Hermons On The Mount

My alma mater, Mount Hermon School (MHS, often referred to as MH), Darjeeling, did not start with a bang. For Miss Emma Knowles, a Christian missionary from the US, who founded Queen’s Hill School in Darjeeling way back in the latter part of the 19^th century, it was an uphill task. Funds were low and competent and dedicated teachers were even more scarce.

MH was first called ‘Arcadia’ when it was first established in a bungalow below Chowrasta facing Lebong in 1895. Three years after its founding a massive earthquake in 1898 killed thirteen of its students when the school building collapsed. Failures did not deter Knowles. She had faith in God Almighty to provide for all her needs.

A few years later, Knowles shifted the location of the school to below Mt. Everest Hotel near the railway station and renamed the school – Queen’s Hill School (QHS).  In the turn of the 20^th century, QHS (the old schools buildings are still there) shifted to the present location below Singamari. The school was expanding and needed more space. It was again renamed Mt. Hermon School in 1929. The present MH campus originally had 100 acres. It has now only about 80 acres. The rest is history.

I have great love, affection and regard for my alma mater. Even after nearly three decades since leaving MH my passion for the school has not diminished. MH not only gave me a sound educational foundation but also gave me the much-needed training and experience to become a qualified teacher. What MH taught me has withstood the test of time. And that is why I recently dedicated my second book, “Sikkim For Sikkimese” to “My teachers who taught me how to read and write and aim for higher things in life.”

Hermonites: We Hermonities are a peculiar breed. Commented a Northpointer, who at times get invited to our ‘reunions’: “Your get-togethers are very different and informal. I enjoy it. We get stuck in protocols.” My reaction to this has been: “We are Protestants, you chaps follow the Jesuit Order. We are comfortable with disorder!”

 When Hermonite NK Pradhan was recently inducted into the Chamling Cabinet as Human Resources Devlopment (HRD) Minister it was time to party again. “NK” (Senior Cambridge 1968), fourth time winner of the Assembly elections, during our get-together in Hotel Tashi Delek (one of our favourite haunts) rightly acknowledged, “We Hermonites should feel proud that we have many Hermonites in high places.”

One of the oldest active members of the Sikkim Hermonites Association (SHA), formed in 1983, is former Secretary, Tashi Densapa, who is presently the Director of the world-renowned Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), which is one of the three such institutions in the world for study and research on Tibetology and the Himalayan region.

Hermonites, by and large, are a versatile lot. Our definition of “high places” is not confined to “government service.” Even on this count we have several big shots. Our Association’s President, Karma Bhutia (Senior Cambridge ’72), is Principal Secretary and Chief Engineer. Senior Hermonite Nim Lhamu Ethenpa is also a Secretary and another senior Hermonite Tempo Bhutia is not only the Managing Director of SITCO but also the President of the Sikkim Football Association. And the list could go on and on…

Besides myself, one of the Hermonites who has been giving a tough time to the establishment is Athup Lepcha, former Minister who now heads the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) as its President. The ACT is against big hydel projects in the Dzongu region of North Sikkim, largely inhabited by the Lepchas, widely regarded as the original inhabitants of Sikkim. The Lepchas are now a fast-vanishing tribe and a prominent Hermonite is leading the movement fighting for their survival in the land of their origin.

Karma Bhutia rightly noted during the dinner hosted by the Hermonites to felicitate “NK”: “Where in Sikkim would you find a member of the Opposition like Jigme enjoying the company of a Cabinet member of the ruling party?” Even if others don’t follow our example we still need to set the right trend.

 “NK daju” must recall the times he used to lead groups in singing patriotic songs during Independence Day (August 15) functions in MH. The song sung in Hindi went like this: “Insafki dagarape /Bacho dekhao chalke/Ye desh hai hamara/Neta tume ho kala ke” (the song exhorts children, who are the future leaders, to tread the path of justice)

Now that “NK” himself has become a pucca neta he must try to always tread the path of justice. We, particularly the Hermonities, will judge “NK” not only by his loyalty to his government, party leadership, and the people but by his commitment to ideals and principles that give birth to great institutions and nations. What is the use of our unique educational background and experience if we cannot set high standards in public life?

