RETURNING NGADAK GONPA TO ITS ORIGINAL GLORY14 March, 2004; - ONNOW! pg 5 1

Summer Collection Sunday, 14 March, 2004 Vol. 2 No. 39 Gangtok Rs. 3 Air-Conditioned Slippers, sandals & formal/ casual shoes Grocery Shop for Men for Provisional Goods, Dry Fruits & All Hotel Flora sandals, Requirements (for kitchen) flat slippers WHOLE-SALES for ladies RETAIL-SALES at at the most reasonable prices RajdeepRajdeep the shoe shoppe Spectrum Color Lab Building, Near Amar/ Chaman Garage, Sevoke Road, Siliguri MG Marg, Gangtok. ph: 228865 ph: 2640799, 2640599 GORKHA LEAGUE SAYS “NO” TO GRP-D EMPLOYEES FROM THE “PLAINS” AMITAVA BANERJEE DARJEELING, March 13, 2004: The scheduled posting of three Group- D staff from the plains to the Integrated Child Development Scheme Pinki Singh [ICDS] in the Darjeeling Hills has met with heavy criticism and protest from the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League [ABGL] in Darjeeling. Incidentally, one Hriday Kumar Roy from Phansidewa has been posted to Kalimpong-II, Subir Munda from North 24 Parganas to Gorubathan and Prasanta Mondal from South 24 Parganas to Kalimpong-I. “This is a crude joke that the state governemnt has played on us. With the hills reeling under the curse of unemployment, why did they have to a NOW REPORT recruit people from the plains? Don’t the Hill candidates meet even the GANGTOK, 13 March: Following the report on Irate husband says too qualifications required for such posts which do not demand high educa- the plight of Pinki Singh [NOW!, 13 March], the tional qualifications?” questioned an ABGL leader Luxmon Pradhan. authorities at Central Referral Hospital here at 5th The Gorkha League has demanded immediate withdrawal of these Mile Tadong have “suspended” the four nurses who little is coming too late; appointments. In letters to the SDO, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Darjeeling, were on duty when Pinki’s left thigh was scorched District Programme Officer, ICDS, Darjeeling, ABGL has stated: “You to the third degree as she lay unconscious under their remains adamant to sue are requested to immediately cancel the above appointment letters and care after an operation. The management at Manipal arrange the appointment of local candidates so that the peaceful atmos- has now also agreed to pay for the complete treat- phere of Darjeeling is not disturbed…” Manipal for damages turn to pg 4 turn to pg 3 CONFUSION REIGNS AS TELEPHONE NUMBERS FRENCH TECHNOLOGY HASTENS CHANGE CHANGE. AGAIN - DETAILS ON pg 3 1,500 SUBSCRIBERS WITH PH. NOS BEGINNING ‘22’ NOW HAVE NUMBERS BEGINNING ‘20’

CMYK 2; NOW!; 14 March, 2004 ED-SPACE Hill Council Should Be NOW! In The NEC FIRST WITH THE NEWS he movement for chronic issues, should be magnani- Who’s heard of Positive “Gorkhaland” involving VIEWPOINT mous enough to take a bold politi- T the Darjeeling Hills and ar- cal decision by including the Criticism? eas of the Dooars inhabited by S. RAGHUPATHI Darjeeling hill region in the North Nepali-speaking Gorkhas is now Eastern Council and make some Guideline for the Model Code of Conduct provided by the Elec- almost half a century old. Much problems like the Indo-Pak conflict, real contribution to the all round tion Commission of India, when commenting on General Con- water has flown down the Teesta the Kashmir Issue, normalization of development of Gorkhaland. duct, details that: “criticism of other political parties, when made, since its separation from its moth- relations with China, Myanmar, A composite state of Sikkim shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record erland - the erstwhile kingdom of USA and it is only expected of it to and Darjeeling should also be con- and work. Parties and candidates shall refrain from criticism of Sikkim - and the problem needs to bestow its attention on the chronic sidered with inherent checks and all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities be reviewed afresh by the Centre problem of Gorkhaland issue. guarantees so that the apprehen- of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of other par- and especially well-wishers of The Gorkha leadership, espe- sions of the peoples of both Sikkim ties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distor- Northeastern region. By the North- cially the youth, should try to make and Darjeeling are fully addressed tion shall be avoided.” east I imply the eight states, in- a positive and constructive contri- about protection of their respective That’s easy enough to understand, but what would an election cluding Sikkim, that have been bution to the movement by de- political, social, economic and em- campaign in India be without the barbs, wit and mudslinging that placed under the North East Coun- manding the inclusion of ployment rights. Intellectuals on makes for this circus that visits our streets every five years. cil so that geographical, racial, Gorkhaland in the North Eastern either side of the border should Bhandari holding his tongue on Chamling or Chamling refraining cultural, linguistic and regional hold seminars/ workshops/ from taking digs at the former CM are situations that would be development can be taken up in “DARJEELING awareness campaigns to dispel boring. Even duller would be Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri going a planned manner. AS A PART OF the ill-founded as well as well- easy on Lall Kothi and its minions. But then, elections are about The younger generation, es- founded fears of the hill people more than just entertainment. While sarcasm is fine till it is used pecially the student community, WEST BENGAL IS before soliciting the good of- to embellish a marathon speech, it becomes vacuous when de- of “Gorkhaland” should take the AN ACCIDENT fices of national leadership. A rision becomes the only content. Such speeches might keep the initiative for immediate inclu- OF HISTORY” composite state of Sikkim and audience engaged while they are being delivered, but leave them sion of Darjeeling Hills and Darjeeling would be more for- with nothing to mull upon once the loudspeakers are switched off. Dooars in the North Eastern Coun- Council and then move towards midable and economically viable. Political parties should reach out with their vision for the next five cil so that it can have the advan- achieving the status of a Union Ter- But this should be one of the op- years and not their complaints about the last five. Since develop- tage of mature and charismatic ritory for the region with the active tions and should not be the only ment remains the demand of the region, every political party in leaders like Pawan Chamling and support and cooperation of the en- option in view of its sensitivity of the fray has to clearly explain how it intends to achieve this. Elec- PA Sangma. tire North Eastern Region so that the issue at hand.. tions are won on the basis of promises and performance and not First of all, there is no justifi- they can graduate steadily towards The Centre was magnanimous criticism and complaints. In Sikkim, as in the neighbouring Hill cation in keeping the Gorkhaland producing a mature and