SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Aug 16-22, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

Let us make a new India together: Modi

      Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort to celebrate Independence Day in New Delhi. 

New Delhi, Aug 15: In his maiden Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to work for a new and clean India by shedding the "poison" of communalism and making the country the world's manufacturing hub.

Addressing tens of thousands of cheering people gathered at the Red Fort complex on a bright morning, Modi spoke for over an hour, focusing mainly on nation building and underlining the need to forge national consensus on major issues.

In the process, Modi, 63, who took charge of India May 26, outlined his vision for the country, frankly admitting the faults within and calling on neighbouring countries to team up with India to battle poverty, The Times of India reported.

He also announced a burial of the Planning Commission, saying it was not needed any more. He said a new institution will take its place.

For the first time in years, there was no reference to Pakistan in the Independence Day address. Indeed, he made no mention to any other country except neighbouring Bhutan and Nepal which he recently visited.

Indians, he said, needed to give up the "poison" of casteism and communalism and added it was a shame that these plagued India even so many years after Independence.

"How long will this continue?" he asked, sounding emotive. "We have fought enough, we have killed enough. Turn back and see, has anyone gained anything?"

He said decades of bloodshed had caused deep wounds to "Bharat Mata", adding there should be no violence for 10 years.

Wearing his trademark white half-sleeve kurta pyjama with a polka-dotted flaming orange turban, Modi reached the 17th century Red Fort after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

Before beginning the speech, Modi — in a departure from convention — took salute from the armed forces. He spoke mostly extempore, occasionally looking down for a peek at his notes.

Asking the world to "Come, Make in India!", Modi urged global investors to make this country a manufacturing hub.

"I tell the world, Make in India! Sell anywhere but manufacture here. We have the skill and talent."

He said it should be every Indian's dream to see "Made in India" products around the world — green friendly and with zero defects.

Reiterating his dream to make India a clean place, Modi asked: "Do we want to live in filth?"

He said India should become clean and hygienic by 2019 — the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch believer in cleanliness.

Dubbed by critics as a divisive personality, the prime minister underlined the need to take everyone along. "Let us walk together, think together, and make a determination to take ahead the nation together."

Lending a personal touch, the prime minister hailed Indian democracy for allowing a person from "a poor family, an ordinary family" to assume the country's top post.

"I stand before you today not as the prime minister but as the Pradhan Sevak (Chief Public Servant)." The remark, made at the start of his speech, drew thunderous applause.

Modi also called himself "an outsider to Delhi. But an outsider came to Delhi and got an insider view (of the administration)".

China inaugurates new Tibet rail link close to Sikkim

Beijing, Aug 15: China inaugurated its second railway line in Tibet, built at a cost of US $2.16 billion, close to Indian border in Sikkim, enhancing mobility of its military in the remote and strategic Himalayan region.

The 253-km railway line links Tibet's provincial capital Lhasa with Xigaze, the second-largest city in Tibet and also the traditional seat of the pro-Beijing Panchen Lama -- stated to be second important Monk in Tibetan hierarchy, PTI reported.

The new line near the Indian border in Sikkim is also close to China's border with Nepal and Bhutan. It reduces the travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from the current four hours by highway to around two hours, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The new line near the Indian border in Sikkim is also close to China's border with Nepal and Bhutan.

It is the second railway line in Tibet and an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world's highest rail link connecting China's mainland with Tibet.

Construction of the railway line started in 2010 with an investment of 13.28 billion yuan (US $2.16 billion).

In addition to this, China last month unveiled plans to construct a new crucial railway line in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh, which Chinese analysts say could act as a "bargaining chip" during the border talks with India.

The construction of another railway line linking Lhasa to Nyingchi in the east is also expected to start soon, recent official media report said. Nyingchi is located right close to Arunachal, the nearest area to the border. China claims Arunachal as part of Tibet. The railway expansion will connect, Nepal, Bhutan and India by 2020, the report said.

