ABGL sends protest letters to Union home minister & state govt
TT, July 18: The ABGL has written to the Union home minister and the Bengal government to protest the decision to convene the tripartite talks with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.
For all Morcha rivals, including the ABGL, the announcement of the talks date has come as a betrayal when they were trying to make their presence felt in the hills — often held hostage to Morcha whims.
Dawa Sherpa, the working president of the ABGL, said: “It is immoral and unethical to hold talks with a party which has been accused of murdering our leader. The talks should not have been held when investigations are on and arrests are yet to be made.”
The ABGL’s letter is an indication that the Morcha rivals have been demoralised by the Centre’s decision to hold talks with the Morcha.
Bimal Gurung’s party was on the backfoot after the murder of ABGL chief Madan Tamang. The Centre’s decision to hold talks has breathed a fresh lease of life into the Morcha and the shift of focus, from the killing to the tripartite talks, has only dampened the rivals’ hope of creating political space for themselves in the aftermath of the murder.
But the July 24 meeting between the Centre, state and the Morcha may not yield any concrete result as the government is still harping on an interim set-up as an alternative to the existing DGHC, while the Morcha has decided to discuss only Gorkhaland.
“The issue is not about how fruitful the talks would be but about how the meeting has given an impetus to the Morcha. It would definitely be very difficult for the rivals to divert the people’s attention from the talks now,” said an observer.
The rivals, despite being aware of their difficulties, are trying hard to be hopeful. “We expect nothing from the talks. The meeting has been called so that the government can blackmail Morcha into accepting something less than statehood,” said Govind Chhetri, a leader of the CPRM, the second largest party in the hills.
While urban development minister, the CPM’s Asok Bhattacharya, refused comment, party MP Saman Pathak said the talks should not be convened at this juncture when many of the Morcha leaders were named in the Tamang murder FIR.
“We do not think that tripartite talks with the Morcha leaders, many of whom have been named in the FIR, should be held at this time,” Pathak told a media conference at the district CPM office in Siliguri today. Asked whether the party would request the state government not to participate in the tripartite talks, the MP was silent.
KalimNews: Anuka Tamang of Pokhriabong TE under Sukhipokhri Thana fell in mobile love but ended in police protection. She fell in love with a boy of Malda named Rajesh who spoke Hindi and had asked her to come down to Malda for getting married, but when she arrived in Rathbari of Malda she could not trace her lover. Some people saw her waiting impatiently for someone and on enquiry found that she was fooled by Rajesh.
Anuka aged about 15 lost her father and mother sometimes back and had been living with her grandfather. She had never seen Rajesh but accidentally received a call from him and chatting continued ending in a love affair. Till today police couldnot trace Rajesh while Anuka's guardians were informed about her through an NGO, presently she is sheltered in a Sishu Uddhar Kendra home.
52 died in Train collision
KalimNews: Uttarbanga Express collided with Bananchal express in which 52 died. The speeding down New-Coochbehar -Sealdah Uttarbanga express train collided with stationary Bhagalpur-Ranchi-Bananchal passenger train at Sainthia station, about 200km north of Calcutta, mangling the carriages and killing at least 52 people.The crash happened at about 2am on Monday when Bananchal Express was about to leave the platform .The crash destroyed two passenger cars and a luggage car, turning them into a tangle of twisted metal. The force of the crash was so intense the roof of one car flew into the air and landed on an overpass above the tracks.
Local residents climbed through the debris searching for survivors.
Dilip Mitra, a railway police official, said 52 bodies were recovered and rescue workers were searching the wreckage for others. More than 100 people were injured, he said.
Sabyasachi Bandhopadhyay, IE, Kolkata:The state had to swallow the Centre’s bitter pill of tripartite talks on the Darjeeling issue in Delhi on July 24. But the party’s Darjeeling unit vehemently opposed the idea on Sunday, saying it will strengthen the hands of those who are indulging in the politics of destruction and mayhem.
“The hands of those coming to attend the talks from Darjeeling (the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) are smeared with blood of Madan Tamang,” said Saman Pathak, CPM Rajya Sabha member from Darjeeling, at a press conference at Siliguri. “Their names are there in the FIR lodged after the murder of the respected leader. The talks can be held only after the perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to justice.”
On Saturday, Home Secretary Samar Ghosh said in Kolkata that the meeting was called by the Centre and it had no other option but to attend it. Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee would select those who would represent the state government at the talks.
At a meeting held on Sunday, the Gorkha League, meanwhile, took a resolution opposing the tripartite talks.
