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HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday April  17-23, 2013  

Hollywood star Richard Gere, US senators may visit Gangtok next week

Gangtok, April 16: Hollywood superstar Richard Gere and some US senators may visit Sikkim next week to attend the wedding of the daughter of a prominent Tibetan leader.

Sources said the wedding is due to take place in Gangtok on April 24. This will be Gere’s first visit to the tiny Himalayan State if ever the visit comes through.

A lot of preparations are on for the star-studded wedding, it is learnt. Gere, a longtime Buddhist and friend of the Dalai Lama, is also one of the leading supporters of the Tibetan cause.

There is likely to be a seminar on Buddhism in Gangtok during Gere’s visit, sources said.

Top Chinese leader meets Panchen Lama

Stresses on unity of ethnic groups in China

Panchen Lama with Chinese leader Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu in Beijing last Friday (right)

Beijing, April 16: China's top political advisor on Friday met the 11th Panchen Lama, , a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, heard a report by the Panchen Lama on his life and work since he was enthroned in 1995, Xinhua reported.

The 11th Panchen Lama told Yu that he will carry forward his predecessors' long-upheld tradition of patriotism and love of the religion, and stick to his duties of serving believers. He said he will live up to the expectations of the country.

Yu, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, praised and congratulated the Panchen Lama on his marked progress in Buddhist research and cultural and ethic aspects. He noted that his guest has behaved in a good style as a Living Buddha of Tibetan Buddhism.

Social prosperity and stability is important for the healthy development of the religion, according to Yu.

He said Tibetan Buddhist circles should follow Buddhist doctrines and abide by the law, thus playing a positive role in the economic and social development of Tibet Autonomous Region as well as Tibetan-inhabited regions in the four provinces of Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan.

Yu expressed hope that the Panchen Lama will further efforts in not only research of academic works on Buddhist doctrines but also science and cultural learning. He called on the Panchen Lama to remain concerned about the motherland and its people and resolutely safeguard national unification and the unity of all ethnic groups.

The Panchen Lama, who turned 23 in February, was elected as a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee last month.

Editorial

HIMALAYAN RIVERS

Taking A New Look

The great Himalayan rivers of South Asia, particularly the Ganges and Brahmaputra, have been the subject of five decades of discussion between governments of the region. While the discussions have continued, these rivers have contributed, through flood and drought, to the uncertainty and impoverishment of the lives of the largest concentration of poor people anywhere in the world. Their chances for prosperity can be increased by harnessing the potential of these rivers for irrigation and power, by controlling their perils (such as floods), and managing them in the face of increasing demands and threats to supplies from climate change.

A set of climatic and social changes has transformed the context for cooperation over the Himalayan rivers. Previous negotiations engaged rivers on the assumption that these waterways had stable futures, that social interaction with the rivers was guided by the demands of agrarian economies and that transboundary negotiations could be approached through traditional diplomacy. At the beginning of the 21st century, these three assumptions have changed. Glacial melting and climate change have undermined the assumption that these rivers hold a stable future. The rapid growth of industrial economies in India and China will change the predominant social demands on the rivers from those of agrarian societies to those of industrial ones, and will insert China as a possible major player in the discussion. Government diplomacy is expanding to include commercial actors and is deepening through the rise of civil-society interactions.

Search for the “Lost Tribe of Tibetan Pygmies”

Since his exploration of the world’s deepest canyon in Tibet in the 1990’s, Richard Fisher has been researching the existence of an unknown tribe of Mongolide pygmies in the tri-border region of China, Tibet, and Myanmar. This year, Fisher has confirmed that a unique tribe of pygmies, the T’rung, lives in the Dulongjiang Canyon of Tibet, hidden from the outside and unknown by the western world until now. Today there are over 5,000 T’rung people living in six designated villages within the canyon.

Formerly, the Taron (T’rung) tribe of Myanmar/Burma was scientifically defined as the only tribe of Mongolide pygmies after its discovery in the 1960s. By the 1990s, scientists claimed that the tribe was near extinction, having succumbed to genetic diseases. At the same time, Fisher had encountered families in the Dulongjuiang Canyon area that were extremely short in stature, yet otherwise perfectly formed humans. When he learned about the Taron pygmies in 2004, he decided further research was needed to learn if other similar tribes existed in the area.

The T’rung are a peaceful people; they are increasingly educated, provided with basic health care , and as tribes across the world have done, are increasingly looking to and integrating into the outside world.

