Pix of Nina Harkness's books

RN Chamling finally takes oath

Assembly pays tribute to Prince Jigdal Namgyal

Gangtok, Nov 29: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s  younger brother Rup Narayan  Chamling, who was elected to the Assembly from Rangang-Yangang constituency in south Sikkim recently, last week took oath of office.

Speaker KN Rai administered the oath to the newly elected during the Assembly session here last Friday.

RN Chamling contested as an independent candidate from the constituency vacated by the Chief Minister, who contested from two constituencies in south district. The by-election was held in September this year.

Rup Narayan Chamling defeated Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) candidate Kumari Manger, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Bikash Basnet, and the Congress’s Bishnu Prasad Adhikari. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, which had a poll alliance with the  BJP, opted out of the fray.

The Speaker and the  Chief Minister in the obituary reference on the passing away of Late Gyalsey Kushyo Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal, former Prince of Sikkim, expressed their deep and profound sorrow on the sad demise of late Prince, the youngest son of Lt. Chogyal Tashi Namgyal who passed away on 30th October 2014.

The Chief Minister, during the obituary reference, said the late Prince was fondly remembered as Gyalsey Georgela, who received his education at the most prestigious schools in India and was a brilliant student  and majored with history honours. He was a man of the people who loved him profoundly for his simplicity and modesty.

After completing his education, the late Prince became the first Development Commissioner of Sikkim and initiated various developmental works and made immense contribution in shaping the state in the right direction. His demise has created a huge void in the Sikkimese society, he said. He also prayed for the departed soul and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

As a mark of respect to the departed soul, the House also observed a two-minute silence.

During the two-day session, three new Bills were introduced: Sikkim Agricultural, Horicultural input and Livestock Feed Regulatory Bill, Sikkim Determination of Lease Bill and the Sikkim Anatomy Bill.

Sikkimese protested against ‘merger’ in 1975

By N G Dorji Khangsarpa

In 1975 near the last days of the reign of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last king of independent and free Sikkim, when it was more than evident that Sikkim was to be “merged” with India, the people of Sikkim and particularly those of Gangtok and the surrounding areas, finally threw away the shackles of fear and for two glorious days staged a major rally against Indian intentions with Sikkim.

The second day rally was short-lived after Indian Army personnel, especially some Gorkha Rifle units and Assam Rifles jawans staged a flag march from the Palace ridge down to Tadong army camp. This even as the CRPF personnel were busy firing tear gas canisters and lathi-charging the people gathered for further protests.

The first day’s rally, however, saw at least four thousand people (a massive gathering in those days of a Sikkim with a barely 200,000 lakh population) march up to Mintokgang, which was then used as the residence of B S Das, who was supposed to have been brought to assist the Chogyal of Sikkim, but was working more on the orders of New Delhi. The protestors shouted anti-Indian slogans and demanded that Sikkim be left alone.

Since the rally was one of the biggest gathering of Sikkim’s population during the last days preceeding the merger, the majority of Indian print media and a few foreign ones carried stories and posted pictures of the rallyists gathered at Mintokgang within the next few days.

However, the headings and captions for that particular picture more or less, read: “People of Sikkim from all walks of life surround the palace demanding merger with India”.

Similarly, with regard to the now famous Gurudongmar Lake and the recent controversies vis-a-vis Guru Rimpochhe and Guru Nanak I have the following opinion:

Prior to 1975 very, very few people actually went there, Sikkimese or otherwise.  I have been given to understand by older Lachenpas and Lachungpas that before 1947 there was no Gurdwara at the Gurudongmar Lake.

After Independence from the British almost 40% of the Indian Army consisted of Punjabis/Sikhs, as the British had recognized and preferred them as a martial race. It was no wonder that after the 1950 treaty between Sikkim and India, the first units of the Indian army to enter Sikkim were the Punjab Regiment and Sikh Light Infantry.

Though their forward base was at Chungthang, the Sikhs would patrol the barren North from camps situated all over North Sikkim.

One such camp was near Gurudongmar Lake, where they set up a Gurdwara. Suddenly, near the end of the twentieth century we are told that Guru Nanak had travelled to Sikkim and was responsible for Gurudogmar being named after him etc. etc. (N G Dorji Khangsarpa is editor of The Encounter newspaper)

FIX ACCOUNTABILITY

CBI Chief Cannot Go Scot-free

Noted advocate Prashant Bhushan, who represents the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), has rightly lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi Government seeking registration of an FIR against CBI Director Ranjit Sinha under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). Bhushan, who sought a thorough investigation against Sinha, alleged that Sinha had attempted to influence various cases including the 2G scam and coal block allocation scam after meeting the accused persons or their representative at his residence at 2 Janpath in New Delhi.

On Bhushan's plea, Supreme Court has removed Sinha from 2G case last week for his interference in 2G case. Bhushan is convinced that offences of bribery can be established by a thorough investigation and has sought for a "thorough and impartial" investigation against Sinha, who is due to retire next week. The petition has alleged that the CBI Director had "deliberately" tried to save certain influential persons from prosecution in the 2G scam, coal scam, etc by abusing his position. Those safeguarding corrupt elements in power must be thoroughly exposed and accountability fixed if India is to forge ahead.

