Sikkim's EIILM in Mauritius in controversy.

Sikkim-based Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management (EIILM), a university recognised by the University Grants Commission, has set up an offshore campus without the UGC’s permission. The campus has been set up in Mauritius, and has run into controversy with political parties in that country demanding a commission of inquiry to look into the ‘scam’.

Even as the institute doles out degrees to students at its Mauritius campus, varsities in India are refusing admission to students of the ‘unrecognised’ institute.

Set up as a state university in 2006, EIILM sought UGC recognition in 2008. To a query by the UGC on whether it had an offshore campus, the varsity replied in the negative. However, the varsity, in contravention of rules, set up a campus in Mauritius in 2007. As per UGC rules, a varsity can set up a campus within the state they operate in only after five years of being established. EIILM has not only set up a centre a year after it was established but also set it up outside the country.

On March 28, Leela Devi Dookhun, spokesperson for Monuvement Socialiste Militant, a political party in Mauritius, held a press conference demanding a ‘commission of inquiry’ to look into the ‘scam’. While N Bodha of the Monuvement Socialiste Militant, as the leader of opposition, raised the issue in 2007, the UGC had largely stayed quiet. Only when a Mauritius campus student wrote to it last year, the UGC responded on October 25, 2011. “... the UGC has not granted any permission to EIILM University (Private), Sikkim, to establish offshore campus... Therefore the degree obtained from the Mauritius campus cannot be treated as valid,” the communication read.

An admission request sent by a student from the Mauritius campus to Delhi University was rejected on January 31. Kurukshetra University denied an admission on February 23. The reason given in both cases was that the degree was not recognised in India.

N Bodha said an inquiry must be done to ‘set the record straight’. “The UGC had in 2007 responded to my letter saying that EIILM was not recognised by them at that point. So how could they come to Mauritius and set up a campus. Even the agreement between Mauritius Tertiary Education Commission and UGC has been flouted by this institute,” Bodha said.

Sunil Jeetah, CEO, EIILM, Mauritius, said UGC has nothing to do with the Mauritius campus. Jeetah’s brother Rajeshwar Jeetah is the Tertiary Education Minister of Mauritius and this, he says, is the real reason for the “political campaign” against EIILM. “The Government of Mauritius has given us the licence to operate. EIILM is recognised by the UGC, which is the grant-giving body. EIILM does not need the grants and is established by the state legislature,” Jeetah told IE over telephone.

Source: IndianExpress

38 year old Bhutia from Sikkim shot dead in Northern California.

WASHINGTON – A 38-year-old Sikkimese was among the seven killed by a disgruntled college student who carried out an execution type killing spree in a religious college in California that also left an Indian-American girl injured.

Tshering Rinzing Bhutia, 38, of San Francisco, was killed when the gunman stole his car outside the school yesterday morning.

Bhutia was born in Sikkim and lived alone in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood and worked nights cleaning terminals in city’s airport, Oakland Tribune reported.

He was also studying nursing at Oikos, a tiny Christian college and also worked in restaurants.

Bhutia used to say "if you are hard-working, do not give up your American dream....."

The alleged suspect has been arrested by the Oakland Police, which local media outlets identified as 43-year-old One Goh, an American of Korean origin.

Several of the victims were students of the Oikos University, a small religious college in the Southern Californian city.

According to the daily, Dawinder told her family members that the alleged gunman, who had been absent from his class for past several months, suddenly appeared yesterday and ordered all the students to line up against a wall.

“He showed his gun and then the students started running,” Dawinder told relatives.

About 50 friends, family members and people from India's north-eastern regions paid their final tribute to Tshering Rinzing Bhutia, 38, a student from Sikkim who was among the seven killed in the Monday, April 2, shooting at Oikos University, a religious college in northern California.

On Saturday afternoon, Bhutia's body was brought in a silver casket to the McAvoy O'Hara the Evergreen Mortuary in San Francisco for a prayer service before his body is flown to his native place, Gyalshing in Sikkim, by Air India.

Bhutia's body will be reaching his home just a day before his 39th birthday.

"His body will be going to Chicago and from there it will be reaching to Bagdogra airport, Sikkim, at about 1.30 pm on April 11," Anand Kumar Jha, consul (community affairs) at the Indian consulate in San Francisco, who attended the prayer service and helped set up the funeral home and clear the documents required before releasing the body, told rediff.com. "It's a new experience for us officials. The consul-general is doing what he can," added Jha.

Img Source: MercuryNews
News Source: TheLinkPaper
RediffNews

Student of Sikkim in Global Aero Designing Competition.

GANGTOK, March 23 – India’s Autobotix Group comprising 10 students participated in the Global Aero Designing Competition held in California, US, with three miniature Radio Control Aircraft projects on March 6. The team qualified for the competition out of 500 universities from around the world.

“A total of 500 universities from across the globe had been selected for the competition. Out of the 500, 64 were from Aerospace Engineering.

Sikkim’s Pukar Pandey-led team of Mechatronic Engineering from Engineering Institution of Punjab was the only team competing with aerospace engineers round the globe. They were placed in 12th position.