According to political circles, the situation will be extremely embarrassing for Ashok Bhattacharya, Minister for Urban Development, who in all likelihood will be nominated for the talks.
Bhattacharya, who had represented the state government in the earlier round of tripartite talk in Delhi, had demanded on Friday that GJM leaders Bimal Gurung and general secretary Roshan Giri be arrested, following The Indian Express report of their complicity in Tamang’s murder.
Patak also said that all agitations will have to be withdrawn before talks are held.
“On the one hand you are holding agitations and bandhs and on the other, you are attending talks. How can this be tolerated?” he said. “And we also demand that for the next round of talks, not only the GJM but other major outfits of the hills be called.”
At a meeting held on Sunday, the Gorkha League, meanwhile, took a resolution opposing the tripartite talks.
Lakshman Pradhan, spokesman for the Gorkha League, said: “Instead of solving the Tamang murder case, talks have been convened. Now that The Indian Express has made it clear who are the culprits, how can the Central government call those very people for talks? And this time they should call us too, along with other major outfits of the hills.”
Governor Narayanan met top Officers
KalimNews: State Governor MK Narayanan met IG Ranveer Kumar, IG special DT Lepcha and N Ramesh Babu and other police Officers of Coochbehar and Jalpaiguri at Sukuna Forest Rest House. He also met Surendra Gupta DM and DMs of Coochbehar and Jalpaiguri. He enquired and received information regarding the law and order problems and the present political situation in the three districts. He was also briefed about the changes so far noted in the hills after the murder of AIGL President Madan Tamang. Later he met Health Officers of the three districts regarding the medical facilities and Doctors available in the hospitals located in remote areas.Mobile love
KalimNews: Anuka Tamang of Pokhriabong TE under Sukhipokhri Thana fell in mobile love but ended in police protection. She fell in love with a boy of Malda named Rajesh who spoke Hindi and had asked her to come down to Malda for getting married, but when she arrived in Rathbari of Malda she could not trace her lover. Some people saw her waiting impatiently for someone and on enquiry found that she was fooled by Rajesh.Anuka aged about 15 lost her father and mother sometimes back and had been living with her grandfather. She had never seen Rajesh but accidentally received a call from him and chatting continued ending in a love affair. Till today police couldnot trace Rajesh while Anuka's guardians were informed about her through an NGO, presently she is sheltered in a Sishu Uddhar Kendra home.
52 died in Train collision
KalimNews: Uttarbanga Express collided with Bananchal express in which 52 died. The speeding down New-Coochbehar -Sealdah Uttarbanga express train collided with stationary Bhagalpur-Ranchi-Bananchal passenger train at Sainthia station, about 200km north of Calcutta, mangling the carriages and killing at least 52 people.The crash happened at about 2am on Monday when Bananchal Express was about to leave the platform .The crash destroyed two passenger cars and a luggage car, turning them into a tangle of twisted metal. The force of the crash was so intense the roof of one car flew into the air and landed on an overpass above the tracks.
Local residents climbed through the debris searching for survivors.
Dilip Mitra, a railway police official, said 52 bodies were recovered and rescue workers were searching the wreckage for others. More than 100 people were injured, he said.
PTI Adds: Atleast 50 died and severals injured in the accident. Three coaches, two unreserved and a luggage van, of Vananchal Express became mangled heap of steel due to the impact of the crash which also caused the roof of one of the coaches to fly and land atop a flyover ahead, a visiting PTI correspondent saw. The diesel engine of the Uttarbanga Express was also smashed and the body of the driver could be seen seated at his place.
Eastern Railway sources in Kolkata confirmed that the driver of the Uttarbanga Express and the guard of the Vananchal Express were killed in the accident. At least one body was seen on the roof of the Uttarbanga Express.
Injured passengers were being taken to hospitals in Sainthia, and Suri, the district headquarter town. The accident occurred when Vananchal Express, which was several hours behind the scheduled time of 20.54 pm, was leaving the station, the sources said, adding the other train was more or less on schedule.
The scheduled arrival and departure of Uttarbanga Express at Sainthia was 1.38 am and 1.39 am. It was not clear why the train, which was to halt at the junction station, was on a high speed.
The sources said the up line was clear and no train on that route has yet been cancelled. Eastern Railway has opened control rooms following the accident.
