'चाईनिज नही भैया ..... सिक्किमिज़'

A funny poem depicting how students of Sikkim and North Eastern States are called chinki and chinese in the main land India and treated as outsiders.

अकस्मात, झटारिएर,
उछिटिएर, लड़बरिन्दै,
म कहाँ आईपुगेछु !
अस्त ब्यस्त शहर,
मान्छेको भीड र हतार
म यो कहाँ आईपुगेछु ?

पहिलो दिनमै,
केहि छिनमै
जता ततै 'ए चिंकी'
'ए चाईनिज' मात्र सुन्छु,
आफ्नै मूल आफ्नै देशमा
बिदेशी भनिन्दा
कता कता उदास हुन्छु ||

'चाईना नही सिक्किम'
भन्दै बुझाउनु खोज्दा
'ये सिक्किम कहाँ पड़ता है ?'
भन्ने अफ्ठ्यारो प्रस्न पाउछु
'इंडियामे ही पड़ता है भैया !'
भन्दै आफ्नो बाटो तताउछु ||

हन, कहिले कहिँ त
आफैलाई प्रस्न गरि पठाऊछु
म पनि भारतीय नै होइन र ?
इंडियाले वर्ल्ड-कप जित्दा
के म उफ्री-उफ्री नाचिन र ?
हाम्रो राष्ट्रिय गान बज्दा
के हामी उठ्दिनौ र ?
'कालो धन फर्काऊ'
भन्दै अन्ना बाजे अनसन बस्दा
के हामीपनि भोक भोकै बसेनौ र ?

तरै पनि खै त,
'सिक्किम कहाँ पड़ता है ?' भन्छन....
'नेपालमे कि चाइनामे ?' सोधछन् ....
हन, सानो छदा भूगोलमा
इंडियाको म्याप हेरेनछन् कि कसो?
छ्यास्स उक्सिएर उभो निस्केको सिक्किम
देखेनछन् कि कसो ?

कि त सिक्किमको समाचार
आज तक र इंडिया टिवी तिर नआएर हो
कि सिक्किमको IPL को टिम नभएर हो ?
कि हामी  एति शान्त स्वभावको  भएर हो
सिक्किमलाई धेरै नचिनेको......

हन, हाम्रो आँखा चिम्से नै भए पनि
हामी ह्यान्डसम र ब्यूटीफुल  नै छौ
नाइटोमा हामी प्यान्ट लाउदैनौ,
मुरीले जुत्ता छोपदैनौ,
चप्पलमा टाई लाउदैनौ ||

तर हामी कहिले तिमीलाई हेरेर हाँसछौ र ?
सिक्किमतिर आउदा तिमीलाई
नाईजेरियन र अफ्रिकन भन्छौ र ?
फेरी हामी चै किन आफ्नै देशमा
भारतीय जस्तो नठानिएको ?
किन अर्कै ग्रहको प्रजाति
जस्तो मानिएको ??

त्यसैले दाह्रा किट्दै भएपनि
'सिक्किम इंडियामे पड़ता है' भन्दैछु
नबुज्नेलाई खुर्पाको बेड़ भने जस्तै
'चाईनिज नही..... सिक्किमिज़' बुझाऊदैछु  ||

Note: Not meant to harm the sentiments of any.

- Amir Bhandari

Soreng, W/Sikkim

Be What You Want To Be

Mention the word ‘freedom’, and every person on earth would wholeheartedly agree that freedom is a necessity. What most of us mean by this is freedom from something or freedom to do something. Children are always looking for opportunities to get free of rules laid down by their parents. Adults want more freedom in their relationships, while older people want freedom from disease, insecurities and loneliness.

True freedom, however, is none of these things. True freedom means the power to be really you. Every one of us is unique, with our own basic personality, wants, desires, likes and dislikes. The sum total of all these makes us what we are. However, few of us are lucky enough to be in control of internal and external circumstances to be able to express our true selves. So we could end up being what we’re not. Family and society, friends and colleagues create circumstances – albeit perhaps with good intentions -- that condition us, often forcing us to do or become what we are not. Invariably, it suits many of us too, to be what others want us to be, rather than to be ourselves.

A child who is well mannered and well behaved gets appreciated and rewarded, while one, who is rebellious, gets scolded and punished. In order to gain approval from others and to get rewarded, children automatically start playing roles which are different from their true selves. In this way, right from childhood, we lose our freedom to be ourselves, and become what others want us to be.