White House connection: Luckily, Hermonites now have a live connection with the most powerful man on earth – the US President, Barack Hermonite Obama! Only last week Obama appointed Hermonite Barbara Nichols-Roy’s South Indian husband (now settled in the US), Vinai K. Thummalapally, as the US Ambassador to the small Central American country of Belize. (see page 1 for details).

The Nichols-Roys, originally from Shillong, are known to most Hermonites of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. “NK” is familiar with Marian Nichols-Roy, the eldest daughter of Stanley and Helen Nichols-Roy.

For Barbara and Vinai, Obama is not only their former college classmate but they also helped to raise funds and campaigned for him.

Says Barbara,“We are very honoured and privileged, proud and humbled, all at the same time, to have been a part of it and to know that we played a part in Obama's historic success.”

Vinai’s appointement naturally gave an opportunity for global Hermonites to get in touch with each other. I’ve already congratulated Vinai and Barbara on behalf of Sikkim Hermonites and Hermonite International (Hi!) and also hinted for a global Hermonites’ meet at Belize to which she replied, “Thank you, Jigme.”

Press freedom: Earlier this week, I met one of my former colleagues in the media who participated in the historic rally for Press Freedom in Gangtok on June 19, 1993. We were supposed to meet again and chalk out a plan to strengthen Press Freedom in Sikkim. He did not turn up. Therefore, I take upon myself to strengthen our resolve and float a body known as “Sikkim Press Freedom Forum” (SPFF) on this special day – June 19, 2009 to mark the 16^th anniversary of our rally. If the opportunity comes we hope to observe June 19 each year as Sikkim Press Freedom Day.

This body ought to have been formed last year when several journalists belonging to Hamro Prajashakti, an independent Nepali daily, were brutally assaulted by unknown assailants at their work place. Though my advice went unheeded the need to safeguard Press freedom in our Sikkim still persists.

My message and statement issued during the rally on June 19, 1993, which was carried in my book, “Inside Sikkim: Against the Tide” (released at the Press Club of India in New Delhi in December 1993 by former External Affairs Minister, K Natwar Singh, and launched in Sikkim in February 1994 by Pawan Chamling, the present Chief Minister of Sikkim) is still relevant:

“Let me remind you today that media-persons and media organizations cannot alone ensure and protect the freedom of the Press. In the final analysis, it is the people who have to come forward and provide the much-needed protection to journalists and safeguard freedom of the Press.

But we, as journalists, must make our stand very clear. We must stand firm and resolute in our stand. While our opinions as journalists my differ on various issues and matters, we cannot and must not allow vested interests or our own selfish motives to creep in and deprive us of the opportunity to stand erect and united on the issue of the Freedom of the Press. It is not how many of us are here today to support the cause of the Freedom of the Press that matters, but how much faith, sincerity and dedication that we have in the righteousness of our cause.”

Free Suu Kyi: June 19, 2009 also marks the Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s 64^th birth anniversary. Though her National League for Democracy (NLD) won the 1990 general elections in Burma the military junta unjustly put her under house arrest. The pro-democracy leader has already spent 13 of her last 19 years under house arrest.

Barack Obama recently called for Suu Kyi’s “immediate and unconditional” release even as several world leaders mounted pressure for her early release. We, too, join them in their endeavour to seek her early release. In fact, only last week I floated the formation of a global body – “International League for Democracy” (ILD) – to  pressure the authorities for Suu Kyi’s early release through the pages of this paper. I’m hopeful and positive that the Hermonites will turn this solo into a chorus till the world community takes notice and forces democracy and justice to prevail in Burma.

My last week’s appeal on the Burmese leader read: “Sikkim Observer joins freedom-loving individuals and organizations throughout the world in celebrating the birth anniversary of this gentle rebel and urges everyone to put more pressure on the authorities for her early release. It proposes formation of International League for Democracy (ILD) to achieve this objective and to fight for freedom and democracy for all people all over the world and at all times.”

Change has indeed come to America; change must also come to Burma. India’s future Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi, (for June 19^th is his birthday, too), must know that India’s Look East policy will remain a distant dream if the situation in Burma continues to remain unchanged. Moreover, India must regain her rightful place in the world community and exert her moral authority on bigger issues such as freedom and democracy.

The voice that spoke these words in her famous “Freedom From Fear” speech must not be silenced forever: “It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.”