The competition was organised by SAE International at Van Nuys,California, from March 16-18 in collaboration with the Aero Builder giants like NASA, AIRBUS and Boeing.

Source: assamTribune.com

A week after the earthquake....

The shocking news of our Himalayas shaking and trembling crossed all along the place and reached our ears travelling around 1500km.

It was rather absurd and I wasn't really believing it at one shot. Our friends busy calling at their homes to confirm the news and to make sure everything was alright.

I still lying in bed and waiting for the cellphone to ring and praying god that this all wasn't true. A moment later as news spread about many deaths and the problem reached its peak as evening eclipsed and the phone line was effected due to heavy calls.

You know how it feels like to be far away from home and listen such devastating news about your place and then all you can do is guess and pray that everything is alright with the people at our place.

We ran to the house nearby as there was no television set at our flat which we had rented in the Greater NCR. All the news channel was covering the news but due to the lack of communication they weren't coming to the conclusions about the total number of deaths and injuries.

This increased the tension among us. An hour later we were able to establish communication and were relieved to a little extent that luckily there was no sort of any huge trouble in anyone of our house. But the matter was not just about our home. We were certain that 6.8 magnitude of earthquake wasn't just leaving Sikkim with this little damage.

With the number of deaths and injury rising in every hour or so and the rumors of the earthquake returning has left us with a grief of those who left for heavenly abode with fears in mind that it may return anytime again.

If sources were to be believed, it says that earthquake cannot be predicted. This may[must] be true as if it would have been predicted then so many peaceful lives amidst the peaceful state would have been saved.

The soul-stirring images of our hills in the web and news-papers was more than enough to bring tears in the eyes.

Now, since a week has passed in the hills and everything is slowly returning back to normal, all we can do is pray for all those people who mother earth took away from us and help all those who are in need.

- Amir Bhandari
Soreng, W. Sikkim

Holy Cross School hosts ARCEIS Inter School T T tournament 2011

Holy Cross School, Tadong hosted All Roman Catholic Educational Institutions of Sikkim (ARCEIS) Inter School Table Tennis Tournament 2011 in the school auditorium.

The programme started with the welcome speech by the Principal of the school, Sr. Jessy Mathew, where she welcomed all the guests, students and teachers from the participating schools. Rev. Father Gerard Pazo, the Parish Priest of St. Pauls Church, Tadong inaugurated the tournament.

ARCEIS conducts different interschool competitions every year. The tournament was divided into five different categories and the participants were categorized according to their height and weight.

Total of 5 schools including the host school participated in the tournament. Namchi Public School, St. Xavier’s School, Pakyong, Don Bosco School, Malbasey, St. Francis School, Jorethang and Holy Cross School, Tadong were the participating schools. The two days long tournament were officiated by the five referees from Sikkim Table Tennis Association (SATA). All the matches were played in the round robin format.

The overall championship trophy was won by Holy Cross School, Tadong beating Don Bosco School, Malbasey in a very high wired deciding match in the B- Division category. The Don Bosco School with 430 points was the first runners up and St. Xavier’s School, Pakyong with 370 points emerged as the second runner up.

Sikkim Table Tennis Association (SATA) president Mr. C. K. Basnett was present as the chief guest for the second day, who gave away the trophies and certificates to all the winners. Mr. Karma Bhutia, General Secretary of Sikkim Table Tennis Association (STTA) was also present.

In his address he mentioned that he was very much impressed with the players and the interest they have in the game of table tennis.

At the end the Principal of the host school also presented souvenir to all the judges and the chief guest.The Principal of Holy Cross School, Tadong specially thanked the Sikkim Table Tennis Association (STTA) for providing with the match referees, which made the tournament, all the participating schools, escort teachers and student volunteers who made the tournament successful. Mr. Verghese Ambrose, one of the senior teachers of the School proposed the vote of thanks.

source : isikkim

Efforts underway to reach regular health check-ups for all students

GANGTOK, 23 June : One of the directions under the Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation [CCE], a new education delivery system under implementation since October 2009 at all CBSE affiliated schools all over the country, states, “Healthy body is essential for the healthy growth of mind. Hence the schools are expected to get their students examined by qualified doctors twice in a session. In addition to this general information, physical disabilities and diseases such as defective vision, maintenance of teeth, deafness, long absence due to illness etc. should also be noted.”

Though CCE is officially required to be introduced only from Class IX onwards, in Sikkim, the HRD Department is making efforts to implement directions right from the primary sections.

HRD Secretary, CS Rao said, “We wanted to implement this in all levels, so that the schools can bring any major observation to the notice of the parents for proper medication and care of the child.”

He adds that a majority of the schools in urban areas have already started this initiative [a group of primary level students of PNGSSS, Gangtok were seen in queue at the pediatric unit of STNM Hospital on June 18 for blood test and other checkups] and details of the observation will be mentioned in the report card of the students after the final examination.
Mr. Rao said, “If implemented properly in the rural schools, this scheme will play a vital role in making the rural populace conscious about their ward’s health.”

source : Sikkimnow

“Enchey Senior Secondary School” an oasis of Tradition & Culture

At a lonely quite hill, close to nature is located the Enchey Senior Secondary School. Far from the hullabaloo of market place and maddening crowd, here young minds are taking shape for tomorrow’s future.