The growing Chinese railway network in Tibet is likely to leverage Beijing's claim over the disputed border region, experts claim. It would also help Chinese military strategically by reducing the travel time to the remote southern Tibetan region, they add.

The construction of a railway connecting Xigaze with Gyirong county, close to Nepal, will be constructed under the five year plan ending 2020, an official recently said. Gyirong county has a checkpoint connecting Nepal and Yatung county, close to Indian border near Sikkim and Bhutan, a trade centre bordering India and Bhutan.

Finally, alumni of Darj schools in Sikkim all set to rock

Forms ‘Good Old Days Club’ to revive spirit of camaraderie

Gangtok, Aug 16: Alumni of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong’s renowned missionary (public) schools residing in Sikkim yesterday (Aug 15) formed the 'Good Old Days Club' (GODc) in Gangtok.
“The main purpose of the body is to renew old bonds and have a good time together,” said one of the members at the informal launch of the Club.
The members of the Club will be ex-students of St. Paul’s School, St. Joseph’s School, Mt. Hermon School, Loteto Convent (Darjeeling), Goethal’s Memorial School, Dow Hill School, St. Helens Convent, Victoria School (Kurseong), Dr. Graham’s Homes, St. Augustine’s School, St. Joseph’s Convent (Kalimpong).
These schools were founded by foreign missionaries in Darjeeling hills in the 19th century, when the region came under the British Raj in India.

Initially conceived by Sikkim Hermonites Association a few years back, the Club will reach out to all alumni of these schools in the State to make the association an active forum for renewal of friendship and preservation/celebration of the unique spirit of camaraderie that alumni of these schools enjoy.
‘One of the main reasons for the alumni of these schools to come together on a regular basis is that no matter who we are or what we do our 'hard disk' is the same! We started our life together, lets end it in the same spirit,” said Hermonite Jigme N. Kazi.

Those who were present at the historic dinner get-together on August 15 at Hotel Tashi Delek were: Ashwin Oberoi and Govind Alley (Goethal’s Memorial School), A. Dutta (Victoria School), Sonam Dorji (St. Augustine’s School), Navin Prasad (Dr. Graham’s Homes), Wangyal Topden and Tashi Gyatso (St. Joseph’s School) and OT Bhutia, Surenderpal Singh Lamba, Uttam Pradhan, Ramesh Lakhotia and Jigme N Kazi (Mt. Hermon School).

A formal launch of the GODc will take place shortly with a larger body, followed by the keenly-awaited 'bash' to set the ball rolling.

Sikkim’s IHM comes first in national culinary competition in Kerala

IHM Sikkim’s Kunga Chukie Namgyal Kazi and Lhaden Wangmo Bhutia received the award in chef competition in Kovalam (Kerala) last week. (left)

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 15: Participants from the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Gangtok, bagged the first prize in the national culinary competition organised by the Spices Board and International Pepper Community.

Kunga Chukie Namgyal Kazi and Lhaden Wangmu Bhutia of Gangtok IHM lifted the prize comprising Rs.50,000, a trophy and certificate at the competition that concluded at Kovalam beach resort here last Saturday.

The competition, "Pepp It Up 2014", attracted teams from 20 hotel management institutions across the country, a Spices Board release said.

Kartik Malviya and Shubhadev of IHM Bhopal came second winning Rs. 25,000, while D Suresh Krishna and S Muthupandian of PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, won the third prize (Rs. 15,000).

"The history of commerce and trade in our country is the history of Pepper... However, with the advent of time, the charm of Pepper as the flag-bearer of Indian culture has started deteriorating," the release said.

Spices Board in collaboration with the International Pepper Community conducted 'Pepp it up-2014', to promote the usage of pepper and to inspire promising culinary talents, A Jayathilak, Chairman, Spices Board, said.

The Sikkim team was led by IHM teacher Pragya Chettri and accompanied by Sonam Deki Namgyal Kazi.

