sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bikmat, Central Pendam, Gyalshing, Itanagar, Jorethang, Lingmo

6 - 12 Sept, 2006 111

6 - 12 SEPT, 2006, [email protected] VOLUME 1 NO. 1. Rs. 10 GANGTOK DECLARED BL SEAT, CAPITAL DIVIDED INTO ARITHANG & GANGTOK Delimitation of assembly constituencies announced new arrangement. for over six months with the by PEMA L. SHANGDERPA 8 SEATS EACH FOR WEST & SOUTH, Soon after the draft Commission having given GANGTOK: The process of 12 IN EAST AND 3 RETAINED IN NORTH notification was made the additional time for the delimitation of assembly Commission had conducted government to initiate the constituencies in Sikkim is now public hearings in and reservation of seats with the complete and the final draft Names of constituencies see changes Gangtok seeking suggestions centre and the parliament. It has notification has been made and grievances if any. been the demand of all the official. In a notification issued added to the total seven in South revenue blocks realigned. Present at these public political parties that the by the Election department on Sikkim raising it to eight. The next election and the hearings were the chairman of reservation of seats for the two Monday, the delimitation of Ralong, a BL seat in South has new electoral rolls will now be the delimitation commission communities be met before the seats based on the 2001 census been renamed Barfung while based on the new realigned Kuldip Singh and senior final draft notification is released. has been notified thus Yangang, a SC seat has been assembly constituencies. members of the commission. The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya completing the entire process renamed Tumen-Lingey and The reservation of seats for The commission later Janata Party had even filed a for the state of Sikkim. converted into a BL seat. the Limbus and Tamang considered and incorporated the petition in the Supreme Court to important suggestions while stall the notification before a

The notification determines All the three seats in North communities, however, does not K the new territorial assembly Sikkim have been kept intact. figure in the new notification preparing the final draft. decision was reached on the seat Y M constituencies into which the state East Sikkim comprises of 12 and the two communities might The final draft had been stalled reservation for the LT combine. C of Sikkim shall be divided for the constituencies with four of the BL now have to wait longer for SEE INSIDE FOR THE COMPLETE BREAK-UP purpose of elections to both the seats and another SC seat having them to be incorporated in the assembly and the Lok Sabha. been carved out in East district The 12 seats for the with the rest retained as general. and Lepchas (BL) and the two Gangtok has been split into two Scheduled Caste seats have electoral constituencies. Arithang been retained. These seats, has been converted into a separate PIL fires the opposition however, have been readjusted general constituency while based on the population of the Gangtok is now a BL seat. West communities with the average Pendam has been reserved as a SC population of each constituency seat while Gnathang-Machong, being kept at 17, 400. Shyari, Martam-Rumtek have According to the new recast been made BL seats. one seat has been decreased in The delimitation was carried West Sikkim from the present out for the 31 territorial nine. There are now 8 seats in constituencies out of the total West with three of them 32. The Sangha member in the -, house is elected through an and electoral collage of monk’s being set aside as BL seats. body from the monasteries. THUKCHUK BHANDARI Salghari-Zoom also in West has The nomenclatures of most TOGETHER AGAIN been declared a SC seat. of the assembly constituencies inside: One more seat has been have also been changed and the 222 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 ROUND-UP