This situation could create plenty of conflicts and turmoil in us. When there is a mismatch between what we truly want to do or say, and what we are forced to, it results in stress. And stress, as is scientifically proven, acts on our body and mind, producing a lot of psychosomatic diseases. As an adult, when we suffer from chronic problems like headache, backache, acidity, hypertension, fatigue or diabetes, we seek medical attention, often not knowing that the root cause of these problems is our lack of freedom to be ourselves and to express ourselves freely. Medical science often treats the symptoms or the end results, without going into the metaphysical aspects of the disease. As a result, most treatments are lifelong, and although many of the diseases are controlled or cured at the symptom level, the cause which gave rise to these problems persists.

So let’s give ourselves absolute or total freedom, to think, to speak and to do what we really want to. This does not mean becoming selfish or license to cause injury to others. On the contrary, a person who values his freedom will immediately realise the value of others’ freedom. Absolute freedom means freedom for all. It means giving up controlling ourselves and controlling others. Once we have given ourselves total freedom, we need to think what we really want, how to go about it, and at what cost we want it. And having given the whole thing a lot of thought with our free mind, we can choose the correct action. When we think with a mind that is not free, when we are worried about what others will think or say about us, when we are always playing to the gallery, we might give some happiness to others, but we will find ourselves under duress, and so will never know peace and joy.

Source: internet

Sikkim Students Compilation

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

Will Einstein's 1905 theory of relativity be proved false?

Will Einstein's 1905 theory of relativity - one of the most fundamental pillars of physics - that underpins "nothing can travel faster than light-300,000 kms, or 186,000 miles, per second" be proved wrong?

The speculations started coming after scientists at the world's largest physics lab CERN claim to have clocked sub-atomic particles or neutrinos travelling faster than the speed of light.

European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN, near Geneva, says a neutrino beam shot off from a particle accelerator near Geneva to a lab 730 km away in Italy, whooshed 60 nanoseconds faster than light, with a speed of 186,282 miles per second.

But, how could the fact be ignored that Einstein's theory has been tested thousands of times over the past 106 years? And, only recently have here been just slight hints that the behaviour of some elementary particles of matter might not fit into it.

If the findings by the CERN are correct, it would force an overhaul of the fundamental laws of nature and how the universe works. These particles are 6 km/second faster than light, which is strange because 100 years ago, Einstein suggested nothing can go faster than light. If these scientists are right and Einstein was wrong, whatever we know about our Universe will soon be turned on its head.

"The feeling that most people have is this can't be right, this can't be real," reported IANS.

Earlier, the Chicago team had similar faster-than-light results in 2007, but then the giant margin of error undermined its scientific significance.

According to eminent cosmologist and astrophysicist Martin Rees "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and this is an extraordinary claim."

"It is premature to comment on this," said Professor Stephen Hawking, the world's most well-known physicist. "Further experiments and clarifications are needed," he added. Till other scientists do the same experiment and make similar observations, the new results will not be accepted. And that will take a few months.

The high level of caution is normal in science where anything that could be a breakthrough discovery, especially overturning well-established thinking, is in principle always checked and rechecked by other researchers.

"Only when the dust finally settles should we dare draw any firm conclusions," said Professor Jeff Forshaw, a professor of particle physics at Britain's Manchester University.

Scientists agree that if the results derived by CERN are confirmed, it would prompt a fundamental rethink of the laws of physics.

source : Internet

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

Ms. Kritika Rai selected for PSPB, a national level TT training center

Ms. Kritika Rai (13) years, representative of Sikkim Table Tennis Association (STTA) has been selected during the selection camp organized by Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) recently at Ajmer, PSPB is a full time national training center in India.

This is for the 3rd time a representative from STTA has been given this opportunity and for Ms. Rai this has been a great boon from heaven, said the General Secretary, Sikkim Table Tennis Association, Mr. Karma Bhutia. Mr. Bhutia also said that, after being selected by PSPB, Ms. Rai who has proved her mettle in the game will be awarded the facilities in the academy by PSPB which includes free boarding, free schooling with uniform and books along with free training inclusive of all equipments, sports kit and all the expenses will be born by PSPB.

Mr. Bhutia also informed that, Ms. Rai will also be provided with an allowance of Rs.200 per month, transport for school and her admission will be arranged in one of the best schools in Ajmer.

Mr. Bhutia added that, past few days, STTA had held a selection camp here in the capital and observing Ms. Rai’s talent in table tennis during the selection camp had been sent to Ajmer by STTA for final selection where she was selected based on her performance.