The stations and their phone numbers are Sealdah (033-23503535, 033-23503537), Malda (06436-222061), Bhagalpur (06412-4222433), Jamalpur (063444-3101) Relief trains from Rampurhat, Asansol and Burdwan have left for the accident spot, about 191 km from Kolkata. Eastern Railway General Manager V N Tripathy and other senior officials have also left for Sainthia.
Cop’s blade attack- how the ‘high’ and mighty fall
TT, Cooch Behar, July 18: An allegedly intoxicated constable slashed his colleague’s throat at the police barracks here yesterday, the “fragging” attempt coming a day after a drunk head constable gunned down six CRPF men at a camp in Jharkhand.
Balraj Tamang, in his mid-fifties and posted at the traffic police department, was arrested today after the victim, Subir Sarkar, a constable with the district combat force, filed an FIR last night. His condition is stable.
“Around 1pm, Balraj told Subir that he had lost his cellphone. He accused Subir, who was cooking lunch, of stealing it. When Subir protested, an intoxicated Balraj took out a blade and slashed his throat,” said a policeman at the barracks. “We captured Balraj who was still fuming and took Subir to the police hospital.” Subir was shifted to MJN Hospital later where doctors said his condition was stable. “It was a minor injury with no damage to the oesophagus,” a doctor attending to him said.
The incident has created resentment in the rank and file. “Balraj remains intoxicated while on duty. On Friday, he had assaulted an NBSTC employee after a quarrel. He has a tendency to take undue advantages from traders at the market,” a policeman said. Deputy superintendent of police (headquarters) Arindam Sarkar said: “Preliminary investigations reveal that the accused had attacked the other constable but we need to interrogate him further.”
Undertrial escapes
TT, Cooch Behar, July 18: An undertrial prisoner, who was being treated in the police cell of Dinhata Subdivisional Hospital, escaped last night as the on duty constable allegedly was in deep slumber under the influence of alcohol.
The 32-year-old Manik Burman, a resident of Baromasia village in Sitalkuchi block, had been arrested for abduction and rape. “He was a diabetic and was having problems in the urinary tract. He had been under treatment since July 3,” said hospital superintendent Nikhil Chandra Das.
Manik was the only prisoner in the cell. “Since constable Rupesh Rasaily was drunk, he did not sense Manik taking the keys of the cell from the pocket,” said a police source.
Rain displaces hundreds- youth washed away, villages inundated
TT, July 18: Nearly eight rivers are in spate in north Bengal as incessant rain lashed the sub-Himalayan region over the past 24 hours, displacing hundreds of people living on the banks.
Alerts have been issued on five rivers and vast areas, including tea plantation, are under water in the Dooars. In Siliguri, a youth was washed away by the swollen Mahananda.
The India Meteorological Department said north Bengal would continue to experience heavy rain in the next few days and there would be further rise in the water levels of rivers. The average rainfall a day in north Bengal during the monsoon is 50mm, but many places have received more than 150mm of rain in the past 24 hours (see chart).
Haranul Mian, a 24-year-old resident of Vivekanandanagar in Siliguri, was taking bath in the Mahananda when he was washed away this morning. Bhaktinagar police said his body had been later found downstream.
Places like Sukantapally, Saradapally and Vivekanandapally on the right bank of the Teesta in Jalpaiguri town are inundated and people have shifted to safe places. The North Bengal Flood Control Commission has issued yellow (primary) alert in the unprotected areas on the left bank of the Teesta and the spot where NH31 cuts through the Jaldhaka river in Nagrakata block. Red (secondary) alerts have been issued by the Alipurduar subdivisional administration on both sides of the Torsha, Kaljani, Raidak and the Pana rivers. Hundreds of people have left their homes as water levels of these rivers have substantially increased and submerged villages on their banks.
At least five villages were flooded by the Kaljani when a 350-metre stretch of the embankment on the right bank collapsed in Kalchini block. More than 200 families were taken to safer places with the huts being washed away by the river that flows from Bhutan.
“We have asked for adequate relief and compensation from the block administration for the affected people,” said Atul Subba, the panchayat samiti sabhapati of Kalchini. “The water level of the Kaljani is rising at regular intervals, leading to erosion and the inundation of new areas. If it rains tonight, the situation will worsen further. We are keeping our fingers crossed.”
The Kaljani is flowing close to the labour lines of Nimti Tea Estate. “In case the water level rises by a few metres, the river will inundate substantial portions of our garden. We have no clue as to what could be done,” said garden manager J.P. Sharma.