THE COMPLETE BREAK-UP

DISTRICT WEST Chemchey, Pabong [Mamley], Pajer, Omchu, Chumlok Rhenak Forest Blocks of Sub-Division. 1. Yoksam-Tashiding [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: and Wak of Namchi Sub-Division. 21. Gnathang-Machong [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Mangnam, Narkhola, Dhupidara, Kongri, Labdang, 11. Namchi-Singhithang [Revenue Blocks]: Bul, Pachey, Linkey, Parkham Riwa, Machong, Gangyep, Tashiding, Laso, Chongrang, Arithang, Boomtar, Gumpa-Gurpisey, Saleumbong, Kopchey, Chochenpheri, Latuk, Gnathang, Kartok, Rolep, Gerethang, Dubdi, Melli, Yoksam, Tsozo, Melliaching, Mikkhola, Rong, Palum, , Maniram, Phalidara, Lamaten, Thekabung and Lingjey and Khechopheri, Thingling I, Thingling II, Labing, Singlitam, Tinzir, Singhithang and Namchi Forest Block and Namchi Forest Blocks of Pakyong Sub-Division. Topung, Tingbrum and Tashiding and Yoksam Forest [NTA] of Namchi Sub-Division. 22. Namcheybung [Revenue Blocks]: Lingzey C [Sumen], Mangthang, Sumen, Lingzey [Assam], Assam M Blocks of Sub-Division. 12. Melli [Revenue Blocks]: Manpur, Kitam, Y 2. Yangthang [Revenue Blocks] Singrangpung, and Singtam Forest Block of Gangtok Sub-Division; K Kartikey, , Suntaley [Sumbuk], Longchok, Nambu, Darap, Sindrang, Singyang, Chongpung, Naku, Kamarey, Panchgharey, Turuk, Ramabong, Kerabari, Samdur, Yangtam, Aho, Chhota Singtam, Changey Senti Bhaluthang, Unglok, Yangten, Yangthang, Kyongsa, Paiyong [Kerabari], Suntaley Sadam, Sukrabarey, [Tsaney] and Namcheybung of Pakyong Sub-Division. Lingchom, Tikjya and Pemayantse Monastery of Sadam, Rabitar, Melli, Mellidara and Majhitar and Melli 23. Shyari [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Chandmari, Gyalshing Sub-Division. Forest Blocks of Namchi Sub-Division. Rongyek, Tathangchen, Upper Tathangchen, Nandok, 3. Maneybung-Dentam [Revenue Blocks]: 13. Namthang-Rateypani [Revenue Blocks]: Kabrey, Naitam, Namok, Pam, Bhusuk and Shyari of Gangtok Sardong, Lungzik, Sapong, Bongte, Srinagi, Liching, Karek, Phong, Chuba, , Rameng, Nijarmeng, , Sub-Division. Gayten, Karmatar, Sopakha, Maneybung, Begha, Rabikhola, Tangji, , Rateypani, Passi, Paleytam, 24. Martam-Rumtek [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Mangmo, Dentam, Sangkhu, Radhukhandu, Hee and Nagi, Maneydara, Turung, Kanamtek, Pamphok, Kateng- Shyagyong-Rumtek, Rawate-Rumtek, Chinze, Barbing, Dentam Forest Block of Gyalshing Sub-Division. Bokrang, Nalam Kolbong, Donok, Mamring and Mamring Lingdum, Tempyak Mendu, Rey, Samlik-Marchak, 4. Gyalshing-Barnyak [Revenue Blocks]: Forest Block of Namchi Sub-Division. Namin, Tshalumthang, Nazitam, Martam, Namli, Umchung, Gyalshing, Hee-Patal, Pecherek, Martam, 14. Temi-Namphing [Revenue Blocks]: Tokal, Tumlabung, Byang, Phengyong, Tirkutam, Chuba and Barnyak, Barthang, Barphok, Chingthang, Megyong, Gangchung, Aifaltar, Temi, Tarku, Tanak, Doring, Rumtek Forest Block and Sang Forest Block of Gangtok Miyong, Gyalshing and Bernyak Forest Blocks and Rashyap, Barnyak, Thangsing, Tshalumthang, Sub-Division. Gyalshing [NTA] of Gyalshing Sub-Division. Namphing, and Tokdey [Reshep], Temi Tea Estate, 25. [Revenue Blocks]: Tadong and 5. Rinchenpong [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Tadong, Pabong [Gangchung] and Tarku and Temi Forest Blocks Upper Tadong [CT] of Gangtok Sub-Division. Rinchenpong, Jeel, Hathidung, Bum, Rishi, Bara- of Rabong Sub-Division; and Namphrik, Ben, Deo of 26. Arithang: Ward Nos. 1, 2 and 4 of Gangtok [NTA] Samdong, Deythang, Parrengaon, Sribadam, Takuthang, Namchi Sub-Division. and Gangtok Private Estate [Arithang] of Gangtok Sub- Chuchen, Tinzerbong, Suldung, Kamling, Suntaley, 15. Rangang-Yangang [Revenue Blocks]: Satam, Division. Khanisherbung and Sangadorji of Soreng Sub-Division. Rabong, Namphok, Gagyong, Rangang, Sangmo, 27. Gangtok [BL]: Ward Nos. 3, 5 to 10 of Gangtok 6. Daramdin [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Burikhop Kolthang, mangzing, Sripatam and Tokdey [], [NTA] of Gangtok Sub-Division. [Rumbuk], Burikhop [Dodak],Rumbuk, Bhareng, Ribdi, Neh-brum and Rabongla and Lingmo Forest Blocks of 28. Upper Burtuk [Revenue Blocks]: Ranka, Okhrey, Tikpur, Siktam, Salyangdang, Lungchok, Lower Rabong Sub-Division. Sangtong, Upper Sicheygaon, Parbing, Sicheygaon, Fambong, Upper Fambong, Dhalam [Daramdin] and 16. Tumen-Lingi [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Sokpay, Gangtok Private Estate, Burtuk, Luing, Upper Burtuk of Hilley and Sombaria Forest Blocks of Soreng Sub- Lingi, Ku, Paiyong, Upper Paiyong, Lingmo, Pepthang Gangtok Sub-Division. Division. of Rabong Sub-Division in District South; Rakdong, NORTH DISTRICT 7. Soreong-Chakung [Revenue Blocks]: Tintek, Kambal, Samdong, Raley-Khese, Tumen, Patuk 29. Kabi Lungchuk [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Chumbung, Aroobotey, Chota Samdong [Samdong], and Singbel of Gangtok Sub-Division in District East. Tangyek, Ramthang, Rongong, Tumlong, Phodong, Singling, Timberbong, Tharpu, Karthok, Soreong, DISTRICT EAST Chawang, Phamtam, men-Rongong, Paney-Phensong, Malbasey, Mendo-Gaon, Chakung and Soreong Forest 17. Khamdong-Singtam [Revenue Blocks]: Labi, Kabi, Tingda and Kabi Forest Block in Mangan Block of Soreong Sub-Division. Chadey, Simik, Aritar [Dung-Dung], Lingzey [Simik], Sub-Division of North District; Lingdok, Nampong, 8. Salghari-Zoom [SC] [Revenue Blocks]: Mabong, Dung-Dung, Budang Thangsing, Beng, Khamdong, Navey, Shotak, Penlong, Upper Chandmari and Kyongnosla, Pangthang and Gangtok Forest Blocks of Segeng, Samsing, Geling, Zoom and Nayabazar Forest Sherwani, Sakyong, Chisopani, Rapdang, Namgeythang Block and Nayabazar [NTA] of Soreong Sub-Division in and Singtam [NTA] of Gangtok Sub-Division. Gangtom Sub-Division in District East. District West; [NTA] and Salghari Revenue 18. West Pemdam [SC] [Revenue Blocks]: West 30. Djongu [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Lum, Sangtok, Block of Namchi Sub-Division in District South. Pendam, and [NTA] and Gor, Gnon-Samdong, Lingthen, Lingdem, Tingbong, DISTRICT SOUTH Rangpo Forest Block of Gangtok Sub-Division. Lingzah-Tolung, Sakyong=Pentong, Salim Pakel, Hee- Gyathang, Barfok, Lingdong, Zimchung, Tingchim, Upper 9. Barfung [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Sada, 19. [Revenue Blocks]: Sajong of Gangtok Phamthang, Brong, Poley, Namlung, Lingdong, Ralong, Sub-Division, Pachak, Kamarey Bhasmey, East Mangshila, Lower Mangshila, Namok, Sheyam and Upper Deythang, , Sanganath, Rayong, Zurung, Pendam, Dikling, Amba, Tshalumthang, Djongu and Phodong Forest Blocks in Mangan Sub- Bakkhim, Kewzing, Dalep, Lingzo, Likship, Hingdam, [Dikling], Losing, Pacheykhani [Losing], Taza, Tarpin and Division; Shipgyer in Chungthang Sub-Division. Lamting, Mangbrue, Tingmo, Barfung and Ralong Rhenock in Pakyong Sub-Division. 31. Lachen Mangan [BL] [Revenue Blocks]: Moanstery of Ravong Sub-Division. 20. [Revenue Blocks]: Chujachen, Lachen, Lachung, Chungthang, Tung, lachung and 10. Poklok-Lamrang [Revenue Blocks]: Damthang, Lingtam, Phadamchen, Premlakha, Singaneybas, Lachen and Chungthang Forest Blocks in Chungthang Sub-Division; naga-Namgor Singhik, Ringhim, Jaubari, Tingrithang, Mamley, Chisopani, Denchung, Subanedara, North Rhegoh, South Rhegoh, Poklok [Polok], Tinik, Dhargaon, Dorop, Shyampani, Changeylakha, Dholepchen, Sudunglakha, Tarethang, Nampatam, meyong, Singchit, Pakshep, Kazor, Sentam, Sangbung, Assangthang, Sorok, Kamrang, Gom, Biring, Mulukey, Aritar and Phadamchen, Rongli and Mangan [NTA] and Naga and Mangan Forest Blocks in Mangan Sub-Division. ROUND-UP 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 333