selfless enough to create three new states Council, the Opposition has no performance to speak about and issue pending for such a long time leadership, something in which of Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and highlight. They have remained more of less silent for the past five when it the people of the Darjeeling they seem to have failed miserably Chattisgarh, though the demands years and have only recently started crawling out of the wood- hills are justified in aspiring for a ever since the DGHC was formed . were much younger and there are work armed with their list of allegations against the groups in power. separate state in view of their cul- The nation as a whole should three more new states in the pipe- Such revivalism so close to polls is viewed with suspicion by the tural, linguistic, geographical, eco- be convinced that the Gorkhaland line namely Telangana [AP], masses and everything they have to say is taken with a pinch of nomic and racial distinction from is capable of producing honest and Vidarbha [Maharashtra] and Harith salt. To start and end the campaign with a long list of allegations their present rulers, West Bengal, responsible leadership. Statehood Pradesh [UP]. It is high time that reflects a half-baked strategy. Parties in the Opposition need to which inherited it by an accident for Gorkhaland should be the ulti- the Gorkha leadership made a sin- go the full distance and more. After the allegations, they have to of history when the Chogyal of mate goal and not immediate goal. cere introspection into the causes illustrate how they are going to do things differently. The Con- Sikkim gifted the tract to the erst- Such a transition from DGHC to of their monumental failure to gress in Sikkim cannot say the Chief Minister’s Self Employment while British rulers of India. membership of the North East achieve statehood for Gorkhaland Scheme was flawed and then promise to write-off the loans. It The NDA Government headed Council to Union Territory to sepa- and make suitable amendments in has to come on record with how it is going to make the Scheme by an experienced statesman like rate statehood would be natural and their strategy after scientific evalu- effective. Similarly, the People’s Democratic Front in Darjeeling Atal Behari Vajpayee appears to be convincing. Mr. Vajpayee, who has ation of their movement. cannot end with just saying that Ghising failed the Hills on making sincere and wholehearted been mature and bold enough to -the writer is a Gangtok-based Gorkhaland. They have to explain what they plan to do about it. attempts to solve various chronic make an attempt to solve various Development Consultant

-4- reading in school, and my adoptive sister, called fter my father’s funeral I went back Lancho and ten years old, was working at home to the family in whose care he had like me. I had to clean all the dishes and pots, Aput me. My father had left seven of the morning tea, the afternoon lunch and the hundred rupees, four or five maunds of corn UNHAPPY ORPHAN evening meal. I had to bring water from the tap flour, many maunds of brown Indian sugar in the road, in buckets, once in the morning and of white sugar, cooking oil and many tins seven and did not know any better, so I agreed. you quite happy there?” My adoptive mother, and once in the evening, and had each time to of cigarettes, and matches, and his good One evening I was called who was also a Christian, fill a large copper vessel at home, because the clothes and my mother’s clothes, earrings and to the mission was pushing me from be- water was shut off from ten in the morning till a golden gau, instruments for biscuit-mak- meetinghouse. A big elder hind and whispered: “Say three in the afternoon. ing and tools for carpentry. And there was of the church and Dr. Knox and Mr. yes, sir”. So I said: “Yes, Further, I had to go to the bazaar morning money to come from the customers and at Tharchin asked me whether I sir”. After that I was happy and evening and to buy meat and vegetables. home in the cash box. One of my father’s wanted to stay with Nanni Amala with her for a short time and Sister Lancho had always to sit at the stall near friends told me my father had told him there or go to study in the Homes then they put me to do the our door to sell monkey nuts and biscuits and were seven hundred rupees in the house, but School. I said: “No, Mr. housework. I had to work hard sweet of many kinds, and cheap cigarettes and I did not learn this till two years afterwards. Tharchin, I am quite happy here and was often beaten. It was a matches. At home mother cooked the food and My adoptive mother took all this money. She with Nanni Amala and her fam- terrible life. Then I began to un- sometimes washed the children’s clothes, all opened a shop to make biscuits like my fa- ily.” They asked me twice: “Are derstand that I must have done except mine, and also sometimes looked after ther’s. I showed her all I knew of the way to evil in my previous life and had the shop. The whole responsibility for the mix sugar and oil and water and flour. At last Artist, filmmaker, keen photographer, now to pay for it in difficulties. house rested on her. The house contained two she understood and made them as well as my columnist with international My adoptive father worked in large rooms and a veranda. My father and father had done. Gradually they got back my magazines... the Industrial School and earned mother and sister slept in one room; we boys It’s hard to pin Twang Yang father’s old customers. in the other, near the oven on the floor, or on down. Born to a Chinese thirty rupees monthly. Three For two or three months this Nanni Amala father and Tibetan mother, of my adoptive brothers the veranda. My adoptive mother did not make treated me as her own son. One day she said to he grew up in Kalimpong worked at the same place, any difference between me and the other chil- me: “Son Twan Yang, if any one comes to say and worked in Sikkim. two in the same department as their dren when giving out food, but I did not get that you should go with him, don’t do it. And if NOW! serializes Twan Yang’s father, making leather bags, and the as much as I wanted, and I dared not ask for Mr Tharchin asks you to go to read in the Homes autobiography, other as a carpenter. My younger brother, more for fear of being beaten… School, say that you do not want to.” I was only Houseboy in India... who received a Christian name, Philip, was to be continued CMYK
NEWSSCAN 14 March, 2004; NOW! 3 “It’s all for the better, so bear with us”