Japan assures China it will stay out of projects in Arunachal

The Japanese side has clarified that its cooperation with India is not in disputed areas between China and India: Beijing

Beijing, Nov 29: China said last Tuesday that it had received a "clarification" from the Japanese government saying Tokyo would not involve itself in infrastructure projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

Responding to reports in India which said the Border Roads Organization (BRO) had given 'strategic' projects to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) along the China border, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Japanese government had made clear that it would not involve itself in projects in 'disputed areas' between India and China. Officials clarified this included Arunachal Pradesh, which China has territorial claims on.

"China has noted the report and has checked with the capable authorities," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei told reporters, in response to a question on the issue raised by an official Chinese media outlet at a regular press briefing.

"The Japanese side has clarified that its cooperation with India is not in disputed areas between China and India," Hong said.

While China and Japan have recently been grappling with tense relations over disputed East China Sea islands, relations have begun to thaw after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing last week, on the sidelines of the APEC Summit. Both sides signed a four point agreement to cool tensions.

India's BRO has sought help from the JICA to push forward long-overdue infrastructure projects in India's Northeast. The JICA has been roped in to provide assistance for a number of road projects. According to the Japanese agency's website, it is currently involved in various projects in the Northeast in Sikkim, Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.

The Japanese government's clarification suggests that at least in Arunachal - and along the strategically significant China border where India's infrastructure is especially lagging behind that of its neighbour - the BRO will have to move forward without Tokyo's assistance.

Sikkim’s Karma Bhutia felicitated, places India on Global IT software landscape

PM Modi’s “MakeInIndia” campaign gets a boost from Sikkim

Gangtok, Nov 29: Sikkim-based Demi Solutions founder Karma Bhutia was felicitated and awarded “Best Exhibitor” at CeBIT India – Bangalore ITE.biz, the biggest Information Technology event held in India with over 600 brands and more than 300 exhibitors and over 1 lakh visitors and participants from over 35 countries.

Bhutia has been invited to participate and showcase these innovations and solutions at CeBIT - Hannover Germany, which will be held in March 2015.

CeBIT is the World’s leading Business IT and ICT event held annually in Hannover in Germany. This year for the first time CeBIT tied up with BangaloreITE.biz to launch the CeBIT India a 3-day event from the 12th – 14th November 2014.

In this event, STPI a lead sponsor hosted 127 MSME units from 21 states across the country at STPI “MakeInIndia” pavilion to showcase the potential of the IT/ITeS/ESDM start-ups in India. This is to enable the prospective investors for supporting the “MakeInIndia” programme, which was recently launched by Prime Minister. Narendra Modi.

As part of “MakeInIndia” pavilion Karma Bhutia – an entrepreneur/innovatorwith expertise in eGovernance, BigData, Cloud Computing, Mobility & Product Innovation -showcased Demi Solutions’ frugal innovation built and developed in Gangtok.

Demi Solutionssetup India’s first 3D Printing and Prototyping Lab in Gangtok and it has filed the first patent/intellectual property in software technology in the whole North East region.

Bhutia, Founder of M/s. Demi Solution said, “Firstly, I would like to thank Department of IT, Government of Sikkim and STPI for recognizing our work and nominating us to showcase our products & offerings to people from other states in India & to the World at CeBIT India. We at Demi Solutions take immense pride in showcasing Sikkimese grit, ingenuity and innovation that has been highly appreciated by participants, delegates and exhibitors from all over the world.

This is a proud moment for Sikkim/Sikkimese and the people of the North East region of India that we have finally etched a mark on the Global IT software landscape. I’d also like to thank my team for their dedicated effort in helping build these amazing solutions.”

Among the awardees were IT software conglomerates like Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, GoldmanSach, Ernst & Young, SAP, HP and DELL.

Earlier on 3rd November 2014 , Karma Bhutia received the Finalist Award at the 5th eNorthEast awards held in Aizwal Mizoram in the “eGovernance & citizen service delivery” category.

Thank you!

The family of the late Denjong Gyalse Kushon J.T. Namgyal is truly touched by and deeply appreciative of the outpouring of sympathy and support we received in the wake of his demise.

While it is not possible for us to thank everyone individually, we would like to place on record our heartfelt gratitude to all those who condoled with us in the time of our bereavement and extended much support during the funeral.

The late Gyalsey Kushon was not able to lead much of a public life. Despite that, all of Sikkim gave him such a poignant and emotional farewell. Mere words are thus inadequate while trying to convey how overwhelmed we were by the massive support we received all the way to Lukshyama.

We would like to thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister for declaring a public holiday on the day of the funeral, as also all the shopkeepers for keeping their business establishments closed to express their solidarity.

We are grateful for all our friends, family and well-wishers for rallying around us and for all the kindness and commiseration.

To all the many people, too innumerable to mention here, who supported us in every way, we wish to reiterate our earnest gratitude.

ENVIRONMENT

TASHIDING HYDRO POWER PROJECT

The fate of Sikkim's sacred river hangs in balance

Sikkim High Court wants Central Govt to decide on controversial hydel project in West Sikkim

By S. Dutta

Having drastically curtailed the width of eco-sensitive zones in Sikkim, the MoEF seems intent on ignoring local sentiment as well as environmental norms in order to push forward the Tashiding HEP on the sacred Rathong Chu river. Soumik Dutta reports on the latest in the case.

The judgment in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding the scrapping of the 97-MW Tashiding Hydro Power Project (or Tashiding HEP) on the sacred Rathong Chu River in West Sikkim, was pronounced on World Environment Day, 5 June 2014 by the Sikkim High Court.