Enchey Senior Secondary School is one of the oldest schools in Sikkim, established in the year 1909. It is not only known for its rich history but many unique things that it offers. From arts classes to Bakhu (a traditional Tibetan dress), Enchey manifests unique character for maintaining a distinct academic and cultural identity. Over the years it has produced many dedicated citizens who are now shaping future of the state and country in various capacities.

On 12th October, 1909, Chogyal (King) Sidkeong Tulku laid the foundations of Enchey Senior Secondary School. It was founded with the purpose of imparting modern education to the monastic students of Sikkim. Chogyal envisioned that monks, apart from spiritual studies, should also be versed with subjects like poetry, medicine, astrology grammar and basic arithmetic along with advanced Buddhism studies.

In its maiden year, 5 students from different monasteries of Sikkim came to Enchey. Among them was the first Chief Minister of Sikkim, Kazi Lendup Dorjee Khangsarpa. A student at Rumtek monastery he was sent to Enchey at a very young age. Enchey marked its name in history by giving first CM to the state.

In just a few years the strength exceeded up to 30 students. One student from each monastery in Sikkim joined the school and all were given scholarship from Chogyal. Enchey monastery became the school building and huts down the monastery became hostel.

It was in the year 1959 that Enchey opened its gate for non monastic students. Tibetans refugee girls and boys were allowed to enroll in school along with students from monasteries. But admissions were restricted to Tibetan students only.

In the year 1966, Tibetan government in exile constructed a building for the school. After its completion all the students shifted to the building which is now the present campus of Enchey School.

New campus bore a colourful look with monastic and non monastic students together performing Tibetan Opera, dance and music. Cultural activities became an integral part at Enchey. Students became the ambassadors of their culture, performing in front of Chogyal and Foreign dignitaries. The school was gaining popularity all across India because of this unique character.

In 1969, Mr. Madhusudhan Singh joined the school and Enchey got its first Principal. He was the main spirit behind the creation of the present Enchey School. His vision and commitment made Enchey Senior Secondary School an institution compatible to face the challenges of competitive world.

In the very next year the school got recognition from Central Board of Secondary Education. The first batch passed out from 12th Standard in the year 1973 and had just 4 students. Those students not only excelled in their life but also paved way for the others to follow. A true source of inspirations and instrumental in fostering legacy in the school, Mr. Sangey Dorjee is now the IG Police, Mr. Gyatso La moved to United Sates and is settled there, Late Mr Lode Nima went on to become high ranking governmental official in Government of Sikkim and Richen Doma came back in School to teach an now is the oldest member of Enchey family.

Another giant leap happened in the year 1970 when school opened its gate for students from all caste, community, and ethnicity. This made the school cosmopolitan and hostel a global village. The school hostel housed more than 350 inmates in six dormitories from different backgrounds as a one family.

In its attempt to join the main stream schools, Nepali language was introduced as a vernacular language in the year 1984-85.

By the early 90’s monastic students stopped coming to Enchey Senior Secondary School and scholarships were put on halt. Traditional subjects paved way for the modern studies and Tibetan language was replaced by Bhutia language.

But even today Enchey School is maintaining its tradition and culture on the basis it was founded. School uniform is still brown colour Baku. Enchey is the only government school in the country where this uniform is in practice. Traditional art education is one thing which is still continuing from its foundation year 1909. Students make Thanka painting and traditional art. It’s a part of their syllabus.

The contribution of teachers like Rinchen Doma is inexplicable. Similarly Miss Kipu who was strict in discipline but very compassionate at heart, Mr. C.M Alexsnder, Mathematics teacher who ensured that discipline not only maintained in hostel but also in the lives of students.

Today Enchey Senior Secondary School is just like any other school but its rich heritage and unique character makes it way different from other. The spirit is still evident and is everlasting.

Courtesy: sikkimmail

Kritika Dhakal : The State ICSE Topper 2011

17 years old Kritika Dhakal of Tashi Namagal Academy has topped the ICSE Class X examination in Sikkim scoring an impressive 93.7% .

Daughter of Deepa Dhakal and BP Dhakal of Bahai School road, Tadong, she secured 90 % in all the subjects.

"I am hapy as my years long dedication and hard work has been rewarded" said Kritika.

She has scored 92 in English, 94 in Hindi, 94 in History-Geography, and 94 in Environmental Education.

"I would like to thank my parents, friends, relatives, teachers and Mr. Sunil Chaudhary of Brilliant Coaching who guided me through out my preparation", she added.

Kritika who is now in a plan to move Vishkapatnam for her further studies says that she also wants to prepare for medical test at Bikash Institution at Vishakapatnam.