How true are these words in our situation in Sikkim in the past so many decades.

(This is an article by Jigme N Kazi in his Sikkim Observer in May-June 2009)

                                                                                                                           

Jigme N Kazi made Sikkim unit president of All India Patriotic Forum

CALLS ON FORUM PATRON-IN-CHIEF JUSTICE MN VENKATACHALIAH, THANKS HIM FOR VERDICT SAFEGUARDING BL AND SANGHA SEAT

GANGTOK, 29 Apr: Author and journalist, Jigme N Kazi has been made the president of Sikkim unit of the All India Patriotic Forum (AIPF). The main objective of the Forum is to “bring patriotism back to the forefront of consciousness in all citizens” with special focus on the youth of the country.
A press release informs that former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, Justice MN Venkatachaliah is the Patron-in-Chief of the Forum. Other prominent members of the Forum include Gen. (Retd.) SF Rodrigues, Lt. Gen (Retd.) and former Governor of Assam and JK SK Sinha, former Judge of Supreme Court N Santosh Hegde and former Chief Secretary of Sikkim KS Rao.
Kazi has also been made a member of the 11-member National Advisory Council of the Forum. Sonam Dorjee, a senior teacher of Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, has also been appointed Secretary and Treasurer of the Forum’s Sikkim unit.
The release mentions that Mr Kazi also called on Justice Venkatachaliah this week where he thanked the former CJI for the Supreme Court’s historic verdict in the Assembly seat case. In 1993, Justice MN Venkatachaliah had given a historic verdict upholding reservation of the Bhutia-Lepchas and Sangha seats.
Mr. Kazi also presented his books – Inside Sikim: Against the Tide and The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland – to the former CJI. (Ref: Sikkim NOW April 2014)

A Thousand Years Struggle To Preserve “Sikkim For Sikkimese”

   The time has come for the Sikkimese people, irrespective of caste, creed and community, to stand up for their rights, assert themselves, and be heard. We have for long placed much hope on the political leadership in the State to come to their senses and build a strong, stable, peaceful, prosperous and united Sikkim, which is not only in the interest of Sikkimese people but also those who have been living in the State in the past so many decades and for the country’s security interest in the region.

   It has now become more than clear that the combined political leadership in the State has failed to live up to the expectations of the people. The corrupt, communal, immoral and dictatorial forces in the State in the past so many years and months have virtually turned Sikkim into a den of thieves, a place where the Sikkimese people and others living here have been forced to live in great humiliation and indignity.  The Sikkimese people, comprising of the three ethnic groups – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese – instead of being masters of their own destiny, have virtually become foreigners in their own homeland.

Pix: Courtesy -  www.bayultour.com

   The democratic movement of the people for restoration of freedom, democracy and justice in the State of Sikkim has now turned sour. Instead of forging ahead with clear vision and determination to set things rights the political leadership from almost all political parties are giving undue importance to petty matters. This is a clear indication that the hopes and aspirations of the Sikkimese people have been sacrificed to fulfill the greed, ambition and self-interest of a few individuals at the top.

   Corrupt and communal forces, aided by an evil nexus of bureaucrats, businessmen and politicians, who have in the past so many years trampled over the rights and interests of the Sikkimese people, are once again flexing their muscle and making their ugly presence felt in State politics. They are determined to stay in power at whatever the cost. It is at such times as these that we ought to remind ourselves of the need to place our long-term interest before short-term gains and make a determined effort to “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and success of liberty”, democracy and justice.

   Let us remind ourselves at this point of time that the real issue in our State is a fight between those who wish to wipe us out and remain perpetually in power at whatever the cost and those who have for long suffered and endured the system that thrives on lies, deceit, and corruption. The people in general today may be fooled into believing something else but we believe and are convinced that the real issue and the real fight in Sikkim today is not between this or that party or between this or that community. The real issue and the real fight is between the rich and the poor, between the haves and have-nots. A microscopic section of the elite, who have usurped power and perfected the intricate art of corruption and communal politics, are a class of their own, and do not belong to any particular community. They want to remain at the top forever.

