suffering of the people of Manipur who have been facing the torments of economic blockade for several months.

The Prime Minister should make a clear statement on the proposed “Supra State Body” for the Nagas. The issues of Northeastern region should be dealt by the Centre seriously, he said.

Paresh Barua hiding in China or Burma

P. Ghosh

Guwahati, Dec 7: A top ULFA functionary and an Indian journalist were arrested by the Myanmar Army on Saturday. Home Secretary RK Singh has confirmed about the arrest of the two people to the media.

The top ULFA functionary arrested is not Paresh Barua but the so called Lt Col Jibon Moran. He was the

finance secretary of ULFA. The journalist arrested by the Myanmar army Rajiv Bhattacharjee was working in newly started Guwahati newspaper called Seven Sisters Post, a regional daily said.

Rajiv Bhattacharjee had recently posted on Facebook and Twitter that he was going to interview ULFA leader Paresh Baruah in November first week in the Myanmar jungles. Since then the Myanmar media is agog with news that Paresh Baruah has been arrested.

It seems that Bhattacharjee was either arrested while he was on route to interview Paresh Baruah or he was meeting Jibon Moran.

According to intelligence inputs Paresh Baruah operates between Chengdu province in China and Kachin state in Myanmar.

Funds for ‘Dimasaland’ movement detected in Nepal

New Delhi, Dec 7: In a major breakthrough for efforts to curb terror funding, Indian agencies tracked a payment routed by a northeastern insurgent group from Singapore to Nepal, and got Kathmandu to seize the payment.

According to sources, the amount belongs to Dima Haolam Daogah (Jewel faction) aka Black Widow, an insurgent group active in Assam and Nagaland. The amount of $200,000 was remitted through proper banking channels from Singapore to Nepal to an account with Everest Bank's branch in New Baneswar in Kathmandu, The Times of India reported.

The outfit has been demanding a homeland - 'Dimasaland' - for the Dimasa people in areas falling under both the states.

Investigators believe the payment of $200,000 (approx Rs 1 crore) was transferred by Niranjan Hojai, the self-styled commander-in-chief of DHD (J). Hojai is named as a key accused in two cases filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into diversion of public funds in the northeast for insurgent activities, and also figures in several insurgency related cases. The money was remitted from a Citibank branch in Singapore into the account of Sarita Giri Rai, Hojai's wife who lives in Kathmandu, the report said.

After Indian intelligence agencies picked up specific information about the money transfer, Nepal and Singapore authorities were alerted. Even before Singapore reverted with the banking details, Nepal authorities had detected the unusually high bank transfer, and seized it.

Rai was summoned for questioning and she couldn't explain the source and reason for the huge amount. Sources said she admitted to investigators that the money belonged to her husband.

  

SIKKIM OBSERVER DEC 7, 2011

‘SAVE SIKKIM’ PRESSURE ON CHAMLING

Sikkimese threaten to start agitation if govt goes ahead with hydropower projects in West Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 6: Eight social organizations in the State, including Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), has threatened to launch agitations if the State Government continues to remain adamant in going ahead with mega hydroprojects on the sacred Rathongchu river in the Yuksam-Tashiding region of West Sikkim.

After formation of the “Platform for Joint Action” by eight organisations here on Saturday they have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling yesterday urging him to stand by his earlier decision taken in 1997 to scrap the 99 MW Rathongchu hydropower project and put an end to the three such projects over Rathongchu in West Sikkim.

The organizations want Ting Ting, Tashiding and Lethang hydropower projects on Rathongchu to be scrapped immediately. If the State Government “fails” to respond positively to the demand of the people “any kind of agitations” are likely to take place by the “affected people” and the government would be held solely responsible for whatever happens thereafter, the letter to the Chief Minister said.

A press statement issued by the joint action platform said if the government fails to scrap the projects “then this platform will be at liberty to take any course of action” to “press its demand.”

