Jigme N Kazi’s blog: jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

SIKKIM OBSERVER        Oct 29, 2012

North Sikkim neglected by govt: Golay

“SDF panchayat candidates will join our party”

Gangtok, Oct 28: Stating this he is on the verge of forming his own political party, rebel ruling Sikkim Democratic Front leader and legislator PS Golay said after he forms his party all SDF panchayat candidates who have won unopposed will join his party.

Addressing a meeting of his supporters at Kabi in North Sikkim today, Golay said the north district remains a neglected area and referred to the poor maintenance of the road condition in the region. The former minister also pointed out that most victimized government employees are shunted to north district rendering the tribal-dominated region with poor social services.

Referring to the demand for early return of the 17^th Karmapa to Sikkim, Golay pointed out that the failure of the authorities to fulfill this demand was due to a note submitted to the Centre by former chief secretary of the State, KS Rao. He alleged that the State Government was ignoring the issue.

Golay’s supporters have already announced the formation of their political party once the panchayat polls are over. The panchyat polls will be held on November 3 and the polls process will be over by November 9. It appears that they are waiting for an auspicious day to declare formation of the party.

 Sikkim’s Sangay selected for TV serial

Gangtok, Oct 28: Sangay Udenla (21), who hails from Gangtok, has been selected for Doordarshan Primetime Television Serial based on famous author Ruskin Bond’s “Ek Tha Rusty”.

Shooting for the serial will take place at Mussorie, Dehradun, soon.  Sangay’s debut music video album as an actor in recently-released debut album of Mahima Rai “No One” had identified her looks by New Delhi-based Doordarshan Director. She is one of the findings of Sikkim Model Hunt 2012.

Sangay is a final year student of Political Science (Hons) in Daulatram College , New Delhi.

“Kazi ensured that political rights of BLs were safeguarded”

Sikkim monk body honours Jigme N Kazi for his contribution to Sikkim

Resolutions on monastic estates, reservation for BLs in panchayat system passed

(L to R) Jigme N Kazi, Former Sikkim Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Pahal Man Subba and former Minister KN Upreti at a seminar in Gangtok (file photo)

Gangtok, Oct 28: Senior journalist and author Jigme N Kazi was on Sunday (Oct 21) honoured for his “outstanding contribution to the Sikkimese” by a monk body of Sikkim.

A resolution passed by the Council of Sikkimese Monasteries said Kazi’s contribution helped to ensure that the “political rights” of Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepchas and Sangha were legally safeguarded when a member of the larger Nepalese community challenged the Assembly seat reservation of the Bhutia-Lepchas and the Sangha, representing the Buddhist monks of the former Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim.

As a “mark of recognition and acknowledgement” for his “outstanding contribution” to Sikkim and the Sikkimese people, representatives of all the Goenchen Thrug i.e. six premier monasteries of Sikkim offered Tashi Jeda (khadas) to Kazi and his wife Tsering T. Namgyal, a teacher at Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), a press release of the All Sikkim Monasteries Association said.

Kazi expressed his happiness on being conferred with such monastic honour and said that his contribution in ensuring Sikkimese rights was without any expectation for power and fame, the release said.

Kazi “showed his extra-ordinary zeal and exercise” in the legal battle in the Supreme Court in the 1980s which “ultimately ensured political rights of the BLs,” the release added.

Addressing the gathering Kazi said those who represented the minority Bhutia-Lepchas from the 13 reserved seats have not risen up to the expectation of their communities. He said his work in the past three decades revolved around the need to preserve unity, harmony and distinct identity of the three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese – while  also looking into the aspirations of the old business community in the State.

Prominent among those who were present at the function included Yapo Gaydrol Tempa Gyatso Lama of Pemayangtse Monastery, Yap Dorje Lobon (Ralong Monastery), Yap Umjoed Kinzang Paljor Lama (Phensang Monastery), Lobon Gaydrol (Tashiding Monastery), Chewang Lama (Phodong Monastery),

Lopon Dup Tshering Lama (Rumtek Monastery) and Cho Tshering Norbu (Enchey Monastery).

Yap Trungyik Tashi Wangdi of Tashiding Monastery, Yapo Lharip Topden, President, Denzong Lhadey Tsogpa, Yapo Sonam Yongda, a monk of Pemayangtse Monastery and the Late Chogyal’s aide-de-camp, and former minister and Sangha MLA Namkha Gyaltsen were also present on the occasion and offered khadas to Kazi and wife. Other representatives of all the six premier monasteries and Enchey Monastery were also present during the function.

The meeting was efficiently coordinated by Venerable Yap Gyadrol Tempa Gyatso Lama of Pemayangtse in presence of U-Dor-Choe Sum of all the premier monasteries and representatives of the Enchey Monastery.

