SIKKIM OBSERVER        Sept 1, 2012

Jigme N Kazi's blog is: www.jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

PANG LHABSOL CELEBRATED IN GANGTOK

Sikkim on Friday celebrated the annual Pang Lhabsol festival with pomp and grandeur throughout the State. In Gangtok, the main function of the festival was held at Tsuklakhang Monastery, where the lamas invoked the guardian deities of Sikkim to bless the land and its people. Members of the royal family, including Prince Hope Namgyal and her husband Wangyal Topden, and the local people participated in the traditional celebrations of Pang Lhabso. (see page 4 for full story of Pang Lhabsol)

THE REBEL IS READY TO LEAD

I will form my party after panchayat elections: Golay

PS Golay

Gangtok, Aug 31: The moment most people in the State have been waiting for far too long may soon become a reality. The man who hails from the warrior tribe is mobilizing his forces and is almost ready to march forth to battle.

Dissident ruling party legislator, Prem Singh Golay, the lone rebel leader in and outside the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, is likely to form his own political outfit shortly.

Golay on Monday said in Rhenock, East Sikkim, that he would form his party after the panchayat polls. The process of holding panchayat polls, which has already begun, is likely to be over soon.

Spurred by Upper Burtuk MLA’s open defiance and ‘success’ during the recent Assembly session, when he openly and directly challenged Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on numerous issues, his supporters have been openly confronting the ruling party without much difficulty.

Defacement of posters carrying Chamling’s portraits in Gangtok, Namchi, Chamling’s home-town, and other places in the State, torching of ruling party vehicles, waving of black flags and open clashes and confrontation with ruling party supporters are all indications that Golay is ready to lead a mass anti-Chamling movement in the State, where Chamling has been ruling for nearly two decades without much opposition.

The four-term legislator, who has been holding indoor meetings with his followers and supporters, has been raising issues that the people are faced with and care about: inefficient and unresponsive administration, rampant corruption, restoration of democracy and rule of law, fear psychosis, local protection and loss of faith in Sikkim’s future.

Sikkim University VC to head delegation at China-India Forum

Gangtok, Aug 31: Sikkim University Vice Chancellor Prof Mahendra P Lama will lead a delegation of the heads of Indian educational institutions to China at the 3rd China-India Forum, a release said on Thursday.

Organised by Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, this forum brings together the heads of the public and private higher education institutions from India and China, PTI reported.

The forum, scheduled to be held in Tianjin on Thursday and today, primarily discusses the long term issues related to the cooperation on higher education between the two countries.

Pang Lhabsol distortions ‘intentional’:SIBLAC

Tseten Tashi Bhutia

Gangtok, Aug 31: The alleged “distorted interpretation of Pang Lhabsol”, a religious festival unique to Sikkim, in the Sikkim Study Series released by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in August 2004, has still not been corrected despite objections by the Bhutia-Lepcha tribals in the State.

The issue surfaced once again during the Pang Lhabsol celebrations this week when Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia stated that despite the government “frequently” been approached on the subject nothing has been done to rectify the distortions.

In fact, Bhutia has alleged that the distortions were “intentional”. He said errors are “unacceptable” to the Sikkimese people, a press release by SIBLAC said.

The book has said that the main function of the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations is held in the bazaar at the premises of the “Statue of Unity” in MG Marg. Bhutia points out that the main function is held at the Tsuklakhang Monastery in Gangtok.

He has also pointed out that celebrations are held on the 15^th day (full moon) of the 7^th month in the lunar calendar, which falls in August-September, and not on September 2.

In the book, the Lepcha chief Thekong Tek has been referred to as Thinking Tok and the Bhutia ruler Khye Bumsa as Bhey Bumsa. The two rulers who swore blood-brotherhood at Kabi Lungstok in the 13^th century on behalf of the two communities is of great significance to Sikkim and the Sikkimese people.

Khye Bumsa’s sons – Kyahu Rab, Langmo Rab and Mipon Rab – have been referred to as Hebu Rao, Lungmo Rao and Mipon Rao.