Reflecting the sentiments of the Sikkimese people the concerned organizations have voiced their apprehension on destruction of the natural and cultural heritage of Sikkim if these projects are not scrapped immediately.

Besides SIBLAC, the other organizations with the joint platform are: National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Unemployed Association (ASESEUA), SAVE Sikkim (SAVE), People’s Forum on Earthquake (PFOE) and Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan (NASS).

Dalai Lama makes another public appearance as Beijing seethes

Observer News Service

New Delhi, Dec 6: On Saturday afternoon at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi, the Dalai Lama spent an hour educating a packed house of some 1,500 people on the art of happiness in a lecture arranged by book publisher Penguin India.

That in and of itself would not be unusual: the Tibetan spiritual leader is a best-selling author and a world-renowned public speaker. But the event marked his third public appearance in India in a week at a time when India and China — a vociferous critic of the Dalai Lama's ever since he fled to India from China-occupied Tibet in 1959 — are at increasing odds over border disputes and oil-and-gas exploration in the South China Sea, Time magazine reported.  

   And while the lecture itself steered clear of political issues, the deeper significance of the Dalai Lama's sudden increased public appearances has been the subject of much speculation. The Chinese government has reacted strongly to the Dalai Lama's latest speaking engagements in India, canceling high-level talks after one appearance and sending missives to Indian officials not to attend another, despite assurances from New Delhi and from the Tibetan government-in-exile that they were not meant as an affront.

   "The Dalai Lama has been in Delhi for quite a few events. All the events he has attended are nonpolitical, and it is mere coincidence that they happened one after the other," says Lobsang Sangay, the newly elected Kalon Tripa or Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile who accompanied the Dalai Lama on Saturday.

"China is overreacting and politicizing his appearances. The Dalai Lama has always been about human values and harmony; it is just the Chinese government who is pressurizing India and other countries to restrict him."

Bhaichung ropes in Ronaldo for Sikkim quake funds

Gangtok, Dec 6:  Former India skipper Bhaichung Bhutia has succeeded in persuading the authorities to bring three-time world footballer of the year Christiano Ronaldo to play in an exhibition match in Kolkta next month to raise funds for the victims of the recent Sikkim earthquake.

The match is likely to take place on January 15, according to reports. The exhibition match is said to be Bhaichung’s brainchild.

The proceeds of the match, to be played under the aegis of Football Players Association of India (FPAI), will go for the earthquake victims in Sikkim.

The funds collected from the match will also be distributed among needy former India international footballers, it is learnt.

"We are organising the exhibition match to help the Sikkim earthquake victims and the ex-international players. It will be held at Salt Lake Stadium on January 15. We are going to have a press conference on January 14 and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit is expected to address it," Bhutia told PTI.

"I am trying to stitch an India team which will have former international players including me. The match will also have Bollywood actors and cricketers. I have been in talks with John Abraham and Ranbir Kapoor. I am also going to speak to Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly who are football followers," he said.

The international XI, to be made up of former stars, will have the likes of Cafu of Barzil, Marcel Desailly of France, Paolo Maldini of Italy, Patrick Kluivert of the Netherlands, Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon, Frenchman Christian Karembeu and Rene Higuita of Colombia.

The Indian Football Association (IFA), the state football body for West Bengal, have already given the green signal to the match.

Ruud Gullit will be the coach of the International XI side while Shyam Thapa will be his Indian counterpart

Editorial

MEDIA WATCH

Give Priority To Where It Is Due

People are now not so naïve as before as far as the press is concerned. They know why and how the media operates. Most media houses in India are either owned by politicians or big companies. Some are used as fronts to turn black money into white money. There are very few newspapers owned by journalists or persons and parties that have no vested interests. However, many small town newspapers, particularly vernacular papers, are still owned and run by local journalists. But big papers that have widened their reach have eaten into their share of readership and revenue.

