The delay in sending this could not be avoided: Jigme N Kazi
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.
.jpg)
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.