The petitioners in the PIL, both of whom were from the Buddhist minority community of Sikkim, demanded the scrapping of the project, citing violation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, apart from gross violations of the report of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Supreme Court order of 2006 in the Goa Foundation case.

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, extended to Sikkim in 1998, details a list of sacred shrines, rivers, lakes, caves, mountain peaks and even sacred groves in Sikkim and strictly specifies that no construction or development projects should be allowed to be undertaken in the vicinity of these places.

There is a notification by the Sikkim government that reiterates the provisions of the Act and also identifies the Rathong Chu as a sacred River, along with the Tashiding Monastery on its banks that is deemed ‘extremely sacred’ and revered by the Buddhists.

The judgment pronounced by the division bench of Chief Justice N K Jain and Justice S P Wangdi passed the ball to the court of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), asking it to take a final call on the matter within six months from the date of the order.

However, given the recent notifications from the MoEF on the matter of eco-sensitive zones and buffer areas, this judgment does not bring any cheer to those protesting the project on the holy Rathong Chu.

The history of the Tashiding HEP and protests

The genesis of protests against hydro power projects on River Rathong Chu in Sikkim dates back to the mid-nineties, when the Sikkim Democratic Front Party (SDF) government under Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had decided to go ahead with a proposed 30 MW Rathong Chu hydropower project on the River, despite tremendous pressure to scrap the said project, mainly on religious grounds.

Rathong Chu is considered to be a ‘sacred’ river, the water of which is used even today for an annual Buddhist festival – Bum Chu, at the Tashiding Monastery. This has been an important Buddhist tradition since the time of the erstwhile Chogyals (Kings) of Sikkim from the Namgyal dynasty.

The earliest protests were led by prominent citizens in the state, and supported by Buddhist associations, monks from almost all the prominent monasteries of Sikkim and devout Buddhists from across the state.

Eventually in 1997, under scathing criticism of infringement on cultural and religious rights of Buddhist minorities, the Chamling government decided to scrap the project. Ironically, the same Chamling-led SDF government allotted another project on the River Rathong Chu, a little further downstream, in the year 2006. In fact, the project capacity now was enhanced from 30 MW to 97 MW! While the earlier project was called the Rathong Chu HEP project, it was now rechristened the Tashiding Hydro Power Project.

Regulatory lapses

The Tashiding HEP is presently operating in violation of guidelines issued by both the Central government and the Supreme Court.

According to the Supreme Court order in force in the Goa Foundation case, there can be no construction within a 10-km radius of any national park; the Tashiding HEP being developed by Shiga Energy Private Limited (part of the Dans group), however, falls well within the 10-km radius of the Khangchendzonga National Park.

The MoEF incidentally came out with a draft notification dated 3 February 2014, by which the width of the buffer zone around Sikkim’s lone national park and four wildlife sanctuaries has been reduced from 10 kilometres to between 25-200 metres!

Moreover, while this particular project received Environmental Clearance (EC) from the MoEF on 29 July 2010, neither the project developer nor the state government has obtained statutory clearance from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) under the MoEF.

The NBWL standing committee, which sent a fact-finding team to Sikkim in July-August 2013, had in fact warned the environment ministry in August 2013 that at least six hydro-electric projects in Sikkim were coming up without mandatory clearance. These include the proposed Teesta V Project, and the ongoing Teesta III, Dik Chu, Panan, and Tashiding projects.

Damming and damning the Teesta

While clearance has still not been granted, construction activity continues at the project site. The High Court had earlier stated in its interim order in a PIL against the Tashiding project that this would be at the risk of the project developer.

Documents in possession of this correspondent reveal that the Wildlife Division of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had written to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sikkim in May 2013, about the status of the Tashiding HEP.

The letter, issued by Mr. Vivek Saxena, DIG Forests (WL), MoEF, sought to know "... whether the construction of the 97 MW Tashiding HEP in West Sikkim is already underway,” and directed, “if yes, the same may kindly be stopped immediately until further orders as they do not have necessary recommendations of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife." Despite this, construction continued unabated.

Concerned officials in the Forest Department consistently avoided enquiries seeking clarification in this regard. Officials in the Energy and Power Department meanwhile denied any knowledge of the said communiqué, stating that the Forest department had not forwarded any such letter to the Power department.

Protests by civil society fall on deaf ears

Meanwhile, on 20 August, 2014, the president of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Mr. Tseten Lepcha served a legal notice to the Secretary, MoEF on the same issue.

ACT is an NGO fighting for the cause of the Teesta River and Sikkim’s fragile environment. The said notice, a copy of which is available with this correspondent, has challenged the draft notification of the MoEF issued on 3 February 2014 as mentioned above. The notice has called for an interim buffer zone of at last 7 to 8 km, instead of the 200 metres as proposed by the MoEF.

The notice also made clear that any failure on the part of the MoEF to reconsider its earlier decision and proceed arbitrarily would compel the ACT to take further appropriate legal action.

In a memorandum to the MoEF, objecting to the same notification, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) alleged that the proposal would facilitate unrestrained exploitation of natural resources to the detriment of the state's ecology and heritage.

“The draft lacks scientific assessment and overrides the findings of the National Board of Wildlife, which is part of the ministry and comprises a panel of academics,” SIBLAC convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia told this correspondent.