There is, therefore, a greater need for introspection among mediapersons and media proprietors in small towns and cities to give top priority to the growing problems faced by the media in smaller states in the country. Governments in these states also need to take a closer look at how the local press really functions. While politicians tend to give more importance to the dailies, weeklies and other journals are left uncared. While some of them have closed down due to financial pressure others are surviving with great difficulty. Advertisement bills are kept pending for a long period and most of the time hawkers and vendors fail to pay their dues to newspaper establishments. And yet the press has to function and public demand from the local media is growing by the day.

HIGH SECURITY

Cut Down Cost, Implement Act

The Supreme Court has already directed all state governments to implement the provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Act and issue high security number plates to vehicles. The order must be followed or else it would be regarded as contempt of court.  Till very recently only Goa, Meghalaya and Sikkim have partially implemented the Act. Sikkim faces a peculiar situation. Around 12,000 vehicles in Sikkim have reportedly been provided with high security registration plates. Most of the remaining vehicle owners are unwilling to get the new number plates as the cost of these items are much high as compared to other states.  In other states the cost of these number plates for four wheelers is around Rs 500; in Sikkim it is around Rs 2000.

While the All India Private Vehicles Owners Association wrote to the Sikkim Chief Secretary a few years back on the number plates issue alleging “scam” involving Rs 4 crore, the Sikkim Congress unit had taken up the matter with the Supreme Court as well as the CBI. The allegation is that the cost of these number plates is more than double the cost in other states, including neighbouring West Bengal. The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee has alleged that “handsome commission” was paid to those who got the deal to implement the project. During the recent local taxi drivers rally in Gangtok the high security number plates issue was also raised. The authorities should immediately cut down the cost and implement the Act in the interest of the people and book the culprits who are responsible for corrupt practices.

China: The World’s Next Superpower

Europe and India must not assess China merely on its financial influence

Sunanda K Datta-Ray

In the West they say China is taking over the world. But, no, it’s only bankrupt Europe that faces the prospect of being taken over while monks and nuns come to a fiery end in Tibet, the Dalai Lama continues to mark time, and the Karmapa Lama’s millions of followers wait for India to adopt a rational policy towards a young incarnate monk who could be the face of Buddhism’s future.

The West is understandably impervious to these nuances because of its own priorities. Europe needs money and China, the world’s biggest creditor with foreign exchange reserves of around $3.2 trillion, has it. “If the Chinese, who have 60 per cent of the world’s reserves, decide to invest in the euro instead of the dollar, why refuse?” asks Nicolas Sarkozy archly, hoping to distract attention from Europe’s persistently extended begging bowl.

Klaus Regling, chief executive of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), which was set up last year and has already provide financial aid to Portugal, Ireland and Greece, expects the Chinese to chip in so that the bailout fund that was agreed on at a recent summit in Brussels can be increased from ¤440 billion to ¤1 trillion. He told the media in Beijing that Asian investors had already snapped up 40 per cent of the bonds that the EFSF issued, but didn’t disclose China’s share of the purchase.

As coy as Sarkozy, he hopes to tempt the Chinese to invest $100 billion in the fund, saying “We all know China has a particular need to invest surpluses,” and that China is “interested in finding attractive, solid and safe investment opportunities.” The inscrutable Chinese haven’t said so. That doesn’t daunt Regling’s salesmanship. “I think the EFSF can offer a good product that is commercially interesting,” he says, adding that the bonds are guaranteed by the 17 euro zone member states. If those 17 governments are so creditworthy, the Chinese might wonder, why come cap in hand to them?

But China’s Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao didn’t dash Regling’s hopes though he didn’t exactly bubble over with enthusiasm. Zhu welcomed the Brussels consensus in tones that were both patronising and lecturing. “Europe needs to listen to opinions in designing the instrument, and it will take some time for a technical framework to form.” China is playing hard to get.