a NOW REPORT USERS UNHAPPY WITH SURPRISE CHANGE; SETH GANGTOK, 13 March: Tel- ephone numbers in the capital have been changed by BSNL to ASSURES NEW SYSTEM LIGHTNING RESISTANT incorporate new facilities. Those dialling telephone numbers internet dialling, and STD facility. has obviously not been so smooth. ment, in fact has been receiving old exchanges, as they are most starting with the digits “22” will The new “French Technology” Consumers complain of not getting complaints from a large section of vulnerable to lightning strikes. now have to dial “20” if they the incorporation of which has through with the new combination. the public. But according to Mr. The entire operation is to take keep getting a busy tone on the forced “The phone has not rung in my Seth, these are just teething prob- place in a phased manner so as to original number. For instance, the house for the last two lems and will be corrected soon. reduce the interruption period. numbers such as 222 435 will number days, which is an im- At present, change to 202 435. Similarly, 224 change, accord- possibility. When I about 1,500 Although consumers were to be 345 will become 204 345 and the ing to MK Seth, went to the depart- numbers have informed of the number change erstwhile 225 123 will become General Manager, ment to been changed through computer dialling, most 205 123. In short, the second BSNL, Sikkim, is and another consumers say they did not receive number, that is 2, will be re- available only in New Delhi apart 5,000 changes the message and only found out placed by a zero. from Sikkim at present. are due. The entire about the change when their phones “This new technology is also operation is to take one went silent. Perhaps the department The new services available sub- lightning resistant and with the month. The new technology, could have advertised about the sequent to the number change will monsoons approaching, this is Mr. Seth adds, is upgradeable to transition before springing it on include a morning alarm, call rat- the right time to put it in place”, complain, they told me it will take new services. people like this. But, maintains Mr. ings and call transfers - the former he says. some time to sort it out,” says S. The first numbers to be changed Seth, it’s all for the better “so bear which is optional, a caller ID, Sounds good, but the transition Rai of Church Road. The depart- will be the ones belonging to the with us.” Manipal realises “gravity of the EDUCATION presents incident,” suspends 4 nurses It’s where your future is my wife’s leg and now you can Level 1 : Diploma in IT foundation carry on your lives like normal peo- Contd from pg 1 NEGLIGENCE AT Level 2 : Hon’s Diploma in Web programming ple as though nothing had hap- Level 3 : Advanced Diploma in Solutions Architect ment and corrective surgery that she MANIPAL-II pened,” said an emotional Singh Level 4 : Master’s Diploma in Software Expertise requires. The response, however, when informed of the latest devel- may have come too late. Pinki’s On Friday, when NOW! went opments at the Hospital. Near Krishi Bhavan, Tadong, Gangtok. ph: 270876 husband, SK Singh, an army jawan to print, no one from the manage- Singh is taking his wife to Below Power Deptt., Kazi Road, Gangtok. ph: 227917 says that he is determined to fight ment agreed to come on record and Kolkata on 14 March for her sur- Nayuma Building, Main Bazar, Namchi. ph: 263919 Pandey Colony, Geyzing. ph: 251187 and will in fact sue the institution kept avoiding all attempts to con- gery, for which he will pay from his email: [email protected] website: www.ssi-education.com for Rs. 5 lakh in damages in the tact them. own pocket. From there he plans consumer court. However, on Saturday, the to go to Bihar, where he will file JOB PLACEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION “After all that we have gone management finally agreed to the case. through, after all the pain, agony come on record. When first con- EMAIL AT: and harassment that Manipal has tacted the Dean of the institute pre- A simple army jawan taking on NOW! directed on us, no way. They are tended ignorance and said that he the mighty Manipal. Wonder how only doing this because I have gone did not have the details of the case this one will end? [email protected] to the media and am suing them,” to make a comment. He later re- he responded angrily. vealed that they had not referred “Earlier, when I had requested Pinki to another Manipal institute them to provide my wife with a since it would have been “incon- plastic surgeon, they had refused. I venient” for Singh to travel. had to discharge my wife from the Pressed further, he announced that hospital with a release statement. Manipal would now take care of They are all two-faced and irre- all the expenses that would be in- sponsible,” Singh added. curred, including the Pinki Singh suffered severe reconstructive plastic surgery at burns on her right leg when she Kolkata. was left unattended with a blower- Later, in a phone call to the heater at CRH’s ICU ward. She NOW! office, he informed that the was unconscious at the time, hav- four nurses on duty on the fateful ing just been operated on. When day had been suspended today now her husband returned to the hospi- that the management had “realized tal after making medicinal pur- the gravity of the situation.” chases at Gangtok, he was shocked But as far as Singh is con- to see that her thigh had been re- cerned, it is too little too late. He duced to a mass of burnt flesh. now also wants “full compensation Pinki, who was in the hospital for the grave mental and physical for a minor operation which would agony” that his wife has suffered have kept here there for two days, over the last two months. was forced to stay there for more “Manipal is a very big institu- than two months. Although the hos- tion but I have the spirit and the guts pital provided the initial corrective to go all the way. I will not forgive surgeries and medical treatment for them. First, they make a mistake free, it washed its hands off the and then they do not want to set whole affair later, saying they do things right. It was like a big insult not have the facility for the plastic when the management said that this surgery that she requires. was all they could do after burning CMYK 4; NOW!; 14 March, 2004 POWERPLAY
BUDDHADEB TO VISIT DARJ AFTER ALL

though he wanted to come to Committee meeting in Darjeeling ing, which they eyed as a major AMITAVA BANERJEE Darjeeling. This was done keeping and then depart for Kolkata. campaign in the Hills, it will not his busy schedule in mind. He was “This will be purely an elec- be possible owing to the CM’s tight DARJEELING, 13 March: West to arrive at Kurseong on 21 March, tion strategy meeting and party cad- schedule. However political ob- Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb address a party meeting and rush res will be attending from all parts servers are eyeing this visit as a big Bhattacharjee, finally got what he for Bagdogra Airport for his depar- of the Hills including Darjeeling, morale boost for the party which had wished for. His election cam- ture flight on the same day” stated Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik” had seen some rough times in the paign in this region underwent a Narayan Pradhan, CPM leader from added Pradhan. Ashok Hills over the candidature of Mani further restructuring and he is now the hills. With this new schedule, Bhattacharjee, State Minister for Thapa. Regarding whether Subash to arrive straight in Darjeeling on the CM would be arriving on the Municipal and Urban Development Ghising, Chairman DGHC would the 20 