“We are delighted as Ms. Rai’s selection in PSPB has paid our efforts made in the format of Table tennis in state making us proud and the state as well” said Mr. Bhutia. Ms. Rai has created a history in a very tender age, as this opportunity hardly arrives in ones lives. We are grateful towards the association who has played a major role in her success. Without a loyal guidance and support of President STTA, Mr. CK Basnet, Ms. Rai would not have been successful, added Mr. Bhutia.

During the selection held at Ajmer by PSPB, different school children from across the nation, boys and girls aged between 8 to14 years participated where Ms. Rai came out victorious informed Mr. Bhutia.

courtesy: sikkim mail

Priyanka Chettri tops in Nepali in ICSE results 2011

Heard of someone scoring 100 out of 100 in mathematics? 'Ofcourse yes'.

But have you heard of someone who scored 98 marks in Nepali? 'Maybe not!!'

While going across news sites about Sikkim on the web I came across this news which really made me happy. I remembered my school days when our Nepali teacher used to tell us that scoring more than 95 in Nepali is almost impossible.

Making the impossible thing for my teacher possible is this young girl named Priyanka Chettri of St. Francis School of Jorethang. She scored the highest marks in Nepali subject in class X (ten), ICSE Board Exam 2011.

Her marks are as follows:

Nepali: 98

Math: 90

CS: 92

ES: 94

Nepali is one such subject which is considered to be lengthy and unimportant by many students nowadays. Check: malai nepali ramro aundaina! - HR Chettri. The achievement of this young girl is really encouraging for the coming youngsters.

The school Principal, teachers, friends along with her family have heartily extended their congratulations on her performance. She is not only a good student but a singer, dancer and also participates in other co-curricular activities of the school.

SSG wishes her best of luck for her future.

courtesy: sikkim mail

A student nearly kills herself after a confrontation with her teacher

The whole value system of today’s society has changed. What used to appall people yesterday has become the value of today. Hence we can say that only change is permanent in the society. With this change the teacher-student relationship has also changed to a great extent. Those were the time when teachers used to be revered, respected and their words would be the final truth for a student with no chance to doubt or question.

And now these are the times when everything is put to question and test, even the principal of rule. Today’s generation prefers to voice their opinion and likes freedom, and hates ‘being told things’ the most. This attitude has many times created conflicts in our homes, society and mostly in the institutions where the confrontation between two generations are part of the system.

One such incident happened on 27th May in the Government College, Tadong when a student, Aruna*, reading in 1st year, 2nd semester who is to write her exams from 1st June tried to cut her wrist nerve after a discussion with a lecturer over her poor attendance in college.

As the exams are approaching, the students are filling up their forms, and Aruna was allegedly (source information) not allowed to fill her forms as she did not have the requisite percentage of attendance. This led to the discussion between the teacher-student and agitated Aruna decided to take the fatal step. However she was given timely medical attendance, Police and her parents were also called for investigation. Hence no untoward incident could take place.

When contacted, Principal of the collage Shri MP Kharel called it a minor incident of teacher-student agitation and has informed that the situation is under control and that Aruna will be allowed to write her exams.

*Name changed.

courtesy: sikkim mail

Chetan Koirala: CBSE XII State Topper 2011

Nineteen year old Chetan Koirala of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Balutar, Singtam is the CBSE topper this year. He scored an aggregate of 93.8% in Science stream.

His marks was:

Physics - 90

Chemistry - 95

Mathematics - 95

Computer Science - 96

English - 89

Physical Education - 98

'I am very happy and satisfied with my result, for which I thank my parents, teachers, relatives and friends for their guidance and support,' he said.

Son of Khem Raj Koirala and Kesari Maya Sharma of Raley Busty, Samdong, Chetan is now preparing for the National Aptitude Test for Architecture to be held in Guwwahati.

'I want to opt for Architectural Engineering as it was my childhood dream to become an architect,' he said.

The most interesting and inspiring thing that was noted in his sucess was that he didn't go for any kind of tution classes or coaching. 'Instead I devoted my time for revision,' added the State topper.

courtesy: sikkimexpress

CBSE Class 12 results declared, girls outshine boys

NEW DELHI: Girls once again outshone boys in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class 12 examinations, results of which were declared on Monday in seven regions across the country.

The pass percentage of girls was 86.93%, compared to 77.83% for boys, a CBSE spokesperson said.