by SARIKAH ATREYA the gang leave, unsuccessful. Although it was first widely believed that GANGTOK: A gang of eight local men. LOTTERY RIGGING ATTEMPT Phu Chung Chung was the mastermind and The lure of easy money. Greed spawned was helped in this modus operandi by seven by the daily draws of huge sums of money others - Lobsang , Thinlay Ongdup and occasional bumper wins that catapults Bhutia, Sangay Bhutia, Pinsto Tashi, ordinary working class citizens into Chamba Tenzing Bhutia, Sonam Pintso millionaires overnight and the TV and Bhutia and Satish Shetty believed to be the newspaper reports that make their rag to inside man who provided the gang with riches story national headlines. A foolproof valuable information, reports appearing in master plan. An inside accomplice. Two the local media suggested the involvement months of meticulous planning. Masks and of a ninth man. During sustained caps in place. Maybe weapons concealed interrogation of the accused, a name for emergency use. An electronic device surfaced which led the Police to believe that that could be manipulated. And they laugh this person could have been the real brains all the way to the bank. behind this whole scheme. This ninth Not really. accused gave a complete new twist to the The seven masked men that led a half- rigging saga, in a way relieving Phu Chung baked attempt to rig the results of the A CCTV grab of two of the eight presently behind bars Chung as the actual mastermind. State-run online lotteries on August 11 The arrest of Rajesh Lakhmani, last month are today cooling their heels intentionally kept under warps by the in the Police lock up, with their dream Police, has opened a can of worms. What of cashing on to the great online lottery QUESTIONS REMAIN emerges from his arrest is that the whole phenomenon that has swept our society rigging attempt could have been the like an epidemic nipped in the bud. Call handiwork of both him and Phu Chung it sheer bad luck or bad planning or over Chung. Lakhmani reportedly ran an online confidence on their part. It was, after all, lottery outline and somehow convinced an electronic device that led to their UNANSWERED Phu Chung Chung to be a part of his plan arrest. And dexterity on the part of to forge the draw results in lieu of Rs. 10 Sikkim Police who quickly netted these an electronic device came in handy in The CCTV footage shows that the entire lakhs. Lakhmani was arrested on 29 men and put them behind bars. more than one ways to nab the accused. operation took less than half an hour, which August through the lead provided by the But this is not just a simple open-and- The Close Circuit TV cameras Phu Chung Chung, clad in black jeans and eight arrested earlier but not made public. shut case of attempted forgery. With the installed in the Lottery office proved to jacket and his head covered in a black skull While unconfirmed reports in the local arrest of the supposed mastermind behind be the nemesis for the gang. The footage cap and face covered by a mask, led. The media suggests that Lakhmani could be the this attempt - Phu Chung Chung, it was extracted from the CCTV recordings led three officials are seated inside around a mastermind, Police sources have denied clear that the entire operation was his the Police to confirm their suspicion that table - a lady official and two judges, with this theory so far. The nine arrested are still brainchild. An alleged lottery addict, who it was Phu Chung Chung who had in fact a peon and a cook filtering in and out of being interrogated and other vital leads are had in the past tried his hands carried out the entire plan. Police sources the small room. At exactly 9 pm, the gang coming in. K unsuccessfully in running an online lottery have revealed that when the CCTV of eight gingerly steps in the corridor What is interesting to note here is that Y M outlet and had squandered away lakhs of footage was shown to people who knew leading up to the draw room one by one. most of the accused are first time C rupees in sustaining this passion of his. A Phu Chung Chung well enough, they One accused walks in wearing just a offenders with regular small jobs. Police regular at various lottery outlets in the could confirm his presence in the footage colourful skull cap and red sleeveless vest believe that Phu Chung Chung’s town, Phu Chung Chung, alias Tshering through his physique and body . and gets his entire face revealed to the involvement is far too much in Topden, maybe believed that the game he With this lead in hand, the Police tracked camera providing a vital clue to the Police. masterminding this rigging plan, even knew so well could be his path to easy down calls made from Phu Chung Once inside the room, Phu Chung though the extent of Lakhmani’s money but where he failed was in his Chung’s mobile phones to seven of his Chung gets down to business straight involvement is still being investigated. planning and in his underestimation of the partners in crime and in less than a week, away and places some forged documents Also, it is still not clear how the gang entire process of online lotteries. the Police had a fairly good idea about in front of the lady official. Interestingly, planned to receive the winning amount, When the attempted forgery was first the identities of the entire gang. the methods of intimidation adopted by had they being successful in rigging the reported to the Police by the officials of What is interesting to note here that the gang prove useless as the three results. Questions as to whether the gang the Directorate of Lotteries in a FIR on although the gang managed to forge the officials appear totally unperturbed by had purchased the lotteries tickets, results 12 August, one of the first suspects that results document with their choice of the entire threat perception, if any. They of which were being forged to match the the Police zeroed in was Phu Chung winning numbers, the Directorate of remain seated in their seats and appear numbers on the ticket, or how Chung because of his earlier minor Lotteries rubber stamp seal is missing unfazed while Phu Chung Chung Lakhmani’s involvement as an agent scraps involving lotteries and the fact that from the forged document. Also, the continues his coaxing, apparently to sign would help them is still unanswered. he had tried to extract information on the gang was in complete ignorance of the the forged documents. The only person This is perhaps a first of its kind case entire format of online lotteries using the presence of the CCTV cameras installed who shows some physical resistant is the in Sikkim where the role of technology Right to Information Act. As the Police in the corridor and the draw room that peon who is pushed to his seat by one of in both carrying out the crime as well as began a look out for Phu Chung Chung, recorded their entire aborted attempt! the gang members. In less than an hour, nabbing the culprits have come handy.

Introducing Airtel Mega The new wireless home phone service

SIKKIM SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS (P) LTD. New Market, MG Marg Gangtok - 737101, Sikkim - Mob: +91 99331 10033 Fax: +91 3592 202640 444 6 - 12 Sept, 2006

Dr. Pawan Chamling Hon’ble Chief Minister, Sikkim

C WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

M Y K The State Green Mission  is yet another product of the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s green policy imagination, a new concept, an idea, a dream and a vision thereof  is a new direction and dimension in the State’s efforts and endeavour to sustain, maintain and enrich Sikkim’s environment and ecology  is a programme to give the people the mandate to own, regenerate and protect their resources by themselves  is about synergising development and environmental protection  is broadcasting greening activities through peoples participation, support and guidance  is converting Sikkim into a green paradise, a garden state and a tourist’sultimate dream and destination  is making Sikkim a more beautiful, more green and more natural by integrating ecology with economy for bequeathing it to the posterity  is spearheading people’s movement towards achieving healthier and pollution free environs around their surroundings

WHAT CAN YOU DO?  Help and support the movement.  Ensure your active participation.  Plant a seedling and a flower this monsoon.  Protect, care and nurture plants.  Keep your compound clean, green and beautiful. Shri S. B. Subedi Hon’ble Minister Forest, Wildlife & Env. Mgmt. Dept. Govt. of Sikkim