“Any project on the Rathong Chu is not acceptable to us since it is on the waters of the most sacred river according to Neysol and Neyig Buddhist texts. The water of Rathong Chu is used by the Tashiding Monastery for the annual Holy Bum Chu festival,” says Tseten Bhutia, adding that despite so many representations over the Tashiding project and the sensitivity of the issues involved, the Indian government had remained adamant and aloof.

“How can the MoEF decide on the Places of Worship Act and its possible violation?” asks Bhutia, questioning the recent order passed by the Sikkim High Court of the Tashiding PIL.

The angst of the people notwithstanding, with the MoEF notifications in place, the fate of Tashiding HEP and that of other HEPs in Sikkim, operating in violation of environmental norms, appear to be secured favourably as far as the government and project developers are concerned. Environment, ecology, indigenous people, their culture, identity, religion and in fact, very existence have taken a back seat.

BOOK Review

Mothers and daughters stretch India’s social boundaries

The Jewel Daughters

By Nina Harkness

278 pages. Trade paperback $14.00. Kindle $2.99.

Like her debut novel A Sahib’s Daughter, this new title by Ms. Harkness is a multigenerational and multicultural exploration of life during and after India’s period as a British colony. Spanning forty-five years, it has as one area of interest the relationships between Indian natives and British tea plantation administrators, revealing the cultural and racial social structure during a period of change. 

The central character is Cara Powell, daughter of a Welsh Presbyterian pastor in Shillong, a small city known for its beautiful rolling hills and as a regional administrative center. The pastor dies when Cara is fourteen, and her mother Beula, an orphan of mixed race, struggles to raise her on a slim pension from the church. Fearful for beautiful Cara’s future, Beula is anxious to marry her off. Rather than encourage a relationship with a local boy, Avon, she insists on a marriage to the self-centered and ill-tempered Scottish sahib, Gerard McKenzie, manager of a tea plantation near Sonari in the state of Assam.

McKenzie takes Cara to Sonari, but he never takes her in marriage. McKenzie is both crude and cruel. Cara’s life with him provides some degree of luxury, but she is disrespected and abused. A man of little education and no tact, he eventually finds himself overwhelmed by social change, labor agitation and other changes in the tea business, and especially by the responsibilities of domestic life and fatherhood.

Cara raises three daughters. Two are her children by McKenzie. The third is the daughter of a neighboring indentured laborer named Saptamita, who has returned McKenzie’s attraction to her. However, this woman realizes that both she and the child would be better off if the girl (McKenzie’s one year old daughter) was taken into the McKenzie household and raised as Cara’s daughter.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Nov 15-21, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

US favours dialogue, not independence for Tibet: Obama

Beijing, Nov 14: US President Barack Obama said he favours direct dialogue – not independence – to resolve the Tibet issue."We recognise Tibet as part of the People's Republic of China. We are not in favour of independence," Obama said shortly after announcing that US and China had reached a deal to curb greenhouse gases.

At a joint news conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised their landmark joint plan to curb carbon emissions, which includes targets for reduction of emissions in the United States and an ambitious first-time commitment by China to stop its emissions growing by 2030. Also highlighted were agreements on cyber security, trade and regional security.

Speaking on cooperation between the two nations Obama said, "When the US and China are able to work together effectively, the whole world benefits."

On the subject of human rights, Xi said China has made progress on human rights but said there was always room for improvement. Obama highlighted America's strong support for human rights of all people but said the US does not favour Tibetan independence from China.

This is not the first time Obama has said the US does not support Tibetan independence. On 21 February 2014, President Obama met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Washington DC, despite objections from China. According to a statement from the White House, Obama reiterated that the US position is that Tibet is part of the People's Republic of China and the United States does not support Tibet independence, Tibet Post reported.

Obama stressed that he encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that gets results for China and Tibetans would be positive.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama told Obama in February that he is not seeking independence for Tibet and hopes that dialogue between his representatives and the Chinese government will resume. Both agreed on the importance of a positive and constructive relationship between the United States and China.

Arms haul in Assam points to new Gorkha militant outfit

Darjeeling, Nov 14: A huge cache of arms and ammunition, meant to be supplied to a newly formed underground outfit of the Gorkhas in Darjeeling was seized in Assam on Saturday. Two people have been arrested in this connection.

They have been identified as Ganesh Chettri, resident of Baksa district of Assam, and Umesh Kami. The two allegedly have links with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.

The discovery has led to increase in surprise checks along the West Bengal border, especially in the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Police are conducting surprise checks at all major thoroughfares, bus stands and other transit points here, The Hindustan Times reported.

The seizure comes at a time when the state is already battling cross border terrorism from Bangladesh and has become a hub for terrorist cells.

A team of the West Bengal police and intelligence agencies has reached Assam and is interrogating the arrested accused. “They were arrested on Sunday and have been charged under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code. They are being interrogated and will be produced at the Bongaigaon Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Assam on Monday,” Ranjan Bhuiyan, Superintendent of Police, Chirang, said. The police are expected to plead for their custody.

On the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, a vehicle bearing a Darjeeling number plate (WB74A 4788) was intercepted in Chirang district of Assam while on its way from Dimapur in Nagaland to West Bengal. A routine search by the police led to the discovery of the cache of arms and ammunition.