March after attending a party 20th evening, putting up at the Gov- along with Mani Thapa, the CPM meet the CM, “Nothing on these meeting at Siliguri. ernment Guest House at Richmond candidate from the Darjeeling con- lines have so far been fixed” in- “Prior to this schedule we had Hill on the outskirts of the town. stituency will be accompanying the formed Pradhan. Incidentally the to shift the venue for the CM meet- On the 21st morning the CM will CM. Though the CPM had ex- last time the CM was in the hills ing from Darjeeling to Kurseong, be attending a CPM Hill Zonal pected to organize a public meet- was in the end of July last year. Vandal hits Khamdong SDF ticket hopefuls resolve to support GL “NO” to SDF Gen. selected candidate when the time comes employees Secy’s vehicle candidate, those who fell out of the race party offices and revive old ones to JORETHANG, 13 March: The ve- a NOW REPORT would support the selected candidate. distribute party literature in the runup from the hicle of SDF General Secretary, To drive home the point warn- to the polls in May. Party members Mohan Dungmali was damaged, in GANGTOK, 13 March: A con- ing against any intra-party feuds, also resolved to donate money for Plains what appears to be an obvious case of stituency-level meeting of ruling the meeting reminded the gathered purchasing the required office furni- vandalism, late Friday night at Sikkim Democratic Front was held ticket hopefuls that they would be ture. The gathering of SDF supprters Contd from pg 1 Jorethang. Mr. Dungmali, who was on in Khamdong, Singtam, today. undermining the chances of the se- ended the day with the commitment The ABGL has threatened to his way back from the hospital where Sabha Adhyaksh, ST Gyaltsen lected candidate at the risk of ex- to work towards securing the high- launch a massive agitation if their he had gone to see a friend, had just presided over the meeting attended pulsion from the party. est margin victory for the SDF can- demands were not met. entered Sonia Hotel here at Jorethang by 80 party workers. Among those The meeting, inform sources, didate from Khamdong. Meanwhile a 36-member Bazar, when he heard a loud noise. present were central executive com- also decided to launch the first- The five candidates in the fray ABGL District Committee was Rushing outside, he saw that the mittee members, panchayat repre- round of prepoll campaigning in the are - BM Ramdame, Gopal formed today along with a 13-mem- windshield of his Bolero had been hit sentatives and active party mem- constituency from 16 March, next Lamichamey, Basant Lamichamy, ber Politburo. This is in wake of by a huge stone, weighing almost three bers. Also present were the five as- Tuesday, from Khamdong and con- PK Lamichamey and Dependra massive restructuring within the kgs. The Jorethang Police arrested one pirants to the party ticket in the tinue till 24 March. This exercise Khati. Senior SDF leaders – Ugen party as the ABGL which was a Gagan Subba on Saturday morning on Khamdong constituency. will introduce the five candidates to Bhutia, KD Rai, SB Rai, CM power to reckon with in the yester- suspicion, but released him later for The meeting decided that since the the general public, it is learnt. Gurung and RP Dhakal were also years is making a steady and strong lack of evidence. party ticket can be given to only one It was also decided to open new present at the meeting. comeback in the Hills. DARJ TELECOM CEASE-WORK COULD END ON MONDAY the General Manager Telecom, was organized to rope in political posted without a break came as a was no provision of even a winter from OUR CORRESPONDENT Siliguri that a Senior Accounts Of- and public support for the demand. major breather. allowance for those posted in ficer who would carry out full- Political parties and organizations Darjeeling even though geographi- DARJEELING, 13 March: To- fledged duties of an AO [Telephone present at the convention pledged Various political heads and rep- cally and topographically both ter- day’s Citizens Convention organ- Revenue] will be posted in their support to the “noble cause” resentatives of organizations apart rains were nearly identical. ized by the National Federation of Darjeeling. which would benefit the subscrib- from pledging “total support,” also “These are policy matters and Telecom Employees [NFTE] saw “We will wait till the 15th, the ers at large as bill discrepancies raised the problems that the sub- NFTE can’t do much regarding this. some major breakthroughs regard- date of his joining, see the powers would be solved in Darjeeling it- scribers of the hills faced. However NFTE will pledge support ing the demand for the posting of he has been delegated with and then self and a subscriber would not “We will have such conven- to any political party who works for an Accounts Officer with “drawing withdraw our agitation” assured have to rush to Siliguri for this. tions in the future also to ensure the inclusion of the Darjeeling Hills and disbursing” powers in Thilen Lama, Secretary, NFTE, KN Karjee, Divisional Engi- proper coordination between em- in the North East State Union,” Darjeeling. The ongoing cease- Darjeeling. neer had earlier stated that one MK ployees and the public. We will also stated Ganguly. work and relay hunger strike started To this, Ganguly added that Biswas was being deputed on that work unitedly to make available the by the employees on 8 March has with this posting all problems of the day for 3 days as a temporary AO best of services,” said Ganguly. Incidentally yesterday the All every possibility of being deferred subscribers would come to an end till the arrival of Rabindranath Talking about various problems Gorkha Students’ Union [AGSU] from 15 March. as bill discrepancies will henceforth Mondal, who would be joining as that the telecom employees faced, had sent a memorandum to Arun This decision was made in the be resolved in Darjeeling itself. the AO for 3 months, arrived on the which included widespread dis- Shourie, Union Minister for Com- wake of a written assurance from Incidentally today’s convention 15 March. This had raised some crimination in facilities for telecom munication demanding for a Draw- suspicion among the agitators who employees in Sikkim and ing and Disbursement Office in suspected this temporary posting as Darjeeling, Ganguly said that there Darjeeling and that all telephone a ploy to quell the agitation, but the was compensatory allowance for bill discrepancies be settled in assurance that the AO would be employees in Sikkim whereas there Darjeeling and not Siliguri. Sikkim House (The Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant) at Hotel New Castle, Deorali Phone : 281707 / 281742

CMYK
NEWSSCAN 14 March, 2004; NOW! 5