TNA, this year recorded hundred percent pass result in both ICSE and ISC.

source : sikkimexpress.com

Two lady conductor complete seven month ferrying City Runners

Two Sikkimese lady conductors have sucessfully completed seven months as conductors for government run city buses in Gangtok proving that women too can compete with men in every sphere.

Ofcourse, passengers gawk at Pemala Bhutia(24) and Jyoti Subba(26) and remain nonplusses soetimes when these two lady bus conductors ask them the bus fares.

'It is not easy to deal with passengers, I think they don't consider me as a bus conductor because I am a woman. There are some passengers who remain stumped when I ask them the bus fare and only after some time, they realize that I am the bus conductor and start paying. Since we are the first women bus conductors in Sikkim, even women passengers find it diffivult to believe us as conductors', said Pemala while sharing her experience working as a bus conductor after receiving appointment orders along with Jyoti from the State Government on Octover last year.

These two ladies were among the ten bus conductors appointed at that time.

Pemala, who stays at Rumtek with her recently married husband, takes the SNT city runner every morning from Rumtek to Gangtok at 7 am. She gets home at around 5-6 pm tired and exhausted. 'I get tred as I have to stand on the bus when all the seats are occupied', she said.

'No job is easy. The profession is challenging but I am satisfied and will not step back as I have received good training from the government', she said.

'Who to shy away from working? No work is small', said Pemala, a graduate from Sikkim Government College.

courtesy: sikkimexpress

Girl from Sikkim makes us proud, scores 97.75% in ISC

On 17th may 2011,as the Indian School Certificate (ISC) results were announced, it brought a new moment of glory, joy and pride for the state of sikkim as Deepika Agarwal grand daughter of late Shri Tarachandji Agarwal and daughter of Bramanand Agarwal of M.G Marg Gangtok,Sikkim scores a 97.75% aggregate in the class 12 board examMainations in commerce stream and becomes the school topper at Mayo College Girls school,Ajmer. Deepika scored 100 in Accounts,99 in Mathematics 97 in English and 95 in Commerce,94 in Economics.

Deepika studied at Tashi Namgyal Academy Gangtok,Sikkim till class10 and passed her ICSE examination from there in the year 2009 and then joined Mayo College Girls School .The family has been residing in Gangtok for more than past 100 years.

"Sikkim Student Group heartily congratulate Deepika Agarwal."

source : isikkim.com

CM envisages NGSSS as a model school

Namchi: Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling announced Saturday 30th April 2011 that NGSSS will be the first government girls model school of Sikkim and ordered to submit project report. He was addressing at the 32nd Foundation Day Celebration of Namchi Government Girls Senior Secondary School (NGSSS).

He said that government will provide all the infrastructural development for the school. To make it a model school, teachers and the students have to work hard to achieve it, he added.

CM started his address with a poem on the students which he composed while he was flying from Delhi to Bagdogra days ago, he said. He said “I love people of Sikkim’, which is my strength to do my works and it is above my politics.

He said that the government has introduced different scheme but the education standard has not been raised in our state so the government introduced Chief Minister’s Meritorious scheme for the poor students who are good in studies. Minister HRD NK Pradhan also spoke on the occasion.

CM earlier inaugurated the statue of Sarvapalli Radhakrishan at school premises and also visited Science and Craft exhibition.

Courtesy: Sikkim Reporter

Modern Senior School gets its new building worth Rs 1,19,26000

Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Mr. KT Gyaltsen along with Minister Human Resource Development Department (HRDD) , Mr. NK Pradhan inaugurated the new building of Modern Secondary School here at the school premises, Tathangchen on 25th April.

The new three storied RCC building even possesses an auditorium hall on the top floor. Addressing the function Minister HRDD Mr. Pradhan said that this new building is dedicated especially to the people of the area. He stressed that the maintaining of good discipline would help the institution to come into the forefront and will also help the overall development of the school.

Responding to various demands placed by the school, the Minister has assured to look after the demand for constructing new primary school building and said that he will send the engineers of his department to see the matter as soon as possible. Minister further assured to take up the fencing of the school premises along with the main gate seriously along with the short falls of the teachers in the school. Minister Pradhan also informed that the equipments for the school laboratory will be availed shortly.

The Speaker in his address mentioned that the new building is an asset for the forth coming generation and the property has been built due to the government’s priority to the education and positive vision of the Chief Minister.

Speaker further mentioned that it is a gift to the Syari constituency by the government to cater the need of the students and the school.

In his message to students he said they should build and prepare themselves for the challenges and competitions in future and further urged the students to work hard in their studies to be successful in life.

Speaker even mentioned that there has been remarkable change in the education system in the state due to the dynamic vision of the Chief Minister and a good teamwork from HRDD.

Earlier, the Headmistress of the school, Ms.DK Pradhan presented the annual report of the school. During the occasion, the school has also felicitated its two retired teachers, Ms. Agnes Lepcha and Ms. Neelam Agnihotri and a colorful cultural programme was also presented by the students of Modern Sr. Secondary School during the inaugural function.

courtesy: iSikkim

Students rejoice as HT visits college for selecting Role Idol

Sikkim Students studying at Meerut has yet again small story to share. It was an event organised today at DVSIET by the team of Hindustan Times to select a role idol for the institute. Hindustan Times organises this type of event in different colleges selecting a boy and a girl student depending upon their confidence, dressing sense, gestures, body language, etc.