The book also refers to the Chogyals of Sikkim as “instruments of colonial expansions,” Bhutia pointed out.

“SIBLAC has vehemently opposed the distortion of history and misinterpretation of historical events” in the book, the release said and added, “Despite several reminders the Government has not acted upon our demand. For eight years the State Government is sleeping on its publication which has falsified Sikkim’s history.”

 “Is it not an intentionally done exercise to finish the Identity and history of Sikkimese people?” Bhutia questioned.

High Court takes up PIL on better health care centres in State

Advocate Doma Bhutia

Gangtok, Aug 31: The High Court of Sikkim has taken note of a PIL filed by Rinzing Chewang for improvement of public health care system in Lachen in North Sikkim.

Responding to the PIL, the High Court last week urged the State Government to submit within six weeks details of health care facilities provided to the people in the State through government hospitals and health care centres.

The divisional bench of Chief Justice Permod Kohli and Justice SP Wangdi observed from submissions made that government sponsored schemes such as National Rural Health Mission, Janani Suraksha Yojna are not being implemented in the State in the right spirit.

Representing the petitioner, who is a resident of Lachen, Human Rights Law Network advocate Doma Bhutia highlighted the lack of access to health care facilities for women, particularly pregnant women.

Rinzing Chewang

“We want proper public health care centre in Lachen with proper doctors and medicines,” said Chewang, son of a former Lachen Pipon.

Scrapping of power projects challenged in High Court

Gangtok, Aug 31 : Three private hydro power developers (Independent Power Producer or IPPs)  - Lachung hydropower private limited, Teesta hydropower private limited, and Chungthang hydropower private limited - have filed separate writ petitions before the High Court of Sikkim challenging the Sikkim Government’s recent decision to scrap their projects.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Permod Kohli of Sikkim High Court issued notices to the State Government while maintaining that the respondent will not create any third party rights in respect to works cancelled and ensure protection of petitioners properties.

Press award to controversial writer a big surprise: Hermonites

     Sikkim Hermonite Association President Karma Bhutia felicitating Jigme N Kazi in Gangtok on Friday.

Gangtok, Aug 31: In a candid and yet controversial statement writer-cum-journalist and former political activist Jigme N Kazi revealed that he was “surprised” to receive this year’s Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar award from the Press Club of Sikkim last month.

“Normally anyone who does not toe the official line and goes against the status quo does not get any recognition in Sikkim. In fact, he is harassed and victimized,” said Kazi during a get-together of Sikkim Hermonites, alumni of Mt. Hermon School, Darjeeling, here last Friday.

“For someone hailing from the Bhutia community and who has always been an anti-establishment person like me to receive any kind of reward under the present dispensation is big news and surprised me and many others,” Kazi said while talking candidly to his fellow Hermonites, who felicitated him on receiving the Press award for his three-decade-long (1983-2012) contribution to journalism in the State.

“I’m a rebel and I enjoy being just that,” Kazi said while addressing the gathering. When someone asked him, “What about the Sikkimese people?,” Kazi shot back, “Let them go to hell.”

In his acceptance speech on receiving the award on July 17, Kazi made it very clear how he felt about the present situation in Sikkm: “It is futile to fight for the distinct identity of Sikkim within the Union if the leaders of our larger community are not sure of who they are, whom they represent, and what they really want. Nepal’s political situation, where ethnic communities are being reduced to a minority in the land of their origin, has still not opened our eyes. This is because while our head is still not clear our heart is full of greed.”

In his address, Kazi had also candidly stated: ‘Me and my kind have lived through this bitter period in Sikkim’s history. In our efforts to fight for the common cause we have brought down five chief ministers and made four chief ministers in the past so many years.  We did this for a good cause and without any selfish motive. We are not to be blamed if our political leadership continuously fails us and lets us down the moment they come to power.”

 “That someone from the minority Bhutia community who has always functioned independently and wrote against those in power should be awarded now is a big surprise,” said a senior Hermonite during the Hermonites’ meet.