According to a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Beijing is willing to make joint efforts with the international community to stabilise the global financial market and expand cooperation with Europe in the investment, trade, finance and technology sectors. According to another report, China would prefer to buy European factories and railways instead of wobbly government bonds. The commerce minister has promised to send a delegation to Europe next year. “Traditionally, Chinese involvement in overseas infrastructure projects has been as a contractor only. Now, Chinese investors also see a need to invest in, develop and operate projects.” That could be the beginning of the takeover Europe hopes for.

But China is also anxious to project a humane image in keeping with its superpower-in-waiting image. Hence the agreement with UNIDO, the UN’s industrial-development organisation, to invest $3 billion in Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace. Hence also the reported pledge of $1 billion for the Nalanda project that Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun made to Amartya Sen, leader of a delegation of the Nalanda University Mentor Group, in October. According to Chinese reports, the “two sides exchanged opinions on the rebuilding of Nalanda University and China-India cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation… Nalanda University was known in ancient times as Nalanda Temple where Monk Xuanzang of Tang dynasty fetched Buddhist scriptures.”

But such gestures don’t stand alone. They must be assessed in the context of the whole. Australia’s Gareth Evans, international crusader for human rights who threatened to cancel a trip to China unless he was allowed to visit Tibet, once told an interviewer, “What they (the Chinese) need to appreciate is that the Dalai Lama is the best thing they are ever likely to have going for them, in terms of someone that is not arguing for independence, is only arguing for cultural autonomy, is capable of carrying the Tibetan people with him both inside and outside the country.” Today, Evans, who will address the first-ever Australia-India Institute conference in Kolkata on Monday, could add that with the Dalai Lama getting on in years, and with little prospect of a credible and uncontested reincarnation, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, the 17th Karmapa Lama, is the world’s best bet. (Business Standard)

Bangalore colleges to raise funds of Sikkim quake victims

Bangalore, Dec 6: The college choir of St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science is organising ‘Humanitas 2011’ this Christmas in association with Mount Carmel College. The festival is an effort to raise funds for the less fortunate during Christmas and also raise money for earthquake victims of Sikkim.

Touted as one of the biggest Christmas festivals among the colleges in the city ‘Humanitas 2011’ will be held on December 18 at 5 pm at Mount Carmel College Auditorium.

Christmas musicals and plays that depict the birth of Christ are an integral part of Christmas celebrations in most colleges across the city. A crib and the Christmas tree is decked up in the first week of December which stays on till the new year.

SIBLAC pays tribute to Dev Anand

Gangtok, Dec 6: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has expressed its deep sense of “sadness” on the passing away of the “legendary Bollyhood mystic, the ever Romantic Dev Anand.”

A condolence meeting was held here while the members attending the same stood for two minutes in silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul, who was instrumental in projecting Sikkim to the outside world with his movie ‘Jewel Thief’ in 1963, according to a press release by SIBLAC General Secretary Pem Tshering Lepcha.

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Sikkim Observer Dec 6, 2011

Road construction work unsatisfactory: High Court

GANGTOK, Dec 5: The Sikkim High Court is not pleased with the slow pace of work along the national highways in the State.

During a hearing of a case pertaining to widening and maintenance of roads in the State, including NH 31A, Acting Chief Justice SP Wangdi said construction work undertaken by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Project Swastik in the State was “far from satisfactory.”

The court noted that report filed before it by central agencies undertaking road construction work in the State showed little progress despite the fact that the issue also involved national security concerns in the strategic border State.

The delay, it appears from reports, is largely due to non-availability of funds and slow process in acquiring land for construction works.

The High Court has directed the Ministry of Surface Transport for early release of funds and sanction of funds for compulsory afforestation to enable speedy construction of national highways.

Realising the need to complete construction of roads before the next monsoon sets in, Justice Wangdi has observed that all respondents “…shall take up the matter by according it the priority it deserves so that optimum amount of work can be completed during the working season which normally extends only up to the month of May each year”.

Only 15 of the total of 37 proposals for widening and maintenance of roads in the State have been officially approved. These include NH31A, JN Road  and North Sikkim Highway.