The seized cache includes highly sophisticated M16 Rifle, seven pistols, including 0.32 and 9mm, 300 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 80 rounds of AK47 ammunition, 198 rounds of M16 ammunition and 16 rounds of bullets for 0.32 pistol.

Citation on Ganju Lama gate wrong: Statesman

Gangtok, Nov 14: Ningthoukhong, where the Late Ganju Lama of the 7^th Gorkha Rifle, who won the coveted Victoria Cross for bravery while battling the Japanese during the 2^nd World War, is not in Burma/Myanmar but located in Manipur.

The citation on Ganju Lama’s plaques (English and Hindi) at the Ganju Lama Dwar (gate) here have erroneously shown Ningthoukhong as part of Burma, Yambem Laba, Manipur-based Special Correspondent of The Statesman, has said in an article in the newspaper (Nov 10, 2014).

The citation reads: “On 12^th Jun 1944, the Japanese put down an intense artillery barrage lasing an hour on own positions north of the village Mingthoukhong in Burma.”

    “It is also not known whether Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, who inaugurated the gate on 1 November 2013, read what was written on the plaque. It was like describing Amritsar to be in Pakistan. Ningthoukhong is just 30 km south of Manipur’s capital, Imphal, on the way to Loktak Lake,” the article said.

The citation on the plaques describe how “on 12 June 1944, Rifleman Ganju Lama of the 7th Gorkha Rifles, thwarted a major Japanese artillery assault by five medium tanks that overran a number of British/Allied bunkers at Ningthoukhong where the Gorkha soldiers also fought hand to hand with their khukris and the Japanese wielding samurai swords.

It goes on to describe how Ganju Lama, in spite of having a broken wrist and wounded, took the initiative, without regard for his own personal safety and knocked out two Japanese tanks with his projectile infantry anti-tank gun. He continued to fire on the Japanese, killing a number of them and maiming others, before he was evacuated. And for this he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honour for valour beyond the call of duty, awarded by the British Crown to soldiers serving under it,” the Statesman article said

Making Sikkim Subject Certificate mandatory will safeguard ‘distinct identity’, check influx: Sangha MLA

Gangtok, Nov 14: Responding positively to the Chamling Government’s decision to safeguard the rights and interests of bonafide Sikkimese possessing Sikkim Subject Certificates, Sangha MLA Sonam Lama said such steps would go a long way in safeguarding Sikkim’s ‘distinct identity within the Union’ and checking influx.

In a press statement, Lama, who is one of the ten legislators of the Opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) said “I congratulate and thank the present government” for making it mandatory the production of Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC) or Certificate of Identification (CoI) by Sikkimese women seeking to avail of certain benefits from the government.

During a recent meeting of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Legislature Party it was

decided that SSC or CoI be made mandatory for those who wish to get government jobs, trade

licenses and government benefits.

It was also decided CoI would be issued only to girls/women born in Sikkim marrying Sikkimese and not to women from outside the State marrying Sikkimese men.

The decision by the ruling party to introduce work permit system for non-Sikkimese working in the State has been welcomed by the Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP).

SNPP President Biraj Adhikari said his party not only “endorses the government’s effort” but “expects concrete rules to implement this initiative at the earliest.”

Tibetans in India entitled for central, state welfare schemes: Gyari

Gangtok, Nov 14: The Home Minister of the Tibetan exiled-government Dolma Gyari has welcomed the Centre’s recent decision to entitle Tibetans residing in India to become beneficiries           

In what is considered to be a landmark decision, Government of India recently formalised the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014.

Gyari, who was here recently for a women’s empowerment function, said she received a copy of 7-paged document concerning the policy.

The Tibetan Rehabilitation policy makes clear the entitlements of Tibetans relating to their welfare in India. The guidelines include the extension of land lease agreements, and the benefits available to the Tibetans under central and state government welfare schemes. The policy also grants Tibetans the right to undertake economic activity and pursue any job for which they are professionally qualified; these can include nursing, engineering, accounting, medicine, etc.

There are over 100,000 Tibetans living in India and for the first time the Indian Election Commission allowed India-born Tibetans to participate in the general election this year, and has given them the right to apply for an Indian passport.

Chogyal rule, ‘golden era’: old settlers

“Namgyal Dynasty gave us respect, security”

Gangtok, Nov 14: Indian-origin old settlers of the former kingdom of Sikkim have unanimously

acknowledged the pre-merger Chogyal era as the ‘golden era’ of Sikkim.

Paying rich tributes to the youngest and the only son of Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal, Prince Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal, who passed away here on October 30 at the age of 86, the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, during its condolence meeting said the members recalled the Chogyal era as the ‘golden era’.

RC Mundra, President of the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSOS), in a press release said members of the Association, who have been living in Sikkim since 1880, “expressed deep grief” on the demise of the former Prince.

“Several members recalled the golden time of the Namgyal Dynasty,” the release said and added, “We are indebted to the Namgyal Dynasty for giving us respect, affection and full security during their regime.”

As a mark of respect the business community closed down all business establishments in the capital and other parts of the State on the funeral day, November 5. (see OBITUARY on page 4)

Editorial

WELCOME  INITIATIVE

Benefits For Tibetans

After inviting the exiled Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony in New Delhi recently the Modi Government has now allowed Tibetan refugees in India to become beneficiaries of various welfare schemes in the country. While this will not only help the economic condition of the one lac plus Tibetan refugee residing in India the new initiative will also go a long way in giving a sense of security and belonging to the Tibetans, who left their homeland after the Chinese occupation of Tibet in latter part of 1950s.