While Kunga stood first in her first and second year annual exams, her twin sister Sonam ranked 5^th in her class in the second year and Lhaden came 5^th in her first year.

IHM, affiliated to National Council for Hotel Management under Ministry of Tourism (Govt of Indai), is among the top ten colleges in India that offers degree and diploma courses in hotel management. With the new award IHM’s status has shot up considerably.

Editorial

FIRE IN THE BELLY

Keeping Movements Alive

The Tibetan people’s demand for ‘genuine autonomy’ within China is much like the Sikkimese people’s struggle for preservation of its ‘special status’ within India. These aspirations are within the framework of the constitution of both the two countries. It is a fact that India’s annexation of  Sikkim in 1975 after China took over Tibet in 1959 was primarily motivated by security concerns. These touchy issues should be taken up by those who profess to champion human freedom and dignity. Tibetan freedom should not be a monopoly of Tibetans alone and Sikkimese people’s desire to live without fear and in freedom in their homeland should be a concern for all freedom-loving people. Unfortunately, Tibetan Youth Congress’ weeklong session in Gangtok failed to address these issues. This is most unfortunate. If there is no fire in the belly people’s movements will surely die a slow death.

ART & CULTURE

Tibetan calligraphy exhibition held in Delhi

Jamyang Dorjee Chakrishar with HH the Gyalwa Karmapa, Guest of Honour at the exhibition. (left)

The first ever Tibetan calligraphy show, Divinity in Syllables, featuring artist Jamyang Dorjee Chakrishar from Sikkim was held in New Delhi at the India International Centre (IIC) this week.

Works of Anis Siddiqui from Delhi were also on display at the exhibition. Their works display the history and the spiritual links of this art form cutting across different cultures.

Islamic calligraphy evolved as an artistic form of reverence for it was through the art of writing that the Holy Quran, the word of God as revealed in revelations to Prophet Mohammad, was recorded and disseminated to the humanity. Through the centuries it has been continuously refined and imaginatively embellished to become the most recognizable visual form of Islamic art.

Buddhist calligraphy too had its roots in the dissemination of the teachings of the Buddha dharma. It evolved as an integral and independent art form along with other forms of Buddhist art such as a very rich iconography as exemplified by its murals, frescos, thangkas and sculptures.

The Buddhist calligraphy on display in the exhibition is in Bhoti language which has its roots in the Gupta, Sanskrit and Brahmi script of the shared Indic culture. The art of calligraphy has been integral to the dissemination of Buddha’s teaching and is also a proof of the richness of the Bhoti language.

Together Buddhist and Islamic calligraphy epitomize as true repository of the ancient wisdom and message of the divine for the benefit of the mankind and all sentient beings. This exhibition is a step towards initiating an understanding through a common artistic e

I-DAY Celebrations

Sikkim student takes part in ‘celebration of excellence’

Gangtok, Aug 15: Nima Doma Bhutia was invited by the CBSE to attend the Independence Day celebrations as a part of 'celebration of excellence' for being selected 'best player in basketball' in 3 consecutive years in the CBSE Nationals played in Tamil Nadu, Jaipur & Agra (winning the national championship twice & securing runners once in 2011, 2012, & 2013).

Nima Doma also secured 90% in her CBSE class XII exams.

Nima Doma Bhutia, eldest child of Dorjee Samdup Bhutia & Chingthit Bhutia of Tashiding Monastery, West Sikkim, studied Eklavya Model Residentia School for Scheduled Tribe in Gangyap in West Sikkim.

She was present for the PM's speech at Red Fort on 15th August.

SPACE FOR OPPOSITION: Normally ruling government politicians and government officials hog the limelight in Sikkim even during sporting and social functions. But things are gradually changing, thanks to the presence of a strong opposition in Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). This picture during I-Day football match near Gangtok shows the players with SKM’s Gangtok MLA Pintso Chopel Lepcha (standing with khada).