The overall pass percentage registered an increase of 1.84% over 2010 and stood at 81.71%.

Chennai topped the list of overall pass percentage with 91.32%, followed by Ajmer with 85.5%. Delhi stood third with a pass percentage of 85.45%.

The total number of candidates who appeared this year was 7,70,043, 9.85% more than last year.

CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma said: "CBSE cannot tell the name of the regional toppers as we usually don't do it. The names will be given out by the schools."

Students can check the results on the CBSE website http://www.cbseresults.nic.in/ and http://www.cbse.nic.in or dial CBSE's toll free helpline 1800-11-7002 for any queries.

source : TOI

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

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

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

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/

Students on strike against corruption

One visit to Jantar Mantar where 72 year old Anna Hazare is holding an indefinite hunger strike along with members of India Against Corruption (IAC) and you will witness the electrifying feeling of what Tahrir Square or our own 1921, 1942, 1947 or 1975 would have been like. Reports suggest that similar is the temperament among people across the country.

Three days into his fast,Anna Hazare is getting unprecedented public support.On Thursday,over 500 people joined the 72-year-old in his fast 341 for fast-unto-death and about 350 for a relay fast.Jantar Mantar was packed with his supporters which included many schoolchildren,college students and professionals.And the number continues to grow. Many students from Aligarh Muslim University and Allahabad University and some from Delhi University colleges,like Lady Irwin,Lady Shri Ram and Dyal Singh,joined the protest.A total of 25 students from AMU are joining the strike today.Its time the youth send a stern message to the politicians who are hellbent on looting the nations wealth, said Mohammad Kasif,a protester.

Indians in Los Angeles are organizing a day-long fast Saturday in support of Indian social activist Anna Hazare's fast against corruption in India.

The fast in support of Hazare's fast has been sponsored by the same NRI group which organized Dandi March II, a 240 mile walk against corruption in the US last month. Similar one-day fasts are also planned in several cities across US. Dandi March II in US, inspired by the historic Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi, from March 12 to March 26 culminated with supporting events in 14 US cities with major gatherings in San Francisco, Seattle, New Jersey, Houston and Carbondale.

As many as 45 cities in the US, 40 cities in India and 8 other countries globally joined the movement.

source : TOI/isikkim

NE students thank GJM Unit, Delhi for their help

People say that "culture creates Identification. By practicing a set of rituals and traditions, the community gains a unique character and personality, simply because of the culture of the people belonging to it."

People who have seeped their cultural values and traditions in their lives display them in foreign lands as well. In today’s competitive world, most people migrate from their homeland to other places in the quest of a better living or some for doing further studies. It is only due to their sustaining of the cultural values that they stay connected with their family and community, in particular. Further, they maintain their unique rituals and customs so that they do not mingle with the people out there and lose out their traditions back home.

A bunch of students from different parts of North-East India had talked with the management about forming a North East Students Association in Meerut. The management in return had asked the students to organise a small cultural program showcasing the various tradition and culture prevailing in the North-East India.

It was a golden oppurtunity for the NE students to exhibit their mannerisms, their religious or spiritual beliefs, and principles. "Being far away from home, we couldn't manage our traditional dresses and the day of the program was so near. We were in a complete trouble," quoted Mr. Rupen Pradhan, B.Tech 2nd year from Tashiding.

It was then some students headed to Delhi with a hope that they will meet someone from NE willing to help. "We were so lucky that we met some Gorkha community in Delhi. They are so good," quoted Mr. Dhani Raj Rai, B. Tech 2nd year from Soreng.

They helped the students by offering the traditional dresses without which the program wouldn't be healthy. Students reached their hostel at around 11pm at night completely exhausted. But since they were prepared mentally as well as physically for the next day, they still managed to do some hours of practise.

The program was a great success and the college management was extremely impressed by the way the NE students performed the cultural program.

Students are very much thankful to the following people who helped them in the hour of need.

1. Smt. Luci Rai, GJM Women President [Delhi Unit]

2. Mr. B.S. Rai

3. Smt. Meena Limboo

4. Mr. Milan Gurung

5. Mr. Rustam Chettri

6. Mr. Suresh Thapa and others.

They also assured the students to extend any kind of support in the near future. "Feels really great when we meet such good and helpful people from our places in far land. They were also delighted when they heard that we were performing cultural program showcasing our traditions," said Rupen Sharma, B.Tech 2nd Year from Gangtok.