So far majority of Tibetans residing in various settlements in the country rely on themselves, the exiled government and the international community for their livelihood. The new policy of the Indian Government,  aimed at aiding their economic condition is, therefore, a big bonus. It has come at a time when the Tibetan refugees are legally permitted to become Indian citizens. The BJP has always been sympathetic to the Tibetans and their cause and its concerns for them have now taken a tangible shape. This indeed is a welcome step in the right direction.

Korean, Thai delegates visit Sikkim

    Former Thai Minister Nalinee Taveesin (centre) at Enchay monastery, Gangtok, recently.

Gangtok,  Nov 14: Appreciating and congratulating the successful X-Himalayan Expedition 2014 led by well South Korean adventurer Junghun Park that culminated in Sikkim last month, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Ugen T. Gyatso hosted a dinner for the expedition team here at the Mayfair Resorts.

The X-Himalaya expedition after completing their expeditions through the mountainous terrains of Pakistan, Tibet and Nepal, started their expedition here in Sikkim from 10 October 2014.

A team of climbers, film crew for documentation and a few friends, the expedition led by team Leader Junghun Park summitted Mt. Tingchingkhang while at the same time paragliding atop eastern and Sikkim Himalayas, an official release said.

The team included four South Koreans with Junghun Park as the team leader. The others included Dehea Park, Jaemjn An, Hyun Jung Kim and Sikkimese adventurer and paraglider Raju Rai.

The X-expedition included trekking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding.

Junghun Park the team leader is a world renowned alpinist and is not new to Sikkim. The Minister lauded the efforts of the team member in promoting adventure, an integral part of tourism.

Gyatso who also holds the portfolio of trade and commerce over an extended dinner invitation also hosted the Thai trade, commerce and tourism delegation led by Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, former Minister and permanent representative attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Royal Government of Thailand.

The delegation had reached Gangtok after touring Darjeeling. During the cordial interaction between the Thai delegates and Sikkim officials, closer ties between Thailand and Sikkim in trade, commerce and tourism were discussed and to take the efforts to the next level as there was already an exchange of tourism between the two for several years including pilgrimage tourism which was gradually growing over the years. The delegation included Thai trade and commerce captains as well as entrepreneurs and members from the Trade and Commerce Ministry.

Taveesin, who has a very impressive educational background with several degrees from the USA, including one from the prestigious Harvard University and Edward S. Mason Fellow of Harvard Kennedy School of Government, also studied in Darjeeling (Mt Hermon School).

NIT director Densapa recovering from septicemia attack

(Right) Densapa (left) at NIT, Gangtok. (file pix)

Gangtok, Nov 14: The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) Director Tashi Densapa, who was admitted to a hospital in Delhi recently, has regained his health and is recovering.

Densapa suffered from a sudden and severe attack of septicemia and was rushed to Delhi after a brief medical check-up in Siliguri in September.

The former secretary is likely to return home next month for a while, sources said.

Family sources said Densapa is now out of danger and is gradually regaining his health. He is said to be still very weak.

Septicemia, formerly called blood poisoning, is an infection caused by the presence of bacteria in the blood. The onset of septicemia is signaled by a high fever, chills, weakness, and excessive sweating, followed by a decrease in blood pressure.

Chemicals released into the blood to fight infection trigger widespread inflammation. Inflammation may result in organ damage. Blood clotting during sepsis reduces blood flow to limbs and internal organs, depriving them of nutrients and oxygen. In severe cases, one or more organs fail.

 In the worst cases, infection leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure, called septic shock. This can quickly lead to the failure of several organs -- lungs, kidneys, and liver -- causing death.

Parliamentary panel visits Nathula

Gangtok,  Nov 14: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence led by former Uttarakhand chief minister BC Khanduri visited the Indo-China border trade post at Nathula in east Sikkimlast month.

He was accompanied by former Prime Minister HG Deve Gowda and Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP Hishey Lachungpa.

The Committee comprises of nine members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and senior officials of the Committee, Defence Ministry.

The team inspected the road and other infrastructure to Nathula along the Indo-China border.

The visit comes in view of the recent decision of the Centre to open Nathula for pilgrims to travel to Mt. Kailash.

OBITUARY Gyalsey Kushon Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal

Sikkim missed the touch of a brilliant mind

By TENZIN C. TASHI

Denjong Gyalsey Kushon (Younger Sikkimese Prince) Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal was born on August 23, 1928 at the Palace, Gangtok. He was the youngest son of Their Highnesses, the 11^th Denjong Chogyal Tashi Namgyal and Maharani Kunzang Dechhen Tshomo Namgyal. Following his demise on October 30, 2014 at the age of 86, perhaps it is the end of a genteel era of Sikkim’s history.

Gyalsey JT Namgyal was affectionately known as Gyalsey Georgela. Sikkim was then under British rule, and the Sikkimese royal family had cordial relations with the British Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet who was based in Gangtok. The strong British influence - P.O. Charles Bell personally groomed his father, Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, to take over the reins of the administration of the kingdom - explained why the royal children had British nicknames.