Around 20 students were selected as the contestants from the college. There were two students from Sikkim viz. Amir Bhandari and Pravesh Chettri among the contestants. The program started with students introducing themselves in front of the jury that comprised of 4 faculty members randomly selected from the institute.

It was an interesting session that lasted for couple of hours. After the first round, three boys and girls finalists were selected respectively depending upon the way they introduced themselves. Interestingly, there was an student from Sikkim Mr. Amir Bhandari in the finalist.

The six students again competed for the first place. They went through different question and answer round where they were asked question based on GK, IQ, and some other stuffs.

After some tough hours, finalist were declared which comprised of Renuka Singh from Jharkhand pursuing B.Tech in EC field and a boy student from 3rd Year pursuing B.Tech in IT field.

The winners were awarded prizes and coupons and they also got a chance to appear on a page of Hindustan Times. Unfortunately there was no prizes for students from Sikkim.

'When you fight a battle you never loose, either you win or you learn', said smiling Amir .Further Pravesh added 'Competition drives innovation and we are not going to shy away from it', after the program. They added , 'It was a great fun and the program was quite exciting. We are looking for some similar kinda programs in the near future' posing for the photo shoot.

4th DB Subba Memorial inter school TT championship 2011 kicks off GANGTOK

The 4th late D.B Subba Memorial Inter School Table Tennis Championship 2011 kicks started on 15th April here at Gymnasium Hall, Palzor Stadium organized by Sikkim Table Tennis Academy, Tadong under the aegis of Sikkim Table Tennis Association (STTA) which will last for three days. Total of 200 players from all four districts, school have participated under different age groups events that are below 12 years, Sub-Junior and Open tournament etc.

The main purpose of conducting the event is to provide best opportunities to the players through the tournament, informed the Director of Sikkim Table Tennis Academy, Tadong Mr. BB Subba, who is also the son of Late. Mr. D.B Subba. This is the 4th time that the championship is being conducted informed the Director. Further more Mr. Subba added that the Academy also provides training to the students of surrounding areas of Tadong for the tournament and since 2007 the academy is operating and training the players.

Adding further Mr. Subba mentioned that this time St. Xavier’s School (Pakyong), Greendale Academy did not participate in the tournament but believed that other participating schools will definitely make the event a grand success.

The schools part taking in the tournament are Tashi Namgyal Academy, Enchey School, PNGSS, Deorali Girls School, Daffodil, Bahai School (Tadong), Bahai School (Saramsa), New Lite Senior School, Namchi, Ranipool School, Army School (Libing), Army School (Lingdok), Modern School (Tathengchen), West Point School (Tathengchen), Sai School, Sichey School, Lingdok School (9 Mile), including some players from schools from Kalimpong.

source : isikkim.com

Muhammad Albar, bottlewala's son

We always thought that Sikkim is a beggar free state. We boosted saying that 'you will never find a single beggar in our state'. But this time, we were proven wrong. On a recent trip to Gangtok, we were completely shocked and sad at the same time when we encountered some beggars across the state.

Out of those beggars, we were very much surprised with one young lad whom we found begging on the way to Deorali Gumpa, Gangtok. We walked passed him unknown of the fact that he was there asking money to the passerby. 'Daju, 2 rupee dinuhos na!! [Brother give me 2 rupees]' a voice so innocent that we were compelled to have some talk with him.

He was around 12 years old and his name was Muhammad Albar*[as he said]. He narrated his story as, he studies in Bihar and has come to Sikkim to his parents. His parents collect bottles and earns a living. He also collects bottle sometimes.

'Hijo ta 12 ota bottle bhete hai! anta tesko 22 rupiya paye hai! [I collected 12 bottle yesterday and earned 22 rupees]', he said.
'Anta k garcha tyo paisa ko?[What do you do with that money?]' we asked.
'Chamal kincha!! [I buy rice]'.
'Anta aama-baba le kindaina? [Your parents dont buy rice?]'
'koi bela unarle kincha hai, koi bela mo kinchu hai [sometime they buy and sometime I buy]'.

We tried to make him understand that it is not good to beg, what more could we do.
'aja chai kati paisa bhayo? [How much did you earn today]'
And he replied '6 rupiya!'
'mo tala thiye hai, euta lama daju le prasad dinchu bhanera lyayo hai, anta ek jhola prasad diyo hai [I was begging down there in the market, a monk said he will give me prasad and brought me here and gave a one bag of fruits]' and he showed his bag which had apples and bananas in it.

Though people say that beggars should not be encouraged but those innocent talks..... we gave some amount to him and asked him not to stay there as many tourists were visiting the place. When we returned from the gumpa, he had left.

The intention in writing this article was just to make you feel the mentality of the poor boy. What will Muhammad Albar become when he'll grow up? For him, life is all about earning two meals a day. Hope he will not take the profession of his parents!!