State Green Mission ROUND-UP 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 555 RESENTMENT AGAINST HYDROELECTRIC DAMS GATHERS MOMENTUM IN NORTH SIKKIM

ACT FILES APPEAL WITH NATIONAL ACT supporters detained ENVIRONMENTAL APPELLATE AUTHORITY AGAINST TEESTA STAGE III POWER PROJECT for questioning a MIDWEEK Report GANGTOK: The Affected Citizens of Sikkim (ACT) has by SARIKAH ATREYA dam for this project will come the local affected people were approached the National Environmental Appellate Authority up on the confluence of denied their basic fundamental (NEAA), New in protest against the environmental GANGTOK: The otherwise Rangyong Chu and the Tholung right to express their opinions clearance given to 12,00 MW Teesta Hydro Electric Power subdued and almost low profile Chu at Lingza village, the power and views during the meeting project Stage III in North Sikkim. protests of the people of North house will come up near the and also that the majority of Dissatisfied with what it calls a “total mockery” of the Public Sikkim against mega hydel Panan village. those attending the meet were Hearing for Stage III the Sikkim State Pollution Control Board power projects until now took Matters took a dramatic turn not locals which was an unusual conducted in Chungthang in North Sikkim on June 8 earlier a new turn with protestors when a couple was picked up for phenomenon. this year, ACT has filed an appeal with the NEAA to cancel coming out in the open and the questioning in Passingdang the Apart from large threats that the environmental clearance granted to M/s Teesta Urja Ltd, protests gathering momentum. same evening while another 10 such mega hydro electric power the developer for the Teesta Stage III power project. The protests, led by members were detained the next day at projects pose to the pristine eco- Talking to MIDWEEK, Tseten Lepcha, Chief Coordinator, of the Affected Citizens of Sankalang by the Police. Rambo system of North Sikkim and the ACT, said that having studied in detail the Environmental Teesta (ACT) and its supporters Lepcha and his wife were fragile demographic make up of Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and the Environment gained steam when a team detained by the North Sikkim the area, one major concern Management Plan (EMP) prepared by WAPCOS for the consisting of officials from the police on suspicions after they regarding the Panan power implementation of the Stage III, ACT found out that the reports were “totally ignorant of the real issues involving the Forest Department and were alleged to have thrown project is its proximity to the environment and the people in the Teesta basin.” “We had developers of the 300 MW boulders at the cavalcade of VIP Tholung Gompa, one of the brought to the notice of the State Government our concerns Panan Hydro Electric Power cars that was returning after a most sacred and important and the shortcomings in the Reports during the Public Hearing located at Dzongu in North coordination committee meeting monasteries of Tibetan held at Chungthang. Unfortunately, the State Government Sikkim was gheroed and for the Panan project that was Buddhist. agencies, instead of addressing the real concerns brought stopped from entering the area held at Passingdang in Dzongu The Tholung Gompa, up by the people, made a total mockery of the Public Hearing for joint inspection. the same day. located about 25 kms from the process. It was turned into a platform for political show of A large group of supporters Among those in the Lingza village where the dam strength and intimidation to the people who voiced the of ACT blocked the road at the cavalcade were State health site is proposed to come up, is concerns,” Mr. Lepcha said. Sankalang Bridge that connects minister Hishey Lachungpa, considered very sacred by The State pollution Control Board of Sikkim was also the Lepcha Reserve of Dzongu Dzongu MLA Sonam Gyatso Buddhists as it houses some of served a legal notice to refrain from forwarding what the ACT with Mangan in North Sikkim on Lepcha and the North district the most rare and invaluable calls “anti-environment and anti-people” Reports to the September 3 and tried to stop the Zilla Adakshya Lobzang artifacts relating to Tibetan Ministry of Environment and Forests, government of India team from entering Dzongu. The Tenzing who had attended a . The Monastery is for environmental clearance, Mr. Lepcha said. ACT has also K blockade lasted for few hours meeting at the Passingdang open to the public once in three alleged that the secretary, State Pollution Control board Y

“hurriedly forwarded a distorted version of the proceedings M until the North District authority school premises. Rambo years and is accessible only C was informed. The Police in turn Lepcha is a member of ACT. He through the Lingza village and of the Public Hearing to the MoEF, and the expert committee deployed personnel from the and his wife were picked up by is located in one of the most set up by the MoEF also accepted the proceedings in gross violations of the instructions laid down for MoEF for Sikkim Armed Police to dispel the police on suspicions and remote and isolated corners of environment clearance.” the protestors to make way for were let off soon after. the State. Any mega project in ACT has also taken strong exceptions to certain remarks the inspection team. The 10 other members of the vicinity of this area is in the EIAR under the Chapter on Social practises and Family The inspection was part of ACT were detained for staging definitely a cause for concern and Marriage. It is mentioned here that “for the womenfolk of the process leading to the Public the blockade at the Sangkalang as it would involve large influx Sikkim, unlike other non-tribal communities, chastity of Hearing for Panan Project Bridge. They were taken to the of migrant workers from women at the time of marriage does not hold a lot of scheduled for September 18 Mangan Police Station and let outside of the State. The importance. Pre-marital and extra-marital relationships are later this month. The project is off after questioning. increased human activity in the not uncommon. The women are not bound by many being developed by the Meanwhile, ACT has area can be a security threat restrictions and have more freedom.” Himagiri Hydro-Energy Pvt. condemned the detention and to the Monastery and its ACT has been represented by its general Secretary, Dawa Ltd, which proposes to tap the said that the authorities were sanctity. This is a concern Lepcha, and the matter has been taken up by Supreme Court waters of the Tholung Chu, one resorting to terror tactics and shared by many intellectuals lawyers, Ritwick Dutta and Rahul Chaudhary from the of the great tributaries of the had arrested on concocted and followers of Buddhism in organisation Lawyers Initiative for Forest and Environment Teesta in the Dzongu area. The charges. It has also alleged that the State. (LIFE), . MCI team inspects SMIMS for affiliation