The images from the Dulongjiang Canyon and T’rung people offer us a glimpse into an untouched and fascinating world most of us have never seen. Documenting the images and customs of this tribe is essential to preserving the history of these people. In recent years, the T’rung have begun to have more substantial contact with the outside world. In addition, the T’rung people are increasingly intermarrying with other ethnic groups.

Time is of the essence to record the history and culture of this unique tribe. Not only will this encourage the sharing of human experience, but the micro-population of this isolated canyon also allows us to learn more about the process of human evolution. It is important to document this unique world and its people while we still can. (http://research.calacademy.org/calwild/2003fall/stories/burma.html)

Landowners’ threat stops Prez from laying foundation stone for Sikkim University in Yangang

Gangtok, April 16: The foundation stone laying ceremony of Sikkim University at its campus in Yangang, South district, by President Pranab Mukherjee, scheduled for today, was abruptly cancelled at the last moment.

While the authorities say this was because of lack of adequate space at the helipad in Yangang for the choppers to land the main reason could be threat given by some local residents of Yangang to register their protest against the State Government on issues relating to resettlement and employment of landowners during the President’s visit.

However, a symbolic laying of the foundation stone ceremony, which was officially declared as a “token” function, was held in Gangtok at Manan Kendra by the President on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee said Sikkim University has the potential to emerge as a hub of knowledge, research and innovation for countries of South East Asia as well as rest of India.

He recollected the great universities of ancient India which attracted students and teachers from across the world and said India can resume its ancient glory if we give sufficient emphasis to education.

President Pranab Mukherjee unveiling the plaque at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Sikkim University at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, on April 16, 2013. (PIB)

Mukherjee called upon the authorities, students and faculty of Sikkim University to play a leading role in taking the university into the ranks of the best in the world.

A section of landowners from Yangang on Friday threatened to go on hunger strike on the eve and during Mukherjee’s visit to Yangang. Mukherjee was supposed to lay the foundation stone during his visit to the State today. He only visited Namchi and Gangtok.

 “We again appeal the State government and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to fulfill the promises given four years ago to the landowners of Yangyang before the private holdings were acquired for the university. If the State government continues to play with our future and demands, we will strongly protest against the government during the foundation stone laying function”, said Sunil Rai and other eight landowners.

“The protest is not against the President and the function but against the State government. The protest would start from April 15 with a fast. We will not vacate our lands until the promises made to us are fulfilled by the State government”, said the landowners.

They recalled that the State Government had promised suitable compensation, rehabilitation within Yangang and permanent employment in the university for members of those families whose lands were acquired.

Panel has misled govt on Tashiding power project

Tseten Tashi Bhutia

Gangtok, April 16: Former Minister and Convenor of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), Tseten Tashi Bhutia, has reiterated his demand for scrapping of the ‘anti-Buddhist’ 97 MW Tashiding hydro project in West Sikkim.

In a press statement, Bhutia has challenged Law Secretary RK Purkayastha’s recommendation to the State Government that since Rs 150 crores have already been spent on the project it may not be advisable to stop it at this stage.

SIBLAC chief said bureaucrats such as Purkayastha was misguiding the government. He said prominent religious figures of the State such as Dodupchen Rinpoche and the late Lachen Rinpoche should have been consulted before embarking on such a project in sacred West Sikkim, which is of great importance to Sikkim’s history and cultural heritage.

SIBLAC as also lambasted Ecclesiastical Affairs Secretary T. Gelek for being a part of a committee that misled the State Government on the project. Bhutia has rejected the committee’s recommendation that the State Government has to pay Rs 150 crores towards expenses incurred if ever the project is scrapped.

Meanwhile, the Sikkim High Court has adjourned hearing on the petition seeking the scrapping of the Tashiding hydro project.

The Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice Pius Chakkalayil Kuriakose and Justice SP Wangdi on April 10 noted that there was already an interim order of the court in force in relation with the seeking of the stay order after two petitioners pressed for a stay order on work on the project underway in West Sikkim.

The bench, which gave time to the state for submitting its views by May 10, also noted any work underway at the project site, if any, would be at the expense and risk of the project developer and the state would not be liable for such costs and expenditures incurred.

Manipur militants call for boycott of Prez visit

Imphal, April 16: Six Manipuri rebel groups have called for a boycott of the President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Manipur. The Coordinating Committee (CorCom) of the outfits - KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF and UNLF - has called a 26-hour general strike with effect from 6 am on Monday. The President was expected to visit Manipur on the same day.

