SIKKIM OBSERVER Jan 26, 2012
GUV, CM R-DAY MESSAGE
Sikkim is one of the most progressive states: Chamling
Democracy has taken deep roots in Sikkim: Guv
Observer News Service
Gangtok, Jan 25: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said Sikkim is “one of the most progressive States in the country” and the progress made in the State reflects a fine balance of “tradition and modernity.”
In his R-Day message, the Chief Minister said “It has been an arduous journey to bring about emotional integration of our people with the country.”
“I am proud to state that after 36 years of following the democratic principles in the State, we have achieved many milestone after milestone in the development process. Sikkim today stands tall as one of the most progressive States in the Country,” Chamling said.
“Traditional bottlenecks including inadequate connectivity, socio-economic disparity, lack of infrastructure for various high end activities and institute building are being taken care of,” the Chief Minister said.
Governor BP Singh urged the people to “remember, with gratefulness, our freedom fighters who gave up their lives for the cause of securing independence so that we could live as free citizens.”
He said “democracy has taken deep roots” in the State” and “the atmosphere is conducive for the overall wellbeing of the Sikkimese people.”
“The State enjoys unparalleled peace, progress and prosperity. As the State marches towards modernity, we continue to put emphasis on preservation of our rich culture and heritage,” the Governor said in his R-Day message.
SC notice to Chamling on corruption
“Withdrawal of CBI probe malafide”
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Centre and the CBI on a plea seeking independent probe into allegations of misuse of government funds by Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and his ministers who have been ruling the State since 1994.
A bench comprising justices R M Lodha and H L Gokhale also issued notice to the Sikkim government and the chief minister on the petition filed by two residents of the State, Delay Namgyal and Pema Dadul. The petitioners have accused Chamling and others of indulging in corrupt practice claiming that a report by the CBI earlier had confirmed that several others in his Cabinet have assets that cannot be accounted for, PTI and IANS reported.
The petitioners alleged that the order for withdrawal of the CBI to probe into charges of corruption in Sikkim was issued to thwart the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe against Chamling and other ministers in his government for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices. Prior to the notification there was a general consent under which CBI could proceed against any official of the state or the central government in the state without any sanction.
Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel Raju Ramachandran told the court that they have moved the court as it is matter of utmost public importance. He told the court that the decision of the State Government to restrict the jurisdiction of the CBI on the basis of the requirement of prior sanction and refusal to accord such consent against the Chief Minister was vitiated by malafide.
Senior lawyer Ram Jethamalani, appearing for the Sikkim Government, opposed the petition saying that it was politically motivated case but the court observed that it was not getting any picture of it being a political case. Senior counsel K.K.Venugopal, appearing for Chamling, told the court that the petition was against the refusal of Right to Information (RTI) application against the chief minister and thus they should go before the appropriate appellate forum under the RTI Act.
The court too was not impressed by the plea of the State's Advocate General A. Mariarputham that the State Government has already instituted an inquiry into the matter and there was no need for probe by CBI. The inquiry was under the State Government, the court observed.
The petition said that the initial CBI probe has found that Chamling and legislators, during the period 1999-2009 "had indulged in various corrupt practices including the commission of criminal misconduct and acquisition of disproportionate assets".
Cong leader lauds SC order to combat graft
Gangtok, Jan 25: Former Minister and Congress leader KN Upreti has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to begin corruption cases against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
Reacting to the apex court’s decision to serve notice to the Chief Minister, Upreti in a press statement said the order is a show cause notice why the CBI should not begin probe into alleged corrupt practices of the Chief Minister.
Upreti also blamed the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee President N B Bhandari for entering into a “secret negotiation” with Chamling to ensure that the CBI does not begin investigation into Chamling and his Cabinet colleagues’ “corruption cases and misuse of public fund.”
He blamed Bhandari and Congress senior leader Kunga Nima Lepcha for “betraying the party and the people” on the corruption issue.
“However, Mr Chamling’s money power has failed ultimately and he has to face the consequences of indulging in excessive corruption and misusing power,” the release said. Upreti thanked Delay Namgyal and Pema Dadul, the petitioners, for their effort and “achievement.”
Hissey is Sikkim’s RS candidate
Gangtok, Jan 25: Former minister and three-time MLA from North Sikkim, Hissey Lachungpa, is the State’s lone Rajya Sabha candidate.
The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which has all the 32 seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, on Monday declared Lachungpa as its candidate for the RS seat. Lachungpa was the only candidate to file the nomination papers for the seat.