a MIDWEEK Report SMIMS and CRH and students who passed out had an agreement reached with the team was here based on the follow interacted with the faculty on said that without the MCI state government recently. up to the meeting held by him with GANGTOK: A three member Tuesday, 5 September. They recognition, their degrees were Earlier, the STNM doctors were the MCI on 7 August in New team from the Medical Council also made rounds of the various worthless. Even in the past, the not acknowledged as faculty Delhi where he had placed a fresh of India [MCI] is here in the faculties and inspected the students had protested on the members despite being proposal for affiliation. The team capital to inspect the Sikkim facilities available. non affiliation with the protests involved in the teaching faculty. checked if there were adequate Manipal Institute of Medical This is the fourth such having turned violent. “The entire faculty expressed faculty members. Sciences [SMIMS] and the inspection carried out by the Speaking to Midweek, SMU and demonstrated solidarity “Hopefully there should be Central Referral Hospital at 5th MCI. The issue of non vice chancellor K Jayakumar before the team,” the vice some positive outcome since we Mile Tadong in connection with affiliation with the MCI has said that the faculty from chancellor said. have met all the compliances,” granting affiliation to the been a major cause of flare ups SMIMS and the doctors of the Jayakumar said that the MCI Jayakumar told Midweek. medical college. between the students and the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial The permanent SMU authorities in the past. Hospital [STNMH] were representative of the MCI, Dr. Last month, the junior resident present in full strength for the Malti Mehra, Dr. JV Hardikar interns at the institute had inspection. The STNM doctors from and Dr. YK remained off duty in protest have also been recognized as Gupta of the All India Institute against the non affiliation with members of the faculty under of Medical Sciences, visited the the MCI. This first batch of SMIMS and the CRH, based on [email protected] 666 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 POLITICS HISTORY CALLING PIL fires the Opposition a MIDWEEK Report was one ‘emotive issue’ to see within the opposition camps. them through till the elections, The AICC member and the GANGTOK: The PIL filed in two years later. Treasurer of the North east the Supreme Court against the Speaking to Midweek, Congress Coordination Chief Minister seeking SPCC general secretary Kunga Committee (NECCC) withdrew investigation and prosecution Nima Lepcha, one of the four the defamation suit filed by him under the Prevention of who filed the PIL said against the SPCC chief in the Corruption Act and the “Enough is enough. It is high court of the judicial magistrate subsequent notice sent by the time someone has to stand up (East) here at Gangtok. The two Supreme Court to the Sikkim and speak out on the rampant signed a consent term before the Government and the Chief corruption that is taking court for the withdrawal of the Minister to respond to the writ place”. case and to resolve their feud in petition seems to have That the party morale has an amicable manner. Gooroong Vs Bhandari galvanized the almost been suddenly boosted is Interestingly the agreement also decimated opposition into some obvious, as they claim to reads that this was done to live serious action. receive support from all over, in peace and ‘harmony of THE RIVALRY CONTINUES Opposition leaders cutting “We are getting calls of brotherhood’ by RHEA SHARMA Earlier in the month, the across party lines are planning support from employees, The truce took place in a Bhandari government had been a common minimum students, business people and hotel here at Tibet road where GANGTOK : In politics, there dismissed under corruption programme that will help them even people from villages and the two dined over a sumptuous are no permanent friends or charges and Gooroong who was derive maximum political towns in the districts” Mr. lunch after exchanging khadas. enemies and political equations then the Number 2 as Finance mileage of what they think is Lepcha said. The two leaders refused to can change from day to day. But Minister in the Bhandari led going to be the big political Another move in the same comment anything more on the even amidst the constant flux, Congress government was issue in the coming days. Hectic direction was the patch up reunion apart from the Sikkim politics has witnessed a sworn into office by Governor politicking is taking place between friends turned foes Nar withdrawal of the defamation. rivalry that has refused to Homi JH Talyerkhan. behind closed doors to work out Bahadur Bhandari and Those in the Congress also said mellow with the passage of Bhandari was an angry man a strategy that could force the Thukchuk Lachungpa. This that it was a personal matter time. Yes, we are talking of BB and in the next few days he Chief Minister to go on the back sprinkled more spice on the between the two of them and the Gooroong and NB Bhandari. At plotted to pull down the foot. Acknowledging that they opposition drama being played party had nothing to say over the one time political cronies and Gooroong government with the have nothing to show on the out over the past weeks. It also issue. However, other insiders members of the ruling elite, the support of 19 MLA’s, all of ground, an opposition leader gave rise to speculations of a claimed a ‘secret’ understanding duo parted ways in 1984 and whom he whisked down to New admitted that all they needed new force being recreated had been reached. have ever since battled it out, in Delhi and kept isolated at

C courts and in the public arena. Paharganj. M The great political rivalry

Y The issue relating to the Public K Interest Litigation in the had begun. Bhandari, after coming to Special Judge BC Sharma Supreme court against chief minister Pawan Chamling filed power in the general elections by four Congressmen has six months later with 31 out of recently seen them fight it out the 32 seats under the Sikkim ‘compulsorily retired’ in newspaper columns, with Sangram Parishad banner barbs being hurled between the withdrew the sanction of the The recommendation has Corruption Act. It was in this ruling Sikkim Democratic Front Gooroong cabinet asking the a MIDWEEK Report been forwarded to the state court that Bhandari’s case and the State Congress. CBI to investigate and the CBI GANGTOK: Sikkim High home department mentioning came up on August 1 but he But let us go back to the failed to submit the Court, has given marching that Sharma be given three had refused to deliver a beginning and study the chargesheet. Gooroong then orders to B.C. Sharma, the months salary in lieu of three judgement on the case on the acrimonious history between went on a political hibernation special judge who refused to months notice as provided day, citing ‘personal grounds’ the two political leaders. fearing retribution and lived in pronounce the verdict in the under rule 99(1) of the Sikkim for his inability to decide on It was late evening on the New Delhi from 1985 to 1991. CBI case against former chief Government Rules of 1974. the matter and had passed on night of May 19, 1984. Eight Later in 1993 when the minister and state Congress The court also ordered that the case files to the High cabinet ministers were present Congress came to power under president Nar Bahadur Sharma be restrained from Court and proceeded himself in the residence of Mr. BB Sanchaman Limbu, Gooroong, Bhandari. discharging any judicial and on a month-long leave the Gooroong, chief minister, at the again with LD Kazi, moved The decision was made at a administrative duty as district next day. He requested the time. The meeting passed a the Supreme Court by filing full court meeting convened and sessions judge (South and High Court to transfer the resolution alleging that writ petitions. Three hearings here on August 30. The West). case to some other court. Bhandari had acquired later the withdrawal of meeting, which was headed by Sharma, who was judge at The case had been filed properties disproportionate to sanction by Bhandari was Chief Justice B.K. Roy and the district and sessions court under the Prevention of his known source of income and revoked and the SC ordered attended by high court judges (South and West) at Namchi, Corruption Act, against the asked for a CBI enquiry into the investigations. N.S. Singh and A.P. Subba, had been designated special former cm for possessing same. Thereafter, for the first Today, as the battle lines recommended compulsory judge for the court dealing in assets more than his known time the Delhi Special Police are being drawn again, a sense retirement for Sharma. cases under the Prevention of source of income. Establishment Act which was of déjà vu prevails as extended in 1976, was Gooroong and Bhandari fight implemented to investigate the it out again in the political FOR BUSINESS ENQUIRIES IN MIDWEEK CALL: charges. The then Director of arena. The coming months CBI, JS Bawa flew specially to should provide good sound 9832031929 / 320169 Gangtok for the purpose. bites if nothing else.