In May this year, the Sikkim High Court had issued suo motu notices to several Union ministries and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and sought responses on the bad condition of three strategically important roads in the State.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Barin Ghosh and Justice S.P. Wangdi acted on media reports on the inferior widening work and poor maintenance of the three national highways, posing inconvenience to residents in the State and tourists.

The judges also pointed out the strategic and security aspects of the three roads passing near the borders with Nepal, China and Bhutan.

Referring to the North Sikkim Highway, Justice Wangdi had said though the widening of the road had begun more than seven years back “surprisingly, the work is yet to be completed and its progress is manifestly slow”.

All the three widening projects are looked after by Project Swastik of BRO. While Rs 600 crore has been earmarked for the widening of 180km-long North Sikkim Highway, the 66 km-long Gangtok-Nathula road’s work costs Rs 495 crore. According to the BRO schedule, both the projects will be completed by 2015.

Nathula border trade: zero import, exports decline

Hill Media Network

Gangtok, Dec 3: Despite the initial enthusiasm and media-hype over resumption of the traditional Indo-China border trade at Nathula in east Sikkim nothing worth mentioning happened during the just-concluded border trade.

In fact, the sixth border trade was a damp squib: imports were nil and exports declined by half. Last year, the export figure was Rs 402.54. This year it has gone down to Rs  218.95, according to official sources. The trading period was between May to November.

Border trade through Nathula (14,000 ft) resumed in July 2006 after the 1962 Indo-China war.

Read Against the Tide, ex-CM tells local scribes

Jigme N Kazi

Gangtok, Dec 3: The man who always supported the status quo and became a part of it in a political career spanning more than fifty years surprised me again when I learnt that he remembered me during a media function here recently.

Bhim Bahadur Gooroong urged mediapersons in the State to read my first book, Inside Sikkim: Against the Tide, during a recent function where he awarded five local journalists with “Positive Journalism” grant. The grant came from the State Government.

Would Chief Minister Pawan Chamling approve Gooroong’s reference to my book during such an occasion when IPR Secretary KS Tobgay was also present and when I’m still in the bad books of the authorities? I really don’t know, but I feel that the former Chief Minister was freely expressing his views not caring for anyone’s views on his remarks, which the local media purposely ignored for reasons best known to them. Though Against the Tide was looked upon by many as an anti-Bhandari book the establishment has been treating me as one indulging in “negative journalism” in the past one decade or so. So, Gooroong, a former journalist, did a brave thing by asking the local media to read my book. But will they ever read and go against the tide? I won’t blame them if they don’t. There’s a big price to be paid for exercising one’s freedom in Sikkim. Everyone knows that but pretend not to.

Another credit due to Gooroong from me is when he was the Chief Guest during last year’s function of the Sikkim Federation of Working Journalists (SFWJ), which I still head. During the function, six local journalists, including myself, were felicitated by the Federation, an affiliate of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ), with “Press Freedom” award for taking part in a press freedom protest rally in Gangtok on June 19, 1993, when the political situation was unfavourable towards freedom of expression and movement in the State.

When Chamling launched my book in Gangtok in February 1994 I was lucky. Within three months (it has nothing to do with my book) Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who was in power for nearly fifteen years at a stretch, was eased out of power. Dissident legislators within his party (Sikkim Sangram Parishad) used the income tax issue to throw him out. He never came back to power since then.

In May 1984, Gooroong, who earlier defected to the Congress (I) government headed by Bhandari, sided with dissident Congress legislators to go against Bhandari. The dissidents were successful and Gooroong became the Chief Minister – but only for 13 days!

In February 1982, Gooroong, then an MLA representing RC Poudyal’s opposition Congress (R),  led ten legislators – six  from the ruling Congress party and four from the opposition –  in a revolt against New Delhi by acknowledging former Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal’s second son Prince Wangchuk Namgyal as the 13^th “Chogyal of Sikkim.” The revolt took place on the day of the Chogyal’s funeral on February 19, 1982.