Sikkim Hermonite Association (SHA) President Karma P. Bhutia, who is also Secretary of Sports Department, said Kazi, who completes three decades in the profession this year deserves to be awarded for his contribution in the field of journalism in the State. Bhutia also complimented Kazi’s wife Tsering T. Namgyal, a teacher in Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA) who was also present during the function, for her support to her husband despite the family undergoing enormous pressure in the past so many years, said a press release by SHA’s General Secretary Suresh Sarda.

“What took the Press so long to recognize Jigme?,” a Hermonite questioned a local journalist, who seemed to have no answers.

Former President of SHA and former Managing Director of State Trading Corporation of Sikkim (STCS) Tempo Bhutia said Kazi was like a ‘trout’, a rare kind of freshwater species, and an “upstream swimmer,” who had his own mind and functioned independently. “I used to advise Jigme but though he gave me a patient hearing he did what he had to do and I respect him for that,” Bhutia, three years senior to Kazi in school, said.

   While thanking his friends, Kazi, who is also the President of ‘Hermonite International’ (HI), a global organization of the Hermonites, said three persons – his maternal grandfather, the Chogyal of Sikkim, and his former school Principal, GA Murray – had the greatest influence in his life. That the felicitation function of the Sikkim Hermonites should take place on Murray’s birthday (Aug 24) is a great honour for him, Kazi said. Kazi spoke fondly of the former Chogyal and his ex-Principal, who now resides in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Sikkim Hermonites  and Hermonites in the region have decided to have a grand reunion in Darjeeling after one of its well-known alumni, Justice Altamas Kabir, becomes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) at the end of this month.

Justice Kabir is likely to be the Chief Guest for the school’s Speech Day function to be held on November 24.

Editorial

CHAMLING Vs GOLAY

Open Confrontation Ahead

Opposition parties in Sikkim, excepting BJP, have maintained a low profile in the past so many months. Even the BJP’s presence in Sikkim is reduced to press releases, submission of memoranda to various authorities and filing of petitions in the courts. The Sikkim National People’s Party and Sikkim Liberation Party are now almost non-existent. The Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party’s activities, too, are confined to press releases. After it reportedly closed its chapter on corruption cases against Pawan Chamling & Co. the Congress party has remained silent. Sikkim Congress President NB Bhandari’s recent call for opposition unity has failed to evoke the right response from opposition leaders. Presently, it is only a few social organizations such as Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee, National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation and All Sikkim Educated and Self-Employed Association which are quite active but their activities are limited to hydel projects and unemployment.

In such a scenario the hopes of the people are placed on dissident ruling party MLA, PS Golay, who has decided to open his own political party after the ensuing panchayat polls in November-December. Though being in the ruling party Golay has indeed created a space for himself as a leader to take on Chamling. Who joins his party and what kind of support he will have will depend on what he hopes to achieve and his views on vital issues that concern the State. The change people should be looking for is different from the change they now want. They want new faces to replace those who have been in power for nearly two decades. Like Bhandari, Chamling, too, initially had the support of almost all sections of the people in the State though they had their own vote-bank: Bhandari had the NBCs (Newar, Bahun and Chettri) and Chamling had the OBCs (Other Backward Classes). At the fag end of his rule Bhandari was forced to depend on his own communities for survival but this was not enough. Chamling, too, is faced with the same situation. It is yet to be seen how Golay builds his own vote-bank while appealing to all people in the State to unseat Chamling.

Preserve Sikkim’s Buddhist cultural heritage: NASBO

Gangtok, Aug 31: National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) President Sonam Lama (Kaloen) has urged all Sikkimese to preserve their cultural heritage to make Sikkim a “true Buddhist state”.

This appeal comes at the time of the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations, which was celebrated all over the State today.

“Sikkim must enact exemplary exercises in preserving our sacred locations and heritage,” Kaloen said in a message on the auspicious occasion.

 He said care should be taken not to “defile the sanctity of our rich tradition and ethos” while planning “developmental projects.”