thumb. Cricket aficionados reluc- must have torn many a hair off peo- after the match ended did people a NOW REPORT tantly recall Miandad hitting Chetan ple’s head. step out. Suspense Sharma for a six off the last ball. The Indian team is touring Pa- The bursting of crackers and GANGTOK, 13 March: One ball With nine runs needed off just kistan after nearly 15 years and the running amok of children were the to go, six runs to win. And suddenly four deliveries people in and around last time they had encountered each signs of victory for the ones in the added to your TV dies. The result might be central Gangtok - like MG Marg other was in the World Cup a year dark. As if the smoking tension of a foregone conclusion, but veterans and Arithang - were left groping in ago. Anticipation was high for this the encounter was not enough, our of India-Pakistan clashes will tell the dark - literally - in search for first one-dayer even in Gangtok power department decided to add you it’s not over till it is over. the final result. A power failure at where MG Marg was virtually to it a good dose of exasperation thriller Sharjah 1986 sticks out like a sore just climactic moments of the match empty throughout the day. Only and suspense. Teachers give WORKSHOP ON WOMEN an exam Students of Cluny organise EMPOWERMENT ON 16 MARCH PURAN TAMANG Women’s Day GANGTOK, 13 March: A NAMCHI, 13 March: A written daylong workshop on Socio-Eco- examination was held for Sarva nomic Empowerment of Women in Shikshya Abhiyan graduate teach- KARAN SHAH Sikkim will be held on Tuesday, ers at Government Senior Second- 16 March at 10 AM at the Sikkim ary School, Namchi today. A total KALIMPONG, 13 March: A Police Conference Hall, Gangtok, of 210 applicants took the exams function celebrating International under the aegis of the National for the 24 vacancies. Women’s Day was organised by the Commission for Women and According to DB Subba, AEO, Cluny Women’s College, a branch Space Sikkim. Government poli- Education, most of the applicants sat of Saint Philomena’s School, here cies and programmes for the for the Arts examinations while only at the Town Hall today. upliftment of women will be dis- 5 candidates appeared for the Maths The Day, although belated cussed at the meet. Group discus- exams. This he attributed to the fact [Women’s Day is observed on 8 sions are also slated for the day. that Mathematics is still feared in the March], was observed in a grand This follows the state-level consul- hills and parents do not encourage fashion with the stage beautifully tation to formulate strategies for children to take up the subject. decorated and candles lit for the the implementations of the na- The selected applicants will be Blessed Anne Marie, founder of the tional policy for empowerment of confirmed after a year when their congregation of the sisters of St. women that was held on 5 March performance will be rated by con- Joseph of Cluny [1779-1851]. A large at the same venue. cerned headmasters and sent to the gathering of students, all excited and State Mission Authority which is eagerly awaiting the commencement headed by the Chief Minister. of the celebrations, greeted those who While the function began with commending the “spiritual educa- HEALTH attended the show. the standard classical dance, delight- tion” being imparted in schools like CAMP AT Dr. Subir Sanyal, Inspector of ful remixes of nursery rhymes by SPS and CWC as essential to the KV BOY Colleges, North Bengal University, primary students from St. building of personality. ENCHEY presided over the day’s activities as Philomena, which while expound- A wonderful street play by the GANGTOK, 13 March: A day- SCRIPTS BEST the chief guest. Other important ing on the complexities of life at Mother’s Society of Pudung fol- long special health camp for the guests were Dr. Malay Chakraborty, present contrasted it to the simplic- lowed. It was based on social is- monks of Enchey Gumpa was con- ESSAY ON a well-known neurosurgeon from ity and purity of life a couple of dec- sues like drug abuse, and its famil- ducted by a team of doctors from Siliguri, Sister Teresa Rai, provin- ades ago, drew the largest applause ial complications. STNM Hospital on 13 March. The CONSUMER cial superior, Dawa Pakhrin, Ex- Dr. Chakraborty, in his speech, Then it was the turn of Dr team was led by Dr. Namgyal. The ecutive Councillor, DGHC and Sis- stressed upon the importance of men- Sanyal, the chief guest. He spoke patients included not only monks MOVEMENT ter Decklen Fahley, president Cluny tal fitness and balance in the present on issues like environment and the but also the general public who a NOW REPORT Women’s College. age. He explained that modern life, degradation with which it is faced have come to chant Vajra recita- Sister Fahley started the day’s since it exposes the young to factors such as pollution, industrialization tions and the visitors who came to GANGTOK, 13 March: Avin events with a short welcome speech like depression and frustration, etc. The event was concluded with offer prayers for Vajra Dhongdrup Tewari, a Class-X student of translated [“beautifully” as one of should make people realize that be- Sister Teresa Rai’s wonderful in- Recitation Puja, conducted since Kendriya Vidyalaya, has won the the audience commented] by Moti ing successful materialistically can- sight into the meaning of life. The 6 February. Free medicines were essay competition on “Consumer Prasad Sharma, a faculty member of not be the only aim in life. Other fac- vote of thanks was read by Sister given to the monks and the visit- Movement in the college and a popular columnist tors like happiness and self-respect, Sophie of Cluny College. ing public. Sikkim” or- with the Nepali daily, Sunchari. were also important, he stressed while ganized by the A Foreign Publication Division wants 40 Food & Civil Supplies and Rotarian initiative for Brilliant Boys/ Girls for different posi- Consumer Af- tions of Administration/ Management. fairs Depart- the handicapped ment in No- Walk-in-Interview vember 2003. Avin’s es- of Kalimpong LAND-MARK INTERNATIONAL say was selected as the best from Mr. Pravakar Dewan, advocate Sarda Building, 6th Floor, the 152 entries that the competi- from OUR CORRESPONDENT and ex-president Rotary Club MG Marg, Gangtok-737 101 tion attracted and he was awarded Kalimpong, said that RTN ph: 98320 9007 a cash prize of Rs. 2,000. The KALIMPONG, 13 March: A Kalimpong had also undertaken award will be handed over to him camp for the free distribution of ar- other services such as provision of by the Department on “World Con- tificial limbs to the handicapped drinking water and computers for WANTED sumer Rights Day” which falls on was organised at Trysum Hall, schools. A. Teachers: Graduate/ PG in Relevant Subject 15 March. BDO’s office here today by the Another camp for the distribu- B. Instructors: Diploma in Relevant Subject Another student of Kendriya Rotary Club of Kalimpong in as- tion of artificial limbs will be held C. Accountants: B.Com/M.Com Vidyala came tops in the debate sociation with the Red Cross of at Janata Hall (Algarah), on 14 FOR CONDUCTING COURSES: Dairy, Poultry, Beekeeping, conducted by the State Council of Siliguri and Kalimpong. March. This camp is to be in ac- Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Floriculture , Mushroom Farming, Science & Technology, on the topic DK Subba, the community di- cordance with a meeting held in Computer Hardware