SSG wishes him best of luck for his future.

Admin, SSG

Winners of NE Youth festival returns Home

A group of 47 young representatives from Sikkim who had participated in the recent North East youth festival 2011 held at Shillong, Meghalaya has bagged three awards under different competitive event for the state.

The representatives of sikkim have returned home on 11th April with much higher hope to compete in the forth coming events in any level organised and to win for state along with to shine the name of Sikkim across the nation.

Addressing media group leader of the Sikkim state Mr. Praveen Pradhan said that the festival started from 7th till 9th of April at Shillong, Meghalaya and there were about six competitive events where Sikkim only participated in five events leaving the rock band competition and out of which they were able to bag three awards during the festival and said that it is for the first time sikkim have bagged awards in the NE Youth festival.

Mr. Dhiraj Pradhan from Rhenock had participated in Painting competition with a theme “Youths Anticipation” where he occupied the second position and in the solo aquastic instrumental competition with a theme “Western Classical” Mr. Sonam Waiba was positioned to third place and in one act play completion Sikkim occupied the third place Mr. Pradhan stated. Adding further Mr. Pradhan informed that Sikkim presented that play on corruption in Hindi language and the artist consisted to about nine, the act was written by Mr. BP Bajgai and directed by Ms. DK Pradhan.

Furthermore Mr. Pradhan even thanked Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Sikkim along with the department of Sports for sponsoring them for the festival.

Whereas Director of one act play Ms. Pradhan in her address said that the play was tough as we had to perform in Hindi language and till date we have been only performing in Nepali but the artist participating in the play did really well and attended the third position which we are proud of.

Adding further Ms. Pradhan informed that English in North Eastern state is must as most of the people of NE does not understand other languages and said that from next time the state of Sikkim during any events must perform in English to attain higher position.

Mr. Pradhan added that the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma attended the festival as the chief guest along with Secretary Sports and Director Sports..

source : isikkim.com

Excellent libraries but hardly any readers

A State Central Library and the library at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok abodes two major libraries. Both places store the treasure of knowledge with ancient books to modern read. A library is the delivery room for the birth of ideas, a place where history comes to life.

Library at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a research library focusing on Tibetan Buddhism. It has got the 3rd largest collection of books on Tibetan Buddhism and teachings. Library attracts researchers from Germany, US, Varanasi, Dharamsala and many other parts of the world and India. But the irony is hardly any local visit to this library.

Tenzin Samphel, main Librarian at NIT says “Very few locals visit to this library, say 10-15 in a month and sometimes even less than that”. On the question of why there is not much of enthusiasm among readers to come and read, he asserted “Ours is a research library and deals with a specific subject. I also feel that still there is some lack of awareness about this library among locals. Apart from it people don’t have reading habits over here”.

NIT Library
Few students visit to libraries these days. Most of them just to complete their assignments

The vintage section of the NIT library lodges the rarest books on Buddhism, Ancient Sikkim and Tibetan history and books on Central Asia. Sometimes students from Sikkim University and Government College do visit, but only for their assignments.

Chandra Prakash Adhikari, a third year student at Government College viewed “We go to library only when we want to do our assignments otherwise we hardly bother to go”. Same views were echoed by a second year student Dinesh Induriya “I never felt like reading. But since I came here for three times I am developing my interest to read and would love to come back, not to do assignments but just to read about Sikkim history”.

Same irony is being felt at State Central Library. Though, in terms of membership this library is pretty better off. There are about 1200 registered members where most of them are from Gangtok. Officers and families from Central government posted in Gangtok are also in huge numbers.

Curator of State Central Library, P.D. Lepcha revealed that among all the visitors’ students are the maximum that turn up. But still response from general public is not that encouraging. He says “The footfall is not up to the mark. We have got very good collection of books and want people to come forward and take advantage of it. It seems that when we had less collection there were more readers but no when we have more collection, readers are few”.

The amount government spends on bringing new books and maintaining 4 district and 5 sub divisional libraries is immense. But lack of zeal among local people to read books make this money run into mill.

State Central Library
State Central Library sign board.

P.D Lepcha felt that with the advent of new technologies people don’t want to spend their time in going to libraries. They find everything on internet or through movies and DVD’s. Present generation lack reading habits and most of them come under compulsion.

Raman Shresta of Rachna Books and Publications has different views. He felt that reading habits are improving and people do want to read especially kids. It is just about making reading exercise cool. He shares a very interesting anecdote “Some days back a child visited to my store. He study in a government school but was on leave because of a broken arm. Somehow he ends up visiting my shop. For the first day he spent 3 hrs and turned next day too. For the rest other days he kept on reading for hours and hours. I even had to provide him lunch on some days. That was his enthusiasm”.

As famous proverb goes “The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television.” Are people of Gangtok ready to embrace those worthy ideas?

source : isikkim.com/

Sikkim boys excels in AIFF U-13 boys football in Tamil Naidu

March 25: In th AIFF U-13 Boys Football Championship being held at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim team is creating wave by winning all the preliminary matches. They defeated Uttarakhand by 7-2 in their inaugural match played on March 21.