R.S. Sundas, the Kalchini block development officer, said the district administration had been intimated about the situation. “Many places were submerged by a number of rivers. However, as the rain stopped this morning, the water level receded and there is a slight improvement in the situation. But if it rains tonight, the water level will increase again. We are on alert.”
The Bala river is also flowing at a higher level in Kalchini, disconnecting the road communication with Jayanti.
In Banarhat, the Reti has entered Riabari Tea Estate and flooded labour lines and plantations. Many residents have been shifted to safer places in the garden.
The Queen's Baton was received from Sikkim and brought to Darjeeling via Chitrey and Teesta 
Queen's Baton Relay Ceremonial Welcome at Rangpu
- Pic Sanjay Agrawal, Voice of Sikkim
Ceremonial welcome to the Baton at Rangpu and its relay via Chitray to Darjeeling
Voice of Sikkim, 18 July, Darjeeling: People from all walks of life welcomed Queen’s Baton to Darjeeling Hills with full enthusiasm and dignity. The ceremonial welcome of Queen’s Baton was witnessed by thousands of people across the Sikkim border Rangpo. Today at around 10:45 am the XIX Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton relay was handed by President Sikkim Olympic Association Shri PK Pradhan to the Additional District Magistrate of Darjeeling, West Bengal Shri DD Sherpa. The flocking children’s, veteran sportsmen, public and associated delegates cherished wide across making the event more unbelievable colourful and full of centennial honour & respect. The entire event of welcoming the Baton looked as if a big victory is achieved.
Queen's Baton reached to Queen of Himalayan!
The District Administration welcomed and felicited the CWG delegation with a Gorkhay Topi, Khadas and Tikas. Renowned Hockey Player Mr Bir Bahadur Chettri, Footballer Mr Urgen Lama, Keshav Pradhan, Paril Lepcha took a participation in the grand centennial manner, they participated in Baton Relay from Chitrey to Tista. Today the Baton will reside in Darjeeling and before reaching to Siliguri, Baton will be handed to Mantu Ghosh a renowned Tennis Player at Sukna , renowned cricketer Saurav Ganguly is also expected to be present at Siliguri for the ceremonial XIX CWG Queen’s Baton Relay. Interestingly Darjeeling is said to be a Queen of Himalayan so it can be well said that Queen’s Baton reached to Queen of Himalayan!
PTI, Gangtok, Jul 18 : The Queen's Baton, on the country-wide relay in the run-up to the Delhi Commonwealth Games, was today handed over to the Darjeeling administration after remaining 'untraced' for about two hours during the Sikkim leg the day before.
A Sikkim police official today said that the baton was ceremonially handed over to the West Bengal counterpart at the Rangpo check-post at around 10:30am, after the Sikkim leg.
This was preceded by high drama for over two hours yesterday when the Baton was on its way from Gangtok to Nathula border after being handed over to the army at the circuit house.
KalimNews: A hoe ministry source disclosed that in the sixth tripartite talks there is likelihood of participation of P Chitambaram , Home Minister and Dinesh Dwibedi MP (TMC) and Vijay Madan the interlocutor.
Last of "APATAN" P S Subba died
KalimNews :The last member of the APATAN, eminent writer and poet Padam Singh Subba passed away in Sikkim. The others were Late Agam Singh Tamang, Late Tulsi bdr Chhetri and Late Nima Tshering Lepcha. Last rite of Late Subba (87 years) will be held on 19th instant at his residence in Timburbung, West Sikkim. According to Ram Datt Lal Thakur who was closely associated with Apatan Sahitya Parishad and one among the Apatan poets, “once in week, Vakyapurti’ (Samasyapurti) and ‘Prahelika’ (Riddle) were played amongst literary friends. One friend would tell a sentence and the other three would add sentences to construct a four line poem. Anyone who failed to complete the sentence would have to offer ‘Rasdanas’ as a fine. One day while doing this exercise the first poet Agam Singh Tamang wrote the first alphabet of his name as (Aa) on a sheet of paper and completed the sentence. Next to him was Padam Singh Subba who wrote (pa) followed by (Ta)by Tulsi Bahadur Chhetri and (N) by Nima Tshering Lepcha. Thus Apatan was automatically invented.”