PANG LHABSOL: WORSHIP OF KHANGCHENDZONGA AND SIKKIM’S GUARDIAN DEITIES

A Mountain Festival Unique to Sikkim

By Tashi RN Kazi

Masked dance (chham) at the Tsuklhakhang Monastery in Gangtok depicting Khangchendzonga, the Guardian Deity of Sikkim. (file pix)

Pang Lhabsol, a festival dedicated to the worship of Mt. Khangchendzonga as the Guardian Deity of the former Buddhist Kingdom, is unique to Sikkim. Lord Padmasambhava (commonly known as Guru Rinpoche) came to Sikkim during his visit to Tibet in the 8^th century and oathbouned the mountain deities, including Khangchendzonga, to protect Sikkim and its people.

The Lepchas believe that the mountain is their place of origin. According to a handwritten biography by Lhatsun Chenpo, the chief propagator of Buddhism in Sikkim, it was divine visions sent by the mountain god who guided him to Demajong (the Hidden Valley of Rice, as Sikkim is referred to by the Bhutias) in the 17^th century.

Subsequently, Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal (king) of Sikkim, introduced the "pangtoed" dance and dedicated it to Khangchendzonga as a war deity.

Mahakala (file pix)

The Pang Lhabsol festival also marks the commemoration of blood brotherhood sworn between the Lepchas and the Bhutias at Kabi in North Sikkim in the 13th century.

The Lepcha bonthing (priest), Thekung Tek, and Khye-Bumsa, the Bhutia ruler and ancestor of the Namgyal dynasty of Sikkim swore blood brotherhood at Kabi-Lungtsok in North Sikkim in the 13^th century.  This historic site is still preserved to this day.

Khye-Bumsa’s descendant Phuntsog Namgyal became the first Chogyal of Sikkim (Denzong Gyalpo) in 1642 and was consecrated at Yuksam in West Sikkim by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme and two other lamas – Ngadak Sempa Phuntsog Rinzing and Kathog Kuntu Zangpo. The three highly-placed lamas belonged to the Nyingma (the oldest sect) order in Tibetan Buddhism, which has direct links with Guru Rinpoche.

Erected stones at Kabi-Lungtsok in North Sikkim depicting the blood-brotherhood pact sworn between the Lepchas and Bhutias of Sikkim in the 13^th century. This revered site is still a sacred spot and is a place of worship for the Sikkimese.

Though Sikkim became a part of India in 1975 the tradition of the Chogyal’s institution as dharmaraj (religious ruler) still continues without causing any disturbances to the prevailing political system. The present 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim, Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal, who stepped into his father’s (Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal) shoes after his death in 1982, is a deeply religious person and confines himself to religious and spiritual activities only. Sikkim is no more a monarchy and as the 22^nd State of India the Sikkimese people elect their own representatives to govern them under a Council of Ministers headed by a chief minister.

(left) Palden Thondup Namgyal, the 12^th Chogyal of Sikkim

Traditionally, Pang Lhabsol celebration combines masked dance (Chham) with warrior dance, giving the festival an inherent drama, which surpasses that found in other Buddhist festivals in the Himalaya. There are resplendent costumes and colorful masks, and the choreography is spectacular. Khangchendzonga itself is represented by a dancer wearing a red mask mounted with five human skulls, on top of which are mounted flags.

Yabdu wears a black mask, while the warriors who accompany them are attired in the traditional Sikkimese battle dress, complete with helmets, swords and shields. The dramatic entry of Mahakala, the protector of the dharma, or faith, is one of the highlights of the dance. It is Mahakala who commands Khangchendzonga and Yabdu to defend the faith and bring peace and prosperity to Sikkim.

Wangchuk Namgyal, the 13th Chogyal of Sikkim

A week prior to the dance, the lamas of Pemayangtse monastery in west Sikkim, where the festival takes place, offer prayers, invoking Dzonga - the popular local name for Khangchendzonga- to protect the land and look after the people. The festival of Pang Lhabsol is held on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar (Tibetan) calendar, which normally falls around August-September. People from all walks of life and faith join in the celebrations for peace, prosperity and communal harmony.