Students celebrate World Water Day

WWF-India, Kangchendzonga Landscape Programme celebrated World Water Day, 2011 in collaboration with State Institute of Rural Development, Jorethang with schools from all the four districts on 22^nd March, 2011.

The event included exciting contests, exhibitions, film shows and demonstration of water quality testing, and was based around the central theme of water, in which the students participated with great zeal and enthusiasm.

A total of 13 schools, seven from North and East District and six from West and South District were invited to the SIRD campus in Jorethang where the program started from 10.30 in the morning with an introduction to the day’s events and importance of World Water Day. Mr. Madan Cintury, concerned area MLA was the Chief Guest for the day and the programme was also attended by Mr. P.N. Tamang, Director, SIRD with Mr. H.K.Sharma, Additional Director, SIRD, Mr. Udai Gurung, DFO (Territorial) South and Mr. Bishal Rai – Joint Director SIRD amongst other officials. In his inaugural speech Mr. Tamang spoke briefly about the importance of World Water Day and its background.

A poster contest on the theme – ‘Devithans – a dying tradition?’ was the first event of the day in which students came armed with information collected on the springs of their area and presented them in the form of creative posters. It was thoroughly appreciated by the guest and judges who liked the efforts the students had put in the posters and their enthusiastic explanations. Students had also brought water samples from these springs, and a demonstration on water quality testing was also conducted by SIRD staff, based on both logical and chemical analysis in their laboratory formed under Communication and Capacity Development Unit. The students of Geyzing Girls’ S.S. School bagged the winner’s prize in this category with Rumtek School taking the runners up position.

This was followed by a song contest, based on water, which was judged on the basis of performance and the message it imparted. The lively songs that were all written by the students with music arranged by their teachers had the audience swinging to their beats. Though all the participating schools had given good performance, the girls from PNG School left the crowd enthralled by their song written by Yeshi Lhamu Bhutia, taking the winners prize, which was followed by Tadong SS School in second position performing a song written by Jharna Kaur.

After this the radio play performances by the schools were thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the audience, where the students from various schools gave their best to send strong messages of conservation to the audience. Interesting radio plays were presented by the schools of Phodong, Yuksam, Soreng, Kabi and Namchi Girls School. However the winners position went to Yuksam Secondary School followed by Soreng SS School.

The last competition of the day was ‘Quiz H₂O”- a quiz contest which was based entirely on the theme of water. Out of the 13 teams competing in the preliminary round, 4 teams from Tadong School, Rumtek, TNA and Soreng SS School qualified and went to participate in the final rounds out of which the team from Soreng SS School emerged as clear winners, followed by Tashi Namgyal Academy.

Apart from the contests, a short film titled ‘Teesta, The story of a river’ was also screened at the programme. A poster exhibition on the different beautiful high altitude wetlands in the state was also showcased by WWF. Two educational posters related to the interesting birds and animals of high altitude wetlands published by WWF and FEWMD was also released during the occasion by the Hon’ MLA Mr. Madan Cintury. The Hon’ MLA in his address praised the talents of the students and highlighted the increasing importance of water conservation in the state. The programme ended with a vote of thanks address by Mr. Bishal Rai, Joint Director, SIRD.

Courtesy: iSikkim

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

Punishment deserves - Misused of CMSMS by Teachers

All three teachers who had misused their post and position during the selection of Chief Minister’s Special Merit Scholarship (CMSMS) have been suspended today by the department of Human Resource and Development Department (HRDD).
The headmaster of Sadam, Suntaley Junior High School (JHS) Purna Bahadur Gurung along with bio science teacher Binod Gurung and Primary teacher Bhuwan Panday have been suspended from their respective job considering the partiality shown by selecting their own children studying in private schools for CMSMS rather than the eligible candidates.
Minister HRDD, NK Pradhan said that the step was taken by the teachers out of greed. Mr. Pradhan stated that such action will be taken against the teachers. This will itself set an example across the state where no other will even think of conducting similar action hence forth. Mr. Pradhan said that immediate action will be taken in such case on priority basis.
Speaking to the media Director, school education, HRDD, CS Rao informed that earlier on 26th of February itself the three teachers were issued show cause notice. On 23rd the students acquiring the scholarship in a foul manner were removed from the list.
Furthermore, Mr. Rao informed that an inquiry committee consisting of presenting officer along with enquiry officer will be set up immediately to take further action against the suspended teachers. Where as the teachers engaged needs to make an explanation to the Director HRDD in respect to the charges put forward by the public.

Source : isikkim.com