From the very day; all the poets related to this organisation resolved to form an organisation under the name and style of ‘Apatan Sahitya Parishad.‘ All poems composed were compiled a register and the collection was tittled Amoolya Ratna (Priceless Jewel). Later on while ‘lndrakeel Pushpanjali’ was published, most of the poems included in the said anthology were taken from ‘Amoolya Ratna’. The themes of these poems are orthodox and treatment conventional. Source:Tista Rangit.com
Controversy starts again for Rumtek seat
PraKha, Gangtok, July 18: Calls for the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee to take his seat of power at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre located in East Sikkim have intensified with three major monasteries of Kagyug sect of Tibetan Buddhism here collectively taking a lead.The Gyalwa Karmapa is the head of Kaygug sect of Tibetan Buddhism while Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is the headquarters of this sect.
The three major Kagyug sect monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong monastery in North Sikkim, Ralong monastery in South Sikkim and Old Rumtek monastery have joined hands together to throw life in the dormant demand pending with the Centre to allow the 17th Karmapa to take his rightful throne at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre.
With the monasteries themselves taking the lead, the calls have acquired urgency with a strong support from the people and followers of the 17th Karmapa.
The first meeting of monks, management committees of the monasteries and non-government organizations had been held at Phodong monastery on June 12 and the second meeting was held at Ralang monastery on June 27. Both the meetings drew great response.
The final meeting was held at old Rumtek monastery at Rumtek, 25 kms away from here today where monks and representatives of several associations participated along with the followers of the 17th Karmapa.
During the day long meeting, speakers after speakers highlighted the need to refresh the pending demand on a stronger note to the Union government as previous representations and memorandums have failed to achieve the desired results.
“There is only demand of the Buddhism followers of Sikkim. Our Karmapa should be allowed to come to his house (Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre). Until the matter is resolved, the three monasteries of Ralang, old Rumtek and Phodong will not rest”, said Ralang monastery representative NT Bhutia.
A Joint Action Committee (JAC) has been formed to support the monasteries in their bid to bring the Karmapa to Rumtek.
“There is no controversy regarding who is the real Karmapa. That chapter is closed. Ogyen Trinley Dorjee is the real 17th Karmapa and he should be allowed to come to Rumtek”, said the JAC general secretary, Sonam Topden.
Former minister Thukchuk Lachungpa who is a member of the JAC said that the monks, representatives of various associations and followers of the 17th Karmapa will be conducting a massive rally in Gangtok to highlight the chief demand. We will also be requesting the Chief Minister to lead a delegation from Sikkim to place the demand before the Centre for allowing the Karmapa to visit Sikkim, he said.
Karma Tshering Bhutia, president of Old Rumtek monastery managing committee said that a body has been constituted during the meeting today which will be headed by Lok Sabha member PD Rai to take the matter ahead with the Union government. The JAC will be supporting the body which will also have five members from each of the three monasteries, he said.
Students at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre also voiced their demands for allowing the Karmapa to visit Rumtek. Without our Karmapa, we feel orphaned and we have been conducting five to six special prayers at the monastery for his visit to the monastery, said Bhaichung Bhutia, a student studying Buddhism at the centre.
Despite repeated requests from the State government and his followers, the 17th Karmapa who stays in Dharmasala has been not allowed by the Centre to visit Sikkim. The nearest place that the Karmapa has been to is Mirik in Darjeeling region where he has been conducting pujas at the local monastery on special occasions for the past two years.
While the three public meetings conducted by the monasteries which was attended by monks and followers from all the four districts have placed the demand in the public domain once more, the strategies to be launched in Sikkim on a higher decibel are expected to be implemented in the coming months.
The monks and followers of the 17th Karmapa is pinning their hopes once again on the State government, especially Lok Sabha member PD Rai.
On his part, Rai pointed out that bringing the Karmapa has been committed by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party in its election manifesto and added that the Chief Minister has been sincerely pursuing the matter with the Union government.
“We are definitely hoping that the Government of India will sooner or later bring the 17th Karmapa to Sikkim and towards that end, we will work. It is definitely a difficult issue, but difficult issues are what the SDF party prides on”, said Rai.
The Lok Sabha member said that as a MP, he will be working on the demand in New Delhi with the help of the Chief Minister, cabinet colleagues, Rajya Sabha member OT Lepcha, Northeastern MPs and other interested groups.
Cops Lathicharge V-B students
SNS, SANTINIKETAN, 18 JULY: Tagore’s abode of peace witnessed unrest when at least 20 students were injured as police resorted to a lathicharge and allegedly fired in the air to disperse agitating students late last night.
Following the incident, the students called an indefinite strike in the university, alleging police excesses. The students burnt effigies of the vice-chancellor, registrar and the principal of Patha Bhavan, Mrs Bodhirupa Singha, this morning. They have decided to draw the attention of the university's chancellor and Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, to the matter.