   This is not possible. We cannot take this nonsense any longer. It is time that the Sikkimese people from all communities and from all walks of life and age assert themselves and take a firm and united stand and say in a loud and unequivocal voice that “Enough is enough’. The need of the hour is unity and solidarity amongst the Sikkimese people to preserve “Sikkim for Sikkimese.”

   By forming the Organisation of Sikkimse Unity (OSU) we have declared a thousand years war against those who wish to destroy the unity, identity and communal harmony of the Sikkimese people and the nation’s security interest in the region. Other organizations and individuals may involve themselves in petty matters and contest elections. We who belong to the Organisation of Sikkimese Unity (OSU) will fight for the basic rights and interests of the Sikkimese people no matter how long and hard the battle is. We shall fight in the Assembly. We shall fight in the Parliament. We shall fight in the Court and in the Press. If need be, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets. Wherever we are, whatever we do, we shall fight. We shall never surrender. Never.

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(Jigme N. Kazi, Chairman, Organisation of Sikkimese Unity (OSU), issued this appeal to the public through this column, On My Own, on October 24/29, 1994, prior to the Assembly elections in November, 1994. As the message was still relevant, the appeal was published again in October, 1999, prior to the Assembly elections in Oct-Nov, 1999)

REMEMBERING MR. GRAEME ARMSTRONG MURRAY (August 24, 1931 – April 7, 2015)

ON HIS 84th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Today, August 24, 2015, is our beloved Principal Mr. GA Murray’s 84^th Birthday. Mr. Murray passed away on April 7, 2015 and this is his first anniversary without his physical presence.  And yet we know he is with us in spirit and remember his friendship and contribution to our alma mater Mount Hermon School  and cherish his memory.

 On this auspicious occasion we also remember Mrs. Murray and the entire Murray family and wish them well. Our love and gratitude to the Murrays as always. Hail Mt. Hermon!

The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland

By JIGME N. KAZI

Publisher: Hill Media Publications

Price: Rs. 525/-

   Sequel to his previous book, Inside Sikkim: Against the Tide (published in 1993), Jigme N. Kazi’s new book, The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland, highlights the downfall of the Nar Bahadur Bhandari regime, which ruled Sikkim for a decade and half (1979-1994), and subsequent events in the former kingdom leading to formation of Pawan Chamling-led Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government in December 1994.

   The book, released in 2014, delves deeply into social, religious and political issues – Assembly seat reservation, income tax, Rathongchu hydro power project, scaling of Khangchendzonga, Gurudongmar lake controversy, Opposition unity – that the Chamling Government confronted during its first three successive terms in office (1994-2009).

   The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland also seeks to highlight how and why the author – a journalist – left the safe confines of his profession and joined active politics. Was he after ‘power politics’ or did he truly struggle for ‘people power’ to triumph in Sikkim?

   In his recent book, Sikkim For Sikkimese, the author reveals his professional and political struggle of two and half decades (1983-2008) to safeguard Sikkim’s ‘distinct identity within the Union.’ In The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland Jigme N. Kazi shows that he can use the pen and the sword with equal flare and ferocity. His personal confrontation with those within and outside his political circle on diverse issues makes it a must-read book for those who are looking for unique insights into how the political elite of established political parties play the game of survival.

  More than anything The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland reveals how one can fight head-on and take on the powers-that-be for the common cause and come out unscathed and with one’s credibility intact.

   Published by Hill Media Publications, Gangtok, the 276-page book priced at Rs 525/- is available at Observer Building, Nam Nang, Gangtok, Sikkim and at the local books shops in Gangtok and Darjeeling.

AVAILABLE AT:

Observer Building, Nam Nang, Gangtok, Sikkim

Kandoika, New Market, MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim

Good Books: Old Market, MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim

Jainco: New Metro Point, 31A National Highway, Gangtok, Sikkim

Rachna: Development Area, Gangtok, Sikkim

Oxford Books: Chowrasta, Darjeeling

Bulk copies available at Observer Building, Nam Nang, Gangtok, Sikkim.

Judgement & Justice

GIST OF JIGME N. KAZI’S OBSERVER BUILDING, NAM NANG SITE CASE

Jigme N. Kazi’s Observer Building site dispute at Nam Nang, Gangtok, which began in 1998, has been going on for 18 years. The case has been built on an allegation against Jigme N. Kazi levelled by Urban Development and Housing Department (UD&HD) and upheld by Buildings & Housing Department (B&HD) and various authorities, including courts.