Lachungpa, who was the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, had resigned from the post.
The present RS MP OT Lepcha is expected to retire soon.
Bhaichung’s rare treat for football fans in Sikkim
Gangtok, Jan 25: Sikkim United on Sunday got the better of 'Super Star XI', which included soccer greats such as former Dutch striker Rudd Gullit and legendary Scorpion guitarist Rudolf Schenkar, in an exhibition match here at the Paljor Stadium.
Organised by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia in collaboration with the Sikkim government, proceeds from the match will be given to victims of the earthquake that rocked the state in September last year.
People from all over the State flocked to the Paljor Stadium to get a glimpse of the stars who entertained one and all with their talents.
The 'Super Star XI', besides Gullit and Schenkar, included Frenchman Christian Karembu, Tim Tranker (World Motor Sports Champion), former India footballers Shyam Thapa, IM Vijayan and Bollywood actors Rahul Bose and Neha Dhupia to name a few.
The event started with Kolkata-based band 'Under Ground Authority' and rock outfit, 'Still Waters' from Sikkim, jamming with the Scorpion guitarist, belting out numbers like 'Rock You Like a Hurricane', which set the mood for the gala evening, a national daily reported.
USFC struck first with two goals in the seventh and 19th minute by striker Daniel. Thoi found the net in the 12th, Beiko in the 35th, Thupden six minutes later, MD Lepcha in the 57th and Bhupendra Khewa in the 70th minute, as the hosts completed a 7-4 win.
Goals for the 'Super Star XI' came from Marcel Oerlemans who scored thrice, in the 30th, 64th and 68th minutes, and Sushi Singh hit the net in the 32nd minute.
"This is a historical day for Sikkim and the event has been possible only because of the support of the state government and the personal intervention of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling who is also an avid football lover," stated Sports Secretary, Karma P Bhutia.
Ray's 'Sikkim' documentary now in markets
Kolkata, Jan 25: After having dogged controversies ever since it was made four decades ago, Satyajit Ray's rare documentary 'Sikkim' has been released on Monday in the CD format.
The 52-minute documentary, commissioned in 1971 by the last Chogyal (king) of Sikkim - Palden Thondup Namgyal - was banned after a few scenes went against the liking of the rulers, PTI reported.
When the Himalayan kingdom merged with India in 1975, the Indian government also banned it. Two years ago, the ministry of external affairs lifted the ban on the film. Since then, 'Sikkim' has been shown only to restricted audiences at film festivals, including the 2010 Kolkata Film Festival.
"We do not know why the film was banned for so long But it is not a political film and has no propaganda. It is about the flora, fauna, the natural beauty and diversity of the Himalayan kingdom," Ray's son Sandip said.
After releasing the DVD and VCD release of 'Sikkim', he said that the original negative of the film is lost. A damaged print of the film was restored by the Gangtok-based Art and Culture Trust (ACT) of Sikkim in 2002 with support of The Academy of Motion Pictures, Art and Science in California. "I remember that the original film had excellent colours. But unfortunately now it is lost. However, the present CD version is viewable," Sandip Ray said.
PRIDE OF SIKKIM Bhaichung Bhutia
THE BALLAD OF BHAICHUNG BHUTIA
By Leonard Lefevre
COME GATHER ROUND FOLKS BOTH YOUNG AND OLD TO HEAR THIS TRUE STORY
OF HOW A YOUNG SIKKIMESE LAD BROUGHT THIS FAIR LAND OF OURS SUCH GLORY!!
THE HEARTWARMING STORY OF ONE WHO SHOWED US THAT NO MATTER HOW HUMBLE ONES BIRTH,
HARD WORK AND DEVOTION CAN MAKE YOUR NAME AND FAME SPREAD TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.
FROM A SLEEPY LITTLE VILLAGE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE HIMALAYAN SNOWS
WITH ROLLING GREEN HILLS AND WHERE THE CHILL WIND BLOWS,
WAS BORN A YOUNG LAD WITH A BIG DREAM AND A HEART OF GOLD
THE STORY OF WHOSE LIFE AND DEEDS WILL FOR CENTURIES BE TOLD.
THEY NAMED HIM BAICHUNG, WHICH MEANS "LITTLE BROTHER"
AND IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD, HE REALLY WAS LIKE NO OTHER!!
HIS EYES WERE FILLED WITH MISCHIEF AND HE COULD NEVER SIT STILL,
FROM A VERY TENDER AGE YOU JUST KNEW HE WAS 'LICENSED TO THRILL' !