From 12 noon yesterday, a group of students under the apolitical banner of Visva-Bharati Fee Briddhi Pratirodh Committee (VBFBPC), gheraoed the vice-chancellor, Prof Rajat Kanta Ray, demanding a roll-back of the hike in student fees. When the university authorities failed to fulfil their demand after several meetings and discussion, the students continued their agitation till midnight. Meanwhile, its registrar, Mr Mani Mukut Mitra, fearing loss of property , sought police intervention with a written note to the SDO Bolpur.
A police team led by Bolpur SDPO, Mr Debashis Sarkar, and SDO Bolpur, Mr Ashok Das, requested the students to withdraw their agitation. When the students refused, police started lathicharging them. At least 20 students were injured. The agitating students alleged that the police also fired two rounds in the air and beat up a few students who were sleeping inside the hostel. “We did not hurt anybody and also did not destroy any property of the university. But the authorities called in police, who intentionally beat us up without any reason,” said an injured student.
However, the SDO Bolpur, Mr Ashok Das, claimed that there was no other way to release the vice-chancellor and other officials who had been barricaded by the students for about 14 hours. “The police had resorted to a mild lathicharge to rescue the senior varsity officials, including its vice-chancellor, when the students did not heed our request,” added Mr Das.
Following this incident, the members of VBFBPC held several demonstrations, processions and burnt effigies of the VC, registrar and principal of Patha Bhavan today. The students also boycotted classes and closed down V-B offices, calling a strike for an indefinite period. The students convened a silent procession in Bolpur town against police atrocity.
“As the poor students are facing trouble in paying the recently hiked fees, we started a movement demanding reconsideration of the hike in fees. But, the authorities beat us up with police. We have called a strike for an indefinite period in protest,” said Mr Mithun Singha Ray, convenor, VBFBPC.
Meanwhile, the Adhyapak Sabha (teachers’ union), Karmi Sabha (employees’ association) and alumni association, including ashramites, condemned the police lathicharge. “This is an awful incident. The authorities should have discussed the matter to resolve the problem,” said Mr Kishore Bhattacharya, president, Adhyapak Sabha. The Visva Bharti authorities could not be contacted, as their spokesperson’s mobile phone was switched off and the registrar did not pick up his phone. Protesting against the alleged police excesses on students and the fee hike, students of Visva-Bharati will start a hunger-strike in front of the university from tomorrow. The DSO has supported the movement and it will hold a protest meet.
CHARITRA PUBLISHED - a report KalimNews : Prominent Nepali literary figures particularly attached with the short story sector assembled at Nature Interpretation Centre, Forest Department, Kalimpong on the auspicious day of 17th July where an extra-ordinary programme was organised by Charitra Prakashan.
It was the 25th anniversary of foundation of this Prakashan started in 1986 during the peak hour of the then movement for a separate state. The two schoolgoing youths Sahadeo Giri and Hira Chhetri decided to contribute towards the movement by way of writing different fact based articles in support of the demand. The duo started the publication of a bulletin in the name of Charitra which was inspired by the inscription Charitra Hi Balam (Character is the Strength) coined at the entry gate of their school Kumudini Homes. The magazine was published as a bulletin for three issues then it was turned into a literary one. Later both of them joined government services however, they continued the publication of next issues even when they were transferred away from Kalimpong. The last issue of the magazine was published in the year 2007.
This time both of these enthusiast youths (now married and holding family lives) thought to present a remarkable issue of the magazine to the literary society of Nepali language on the occasion of 25th years of the starting of the magazine. To materialise this dream they approached prominent story writer of modern Nepali literature Sanjay Bishta to execute the process. With the tremendous help of Bishta and a homework of more than one and a half year a 350 page short story special issue of the magazine was published. It was the occasion of the releasing ceremony of the same issue that was attended among others by most of the prominent literary figures of Nepali literature on 17th July.
The function presided over by educationist B.R. Chhetri was attended among others by Sahitya Academy Award Winner story writer Samiran Chhetri 'Priyadarshi' as chief guest. He was also felicitated on the occasion by the Charitrs Publication. Social thinker and renowned playwright C.K. Shrestha, Sanumati Rai, Dr. Saroja Rai attended the same as special guests. Bindya Subba, Dr. Kavita Lama, Prof. Raj Kumar Chhetri, Bhim Santosh, Pravin Rai Jumeli, Min Liwang, Deo Bhandari, Manoj Bogati, Gyan Sutar, Samsher Ali, Madhusudan Lama, Sashi Sunam, Balaram Pandey, Pradip Gurung, Thiru Prasad Nepal, Udai Thulung and others were the story writers who were present to witness the occasion.