call: 9733091503 or email: [email protected] POLITICS 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 777 The Politics of Things hat can one say about the level of political debate still have been bandied about. in Sikkim when the most impassioned FRINGE BENEFIT What is more, while a case is in the Courts, one is arguments are reserved to celebrate or dismiss bound by sub-judice clauses to reserve comment. In W by a writ petition filed in the Supreme Court. The case is PEMA WANGCHUK the present case, what the Opposition sees as its yet to be admitted, but given the column space being the notice and score a point in public perception. Is strongest weapon in its arsenal is effectively disarmed hogged in newspapers by the decibels that the ruling this a reflection on the merit of the case? No, it is just a from deployment in the public domain while the case and Opposition camps are expending on it, a casual procedural thing, which has been offered as a minor is being heard. The petition in the Supreme Court filed reader could be excused if he thought that a conviction victory because the counter-allegations digressed to so by four Congress leaders will be interesting to watch had been secured. Courts, as everyone knows, can take many fronts. because the synopsis of the petition suggests that they their own time in bringing a case to closure and even For the Opposition, investing too much on a court have covered the entire tenure of the SDF government then, as recent developments have shown, a verdict is case can be counter-productive. Unlike political debates and branded all of it corrupt. If the case does get not guaranteed. where either side can take leave of logic and reasoning admitted, the respondents could end up securing a gag While it is expected of the Opposition to oppose and just drown everything in rhetoric, Courts tend to order on the Opposition leaders from making any public and the Treasury bench to defend and counter-allege, put a final seal on issues. The BL seats in the State comments on the contents of the case. As mentioned when something like a court case is prioritized, the Assembly for example, even though threats to it and earlier, since the range of allegations appears to be public domain gets occupied by something that could assurances of safeguards are made often, are really not nearly all-encompassing, what will the Opposition fill take very long to conclude and because of the hype a political issue anymore. The Supreme Court has its press releases with now? that surrounds its initiation will not easily make space defended them and as far as the people are concerned, Court cases, after an initial high, start to drag. for other, more immediate, concerns. Even if other the protection is foolproof. What could have been a Politics needs to infuse its debate with much more issues are raised from time to time, their impact is very effective poll-plank is now reduced to an issue vibrancy, many more issues. The Opposition has to compromised because the public imagination is that receives only token mention, not because it is launch guerilla warfare and given its rout in the last occupied by the ‘court case.’ unimportant, but because its security has already been elections, it cannot afford to engage the ruling front Of course, given the paucity of intelligent debate, established. The leader who based his political career in a headlong confrontation. Apart from the political along the way, many brownie points are chalked up, in his opposition to this reservation, lost not only his requirements of bombast, it has to also get down to relatively unimportant victories, but enough to make calling card to the final verdict but with it, also his specifics, offer a counterpoint on issues. That will keep newspaper headlines for a day. For example, the ruling votebank. The Opposition allegations of rigged the government on its toes and deliver on announcements. party by making an issue of the official process of electronic voting machines cannot be thrown about in That is different from keeping it busy with paperwork. whether it has received the SC notices or not. In doing public meetings anymore because the Courts have But even before that, the Opposition has to be noticed so, it leaves itself open to a day of embarrassment when decided against the aspersions. Had the doubts been among the people and not just seen in news reports. the Opposition finally announces the actual serving of shared only in the public domain, the allegations could - the writer is Editor, NOW! Daily K Y M C

Read & Advertise in

[email protected] MIDWEEK, Near Hotel Yatung nam nang, Gangtok - 737101 Phone: 03592 320169 888 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 ROUND-UP CHAMLING URGES TEACHERS TO REDISCOVER a MIDWEEK photo THE REAL ESSENCE OF EDUCATION

a MIDWEEK photo a MIDWEEK Report essence? Are our beliefs and cultural heritage and traditions. thoughts about education in We have been also trying our GANGTOK: Chief Minister tune with scientific level best to maintain the TEACHERS Pawan Chamling has said that temperament and wholesome? standards of education and the the value of education in the If not, then we need to deliberate value of teaching as a present day society has and debate on this with all our profession,” he said. FELICITATED lessened. sincerity,” he said. “We have always respected a MIDWEEK Report “The value of education in While thanking the entire the personal political ideologies our society has gone down. The teaching community for the of the teachers. We have been GANGTOK: A total of 22 Graduate Teacher, Phensong importance of education in itself achievements made by the State able to create a positive teachers from all over the State Secondary School; Nar Prasad has become small and rather in the field of education, the atmosphere in the State where were felicitated by the Human Gurung, Headmaster, insignificant. Today, the aim of Chief Minister reminded the teachers are no longer used as Resource Development Okherbotey Lower Primary

education has limited itself to teaching community that there tools for political gains and Department here at the Guard’s School; SR Lama, Bhutia C

M just being a means to a was still no room for where they are not intimidated, Ground on the occasion of Teacher, Mangalbaria Senior Y