HE WENT SCHOOL IN PAKYONG AND THEN AS A SAI SCHOLAR TO TNA
WHERE HE WAS PURE "NATURAL" AT EVERY SPORT HE DECIDED TO PLAY.
WITH SWEAT DRENCHED JERSEY AND BLOODIED SHINS AND A DIRTY BANDAGED KNEE,
TO FIND HIM JOSTLING FOR THE BALL WITH THE BIGGER BOYS WAS COMMON TO SEE!
HE LOVED A CHALLENGE AND NEVER SHIRKED FROM A FIGHT,
THOUGH OFTEN HE'D LOSE HE WOULD GIVE IT ALL HIS MIGHT.
NOT ONCE DID HE COMPLAIN OR LOOK FOR EXCUSES TO LOSE,
TO WIN EVERY GAME AND KEEP ON TRYING WAS HIS ONLY RUSE.
HE HAD A VERY KIND AND LOVING NATURE AND WAS SOON EVERYBODY'S PET,
FOR WE ALL KNOW THAT KIDS LIKE HIM IN THE WORLD OF TODAY ARE REALLY HARD TO GET!
HE WAS EXTREMELY WELL MANNERED AND NEVER FORGOT TO SAY 'THANK YOU' AND 'PLEASE',
AND WHAT IS MORE HE COULD HANDLE BOTH SPORTS AND STUDIES WITH CONSUMATE EASE!
YOU WOULD FIND HIM PLAYING FOOTBALL ON THE GROUND AT THE CRACK OF DAWN
FOR TO PLAY THE "BEAUTIFUL GAME" I GUESS HE KNEW HE WAS BORN.
HE WOULD ALWAYS BE THE LAST ONE TO LEAVE THE PITCH AFTER EVENING GAMES
AND WOULD HARDLY EVEN NOTICE WHEN THE WARDEN CALLED HIM NAMES!!
HE WOULD PRACTISE BACK VOLLEYS IN THE DORM AT NIGHT
MUCH LONG AFTER THE DORM INCHARGE HAD TURNED OUT THE LIGHT!!!
HE WOULD SKIP HIS SUNDAY OUTINGS AND EVEN HIS TEA,
THE FOOTBALL PITCH WAS THE ONLY PLACE HE EVER WANTED TO BE!!
HE HAD FEET LIKE QUICKSILVER AND COULD TURN ON A DIME,
THE DEFENDERS WHO MARKED HIM JUST DID NOT HAVE TIME.
HE'D DRIBBLE RIGHT PAST THEM AS IF THEY DID NOT EXIST
AND TO CELEBRATE EACH GOAL IN STYLE HE NEVER COULD RESIST!!
NOT BEFORE LONG HE WAS PLAYING IN THE GOVERNOR'S GOLD CUP,
THE SMALLEST AND YOUNGEST IN THE SQUAD LIKE A CUTE LITTLE PEKINESE PUP!!
HE'D SHAKE OFF SEASONED DEFENDERS AND LEAVE THEM FOR DEAD
AND THOUGH HE WASN'T VERY TALL HE COULD EVEN SCORE WITH HIS HEAD!
HIS TALENTS WERE RECOGNIZED AND HE WAS INVITED TO JOIN ONE OF THE 'BIG CLUBS'
PUNDITS SHOOK THEIR HEADS AND SAID "HE'LL JUST WARM THE BENCH AS ONE OF THE SUBS"
BUT HE HAD A DREAM IN HIS HEART AND HE WOULD NEVER LET IT DIE,
SO HE LEFT HIS HOME AND HIS CLOSE FRIENDS AND BADE THEM A SAD GOODBYE.
HE WORKED REALLY HARD AND KNEW HE HAD TO LEAD A LIFE OF SACRIFICE
AND GIVE UP ALL THE THINGS THAT TEENAGERS HIS AGE REALLY FIND NICE.
HE TRAINED AND TOILED NIGHT AND DAY IN THE SWELTERING HEAT,
FOR HE HAD A REALLY RESOLUTE SPIRIT THAT WAS DIFFICULT TO BEAT.
HE SCORED MANY A GLORIOUS GOAL AND WAS THE CROWDS DELIGHT,
THE SAME PUNDITS NOW SAID THE FUTURE OF INDIAN FOOTBALL LOOKED BRIGHT.
THE BACK VOLLEYS HE HAD SO ASSIDUOUSLY WORKED ON IN THE DARK
WERE SCORED AT WILL AS IF IT WERE JUST ANOTHER STROLL IN THE PARK!!