During the meeting the monk body passed several resolutions on encroachment of monastic estates in the State following enactment of Municipal Act of 2007. It also noted with regret that there were no reservation of seats for Bhutia-Lepchas in the panchayat polls in the State. The lamas have also demanded panchayat system for the Sangha.

A resolution for “equal treatment” of all the monastic schools at par with the government schools was also passed during the meeting.

The monk body has also urged the Planning Commission of India for development fund for the monk body and the Sangha constituency in the State. It also wants the concerned authorities to seek advice from the monk body before undertaking any developmental activities which may be harmful for the preservation of Sikkim’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The lamas urged senior lamas of the six premier monasteries to lead, guide and unite the monastic body in the State on various challenges it faced.

Editorial

PRESSURE TACTICS

“Drone Attack Must Stop”

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has paid his price for his stand against US drone attacks in Pakistan. On his way to New York from Canada Khan was taken off from the American Airlines plane and interrogated by US Immigration at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada on Friday. Khan was to speak at a fundraising dinner in Long Island City the same day. At around 3.35 p.m. on Friday Khan tweeted: “I was taken off from plane and interrogated by U.S. Immigration in Canada on my views on drones. My stance is known. Drone attacks must stop.” After an hour’s questioning Khan was allowed to board a later 4 p.m. flight to New York but he missed the fundraising lunch.

Khan, who is the founder of Pakistan‘s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, took part earlier this month in a protest against U.S. drone strikes on his home turf. Toronto Sun columnist Tarek Fatah said Khan was likely interrogated because of groups protesting his entrance to the U.S. “They were concerned about anti-Americanism while he’s speaking over there,” Fatah said. The American Islamic Leadership Coalition from Phoenix, Ariz. wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier this week, pressuring her to revoke the U.S. visa granted to Khan because of his sympathetic views towards the Taliban.

Because of the missed flight Khan could not attend the fundraising lunch in New York which was so important for his party. He, however, seems determined to stick to his stand on US drones in Pakistan. Every politician must pay a price for the stand they take on behalf of their people. The US ought to note that Khan’s party is emerging as a major political force in Pakistan that would become a rallying point for democratic forces in the country whose main aim would be to safeguard the country’s interest while becoming a strong ally of the West.

 Buddhism is big business in today’s world

By Sonam Denzongpa

Sarnath, located 5 kms north of Varanasi, is where Buddha preached his first sermon.

It is very interesting to know that the Government of India rediscovers an affinity to Buddhism. This is made obvious by the fact that an "International Buddhist Conclave" was held in Varanasi from 29th September to 1st October 2012, jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

This is not a typo. May be you haven't been aware of the latest evolutionary advancements in Indian society. Therefore, be it repeated in plain text: Buddhism isn't a subject of religious concern anymore; it's a business unit of tourism, nowadays.

Accordingly, the members of the delegation from Sikkim were not selected from among spiritual masters, rinpoches and khenpos of the countless monasteries and hermitages of the erstwhile Buddhist kingdom as, in fact, these gentlemen don't have a clue of modern and rewarding Buddhism. In order to prevent the conclave from unwanted contributions, the all-knowing State Government chose the delegation to be led by the Additional Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department – probably an allusion to the flying yogis of ancient times -, with a Trekking Officer, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, and some tour operators as additional members. Finally, two deputies from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology as well as a cultural troupe of the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department made up for an authentic touch.

Meanwhile, you certainly got it: The conclave was not about realizing the Buddha's teachings, it was about marketing Buddhism.

Reports proudly mention that even Myanmar, undisputedly a leading nation in the field of nonviolence and compassion for the last 50 years, was impressed by a presentation of the achievements made in Sikkim.

An expert group on Buddhism deputed by the People's Liberation Army of the PRC was to attend the conclave as well, However, due to the latest irritations at Nathula, the delegation did not reach Varanasi in time. According to unconfirmed reports, the high command of the PLA considers to provide monks and devotees at the Jokhang temple in Lhasa with the blessings of an additional session of re-education instead.

The Gangtok administration is confident that the findings of the conclave, if implemented properly, will generate considerable profit in the near future. For, as tiresome as the Buddhists with their old-fashioned concepts of spirituality, morality and honesty may be, one can't deny the virtue that their stuff, generally, is highly decorative.

Therefore, new varieties of Buddhist articles and services may hit the high street soon, developed especially for visitors on a Buddhist trail and, ideally, combined with a meaningless but all the same well established label:Organic prayer flags from Yuksom,

green Malas from Tholung, purest bottled water - labelled “Bum Chu“ - from Tashiding,

sustainable Pujas from Pemayangtse ...