The gist of the case is as follows:

1.       In 1996 a site measuring 1089 sq. ft. was allotted to Jigme N. Kazi’s Hill Media Publications, publishers of Sikkim Observer, an independent English weekly established in 1986.

2.       Due to various reasons Kazi encroached some portion of the land/space on all four sides of his building. The space – and not land – encroached on first and second storeys of the building is around 1,400 to 1,600 sq. ft. On the ground floor the encroached area is less than 300 sq. ft.

3.       On 20.12.2000 UD&HD alleged that Kazi had encroached 1,628 sq. ft. of land at the back side of the building which was to be used for Chintan Bhawan’s banquet-cum-conference hall. (Annexure – I)

4.       In his letter to the East District Collector, dated 05.04.2001,  Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, B&HD, alleged Kazi had encroached an area of land measuring 1,628 sq. ft. “at the back side his building which falls under the Assembly complex.” (Annexure – II)

5.       In his show cause notice to Kazi, dated 07.06.2001, Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, B&HD, alleged: “...you have encroached upon an area measuring 1628 sft. of land beside the allotted site.” (Annexure – III)

6.       While sketch map on site encroachment provided by UD&HD and accepted by B&HD show that area encroached is on all four sides of the building, the two departments alleged that the encroached area (1,628 sq. ft.) of land falls at the back side of the building. UD&HD map shows that the encroached area at the back side of the building and outside the retaining wall and boundary fencing of Chintan Bhawan is only 834.75 sq. ft. and not 1,628 sq. ft. as alleged. (Annexure – IV)

7.       The contradictory and misleading information provided by UD&HD and B&HD and upheld by the courts is false, baseless and mischievous.

8.       When the case came up in East DC court (Prescribed Authority) in 2005 Kazi asked for re-inspection of the site to show the encroached portion. The Commission formed by the DC undertook a joint inspection of the site. The report of the Commission pointed out that an area of 1,449 sq. ft. and not 1, 628 sq. ft., had been encroached on all four sides. However, DC’s order did not take note of the Commission’s report and ordered for demolition of the encroached area. Commission’s report and sketch map is annexed as Annexure – V.

9.       In 2003 Kazi’s Review Petition in the Sikkim High Court pointed out that only 834.75 sq. ft. and not 1,628 sq. ft. had been encroached at the back side of the building. But the court failed to take note of this plea and upheld its order of 2003 that the area measuring 1,628 sq. ft. of land at the back side of the building should be vacated and handed over to government for construction of banquet hall. Such a huge area of land at the back side of Kazi’s building is non-existent.

10.    Though the same facts of the actual area of encroachment was presented to the Law Department’s Appellate Authority it did not take note of them and upheld the earlier orders of the courts and dismissed the petition in June 2014. Kazi came to know of the order only on March 6, 2015.

11.    When the encroached portion of the building was demolished on March 23, 24, 2015 the authorities failed to find 1,628 sq. ft. of encroached land at the back side of Kazi’s building. Sketch maps and photographs show areas demolished on all three sides of the building. (Annexure – VI)

12.    The Sikkim High Court, while staying further demolition of the building, called for all records of the disputed site. The records show that Kazi had not encroached 1,628 sq. ft. of land at the back side of the building. The encroached area of a few feet wide which is on all sides of the building is of no use to the government. As per law the encroached portion may be regularised as done in similar cases.

13.    There have been many judgements in the case but justice has been denied.

Ram Prasad (1949-2015)

A PROMINENT OLD SETTLER OF SIKKIM

Late Ram Prasad (popularly known as Deojee Prasad), son of Lt. Deojee Prasad, born on January 28, 1949, passed away on  April 23, 2015. His Anthyesthi Kriya falls on May 9, 2015 (Saturday).

Ram Prasad began his schooling at Soldier’s Board school, located below Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok, and then moved to Tashi Namgyal  Academy (TNA). At Soldier’s Board school his  Headmaster was Mr. Pradhan (father of Late M. K. Pradhan,  locally known as Khambu OC).  VN Langer, TNA’s most prominent Principal, headed the prestigious institution when Ram Prasad was a student there. His music teacher was Pariyar and his language teacher and also his favourite teacher was  Late Lobon Rinzing Lama of Kazi Road, Gangtok. His House Captain (House – D) was his favourite Agya, Late Sherap Palden of Tathangchen, Gangtok, who later became a minister in the Bhandari Cabinet (1979-1984).  