   The sad thing with the old man is that the opportunistic tendencies in him got the better of him than his rebellious streak. Otherwise Sikkim would be a better place to live.

BORDER ROADS

Give BRO A Long Break

If you take an hour’s drive from Gangtok towards North Sikkim along the North Sikkim Highway you will know what Acting Chief Justice SP Wangdi has been saying in the Sikkim Court. Instead of the usual black or semi-black tarred road much of the road leading to Kabi-Longtsok, an important landmark in Sikkim’s history, is covered with thick mud and very bumpy, too. During the winter when there is less rain the slush along the highway is less but one can imagine what the people, including tourists, have to go through during the coming monsoon. And beyond Kabi the road does not get any better not to speak of the condition of the highway from Mangan to Chungthang and from there to Lachen and Lachung after the recent earthquake.

Lack of funds and the tardy manner in which files are processed for land acquisition for road construction work are not the only reason for delay in road construction and maintenance work. The fact is that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is simply unable to do the job entrusted to it due to many reasons which the authorities should know by now. It is, therefore, high time that the authorities give the BRO a long break and allow private firms to do the job. Trying new initiatives to tackle long-standing problems for a change is the only alternative left now.  It will do a lot of good to residents of the State and the country’s security concerns in a vulnerable region such as Sikkim, which has international borders with three countries.

INDO-CHINA RELATIONS

India Needs To Be More Assertive

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s observation that India is not at all firm in dealing with China on violation of its territorial integrity in the Himalayas is shared by many who want India to be more assertive in tackling with China on various contentious issues, including the border dispute. Unlike the Dalai Lama who says India is too cautious in dealing with China on the Tibet issue Abdullah has gone one step further. He wants India to show “some spine while dealing with China.”

"Why is it that China wants us to follow 'One China' policy for them but it won't follow a 'One India' policy for India," Abdullah rightly asked. "China seems to have no problem in calling Kashmir a disputed region. But we are expected to follow a 'One China' policy and not call into question Taiwan's status, or not call into question Tibet's status," he added. The need for India to deal with China on such issues on an equal footing and to take a more assertive stand like it did when it refused to accept China’s request to postpone the Dalai Lama’s religious function in Delhi recently must be reflected in all avenues of Indo-China relations. However, there was no need for India’s President and Prime Minister to skip the international Buddhist function where the Tibetan spiritual leader was present. Aren’t we showing that we are apologetic and somewhat spineless?

South district villagers raise concern on tunnel blasts

By A Staff Reporter

Jorethang, Dec 5: Local residents from several villages in south district have expressed concern over the manner in which big companies from outside the State are carrying out their construction work in their area.

Villagers of Zoom-Salghari, Majhitar, Goam, Chisopani and Daragaon near here said construction companies such as Dans Energy and Sew Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd are carrying out “illegal” work inside the tunnels.

According to the Industrial Belt Dev Company (IBDC), heavy machines are being used the in the tunnel premises and locals feel that construction workers are not only not heeding to the suggestions and grievances of local residents but are involved in activities that are harmful to them and the environment.

Heavy blasting are also taking place inside the tunnel which are creating a sense of panic among the villagers, local youths said. They said the concern of the villagers has been reported to State Government officials.

DR. TSEWANG Y. PEMBA TSERING/ A Tribute

Remembering Dr. Pemba of Darjeeling

BY KC PRADHAN

A doyen among the medical fraternity in the Hills of Darjeeling, and the first to become a doctor in western medicine from his community, is no more. A distinguished medical surgeon who made a mark not only in Darjeeling but also in faraway London and more importantly in the Kingdom of Bhutan where he was highly revered. But he treasured most his association with Planters’ Club Hospital in Darjeeling where he was the Superintendent for many years and many sons and daughters of eminent families from Sikkim were born under his, and eminent Matron Phulmati Rai’s, able watch.