TABLOIDS CALLED HIM "THE TINKITAM EXPRESS" AND "THE BOY WONDER",
AS WITH HIS DEFT SKILLS HE TORE THE BEST DEFENCES ASUNDER.
"THE PIN UP BOY OF INDIAN FOOTBALL" HE WAS SOON TO BECOME
FOR HE HAD GROWN INTO A STRAPPING LAD WHO WAS SO HANDSOME!!
BUT HE WANTED TO LEARN MORE AND FOREIGN SHORES BECKONED,
IT WAS THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE HIS OWN GAME HE RECKONED,
SO HE PACKED HIS BAGS AND BOOTS AND MOVED TO BURY FC IN 'BLIGHTY',
AND WAS A GREAT SUCCESS THERE AS ALL HIS FANS COULD SEE.
HE THEN WENT ON TO PLAY FOR PERAK CLUB IN MALAYSIA,
AND WAS ALSO THE BEST FOOTBALLER IN THE CONTINENT OF ASIA.
STATISTICS WILL RECORD THE THINGS HE DID AND THE GOALS HE SCORED
BUT NO STATS WILL TELL OF HOW HE THRILLED THE FANS AND NEVER LEFT THEM BORED.
HE EVEN FOUND TIME TO DANCE HIS WAY INTO THE HEARTS OF INDIAN FANS
THOUGH I'M PRETTY SURE IT WAS NOT PART OF HIS LIFE'S INITIAL PLANS!
THE ACCOLADES KEPT FLOWING AND HE WON THE ARJUNA AWARD AND THE PADMA SHREE
BUT HE REMAINED SIMPLE AND HUMBLE AND ACCEPTED THEM WITH ALL MODESTY.
ON JANUARY 15TH 2012 AGAINST BAYERN MUNICH IN INDIAN COLOURS HE DID LAST APPEAR,
AND WE WERE FORCED TO BID ADEIU TO ONE WE LOVED AND CHERISHED SO DEAR!
AND THOUGH IT WILL BE VERY LONG BEFORE HIS MANY FANS EVER RECOVER
BAICHUNG WILL LIVE ON AND ON IN THE HEARTS OF EVERY FOOTBALL LOVER.
SO THIS MY FRIENDS IS THE TALE OF ONE I LOVED SO WELL
WHOSE STORY I KNEW I JUST HAD TO TELL.
YOU MAY ASK ME "WHAT MADE BAICHUNG SO GREAT?"
MANY SAY "HE WAS LUCKY AND IT WAS JUST HIS FATE."
BUT I KNOW IT WAS HARD WORK AND A "NEVER SAY DIE" SPIRIT
THAT BROUGHT HIM SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING WITH IT.
WHAT DROVE HIM WAS HIS DEEP PASSION AND LOVE FOR THE GAME,
AND THE 'BY PRODUCTS' JUST MAY HAVE BEEN MONEY AND FAME.
HE KNEW WHERE HE CAME FROM AND NEVER GREW "TOO BIG FOR HIS BOOTS"
HE NEVER GREW WINGS AND ALWAYS STAYED TRUE TO HIS ROOTS .
HIS HEART REMAINS BIG AND FULL OF LOVE AND HE CARES FOR EVERYONE,
AND THERIN GOOD FOLKS LIES THE TRUE GREATNESS OF SIKKIM’S BEST LOVED SON!!
(The writer was a biology teacher and dorm-incharge of Bhaichung Bhutia among other things at Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, Sikkim)
Memories of Sikkim’s date with Romeo in Sikkim
Shyam Pradhan’s Romeo in Sikkim was Sikkim’s first Hindi movie.
By Sheetal Pradhan
Sikkim became a part of mighty Indian Union in 1975 and in the last 37 years a small Himalayan kingdom transferred itself to become one of the most beautiful tourist centers of the world. The same year a milestone was accomplished from Sikkim in the world of Indian Cinema but more than three decades later the story seems forgotten to the wheel of clock.
I wanted to be part of the history in re-introducing behind the stories of Romeo in Sikkim, a Hindi film that had few landmarks still unknown to many. Romeo in Sikkim is the first Hindi film to be produced from Sikkim and first Nepali actor Shyam Pradhan, to play a lead role in a bollyhood film.
Shyam Pradhan went on to act in another film, the first Hindi-Nepali bilingual feature film that never saw the light of the day. He later went on to make two successful Nepali movies Bhool and Sanjiwani. Sanjiwani was made in three languages simultaneously - Nepali, Bengali and Hindi. The Hindi version is yet to be released.