Unheard-of opportunities may rise with the establishment of Sikkim as a scuba diver’s paradise offering valleys flooded by hydro electric plants for treasure hunt.  An unknown number of hidden Buddhist treasures lying underwater will present the ultimate incentive for extreme athletes going after singular achievements.

The title of “First Stratospheric Skydiver” has been taken recently, however, the one of a “First Aquatic Terton ever” is still to be caught.

Needless to mention that such personalities are willing to disburse enormous amounts for a prospective flattery to their ego, funds that will, in turn, be reinvested for the collective good of the average citizen of Sikkim, of course. (Sonam Denzongpa is a MA student, Department of Philosophy and Religion, B.H.U., Varanasi)

Rhenock teachers felicitated for being conferred national, state awards

Dalapchand, Oct 26: Mulukey Junior High School, Under HRDD, Rhenock BAC, East Sikkim, felicitated the school’s Ex Headmaster Amrit Thakuri for being conferred National Award 2011 by President of India Pranab Mukherjee on  September 5, 2012.

 Two more State awardees Dhurba Basista, Headmaster Reshi Primary School, East and H.P Rawat, TGT (M), Chujachen Sr. Sec. School, East District, were also felicitated at a special function held at the school last week.

Principal, DIET Geyzing T.B. Chettri was present as the Chief Guest, Assistant Director, HRDD, BAC Regu, Chador Bhutia and Tshering Sherpa AEO, HRDD BAC Rhenock as the Guest of Honour and awardees Amrit Thakuri, Dhurba Basista and H.P. Rawat as the Special Guest. 

Retd. HM GP Adhikari, Bhuwan Giri, Headmaster Lower Bering PS, K.P. Dawari Coordinator Regu BAC , Ex Panchayats, SMC members , Headmaster, Teachers, students and guardians of Mulukey JHS, attended the programme.

The Chief Guest in his speech said those who received such “prestigious award” are a “source of inspiration” and complemented the work done by the staff and students of Mulukey Junior High School.

TNA wins RBI quiz contest, to represent Sikkim in New Delhi next month

Gangtok, Oct 26: Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), which won The All India RBI Inter- School Quiz (RBIQ) held here on October 19 last week, will represent the State in the semi-final round in New Delhi next month.

The Quiz contest held in Gangtok was a part of an ongoing series of a National Level Quiz contest being held at 32 locations across India for school students in Classes IX to XII.

The quiz contest, organized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Gangtok Office, was held here in the auditorium of Sikkim Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University.

In an overwhelming response to the event 113 teams from 55 schools from all over the State participated in the Quiz. More than 100 students from different schools in and around Gangtok had also gathered to cheer up the participating teams.

Six teams qualified for the Quarter Final round.. Tashi Namgyal Academy, Palzor Namgyal Girls Senior Secondary School, Modern Secondary School, Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, Government Senior Secondary School, Rumtek and Government Senior Secondary School, Samdong made to the top six.

The teams were also accompanied by their school teachers. The event was witnessed by E. E. Karthak, GM O-i-C, Gangtok, other officers of Gangtok Office and branch managers from various banks in Sikkim.

S. R Patnaik, DGM, HRMD, Central Office, Mumbai, was also present at the function, whose chief guest was K. T. Gyaltsen, Speaker, Sikkim State Legislative Assembly.

CM’s health camp held in Soreong

Soreong, Oct 26: A daylong Chief Minister's comprehensive annual and total check up for  healthy Sikkim (CATCH)  was held here last weekend at Raigaon under in west Sikkim

The CATCH camp was headed by Dr Narendra Gurung medical officer  (MO )from  Soreong primary health centre (PHC) and Dr Menuka Tamang (dental specialist) from Soreong PHC,

Local NGOs, volunteers and  teachers also participated in the successful holding of the camp.

The scheme is being introduced to provide a systemic and comprehensive health checkup to citizens of the State.

 “So far we have conducted 20 camps in last one and half month and have covered 6,740 people,” Gurung said. The total population under Soreong PHC is 28,202.

Bhutia body demands panel on religious sites in Pathing-Machong

Gangtok, Oct 26: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) has urged the Ecclesiastical Department of the State Government to form a committee to look into the implications of mushrooming of factories and industries on sacred Buddhist sites in Pathing-Machong in east Sikkim.

NASBO President Sonam Lama Kaloen said these religious sites are under the Machong monastic authority. He said NASBO wants the authorities to take “sufficient action to ensure preservation of all the sacred sites” in the area and “dispel all the apprehensions of the local monks.”

NASBO has also urged the policy-makers in the State to “unfailingly address” the religious aspects of the various projects in the State and their implications before planning any kind of developmental activities with a view to preserving the religious heritage of Sikkim.