Prof. Raj Kumar Chhetri expressed his views on the development of the modern story in Nepali literature while upcoming critics Munnu Gautam analytically presented her opinion on the released issue. Dr. Kavita Lama, Bindya Subba, Samiran Chhetri, Pravin Rai Jumeli and B.R. Chhetri also spoke on relevant topics during the meet.
Sahadeo Giri, Chief Editor of the magazine welcoming the guests highlighted the ups and downs faced by the publication group in bringing out this issue. He disclosed that the issue bears probably the last short story of late Badri Narayan Pradhan and the issue is dedicated to the late Pradhan. Sudhir Chhetri, eminent poet of modern days, conducted the entire programme.
It may be recalled that the Prakashan, which is totally based on the individual contribution, has so far published literary magazine Charitra, satirical magazine Beura, environment based magazine Pariwesh, collection of satirical articles of Hira Chhetri "Chhulyahako Ganthan", a collection of young Ghazal writer Asim Sagar "Joon Pokhiyeko Raat", collection of jokes "Hasya Khurak" etc. This special issue of the magazine contains twenty eight short stories and four critical essays of prominent critics Dr. Ghanashyan Nepal, Dr. Kavita Lama, Rajkumar Chhetri and Jay Cactus.
CD Rai awarded Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar
SE, GANGTOK, July 17: Veteran journalist-columnist CD Rai was today conferred with the ‘6th Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskhar’ by the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) during its 8th foundation day celebrations at the conference hall of State forest department here at Deorali.
State IPR minister CB Karki presented the award to Rai during the function. The award consists of a shawl, citation, memento and a cash prize of Rs. 5000 and is presented to senior journalists who have rendered valuable contributions for the development of a vibrant Sikkimese media of today.
Sikkim Now! editor Pema Wangchuk was also felicitated on the occasion by the PCS.
The minister presented a shawl, memento and a citation to Wangchuk as an acknowledgement of his valuable contributions for the development of the media in the State.
Chetan Gazmer, editor of Nayuma English News was presented the ‘Most Promising Youth Journalist’ for the year 2010 by the PCS. He received a memento and a citation from the hands of the minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Karki said that the State government will be working closely with the PCS for building the capacity of the young journalists working in Sikkim. We will work together with the PCS for training and building the capacity of the journalists, he said.
The minister said that the State government has always been encouraging the healthy development of the Sikkimese media. We will continue to do and the PCS will always have our support, he said.
Karki appealed the media to reach to the villages and bring the rural problems into the public domain. Please try to reach to the villages and help the villagers, he said.
‘Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskhar’ awardee CD Rai recounted how he started his journalism career in the early 60’s and shared his experiences with the gathering.
Pema Wangchuk and Chetan Gazmer in their speeches, expressed their gratitude to all those who have helped them to grow as journalists.
Guest of honour on the occasion, Lok Sabha member PD Rai said that his father CD Rai always stressed on education as the only means to achieve one’s objectives. He also read out a message from his son, Nitin Rai on the occasion.
Nitin who is studying in New York in his message expressed his pride over the award being presented to his grandfather CD Rai.
Special guest on the occasion, BB Gooroong expressed his gratitude to CD Rai for introducing him to media during his youthful days. I give credit to journalism for making me successful in life, he said.
Earlier, PCS president Parasmani Dangal presented the welcome address while general secretary Bhim Rawat placed the vote of thanks.
It was the 25th anniversary of foundation of this Prakashan started in 1986 during the peak hour of the then movement for a separate state. The two schoolgoing youths Sahadeo Giri and Hira Chhetri decided to contribute towards the movement by way of writing different fact based articles in support of the demand. The duo started the publication of a bulletin in the name of Charitra which was inspired by the inscription Charitra Hi Balam (Character is the Strength) coined at the entry gate of their school Kumudini Homes. The magazine was published as a bulletin for three issues then it was turned into a literary one. Later both of them joined government services however, they continued the publication of next issues even when they were transferred away from Kalimpong. The last issue of the magazine was published in the year 2007.