 He was a quite man of few words and highly dedicated in his profession.  His association with Sikkim goes back to the early 1940s when his distinguished father Rai Saheb Pemba Tsering was a prominent member in British Political Office having served as British Trade Agent first at Gartok in western Tibet and then at Yatung and finally Head of the British Mission in Lhasa - a post next only that of Political Officer in Sikkim. But the family had made Gangtok their home, living in the residence of late Tashi Tsering of Sikkim politics fame. If I remember correctly, it is now Students’ Shop.

If his sister Nozenla was my kindergarten friend at Mazong House (Gangtok), his younger brother Tsewang was my hostel mate at the old Santosh Villa at North Point (Darjeeling). A brilliant family which persevered and made a mark in their respective fields despite having lost their parents to the Gyangtse flood on that tumultuous night of 17 July 1954. As Nozenla writes, “My parents were washed away suddenly in Gyantse, Tibet floods of 17-7-1954. So, we were left as orphans overnight and had to fend for ourselves independently. God has been good as we managed to survive”.

Tsewang Norbu was a brilliant student with Dawa Tsering, later Foreign Minister of Bhutan, all of us staying as pals in Santosh Villa. Alas, the rickety building, our home away from home is no more. Tsewang did his civil engineering from Imperial College in London and was working in Manchester till his retirement and is now settled in the UK. His youngest sister Norden lives in Germany. Nozinla runs her own Himalayan Nursery School in Darjeeling assisted by her daughter Bunty.

Sir Basil Gould, the Political Officer of Sikkim, was very fond of the family and always tried to help. He has written eloquently of Rai Saheb Pemba in his Memoir “The Lotus in the Jewel” and narrates hilariously how the task of handing over two pairs of birds (budgerigars- Australian parakeet) to the four year old HH the Dalai Lama was entrusted to him as the Dalai Lama was very fond of birds.

Dr. Pemba (as he was called and known) was an eloquent writer. His book, “My Young Days in Tibet” is an interesting read – written with simplicity and yet gives insight of Tibet and the society at large at that given time of Tibet’s glorious past.

An extract of his days at Victoria School is apt to share here:

No, unfortunately, I was not a school girl during the above years, I was fortunately or otherwise a school boy at Victoria Boys' School, rather than a stone's throw away from Dow Hill School. In those days and I suppose even now, Dow Hill was the sister school to Victoria. By that it was meant that if one was a student at Victoria and had a sister, she was expected to go to Dow Hill, and vice versa if a school girl at Dow Hill had a brother at home. It was expected that the students of the sister school never had boy friends except at Victoria, and the latter was in turn expected to maintain a mutual fidelity. Dow Hill always cheered Victoria during sports and games competitions and we did the same for our sister school when she raced against their rivals St. Helen's Convent, Kurseong. Every now and then boys having sisters in Dow Hill were allowed to visit them but these visits had a sinister or romantic purpose, for the boys served as decoys to smuggle in heart rending messages to girl friends, and for every Romeo at Victoria there was willing Juliet in Dow Hill. I remember that these episodes of gun running or rather letter running got to such a pitch that the academic staff of both the schools were concerned that such distractions would greatly harm the scholarly achievements of the two schools, and there resulted much persecution.

I have begun this article in a light vein, and even to-day Dow Hill somehow brings to mind such associations - socials where we primmed and scented ourselves and with much heart thumping and shyness took our first manly steps into the social world, dances where we clumsily put into practice the steps of the fox trot and waltz that we had rehearsed so assiduously for weeks. But of course there must have been the deep serious changes that were taking place beneath the light hearted gaiety and superficial world of our boyhood and girlhood dreams. The years 1941 - 1948 were momentous years, years of the second world war, the year of Indian Independence 1947, and the end of the British Raj. Dow Hill then was almost full with British and Anglo-Indian girls, and most of the staff were from these categories.