K livelihood. It is no longer about complacency. “We have won the oppressed and forced to live in Teachers’ Day Celebrations on Secondary School; Tej Bahadur character building or human best performing State in fear. We understand and 5 September. Subba, Primary Teacher, values. It is just about getting a education thrice and this has appreciate the fact that one of Chief Minister Pawan Nampok Secondary School and degree and a job,” Chamling been only possible through your the building blocks of our Chamling gave away the State Bhaskar Prasad Poudyal, said, while addressing a dedication and hard work. society is the teaching Award for Excellence in the Principal, Bermiok Tokal mammoth gathering of teachers However, this does not mean we community,” he said. field of education to 8 senior Senior Secondary School. from all over the State here at have to be complacent. It, in Chamling brushed aside the teachers from all over the State, Similarly, the HRD the Guard’s Ground on the fact, gives us the inspiration to Opposition’s criticism that the two each from the four Districts. Department also awarded Best occasion of Teachers’ Day, work harder and strive towards State Government was 14 other teachers were handed Performing Private Schools in which was being celebrated as maintaining the high standards squandering away previous over the Commendation the State Award to four schools “All Sikkim Education of education in the State,” he resources of the State Certificates for outstanding from each of the Districts. Holy Conference,” organised by the said, adding that the State had exchequer in organising the contributions. Cross Senior Secondary School, Human Resource Development already achieved the target laid Teachers’ Day function here by The State Award winners Tadong bagged the award in the Department. down in the UNO’s minimum inviting teachers from all over include Taraman Rai, Primary East District, while Himalayan “Today, education is just goal 2015 in education. the State. “We are starting a teacher from the Lower Baptist English School, about limiting your learning to Chamling was also of the new tradition by inviting the Dalapchen Primary School; Dr. Gyalshing won from West what is written in the text books opinion that the responsibility of entire teaching community for SN Mishra, Principal, West District. Play and Learn Nursery and answering questions related the teachers should not be one mammoth gathering and Point Senior Secondary School, Mangan and St. Francis to those texts and passing the limited to imparting just what celebrating Teachers’ Day School; Dupchen Bhutia, Educational Institute, Jorethang examinations,” he said. is there in the text books and the function that this scale. This Primary Teacher, Ramthang won from the North and South Deliberating on the real need school syllabus. It should go is our way of felicitating the Primary School, Devika Lama, districts, respectively. to evaluate and reassess the true beyond that. “The teachers teachers and expressing our meaning of education, should also take upon gratitude. We will take this DOUBLE TEACHER’S DAY TREAT FOR HOLY CROSS Chamling coaxed the gathering themselves the responsibility of function to the Districts in the of over 6,000 teachers from all inculcating in students a sense coming years,” he said. GANGTOK: Sister Elsit, principal of Holy Cross School, Gangtok, corners to debate on this of pride in their cultural heritage Earlier, Minister for was conferred the National Teacher’s Day Award 2005 by pertinent issue. “I would like the and traditions. My Government Education, GM Gurung, President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at New Delhi on 5 September. teaching community to has been consistent in our belief Secretary, HRD Department and The awards function, initiated by the union HRD ministry and organised on the occasion of Teacher’s Day, was held at Vigyan contemplate over the true that teachers are the right representatives from the Sikkim Bhawan. Sister Elsit was among the 20 recipients, chosen from definition of education. Have instruments for this and have United Teachers’ Association all corners of the country, who received this prestigious award we really debated on this topic? acknowledged their and Sikkim Teachers’ based on their overall performances. Have we tried to understand the contributions in the preservation Association addressed the Sister Elsit, who has 25 years of working experience, is the concept of education in its true and promotion of our ethnic gathering. first among the Holy Cross congregation of the entire country to be conferred with this award. She has worked in different CBSE- affiliated schools across the country and was given the charge of the Holy Cross Institute at Gangtok six years ago. Here, she heralded the enviable reputation of the school as one of the best schools in the region. INBOX Incidentally, the credibility of the school has got another shot in the arm with the school receiving the best private school in the IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE, WE PROVIDE THE PLATFORM! WRITE state award, initiated by the Human Resource Development TO MIDWEEK... [email protected] Department, on Tuesday during the state level Teachers’ Day celebrations. ROUND-UP 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 999 Lord Buddha’s statue, VAT ENHANCES TAX COLLECTION a MIDWEEK Report VAT regime and started following CM’s gift to Rabong it only from 2005. GANGTOK, August 21: The Creating confusion amongst first fiscal year under the Value traders when first implemented, Chief Minister to lay the foundation stone for Lord Buddha Garden Added Taxation [VAT] regime those that came under its during Pang Lhabsol celebrations in Rabong has improved the tax revenue purview have now come to generation for the state terms with the new taxation exchequer by a whopping 20.51 procedure. The introduction of a MIDWEEK Report Development and Land three areas are important pilgrim Revenue Minister DD Bhutia, centres since they are connected per cent increase over that of the VAT was to do away with GANGTOK: The foundation along with Wok MLA CB to the religious and political previous year when the sales tax multiple taxation and the stone of the Lord Buddha Karki, will spearhead the and are today structure still existed. cascading effect that sales tax Garden will be laid at Rabong construction work. the most important and oldest VAT was introduced in structure was associated with on 07 September by Chief This Buddha Statue cum heritage sites. Since Rabong is Sikkim from April 2005. and to bring about uniformity. Minister Pawan Chamling to Garden will be the first of its located in between the religious The hike in revenue It was also aimed at preventing mark the 2550th birth kind in the state and probably sites, it receives a large number collection was revealed to evasion of taxes. anniversary of Lord Buddha. the country. The state of pilgrim tourists. This statue Midweek by the Assistant Meanwhile, Rai has been The foundation stone laying government has already kicked would be an additional religious Commissioner [commercial working on a comprehensive ceremony will be a part of the off the Buddhist circuit and site that the pilgrims coming to taxes] Manoj Rai. book on VAT rules, which will three-day long Pang Lhabsol this project would give the the area could visit. Rai furnished a database explain and simplify the rules festival organised by the Pang much required impetus to The Pang Lhabsol prepared by the State Income under the new system. The Lhabsol Celebration boost tourism and attract Celebration which started in the Tax and Commercial Taxes publication, which is still in the Committee, Rabong. pilgrim tourists to the area. It year 1984 in Rabong is in its 23rd division of the Finance and drafting stage will help the An 80 feet statue of Lord aims to draw the pilgrim year. This year the celebrations Revenue Department for its common man understand the Buddha would be located tourists from South East Asia will commence from 05 to 07 annual report this year where the VAT rules easier. amidst an eco-garden which and the neighbouring September where the Chief figures were listed. While the sales tax structure will help conserve the bio- countries like , Minister will be present as the Rai also said that the hike has has not been completely done diversity of the area, most and Sri Lanka apart from the chief guest. Rabong, unofficially not only enhanced the revenue away with and would be importantly the herbs and flora large domestic pilgrim tourists the Mecca of Volleyball in collection but was also much removed in phases, the collection found in the area. from other states. Sikkim, will showcase the best higher than the target set by the through lotteries and liquor The project will come up Rabong was the natural players from the country. The department which was kept at Rs. continued to top the list of items under the Tourism Department choice for installation of the celebrations will also be the 47 crores for the 2005-06 fiscal. which generated the highest and a core committee has statue as the town is located in platform for the rural artisans and The total collections through revenue from sales tax. These already been formed for the the middle of the three most artistes to display their products. VAT for 2005-06 stood at Rs. two still do not come under the

56.64 crores, an excess of Rs. 9. VAT purview and follow the K purpose. The Chief Minister is important Buddhist sites in the The evenings will witness Y also the chief patron of the state, viz. Ralang, Tashiding and various cultural and musical 64 crores of the target set by sales tax structure. Danny M C project. Area MLA and Urban Pemayangtse monasteries. The extravaganza. them. The increase in percentage Denzongpa’s Yuksom stood at 20. 51 per cent to the Breweries, makers of the popular previous year’s collection of 48. Hit and Dansberg beer continues 07 crores with an annual to be one of the highest sales tax AIDS awareness to be created in schools increment of Rs. 8.57 crores. payers with the company having GANGTOK: With nearly 56 mind the health needs of making them vulnerable to risky Sikkim was given an additional shelled out 92 lakhs in the HIV positive cases already in the adolescents, particularly their situations, such as drug/ two years’ time to implement the previous year as sales tax. state, the need for creating reproductive and sexual health substance abuse and HIV/AIDS awareness on AIDS is now being needs. This is important since transmission. felt by educationists here. In a young children and adolescents Besides health education, the recent meet convened by the are deprived of opportunities to state government has already State Council for Educational get the appropriate information taken a policy decision to impart Research and Training, the idea on subjects related to sex and environmental studies, which is of inclusion of health education, sexuality, which is culturally a to be imparted from the especially AIDS was deliberated very sensitive area. As such, elementary level. Special classes on. It was mooted that lessons their understanding of in disaster management are also on health issues like AIDS be reproductive and sexual health to be a part of the curriculum in imparted from Class IV onwards. and their behaviour in this regard schools so that the children are ADVERTISING / PRINTING / PUBLISHING / DESIGN / EVENT MANAGEMENT The need for incorporation of are guided predominantly by aware of these issues at an early CONTACT: 98320 31929 EMAIL: [email protected] this subject was felt keeping in myths and misconceptions, stage and help tackle these issues.