and Networking, PCO and Internet Café “Only science can do socio-eco- rector of the Rotary Club of November last, wherein the needy Management, Handicraft, Watch and Clock Repairing, Automobile nomic development” which was Kalimpong, explained that there persons were identified. Repair Technology, Tourism & Adventure Sports Management, Office held on National Science Day. were 20 cases of handicapped per- Dr. S.R Pradhan, SDMO, Management, Office Management, Still Photography & Videography, Eight schools of the capital had sons in town who although they Kalimpong presided over today’s Beauty Culture & Saloon Management. participated in the competition. required articficial limbs, were “fi- function as the Chief Guest. A Salary negotiable. Submit your Bio-data within 7 days to Project Runa Mohanta of Kendriya nancially incapable” of acquiring group of five Red Cross personnel Coordinator, M/S Sikkim Binding Industries (SIBIN), Daragoan, Tadong, Gangtok or email to: [email protected]. Or Call 9832071807 Vidyalaya was declared the winner the artificial limbs and other asso- from Siliguri also attended the dis- immediately. and given a trophy and certificate. ciated medical equipments. tribution. CMYK 6; NOW!; 14 March, 2004 SPECIALS
The Wobbly Pop Brigade “If merely ‘feeling good’ could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely Returning the Glory to Ngadak Gonpa valid human experience”. hatever the context of the above axiom, when let loose in the early Wyears of the last century, its irony reeks well and true into today. I don’t suppose the brain-rack at New Delhi could ever be shaken into as- suming that “feeling good” is more about a cocktail of charms than sim- ply chin-wagging people into believing so – like some novice practicing his hypnotic skills on a dummy. About as close you can get to a universally unanimous party to make you “feel good” is the one leading a torchlight procession down your throat. Any veteran junkie would vouch for that with his last drop of blood red wine. And if you care to hang on you will learn of the great faith and devotion with which OTISSEY he invokes Hippocrene. “The ritual”, he will tell you rather lovingly, “is to make Ind..er… the world shine”. I have here George Bernard Shaw beside me to expound further – “Alcohol” he says “is a very necessary article.” That’s ok sir, but er… in what respect sir? “It enables Parliament to do things at eleven at night that no sane person would do at eleven in the morning”. Ah, the man dost speak. If ‘feeling good’ to an advocacy blog is what channel swimming is to a junkie then by logical extension a teetotaller is an oxymoron. And I’m your wobbly pop soldier. GB Shaw invented the chocolate chip shoulder. ne of the most important 1977. The massive earthquake of “Soldier, idiot, sol jer”, he growls beside me. Wow. I am oblivious as aspects and evidences of 1988 caused extensive damages to to the difference he so passionately emphasises. I dwell in times when Sikkim’s ancient heritage the Gonpa and all artefacts and sa- chocolates and chips are item numbers - of the hip. O SOUTH and culture are its monasteries. For cred texts were then shifted to the Captain Bluntschli carried chocolates for bullets and candies for dy- centuries, these important centers new building after the earthquake. namites. BOUND of learning have withstood the rav- Following the earthquake, the load- “The logic for that”, says GB Shaw rather animatedly, “is that Food is ages of time and carried on with the bearing walls failed in many places and more dear than…than…” ah, don’t mind him, he’s a teetotaller. by PURAN TAMANG propagation of the Dharma in the cracks began to appear on the main Arms to the shoulder? - I helpfully and humbly intervene though I am State. There are over 50 monaster- Sikkim’s modern history. walls. In order to preserve the Monas- truly perplexed at my own conclusion. ies in the State that are more than a It was one of the first monaster- tery, some interventions were needed. “…than Arms to the Man”, he finally finishes after me. That leaves 100 years old. They are a testimony ies built by the lamas and the local A steel girder skeleton was put on the me perplexed big time – right into my next life. Men have shoulders and to Sikkim’s rich cultural history. people from the surrounding vil- outer façade to hold the structure. This shoulders have arms and men eat food to maintain their limbs – and life. However, time has slowly lages under the guidance of the helped the walls from collapsing. The And by the largely prevalent social custom a moron with a donated limb started to take its toll on some of Ngadok Sempo Phuntsog Rinzing, roofing was changed from bamboo takes to alms. And so we have… Alms and the Man. Wow! I’ve cracked these heritage buildings. And one one of the three reverend lamas who thatch to GCI sheets. the nut. I hold a wunderkind between my ears. I hastily enlighten Shaw to of them is the Ngadak Gonpa. enthroned the first Dharma Raja or Original frescos and priceless the connotations of his own creation. He looks at me rather vacantly and The Namchi Ngadak Gonpa, Chogyal of Sikkim. paintings are peeling and fading says “Let’s have a shot”. situated about one and half kms Over the years, the Gonpa has off. The steel girder skeleton brac- I didn’t know you consumed, I say. from Namchi town at Upper endured extensive damages due to ing has been installed with no “Ah, that,” he says, “I’m only a beer teetotaller, not a champagne teetotaller”. Gurpishey, is not only one of the natural ageing process and also due proper layout plan. It is an eyesore Well, if that’s what makes him dope or dance or as we in India say “feel oldest monasteries in the State, but to neglect. A new monastery was and disturbs the movement of peo- turn to pg 7 it also forms an important part of constructed in the same area in turn to pg 8 THE LAST TEMPTATION OF SHERAP far he had no regrets. His career had been friends more uncomfortable because they gleam in the evening light. His common sense fiction by SHYLL chequered with more downs than ups but he sensed an undercurrent of censure in Sherap’s dictated that just a signature could ease his had begun to look upon the exigencies of life civility. Just two months prior to his retire- problem, his years of labour and philosophi- herap Samphe had worked in the gov philosophically. With time nearing for him ment, the government of Gyaling had a new cal leanings seemed to dim in the background ernment for the last thirty years. He to leave the comfort of office, he felt an in- surprise in store for him. A new office order as he picked up the pen and opened the file. Swas one of the most distinguished of- creasing excitement at the prospects of go- had been released. It had been pointed out A month later Sherpa stood by the win- ficers in the government of Gyaling. He had ing back to his village, sitting in the winter that the previous policy of benefit given to a dow of his office and looked out at the car worked hard and his diligence, his integrity, sun, eating nine to dozen oranges from the retiring officer to