Gyalsey Georgela received a fine western education at the most prestigious of educational institutions in India and abroad: St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling; Bishop Cotton School, Shimla; St. Stephen’s College, Delhi; and Christ Church College, University of Oxford. He was a brilliant student and proved his academic genius by consistently topping his class. He topped St. Stephens where he majored in History Honours. He was only 17 years when he graduated from college. He earned further laurels by making it to the elite Christ Church College at the University of Oxford.

    The last journey begins at Late Prince's residence, Tashi Gartsel, Gangtok.

It is from his letters sent home from Bishop Cotton School to his father that much of his innate goodness of nature emerges. These are still carefully preserved in the Palace files. He was a conscientious child, always applying himself diligently to his school work; this discipline, coupled with his natural intelligence, always resulted in high marks and glowing testimonials from his tutors. The young prince always made it a point to reassure his father that he was working hard and topping the class and hoped it pleased his royal father. His many report cards show that he was equally adept at all the many subjects he studied.

He was also a talented artist, much like Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, and always signed off every letter home with a pencil sketch as varied as two boxers or a horse. Additionally, he was a fine equestrian and enjoyed horse-riding; there is a yellowed clipping from a Shimla newspaper tucked away in the Palace files announcing that the Prince of Sikkim had won an award for his excellent horsemanship.

Prince Jigme Namgyal

Although his elder brothers, Crown Prince Kunzang Cholay Namgyal aka Paljor Namgyal and Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal were also studying at Bishop’s concurrently, they were 7 and 5 years older to him respectively.  Like typical elder brothers, they seem to have considered their young brother something of an impatience and were glad, they wrote, that every weekend, ‘George has again been invited to his friend’s home, and we have not even seen his face.’ On his part, young Georgela, shy and academically inclined, apparently ran away when he saw his older and more physical brothers. Interestingly, while the two older Princes routinely wrote home to their father asking him to send more money for festivals and birthdays, it was young Georgela who stoically averred that he still had money left over and would not need more to be sent. This despite getting the princely sum of five rupees to his brothers’ fifteen or twenty.

Following the untimely demise of Crown Prince Paljor in WWII in 1941, 

Princess Gawa Namgyal and Princess Hope Leezum Namgyal

Palden Thondup Namgyal became the heir apparent and Georgela was being groomed to assist him in the administration of the kingdom. Upon completing his studies in England and returning home, Georgela became the first Development Commissioner of Sikkim. 

Prince Palden Namgyal

Mr. K.C. Pradhan, former Chief Secretary of Sikkim, reminisces:  ‘My immediate reflection of him was Dewan Rustomji in his grey bakhu standing on top of the stairs of lower Secretariat waiting for Georgela and the latter walking briskly up the stairs. Dewan Rustomji had made it a point to give him a lift to go to the Palace for lunch every working day. He was Development Commissioner then and his office was located in the same floor along with Forest and Agriculture. He was brilliant and we were often told his grasp of subjects and notations in files were superb, besides which he was a voracious reader. Dewan Rustomji loved him and was keen he should get fully involved in Sikkim administration.’

Indifferent health issues cut short Gyalsey Georgela’s career in the administration. His mother decided it was time he married. She threw a garden party at ‘Arunachal’, the Kalimpong house of his sister, Princess Pema Tsedeun Yabshi- Pheunkhang, where she had invited about 10-12 prospective brides for him. Gyalsey Georgela dutifully checked out all the young ladies but made no comment. It was only when they had returned home to Sikkim that he announced his choice, the beautiful young daughter, Sonam Yangchenla aka Soyangla, of the aristocratic Tibetan family of Namseling.

Princess Hope L. Namgyal

The Maharani was a little puzzled that he had chosen someone so young, 18 years his junior. But such is what we Sikkimese call ‘thamzi.’ After getting engaged in 1960, Gyalsey Georgela and Lhacham Soyangla were married in 1961. They had two children in quick succession, son Jigmela in 1962 and daughter Gawala in 1964. Gyalsey Georgela was plagued by health issues for much of his subsequent life. It was thamzi that he chose Lhacham Soyangla as she is the true embodiment of the title ‘Lhacham’ which means heavenly consort. Her infinite patience, unwavering commitment and lifelong dedication to her late husband is the stuff legends are made of. It was only because of her steadfast presence and staunch devotion that the Prince lived so long and defeated so many bouts of illness that required hospitalisation.

Due to his health issues, Gyalsey Georgela was often confined to bed rest and hence led a quiet retired life in his Development Area residence, Tashi Gartsel. Lhacham Kusho recollects, ‘He was such a nice, kind man. He never harmed anyone. He never spoke ill of anyone.’ His daughter Gawa Yangchenla avers that he was a kind and compassionate father and much loved and adored by his grandchildren. When he was well, he used to joke with them. Even when ill, he was affectionate and caring. Those that knew the departed Prince vouch that he was always unfailingly courteous and large-hearted.

In true Buddhist tradition, Gyalsey Georgela thus left behind this lasting legacy of kindness and compassion. He touched the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

Danny Denzongpa

Wednesday, November 5, is the day of his funeral. The Government of Sikkim has declared it a state holiday. His mortal remains will be consigned to the flames on the slopes of the Lukshyama royal crematorium where all the members of the Namgyal dynasty have traditionally been cremated. And his gentle legacy will reverberate through every Sikkimese heart that beats there and waft into collective consciousness.