During his school days Ram Prasad was a good 100 meters runner and an excellent athlete. He was very fond of sports, especially football. He never missed a single football match from the 1st Governor’s Gold Cup to the last in 2014. His brother, Bijay Kumar Prasad, represented Sikkim’s 1st State football team at Santosh Trophy as a goalkeeper. He used to play football at the Palace ground in Tathangchen with the Late Crown Prince, Tenzing Namgyal.

Late in 1967, Ram Prasad got married to Late Shail Devi who belonged to Simchuthang (Manglay, near Yangang in South Sikkim.  Shail Devi was the great granddaughter of Sirju Ram and granddaughter of Nagina Ram and was the daughter of Ram Prasad Ram, who were a great businessmen of Manglay Busty, South Sikkim. Her ‘Meeth’ father was Namphrik Mondol of Ben-Namphrik, South Sikkim. Coincidently, Late Ram Prasad’s name and his father in-law’s name was the same.

 Ram Prasad is survived by two sons, Ajit Kumar Prasad and Amresh Kumar Prasad and four daughters . He also has two brothers, Bijay Kumar Prasad and Bikash Kumar Prasad, and three sisters.  His two grandsons are Raj Aryan Prasad and Raj Armaan Prasad.

 Ram Prasad’s great great grandfather was Lt. Dhanna Shah who first came to Sikkim in1850s and settled at Penlong, near Tashi View Point in North Sikkim. In Penlong  Dhanna Shah established himself as manufacturer and retailer of distilled liquor. This business was followed by his great grandfather Kali Charan Shah and his great grand uncle Babu Ram. Their descendants, Jibodhan Shah and Manobodh Shah, continued with the same business. A Trade License of 1930 issued by the Sikkim Durbar is a prized possession of the Prasad family. By 1930s the Prasads were not only the manufacturer and retailer of distilled liquor they also had the exclusive right to sell imported liquor in the Kingdom of Sikkim.

Later, Ram Prasad’s ancestors shifted to Singtam Bazaar in East Sikkim and opened a grocery shop. After the disastrous fire in Singtam Bazaar Ram Prasad’s family moved to Deorali Bazaar, below Gangtok, in 1954. Most of Ram Prasad’s family properties and valuable documents were burnt during the fire in Singtam.

The family properties in Singtam are presently managed by one of Ram Prasad’s cousins, Chandrika Prasad. After Ram Prasad began his business in Gangtok it was his cousin, Ram Naresh Prasad, who looked after the family’s Deorali business and properties.

Ram Prasad’s father Lt. Deojee Prasad and uncle Shivji Prasad opened a ration shop at Gangtok  Bazaar, now known as Mahatma Gandhi Marg. Late Deojee Prasad opened another shop under the name “Deojee Prasad Ram Prasad” (DR). Their business flourished and all of Kazi Road, Tathangchen and 80 % of government employees were their customers. The Prasad brothers even supplied ration to the Palace and also to those residing at J. N. Road and Yatung in Tibet.

Ram Prasad had a very successful life as a businessman. In the early 1990s he was the whole seller of rice, which was managed by himself and his father. Later he converted his business into travels and transportation agency under the name of “Plaza Tours & Travels” which was managed by himself and his two sons, Ajit Kr. Prasad and Amresh Kr. Prasad.

 Ram Prasad always looked for excellence, was well motivated and enthusiastic at whatever he did. In his travel and transportation business he was the first person to introduce luxury taxi and to make Toyota Innova Taxi popular in Sikkim.

 Ram Prasad was well known for his commendable contribution towards Sikkimese society. He was the Founder-President of Food Merchant Association of Sikkim. He was also the Vice-President of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce for more than 12 years. Ram Prasad was the Founder -Member of Bihari Kalyan Samiti. He was also one of the sponsors of Burial Graveyard in Ranipool, East Sikkim.

With his passing away Sikkim will miss one of the most prominent members of the former kingdom’s old settlers who mixed freely and friendly with all residents of the State.