buy the government vehi- park below, this was his last day in office. He his innate decency made people look up to orchards and reading the books from the fam- cle he had been using would no longer be was filled with sadness and uncertainty; he him. As he neared his retirement he reflected ily library. The snatches offered on auction ba- began to feel insignificant without a designa- on the years he had served the state. He of this life, which he sis. For the first time in tion attached to his name. He had already thought of all the dajus, satua and agyas, had been lucky to enjoy his life Sherap was an- sensed the change in the office peon who had anums and kagalays he had worked with. during the vacations, litNOW! gry at the system. He begun treating his orders lightly. His clerk’s Some of them had been his seniors in school had appealed to him tre- when the Hills write felt the injustice of it all. too would sometimes forget to wish him. He and much more older than him but they still mendously. In fact most He needed a vehicle and looked away and turned to face the room, the officially had so many years to go before re- times in the recent weeks he had unknow- he was not sure if he could manage without wall clock read a quarter to four, just fifteen tirement. He looked upon these officers with ingly begun talking of it to his fellow offic- it. He knew that buying a new one would minutes more and he would be a man on the a mixture of amusement, irritation and ca- ers. After all who else would be able to truly upset his financial state. As though to pla- street. At four o’clock, he left the office build- maraderie. After all they had more than thirty understand the pre retirement excitement and cate him, a month later, his deputy from the ing. As usual his driver stood near his car look- years of acquaintanceship. Some of them had jitters than they who would one day be faced government approached Sherap. He had a ing pityingly at him. Without a murmur he got risen from living in small squatters to resid- with the same. Besides, they had seen to- grey file in his hands, a new Gypsy just out into his car. He felt nostalgic as he made his ing in palatial buildings; the thatched roofs gether so much, like the coming of ages of a of the showroom and other perks would be last office to home trip. The car stopped in had given way to beautiful houses. small kingdom to be a protectorate of another. waiting for him. It was a difficult moment front of the steps that led to his house. With Sherap’s lot in life had not changed much, They had often discussed the past and Sherap for him. Years of integrity, values lay on one an impatient reluctance Sherap opened the car that’s why they teased him and called him a had noticed that in spite of his genial accept- side, uncertainty about his family’s future, door and turned to the driver who looked at square peg in a round hole. He was an hon- ance of the rise in fortune of his friends, they old age, lack of a vehicle lay on the other. the file that lay on the seat. He then turned to est man. He neither had the courage nor the tried to justify their wealth as their rebellion The juniors saw Sherap’s predicament and study Sherap with an inscrutable expression appetite for someone else’s money. He was against a system they detested. This attempt told him that he could keep the file and think on his face. Sherap handed over the file and satisfied with the government salary and to camouflage their corruption made Sherap over it. Each time Sherap gazed in that di- lightly got out of the car and walked up the when dire needs came up he met the expendi- secretly guffaw in private; in public he main- rection his eyes inadvertently fell on it. As stairs a lighter man for he had no job and noth- ture by selling cardamom from his fields. So tained a discreet silence. This made his though to torment him it seemed to wickedly ing on his conscience. CMYK 14 March, 2004; NOW! 7 The INDIA PULL OFF LAST-BALL WIN Wobbly India scored a thrilling five-run vic- they eclipsed their highest total of when both Sehwag and Tendulkar he could do as the Indians motored tory over Pakistan in the first One- 316 for 6 against Pakistan, recorded were dropped early in the innings. to 103 for the loss of one wicket at Pop Day International in Karachi on in Dhaka in 1998. Shoaib Akhtar, who was ex- the end of the 11th over. Saturday. The match was decided The arch-rivals were playing tremely wayward to start off with, India ended up with 349 for the Brigade on the last ball, which saw a world each other for the first time since was the unlucky bowler on both loss of 7 wickets in their allotted Contd from pg 6 record of 693 runs being scored. the epic World Cup encounter in occasions. Sehwag was dropped off 50 overs. India’s left-arm paceman South Africa, The Indians left out the final ball of the first over itself Pakistan will be ruing the good”. The ways of the bloated – Ashish Nehra kept his cool as he V V S Laxman, who was ruled out while Tendulkar survived thanks to number of extras, a huge 37, and best left for them to follow. sent down the last delivery, and at the last minute due to stiffness Akhtar himself, who overstepped the dropped catches. But for those “I have taken more out of alco- Moin Khan, who needed to score a in his left knee. Ashish Nehra was in the third over. lapses, they would have had a much hol than alcohol has out of me” six to win the match for Pakistan, preferred to Irfan Pathan in the Naveed-Ul-Hasan’s first over better chance in the game. somebody whispered. The hoarse had a wild swipe only for Zaheer starting eleven. saw twenty-four runs hammered by One can’t rule them out com- breath was reeking of Churchill. He Khan to hold on to the ball and si- Pakistan captain Inzamam Ul- Sehwag’s with his unique mixture pletely, given the performance of must have burped it out during the lence the home crowd. haq surprisingly decided to field of savagery and grace. It certainly the Indian bowlers in the tour game. Beer War. There, now you have it- Earlier, India smashed 349 runs for first in the hot and sultry conditions wasn’t the kind of first over that the But India, now, definitely have the a bottle of brandy and everything’s the loss seven wickets after being that are prevalent in Karachi. His Pakistani captain was looking for upper hand. dandy. War time or peace time, eve- put in to bat. In the process decision backfired in a big way from the bowler. But there is little rything’s fine with a bottle of wine. Well even the Pope tosses a few PLACEMENTS during the day – and by his grand PM, Mush Thousands attend funeral of illustration, the whole of popedom. SIZZLE AT IIM I suppose it’s his papal duty. And I also suppose the great observance may watch Spanish Terror victims BANGALORE in the rest of Catholica to similar diurnal ceremonies is due to their he first day of placements at the sense of obligation. The way I hear ODI Indian Institute of Manage- T it, you blood into Christendom with ment-Bangalore has given a clear a blush of wine and remain a wine- indication that the ongoing contro- together