 (Tenzin C. Tashi is a Senior Researcher at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Sikkim)

SIKKIM GIVES BEFITTING FAREWELL TO PRINCE JIGDAL TSEWANG NAMGYAL

 ON HIS LAST JOURNEY

Homage to Symbol of Sikkim’s ‘golden era’

The kubur of Late Denjong Gyalsey Kusho, Prince Jigdal Tshewang Namgyal of Sikkim, the youngest and the only surviving son of Maharaja Sir Tashi Namgyal (KCSI, KCIE - 1914-1963), the 11^th Chogyal of Sikkim, bearing the Sikkim national flag, passes through (Nov 5, 2014) three prominent power-points in the former Kingdom: White Hall, Nehru’s Bust, and Mintokgang, Chief Minister’s official residence.

White Hall was built in the memory of John Claude White, British India’s first Political Officer (1889-1908) in Sikkim, during whose rule Sikkim gradually came under British  domination, paving way for the kingdom’s ultimate absorption into the Indian Union in 1975.

While the bust of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was placed on this route after Sikkim’s ‘merger’ in 1975, Mintokgang was used as the official residence of the Indian Chief Executive, who wielded more power in Sikkim than the Chogyal during the Indian takeover in early 1970s. The Palace, situated in the same location across the Ridge Park, is about 300 metres south of Mintokgang.

The funeral day was declared a State holiday by the Chamling Government. The old business community, while declaring the Chogyals’ rule Sikkim’s ‘golden era’, closed down all business establishments in Gangtok and elsewhere in the State as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Prominent members of Sikkim’s political-administrative setup, including Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Ministers, Chief Secretary R. Ongmu, were present at the funeral.

Bollywood actor Danny Denzongpa, the Late Prince’s son-in-law, and Bhutan’s model-turned-actor Kelly Dorji, a member of Bhutan’s royal family, were also present at the funeral procession. Prime Minister of the Tibetan exiled government Lobsang Sangay also paid his last respects to the departed soul at Tashi Gartsel, residence of the Late Prince in Gangtok.

Prince Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal may have lived a quiet life; his death, however, brought him back into the limelight and reminded us of who we are, what happened to us and where we are heading.

Sikkim school team wins East Zone basketball tourney

Gangtok, Nov 14: Sikkim’s Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) for Scheduled Tribe, Gangyap, West Sikkim, has won the Under 19 East Zone Basketball Cluster 1 Championship (CBSE).

The EMRS basketball team has just returned from Guwahati after participating in the CBSE Under 19 East Zone Basketball Cluster 1 Championship that took place from the 25th – 27th of this month. EMRS had taken both the boys as well as the girls teams for basketball, Principal-cum-coach Sidharth Yonzone said.

The boys beat Gurukool School, Guwahati, in their 1st game but lost to St. Francis, Narangi in the quarter final game but put up a brave contesting fight led by their captain Pema Chewang of class XI.

On the other hand, the girls’ basketball team which had been champions for the last 4 years were playing their first CBSE tournament without 8 seniors who have passed out from school earlier this year. Led by Tshering Eden Bhutia (XII) & Vice Captain Diki Doma Bhutia (XII), the duo made sure that EMRS retained their 5th championship as in as many years.

They played Axel Public School in the quarter finals after being awarded a bye in the first round and beat them 59 -02 in a shortened game.

In the semi-finals, they demolished Delhi Public School, Guwahati 87 -06 with Tshering Eden scoring 30 and Diki scoring 26.

They faced St. Francis in the finals. St. Francis had earlier defeated the home team MBRS by some 40 points and had promised a contesting finals. But the girls of Gangyap just swept through the finals thrashing them, 86 – 04 with Tshering Eden scoring 35 and Diki scoring 34.

The team has now qualified for the Nationals which is to be held in the first week of December in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

Schools from Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam had taken part in this CBSE Cluster 1 meet.

SIKKIM  GIVES GRAND FAREWELL TO PRINCE JIGDAL TSEWANG NAMGYAL ON HIS LAST JOURNEY

The kubur of Late Denjong Gyalsey Kusho, Prince Jigdal Tshewang Namgyal of Sikkim, the youngest and the only surviving son of Maharaja Sir Tashi Namgyal (KCSI, KCIE -1914-1963), the 11^th Chogyal of Sikkim, bearing the Sikkim national flag, passes through (Nov 5, 2014) three prominent power-points in the former Kingdom: White Hall, Nehru’s Bust, and Mintokgang, Chief Minister’s official residence.

White Hall was built in the memory of John Claude White, British India’s first Political Officer (1889-1908) in Sikkim, during whose rule Sikkim gradually came under British  domination, paving way for the kingdom’s ultimate absorption into the Indian Union in 1975.

While the bust of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was placed on this route after Sikkim’s ‘merger’ in 1975, Mintokgang was used as the official residence of the Indian Chief Executive, who wielded more power in Sikkim than the Chogyal during the Indian takeover in early 1970s. The Palace, situated in the same location across the Ridge Park, is about 300 metres south of Mintokgang.

The funeral day was declared a State holiday by the Chamling Government. The old business community, while declaring the Chogyals’ rule Sikkim’s ‘golden era’, closed down all business establishments in Gangtok and elsewhere in the State as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Prominent members of Sikkim’s political-administrative setup, including Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Ministers, Chief Secretary R. Ongmu, were present during the funeral.

Prince Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal may have lived a quiet life; his death, however, brought him back to limelight and reminded us of who we are, what happened to us and our uncertain future.