Sikkim trounced HImachal Pradesh on March 22 by 8-1. The winning streak continued on the third day as the Sikkim team thrashed the Karnataka team by 7-1.

In the last match of the preliminary round played on March 25, Sikkim defeated Punjab by 3-1.

Speaking to the media, Sikkim Football Association's general secretary Mela Ethenpa said that the Sikkim team has reached the quarter final round.

As per the information received from the coach Pranay Subba, the AIFF selectors were very happy with the performances of Sikkimese boys. "A couple of our boys are surely going to get berth in the coaching camp for the India Team," Enthenpa opines.

The boys for this championship are drawn from the U-13 teams being nurtured by the Boys Club of Gangtok.

Sikkim students in Meerut

A hysterical level of stereotyping cannot be matched but in India. And especially if you are from the northeast studying or working in states outside, being stereotyped as Chinki, Chinese, momo or kancha et al becomes drudgery after a while.

Precisely that has been part of the lives of 10 engineering students from Sikkim studying in Meerut, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, near New Delhi.

For them, the beginning wasn’t any pleasant. They resisted the unwanted welcome. Yet over time, they grew thick skin and every time someone in the streets called names they turned a deaf ear. With the passage of time, they would be included in the circles of friends and soon become part and parcel of the thriving college fraternity.

Rupen Pradhan and Tshering Namgyal Lepcha were the first one to come down. They thought the Institute Dewan VS Institute of Engineering and Technology is located nearby Delhi. They were followed by Rupen Sharma, Pravesh, Amir, Dhani and Naren.

“We had a Career Seminar in Gangtok. There we heard about this institute. We thought it’s in Delhi as that is what they said to us. But arriving here we found it’s quite far from Delhi and a different world all together,” says Amir Bhandari.

“Actually we were prepared for it. That is what we wanted to see. This was the reason we came out of Sikkim,” asserts Tshering. He further adds that it wasn't that difficult for them to adjust here. “We all had an experience of hostel life. Our seniors in college are also very good to us. They all helped us to adjust here. Our relations with management are also very cordial. They too help us a lot.”

However, they were not ragged. They were just asked to introduce, says Dhani Raj Rai. “Our room is a meeting place of everyone in the hostel. Even our seniors visits our rooms. So that ways we get to know each other quite well.”

Despite all this the one major problem is of communication. Not many in Meerut know English. Not only their local friends but sometimes teachers too use Hindi words. “Language is one major problem for us. We fail to understand meaning of some Hindi words,” says Rupen.

But it’s just not language that is the cause of worry for these 10 students from Sikkim. The quality of education is way better in Sikkim than here. Tshering opines that in Sikkim when they were doing Diploma, they were getting a lot of practical knowledge. “Here they mainly stress on theory. So whatever they teach we have already studied in diploma,” he adds.

He further says that some of their friends are now working in Arcelor Mittal, Maruti and Harley Davidson. “At some point we feel that we would have got better jobs after diploma had we sat for interviews instead of coming out here.” None of them are much excited about the college placements. But the reason to cheer is that they will have the practical as well as the theoretical knowledge.

The boys miss football. “Out here everyone plays cricket. So even when we had inter college competition, football was missing from it,” says Dhani Raj Rai, student of Mechanical Engineering.
What else do they miss here? An answer that comes in unison is “momos’ or dumplings. The urge of eating Momo is such that Tshering says when he goes home he will sit whole day in a hotel or else cook at home and just eat, momo’s. But Naren, another student from Sikkim sees it as a good business opportunity. “Here no one sell Momo but I am sure everyone will cherish once they eat. We are planning to buy an oven and start selling here,” he jokes.

Despite these difficulties one can sense and feel a drastic change among these students. In Sikkim where most of the educated students eye for government jobs, they are thinking of generating jobs in their state. “I am not at all interested in working under someone. So I am planning to do something else. Probably I will do something of my own,” says Amir. Pravesh Chettri, a guitarist in group, echos the same view. “I don’t think I will go for the government job,” he quips.

Dhani and Rupen say that if they get a decent job in private sector they will surely go for it. This is a big transformation particularly for students from a state where Government jobs are considered to be a safe bet.

In midst of their monotonous life these students are realizing their true potentials. Jostling with difficulties they clinching towards success and gearing up for the challenges that are onset.

source : isikkim.com

Sikkim University admission notice 2011

Sikkim University

[A Central University established by an Act of Parliament of India]

6TH MILE, SAMDUR, P.O. TADONG

GANGTOK – 737 102, SIKKIM

Tel/fax: 03592-251438

Email: suadmissions2011@gmail.com.

www.sikkimuniversity.in

ADMISSION NOTICE

Sikkim University, a Central University, established by an Act of Parliament of India under the Sikkim University Act 2006 (10 of 2007) and came into existence on 2 July 2007.