LITERARY

Brooks’ book release on Dr. Graham’s Homes history

Brooks

Kalimpong, Aug 15: Former Principal of Dr. Graham’s Homes Bernard T. Brooks’ book, “Footprints of the First 100 Years: The Kalimpong Homes”, will be launched here at the school complex on September 7.

Among the notable speakers for the function are Mrs. Margaretta Purtill (batch of 1960), President, London OGBs Association (UK), Capt. Prakash Pradhan (1982 batch), President, Sikkim Grahamites Association, Karma Nidup Bhutia (batch of 1968) and President, Kalimpong OGBs Association,  Dr. M.S. Foning (batch of 1972)

Brooks will be present during the function, which include scripture reading and prayer.

High tea and sale of books will follow the conclusion of the book release function.

Dr. Graham's Homes was founded in 1900 by Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Church of Scotland missionary, who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the early part of the 20th century. His original concept was to establish a refuge for poor and needy Anglo-Indian children, who had no other means of support.

Dalai Lama should return to ‘Free Tibet’: RB Subba

Gangtok, Aug 15: Sikkim this week sought for the return of the Tibetan exiled leader the Dalai Lama to a ‘Free Tibet”.

Showing concern on ‘basic human rights and freedom’ in Tibet, Human Resources Development Minister RB Subba said “We believe that basic human rights and freedom should be something that all human beings enjoy.”

    Speaking at the 45^th meet of the Tibetan Youth Congress here on Tuesday, Subba said, “The situation inside Tibet must be resolved soon and I hope and pray that His Holiness will be able to return to a Free Tibet in the near future".

Subba, who was the Chief Guest of the function, said that it is an honor to hold the TYC meet in Sikkim and wished it success in its fight for Tibet's “freedom and independence,” The Tibet Post reported.

Prominent among those present at the function was Kasur Gyalo Dhondup, the elder brother of the Dalai Lama. Observers said this is a rare public appearance by Thondup, who spoke of the Tibetan struggle and expressed hope that change will come to Tibet.

The TYC held discussions on a variety of topics ranging from Tibet's freedom and independence, campaigns to release political prisoners and security of the Dalai Lama.

BL Protection Force warns SDF leader

    Sangha MLA Sonam Koloen Lama and aide Pintso Chewang with Union Home Minister         

    Rajnath Singh in New Delhi recently.

Gangtok, Aug 15: The Bhutia-Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF) has warned former Speaker and ruling party spokesman KT Gyaltsen not to politics with the sentiments of the people.

Reacting strongly against Gyaltsen’s recent statements against Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s Sangha MLA, Sonam Kaloen Lama, BLPF President Phigu Tshering Bhutia in a press statement not only condemned the statement but alleged that the SDF spokesman and legal advisor to the Chief Minister was involved in “dirty politics”.

The BLPF while warning “puppets like Mr Gyaltsen to keep his mouth shut & not play politics with our sentiments” has also urged the people to react  and condemn “baseless allegations” made against the Sangha MLA.

During his visit to Delhi, the Sangha MLA met several national leaders, including union ministers, and briefed them on various issues of the State.

Chinese Army transgressed Sino-Indian border: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi, Aug 15: The Chinese Army has transgressed the Sino-Indian border 334 times this year and a total of 1,278 times between 2010-13, Rajya Sabha was informed.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the People's Liberation Army transgressed the border 334 times till August 4, 2014, 411 times in 2013, 426 times in 2012, 213 times in 2011 and on 228 occasions in 2010.

"However, there are cases of transgression due to difference in perception of Line of Actual Control," he said in reply to a written question.

Rijiju said the Indo Tibetan Border Police, the border guarding force deployed on Sino-Indian border, has reported one transgression in Dorjila in 2013 and one transgression in Naku area in 2014 in Sikkim.

The Minister said no "intrusion" has been reported or taken place along India-China border, including Sikkim, during the last five years.