bibber till you blood out. Wow. versy between the IIMs and the LAHORE: Pakistani President What a people. They feel good ministry of human resources devel- Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime throughout the day and everyday. opment will have no impact on 209 Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee may Grand Somnolence. And they’re students who will be placed this together watch one of the two one- still bambam over eternal sleep? year. Last year, 211 students were day cricket matches here. May the tradition live long. placed in 75 organisations. Hectic efforts are on to host the And may also live long the The first day of campus recruit- Indian prime minister. However, a wobbly pop soldier. And the grand ment in IIMB is known as “Slot final nod is awaited from the In- brain rack that sells fresh air in a Zero” wherein students get to pick dian government. The Lahore One- bottle marked ‘giggle gas’. some of the best companies in the Dayers will be played on March 21 - OTIS and 24. world. On this day, certain compa- “The hotline between the two nies are invited. Students who have WANTED always preferred these companies, foreign offices is warm for the last Computer Engineer, Soft- if found eligible, will have to take couple of days for ensuring ware Programmer a final call in their only chance. Vajpayee’s brief visit to Pakistan,” Knowledge in Visual Basic reveal informed sources. Five world renowned consult- ing groups and investment banks and Oracle a must. If the visit materialises, it “will Please send in detail resume go a long way in cementing ties be- visited IIMB on “Slot Zero” to make their pick. The visiting com- with passport size photo- tween the two nuclear neighbours, graphs and quote expected giving an impetus to existing con- panies included AT Kearney, Bos- salary to NOW!, Gairi Gaon, fidence-building measures,” the ton Consulting Group, Capital One, Tadong, East Sikkim. source noted. Deutsche Bank and McKinsey. The rendezvous, if it material- ises, is expected to generate a lot of goodwill among the people and governments of both the countries. Moreover, it will send positive dip- lomatic aftershocks to the West, which has locked its attention on the ongoing peace initiatives be- tween the two nuclear powers. It is learnt the leadership of both Spanish protestors gather for a silent march through Zaragoza countries have been working hard on 12 March, 2004. Millions of grieving Spaniards poured into to make the best of the cricket se- the streets crying “cowards” and “killers” on Friday as Basque ries by taking the peace process separatist group ETA denied responsibility for the train bomb- ahead in a big way. This is high- ings that killed almost 200 people in Spain. lighted by the statement from Vajpayee in which he has asked the Indian team to win the hearts of Pakistani people besides the series. 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CMYK 8; NOW!; 14 March, 2004 THEFINALONE
LEGDEN RETAINS Mr. SIKKIM TITLE In the heavy-weight category 5 Secretary, Sikkim a NOW REPORT participants took part. Legden State Body Building Bhutia won the title in this category Association, the low GANGTOK, 13 March: A Body from the Gold Gym. turn out for the com- Building Championship organised A final contest for Champion of petition among the by Sikkim State Body Building As- Champions, which is also the bat- competitors as well as sociation for the title of Mr. Sikkim tle for the title of Mr. Sikkim, was the audience was saw Legden Bhutia of Gold Gym between Suresh Chettri, Ram Bhoj largely due to the lift the title for the second time here Rai and Legden Bhutia, the three election fever grip- at the Community Hall today. winners from the three different ping the state as well A total of 16 body-builders from categories. Here, too, the judges as the various board the State participated in the Cham- declared former champion Legden exams, which had be- pionships, which had three catego- Bhutia as the fifth Mr. Sikkim. gun. ries - 60 kg, 65 kg and above-65 kg. Navin Pradhan, SAP was de- GS Lama and MK There were 5 participants for the clared Best Poser of the Year and Pradhan lit the lamp, 60 kg division. They all belonged Most Improved Body Builder of the which was followed to different gyms. The first round Year was won by Thomas Rai. by the welcome consisted of free posing to music for There were six judges to ad- speech of Moti Raj MOBILE PHONES one minute. The second round in- judge the competitors. Four of them Gurung, President, cluded seven compulsory poses were national judges and the re- SSBBA. A cultural given by the judges and finally there maining two, local judges. GM programme was also amola was group posing to music. Suresh Gurung, Minister Agriculture was presented by mem- CELLULAR the chief guest. Others present bers of Samaj Sewa R Chettri from SSBBA gym was ad- SALES & SERVICES judged first in this category. were MK Pradhan, Founder and Samiti, Sichey. This In the 65 Kg category there former President of SSBBA, GS event was spaced out Tharo Line,Lal Market Road. “Mr. Sikkim” Legden Bhutia were six participants from differ- Lama, President, Sikkim Sahitya with the main programme. Ph: 221004, Mobile: 9832062684 ent gyms. This category too, in- Parishad and other members of The Sikkim State Body Build- cluded the same three rounds as SSBBA. A small crowd was also ing Association was established on given to the to 60 kg category. Here present. Mementos were presented 1992 keeping in mind the dictum Ram Bhoj Rai from SAP gym was to the guests for the tournament. ‘a healthy mind needs a healthy selected first by the judges. According to Anil Rai, General body’. Returning the Glory to Ngadak Gonpa However, after the intervention of ment of Cultural Affairs to carry on Contd from pg 6 the Chief Minister, Pawan the restoration of this historical ple. The mud walls have warped Chamling, it was decided to preserve Gonpa. Sources have indicated that and cracked. In 2001, an emergency the old Gonpa as a heritage site. the Archeological Survey of India restoration work was carried out by On February 17 this year, the have been approached to carry out filling the gaps with white cement Chief Minister inaugurated the conservation work on the Ngadak which was carried without proper newly constructed Tongchey Gonpa. The officials at the Depart- planning. The mud plaster on the Khang, a house to light butter ment, however, were not available external walls is peeling off. The lamps, at the Gonpa. This is the first to comment on this. If the restora- staircase is falling apart and the Tongchey Khang in the South Dis- tion work actually takes place and handrail is missing. trict. The CM indicated that a new the Gonpa converted into a herit- Incidentally, there were plans to Gonpa would be build, while the age site, an important part of destroy the old crumbling Gonpa old one would be restored. Sikkim’s history would be pre- and construct a new one in its place. The onus is now on the Depart- served for the future generations.

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