Sikkim University is being designed in such a way so as to make it known for academic excellence and innovative interdisciplinary research; its all inclusive institutional character and a strong instrument of regional development and cross-border integration. The University expects to attract students and faculty members from both within India and abroad particularly from the immediate neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand. The University is in the process to bring in the best practices of academic programmes, teaching methods and curriculum designing both from within and outside India.

(i) Applications are invited from the eligible candidates for the entrance examination in the following subjects for the Academic Session 2011-12:

# BA- MA in Chinese Language, [Integrated 10 semesters programme], Department of Asian Languages, School of Linguistics and Languages.

# BSc- MSc in Psychology, [Integrated 10 semesters Programme], Department of Psychology Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

# BA-LLB-LLM in Law and Legal Jurisprudence Studies, [Integrated 14 semesters Programme] Department of Law and Legal Jurisprudence Studies, School of Law and Governance.

# BSc- MSc in Floriculture and Horticulture Management, [Integrated 12 semesters Programme], Department of Floriculture and Horticulture Management, School of Sustainable Development and Livelihood Management.

# BSc-MSc in Earth Sciences, [Integrated 10 semesters Programme], Department of Earth Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences.

# Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)- Master of Business Administration (MBA), [Integrated 10 semesters Programme], Department of Management and Commerce, School of Management and Commerce.

# Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)- Master of Computer Applications (MCA), [Integrated 10 semesters Programme], Department of Computer Sciences and Applications, School of Computer Sciences.

# B Music- M Music, [Integrated 10 semesters Programme], Department of Music, School of Indigenous and Folk Studies.

# M A in Nepali Language and Literature, Department of Nepali Language and Literature, School of Linguistics and Languages.

# MSc in Physical Sciences (Physics), Department of Physical Sciences, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences.

# MSc in Chemical Sciences (Chemistry), Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences.

# MSc in Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences.

# M A in International Relations/Politics, Department of International Relations/Politics, School of Global Studies.

# MA in Peace and Conflict Studies and Management, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies and Management, School of Peace, Conflict and Human Security Studies.

# MA in Sociology, Department of Social Systems and Anthropology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

# MA in Mass Communication, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Media, Communication and Information Sciences.

# MSc in Geography and Natural Resources Management, Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

# M Sc in Economics, Department of Economic Studies and Planning, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

# MSc in Ethno Botany and Social Medicine Studies, Department of Ethno Botany and Social Medicine Studies, School of Indigenous and Folk Studies.

# M Phil/PhD in International Relations/Politics, Department of International Relations/ Politics, School of Global Studies.

# M Phil/PhD in Sociology, Department of Social Systems and Anthropology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

# M Phil/PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies and Management, Department of Peace and Conflict Studies and Management, School of Peace, Conflict and Human Security Studies.

# M.Phil/PhD in Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences.

# M Phil/PhD in Physical Sciences, Department of Physical Sciences, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences.

(ii) Examination Centres :

In India: [1] Agartala; [2] Ahmedabad; [3] Aizawl; [4] Allahabad; [5] Bangalore; [6] Bhubaneswar; [7] Chennai; [8] Cochin; [9] Darjeeling; [10] Dehradun; [11] Gangtok [12] Guwahati; [13] Hyderabad; [14] Imphal; [15] Itanagar; [16] Jammu; [17] Kalimpong; [18] Kohima; [19] Kolkata; [20] Lucknow; [21] Namchi [Sikkim] [22] New Delhi; [23] Patna; [24] Pune; [25] Ranchi; [26] Shillong; [27] Siliguri; [28] Srinagar (J&K); [29] Vishakhapattanam

In Neighbouring Countries: [1] Colombo [Sri Lanka]; [2] Dhaka [Bangladesh]; [3] Kathmandu [Nepal]; [4] Thimphu [Bhutan] [5] Yangon [Myanmar]

(iii) Candidates can apply for more than one subject in separate application forms provided they are eligible.

(iv) Last date for the submission of the forms: 31st March 2011

(v) Seats Reserved for- SC - 15%; ST - 7.5%; OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)- 27%; DA – 3%

(vi) Any candidate who is appearing or going to appear the final year qualifying examinations can also apply.

(vii) Examination Schedules :

(viii) Publication of merit list and commencement of admission 1st June 2011

Detailed information regarding admission procedure and eligibility, etc. is given in the Prospectus-cum-Application Form 2011-12 which can be obtained from the Sikkim University administrative building, located at 6th Mile Tadong, Gangtok from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm till 31st March 2011 against cash payment of Rs.250/-. It can also be obtained by post by paying Demand Draft of Rs.275/- in favour of Sikkim University, Gangtok. Applicants can also download the forms from Sikkim University website.

Important Dates to remember:

More details like eligibility conditions, affirmative policies and Prospectus are available in the University website i.e. www.sikkimuniversity.in .

The filled-in applications forms with the entrance examination fee should reach the Acting Chief of Operations at the following address by 31st March 2011.

Sikkim University

6th Mile, Samdur, PO Tadong,

Gangtok – 737102, Sikkim, India

Tele-fax: 0091-3592-251438

Email: suadmissions2011@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.sikkimuniversity.in

source : darjeelingtimes.com