Police commandos launched a massive combing operation on Thursday in the Chingmeirong area of Imphal in view of militants' call to boycott President Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Manipur on Apri 15.

The six rebel outfits that have made the boycott call are fighting to restore Manipur's past sovereignty. They said Mukherjee's visit is yet another ploy of New Delhi to continue its domination of the erstwhile independent Manipur.

"As the head of the nation, the President should be held responsible for killing of innocent Manipuris by the Indian security forces and for the narcotics warfare triggered by New Delhi with the ultimate objective to suppress the youths of Manipur," charged CorCom in a statement.

On his maiden visit to the State as President, Mukherjee, besides unveiling the jubilee's plaque of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram, is also scheduled to lay the foundation stones of the ashram's boys' hostel, a community hall and a working women's hostel. Notably, the ashram was set up in 1952 at the initiative of India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad.

INTERVIEW Bhaichung Bhutia

“Domestic football scene has to improve”

Bhaichung Bhutia is India’s most famous soccer player. He spearheaded the national team’s attack between 1995 and 2011, scoring 43 goals in 105 appearances. Bhutia was also the first Indian to play professional soccer in Europe, turning out for the English club Bury in 1999. But his most memorable performances came in Indian club soccer, especially while playing for Kolkata arch rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Now as an entrepreneur, Bhutia has brought joy to his home state of Sikkim with his club United Sikkim, making it to the top tier of India’s soccer league. He also recently was appointed as the chairman of the technical committee of the All India Football Federation.

In Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, Bhutia spoke to SM Mustafi for India Ink about life since retirement and his thoughts on Indian soccer from the other side of the touchline.

SM Mustafi: Tell us about your journey with United Sikkim. How did it come about?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I was born and brought up in Sikkim, and we have a big following for soccer here – it is the only game that’s played. Since the I-League [India's professional soccer league] started in 2007, small tournaments like the Governor’s Gold Cup here in Sikkim started dying out. So big teams and players stopped coming here, and people were deprived from watching them. The only way to bring top soccer to Sikkim was to have a club from here competing in the I-League. It was not easy to get funds for the club because we hardly have any industries or corporates based out of here. But I got some investors from Dubai to fund the club, and that is how it started.

Q: Was it difficult to convince players, both domestic and foreign, to play for your club? Are they happy being here in Sikkim?

A: When we started in second division, it was a challenge to bring good players to a small place like Sikkim. But I had played for India and knew the players, so I convinced them to sign for United Sikkim.

The foreigners are adjusting pretty well here. The biggest problem they face is that every time we go out of Sikkim, they have to wait for one hour at Rangpo [a town on the state border] for their permit to get sorted. Especially for the Nigerian players it’s been tough because the central government has put in many restrictions for them – they should make it different for tourists and sportspersons. We are trying to work with the government to find a solution. But apart from this they are very happy with Sikkim. It’s clean and green, so they enjoy it.

Q: Manipur, which is a neighboring state, has been sending quite a few players to the national team, but not Sikkim. Why is that?

A: In Manipur, both the environment and infrastructure for sport is better than Sikkim. We need more fields to play on and more age group tournaments. In the last three or four years we have got better. We now have two players playing for India. Also in Manipur, parents want their kids to be sportspersons, while in Sikkim most prefer their children to study and get government jobs. And the rest of India is far behind these northeastern states in parental support for sports. Here, 90 percent of the children come from humble backgrounds and sports is a way out for almost every kid who is playing.

Q: Indian soccer has shown no signs of improvement despite initiatives like the I-League. We are still ranked 167th in the latest FIFA rankings. What’s going wrong?

A: You have to look at what’s wrong with the structure of Indian soccer. The reason the I-League has not taken off is that the game has not spread across the country. That can only happen if more clubs like United Sikkim and Lajong FC [from Shillong] are successful. Otherwise, it will just be clubs from Kolkata, Goa and Mumbai. So the same clubs play each other in the local leagues and then the I-League. It’s not surprising that people lose interest.

Q: Since you became the first Indian to play in Europe, others have not followed in your footsteps. Why?

A: Look, everyone wants to play in Europe. But they got to have the opportunity and the confidence. Unless we do well internationally, we will not get chances, and the domestic football scene has to improve. Unless we get results, we will not get opportunities.

Q: You played for both the Kolkata rivals at different stages of your career. Any favorites?

A: I have good relations with both clubs, but I started my career in East Bengal, so they definitely have a special place in my heart.