It was Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’, Sansthapak of famed Singtam Basibiyalo, Praveen Pradhan, President of SPARK NGO from Singtam and me who visited the residence of the Shyam Pradhan a couple of weeks back. He was about to leave for Siliguri but delayed his programme for us. Such was his friendly persona that the anecdote he shared with us about Romeo in Sikkim and his other projects made me just listen to him…silently.
Shyam Pradhan, then a 19 year old from a well-established business family from Gangtok acted in a lead role in a colour Hindi movie Romeo in Sikkim shot exclusively in Sikkim and in some parts of Darjeeling and in Bombay, now Mumbai. With Amina Kareem as a lead actress who had played a small role in Danny Denzongpa’s Hindi film Mere Apne, Romeo in Sikkim had a gifted star casts in the caliber of legendary KN Singh, Kundan, Om Prakash, Seema Kapoor and others. Harikrishna Kaul directed the movie, while the shooting of the film was completed in 3 months and the beautiful songs composed by Vishwanath.
The film was shot in 1973 in 33 mm and released in 1975 at Bombay; in Sikkim it was first released in Denzong Cinema Hall and later on at Vajra Cinema Hall too, where it ran for 15 successive days, says Shyam Pradhan.
I first heard about Romeo in Sikkim from an audio music cassette of legendary Bollyhood Singer Mukesh. Being a big fan of Mukesh, I found it very surprising to read the lines on the cover of the audio cassette that mentioned a song “Jiska Sapna” from the movie Romeo in Sikkim. Similarly in few days I also found another song sung by Mukesh from another Hindi movie that had another interesting title Road to Sikkim. So when I first got an opportunity to speak to Shyam Pradhan himself, I just wanted to know about his memory of Mukesh.
He went on to say, Mukesh was a big name and he was very interested to know about the place called Sikkim and meet the hero of Romeo in Sikkim. When Mukesh finally met the lead actor, Mukesh was bit surprised and in a sarcastic way asked his music director, “How can I sing for him”. Definitely it was hard for Mukesh to give a feel to the song looking at the young artiste from Sikkim, the place he had never heard. Mukesh just went near Shyam Pradhan, hugged him and told him, “I will try my best.” After 18 retakes the recording of the song was completed and after 37 years of the first release of Romeo in Sikkim, the only thing that remains popular is that immortal song …..Jiska Sapana.
Romeo in Sikkim had four songs and the list of singers just amazing, Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi, and Suman Kalyanpur, a classic collection.
Sikkim on tourism recovery mission
Gangtok, Jan 25: Sikkim government has decided to undertake a year long tourism recovery mission to bring tourism in the state back to its pre-earthquake level and even beyond.
Tourism minister Bhim Prasad Dhungel said. "A clear-cut message will be sent to the rest of the country and even abroad that Sikkim remains the safest and the most popular destination for the tourists," Tourism Minister Bhim P Dhungel said at press conference in connection with Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival 2012 here, PTI reported.
Describing the Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival scheduled for February 14th to 29 as the first step under the mission, Dhungel said that it will be followed by the Sikkim Youth Adventure Festival-2012 in March. Speaking on the occasion, president of the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) Lukendra Rasaily said a variety of activities will be organized to woo the tourists during the 15-day long Snow Festival. These will include skiing, mountain biking, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing and other adventures, besides folk song , folk dance and local food festivals,he said. The Tourism Minister also launched the website of the Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival –www.sikkimsnowfest.com and publicity material for the Festival.
EDITORIAL
CORRUPTION IN SIKKIM
Green Signal From Supreme Court
The anti-corruption campaign in Sikkim Sikkim unit of the Congress on tackling corruption in the State some political activists took the matter to the apex court recently to seek justice for Sikkim
It will now be very difficult for Chamling to buy peace with every politician in the State given the support the anti-corruption campaign has among the general public. The Sikkimese people are fed up with the scale of corruption in every sphere of life in the State. Former Chief Minister and Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee President Nar Bahadur Bhandari was only recently convicted and jailed for allowing corrupt practices to cause unnecessary loss to the State exchequer. Now the present Chief Minister has to face the music on the same issue. If the apex court takes a serious view of rampant corruption in Sikkim
IMPLEMENT GTA
Respect 2011 Accord
The people of Darjeeling
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which has worked very hard to get the GTA, must be given enough time to restore Darjeeling Darjeeling Union Territory
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