I particularly remember Miss Harley who was the Headmistress at that time, a large slightly grey haired Australian lady (She was a British and made Kent as her home after retirement), whose speeches during Speech Day were always something to be listened to. She ran the school extremely well and maintained a very high degree of academic and social excellence. Dow Hill used to produce some very entertaining and polished plays and concerts, and to these many British and Allied soldiers vacationing or convalescing at Darjeeling or Kurseong, used to come. Teas would be served for the troops and money collected for the Red Cross and other war societies. I remember a concert where the attire of the performing girls were a little on the scanty side, and raised eyebrows from certain prudish members of the audience, but the whole thing was done in great taste, and I am sure the troops enjoyed the show. Anyway Dow Hill was not a frumpish institution but took the lead in everything that was changing and modern.

I also remember Mrs. Siddons (I believe she lives in England now, and hope she will blush pleasantly in reading this) who was probably the most chic and fashionably dressed school teacher I have ever come across. She always managed to look social and once again chic, whenever she visited Victoria, no doubt on scholarly matters, we used to find it difficult to keep our eyes off her. She always appeared to be discussing something controversial judging from her vigorous graceful gestures and the awed manner in which her audience of young school masters listened. We of course dared not approach within hearing distance to listen.

Dow Hill was good in hockey and in the inter-school sports, she did well. Dow Hill also used to have some marvelous fetes where we ate and played with relish and then there was a concert to look forward to after the fete or better still a dance, where Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington and Victor Sylvester tunes CHARMED our hearts and feet. The jitterbug was then in fashion, and I believe the Samba was just coming in.

Dow Hill also served as a fillip to our physical efforts. We used to have a burly games master named Mr. C. J. Hill, who while we groaned agonisingly having done a score of 'dips' used to berate us with words such as 'You, chaps, should get your girl friends at Dow Hill to see you now. Never seen such a lot of weaklings in my life before'.

I also remember Dow Hill before Independence putting on a play done entirely in Bengali. This was quite a startling novelty, against Raj traditions but Dow Hill had the temerity to put it on. In such matters she took the lead amongst the English speaking hill schools. Am I wrong in thinking it was a Tagore play, Rabindranath Tagore who died in 1941, and we had a holiday that day to mourn his death?

I'm afraid this article is a bit brief, but in conclusion I must say that my memory of those days of Dow Hill is of a lively modern institution, taking the lead in many fields, giving the girls an excellent education, stressing not only the academic side of life - an institution charming, attractive, very British, but at the same time keeping up with the times, and educating the girls to face up to and live in a new India, where the British political control would be no more, but where certain British traditions would still survive to play an important role. I'm glad Dow Hill has flourished to celebrate its Centenary, and wish it well for the future, a future in which its part in the education of young ladies will continue to be vital and prominent.

May his soul be rest in peace.

With thanks and gratitude…

 Dr. Pemba was our school (Mt. Hermon School – MH) doctor. He used to come to the school frequently (two-three times annually) to do our medical check-ups. He not only ‘repaired’ my fractured left hand after a football match at North Point on July 27, 1976 but surprisingly knew me quite well. Once when I went for a medical check-up at the school infirmary for my heart that was paining Dr. Pemba laughed it off and without doing any examination said, “You are a footballer; nothing can go wrong with your heart!!,” and then added, “How are the apples in Lachen?”  How did he know that I was from Lachen in North Sikkim?

 Those who knew him well will surely miss him. After the successful operation of my hand at the Planters’ Hospital I was back on the playing field, including North Point ground, for a long, long  time and with considerable success. And, therefore, it is not so difficult to remember him with heart full of thanks and gratitude now that he is no more.

St. Joseph’s Father German (see pix) taught us ‘speech’ while I was doing my two-years’ teachers training at the TTC (Teachers Training College), which was located at MH premises and basically run by our staff members. How can we ever  forget his “Haba-Haba” shouts during football matches at North Point.

Dr. Pemba and Father German are among those unforgettable landmarks of Darjeeling during my schooling and teaching days – the golden era – in Darjeeling. -  Jigme N Kazi)