This time both of these enthusiast youths (now married and holding family lives) thought to present a remarkable issue of the magazine to the literary society of Nepali language on the occasion of 25th years of the starting of the magazine. To materialise this dream they approached prominent story writer of modern Nepali literature Sanjay Bishta to execute the process. With the tremendous help of Bishta and a homework of more than one and a half year a 350 page short story special issue of the magazine was published. It was the occasion of the releasing ceremony of the same issue that was attended among others by most of the prominent literary figures of Nepali literature on 17th July.
The function presided over by educationist B.R. Chhetri was attended among others by Sahitya Academy Award Winner story writer Samiran Chhetri 'Priyadarshi' as chief guest. He was also felicitated on the occasion by the Charitrs Publication. Social thinker and renowned playwright C.K. Shrestha, Sanumati Rai, Dr. Saroja Rai attended the same as special guests. Bindya Subba, Dr. Kavita Lama, Prof. Raj Kumar Chhetri, Bhim Santosh, Pravin Rai Jumeli, Min Liwang, Deo Bhandari, Manoj Bogati, Gyan Sutar, Samsher Ali, Madhusudan Lama, Sashi Sunam, Balaram Pandey, Pradip Gurung, Thiru Prasad Nepal, Udai Thulung and others were the story writers who were present to witness the occasion.
Prof. Raj Kumar Chhetri expressed his views on the development of the modern story in Nepali literature while upcoming critics Munnu Gautam analytically presented her opinion on the released issue. Dr. Kavita Lama, Bindya Subba, Samiran Chhetri, Pravin Rai Jumeli and B.R. Chhetri also spoke on relevant topics during the meet.
Sahadeo Giri, Chief Editor of the magazine welcoming the guests highlighted the ups and downs faced by the publication group in bringing out this issue. He disclosed that the issue bears probably the last short story of late Badri Narayan Pradhan and the issue is dedicated to the late Pradhan. Sudhir Chhetri, eminent poet of modern days, conducted the entire programme.
It may be recalled that the Prakashan, which is totally based on the individual contribution, has so far published literary magazine Charitra, satirical magazine Beura, environment based magazine Pariwesh, collection of satirical articles of Hira Chhetri "Chhulyahako Ganthan", a collection of young Ghazal writer Asim Sagar "Joon Pokhiyeko Raat", collection of jokes "Hasya Khurak" etc. This special issue of the magazine contains twenty eight short stories and four critical essays of prominent critics Dr. Ghanashyan Nepal, Dr. Kavita Lama, Rajkumar Chhetri and Jay Cactus.
CD Rai awarded Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar
SE, GANGTOK, July 17: Veteran journalist-columnist CD Rai was today conferred with the ‘6th Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskhar’ by the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) during its 8th foundation day celebrations at the conference hall of State forest department here at Deorali.State IPR minister CB Karki presented the award to Rai during the function. The award consists of a shawl, citation, memento and a cash prize of Rs. 5000 and is presented to senior journalists who have rendered valuable contributions for the development of a vibrant Sikkimese media of today.
Sikkim Now! editor Pema Wangchuk was also felicitated on the occasion by the PCS.
The minister presented a shawl, memento and a citation to Wangchuk as an acknowledgement of his valuable contributions for the development of the media in the State.
Chetan Gazmer, editor of Nayuma English News was presented the ‘Most Promising Youth Journalist’ for the year 2010 by the PCS. He received a memento and a citation from the hands of the minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Karki said that the State government will be working closely with the PCS for building the capacity of the young journalists working in Sikkim. We will work together with the PCS for training and building the capacity of the journalists, he said.
The minister said that the State government has always been encouraging the healthy development of the Sikkimese media. We will continue to do and the PCS will always have our support, he said.
Karki appealed the media to reach to the villages and bring the rural problems into the public domain. Please try to reach to the villages and help the villagers, he said.
‘Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskhar’ awardee CD Rai recounted how he started his journalism career in the early 60’s and shared his experiences with the gathering.
Pema Wangchuk and Chetan Gazmer in their speeches, expressed their gratitude to all those who have helped them to grow as journalists.
Guest of honour on the occasion, Lok Sabha member PD Rai said that his father CD Rai always stressed on education as the only means to achieve one’s objectives. He also read out a message from his son, Nitin Rai on the occasion.
Nitin who is studying in New York in his message expressed his pride over the award being presented to his grandfather CD Rai.
Special guest on the occasion, BB Gooroong expressed his gratitude to CD Rai for introducing him to media during his youthful days. I give credit to journalism for making me successful in life, he said.
Earlier, PCS president Parasmani Dangal presented the welcome address while general secretary Bhim Rawat placed the vote of thanks.
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