ATTRACTIVE EXCHANGE OFFERS ALSO AVAILABLE!! VISIT OUR SHOWROOM OR CONTACT US AT 9933009921 9933009931 9933009935 ATTRACTIVE DASAI OFFER* from Maruti Suzuki ALTO : Rs. 5,000/- CAR : Rs. 10,000/- SWIFT : Rs. 20,000/- VERSA : Rs. 15,000/-

(Authorised Maruti Dealer)

6th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim - 737102 * Conditions Apply. 101010 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 OP-ED

Vol. 1 No. 1 Letter From The Publisher he gauntlet has been thrown. A local daily, in its editorial on the birth of two publications in Sikkim this Tweek, in a backhanded compliment, burdened us with the responsibility of raising the bar on professional standards of journalism here. Will we? Only time will tell. We shall not make any claims to that end. When we are professional, it is because we wish to be true to the readers, to ourselves. Any other benefit that this commitment spawns is secondary. Good if it happens, but none of us will be losing sleep if the entire fraternity does not join in the march. Midweek is being launched in these times of instant The golden line to Lhasa and daily news because we believe that readers in Sikkim now need more than just a recount of events. The by SRIKANTH KONDAPALLI First, some analysts have Second, the current route of constraints of deadlines and limitations of space in dailies raised questions about the the Xining to Lhasa rail line results in a situation where news rarely translates to more s the train from Beijing economic viability of the spans about 1,956 km. The new than just a recap. We hope to use the luxury of having a chugged into the Lhasa railway. China spent an construction between Golmud whole week at hand before hitting the stands to weave Arailway station on the night estimated $3.16 billion for its to Lhasa stretches more than events into possible trends, research deeper into on July 3, China, belying construction, surpassing the $3 1,000 km. Once this route is developments and contextualize issues in the right American writer Paul Theroux’s billion GDP of entire Tibet (as completed and extended to perspective so that a reader is also provided with answers prognosis, realized its dream of in 2005). But the construction Xigaze, China plans to construct to why things happened, instead of just the perfunctory integrating Tibet more costs could be reclaimed in less more railways from 2007 till what happened. effectively than it has in the past than a decade by several means, 2038 from different parts of the At least that is what we have charted out to do. The five decades. Abandoned in including tourism and the country for more effective forthcoming Wednesdays will bear out whether we are up to 1987, revived in 1994 and exploitation of natural integration of Tibet. These the task at hand. What we know is that despite everything we reinforced in 2001 under resources. For instance, some include the Chengdu to Lhasa believe in, the challenge for a weekly to remain relevant is a China’s Western Development 800,000 visitors are expected to route of 1,927 km, expected to tough one. We hope we can channelize this pressure to Campaign, this railway has visit Tibet using the railway over cost about $9 billion; the Lhasa sharpen our skills, polish the content and strike up a more more than a symbolic meaning the next year. This figure is to Dali (Yunnan) route of 1,594 intimate conversation with the readers. Through the successes for China as the world’s ‘great expected to gallop to about 5.28 km, with an estimated cost of

and failures of the coming weeks, we assure readers that we engineering achievement’. Cold million by 2010. According to about $8 billion; and the C

M will remain irreverential without being rude, engaging without calculations prevail behind the the estimates of the Tibet Lanzhou to Lhasa route of 2,126 Y heroic display by the 26,000 Autonomous Regional kilometres (about $8.5 billion). K being corny, and informative without being boring. This is not just the launch of our inaugural issue, this is engineers and workers who laid Academy of Social Sciences In other words, Tibet is expected also the beginning of a long term relationship with our the track. For a regime that and the Industrial Economics to receive immense Chinese readers. subscribes to pragmatism, Studies Institute of the Chinese investment in the coming making money in Tibet is Academy of Social Sciences, decades, with drastic expected to be high on the this is expected to fetch more consequences for the Tibetan Meet The MIDWEEK Team agenda. The Chinese media than $725 million. In contrast, economy. Mita Zulca, Pankaj Thapa, Pema L. Shangderpa, frequently describes the project the 1.8 million visitors who Three, the Tibetan railway Sarikah Atreya, Tenzin C. Tashi, Serah Basnet, as a ‘golden travel route’. But arrived in Tibet by means other took just about four years to Sachin Yonzon and Karchoong Diyali how ‘golden’ is the railway line than railway in 2005 contributed to Lhasa? only about $250 million. - continued on page 11 The Mole In The Hole and more capital capers MADDY’S DILLI ell, well, well whaddya know? I’ve miraculously how the two houses function. But are you aware that onto terra firma unlike his flying beau. As for her, well been asked by your editor to write a column for these great institutions have been reduced to places where she has the great Clapton classic, ‘she don’t mind she WMidweek. It’s obvious that the sadistic streak Cabinet Ministers and our honorable (sic) MP’s exchange don’t mind….Cocaine to console herself. in her has won the day and she has foisted yours truly the choicest of, ‘mother and sister expletives’? As if to And the final offering is an ode to our very own upon you. Your loss my gain I’d say but don’t say you add insult to injury, the great Minister also asserts that Jaswant Singhji…our ex Foreign Minister… weren’t warned. he hasn’t come to the House to hear such words of THE MOLE IN THE HOLE In the times to come (if this heroic effort doesn’t wisdom though he was amongst the thick of it when the (set to, ‘Little Jack Horner’) cave in that is), I will be keeping you all posted about exchange was on. The docile speaker of the house had Dear little Jaswant, sat in a corner, the progress of the pride of our great (not to forget to beat a hasty retreat and fisticuffs were just avoided! figuring out his latest caper, DIVERSE) nation and particularly its not so great The Minister in question would win the first prize in any He fished out his pen and bloody wrote like hell …Dilli. A shanty town full of intrigue and rustic pageant. After all he is known to have flown into And came up with his, ‘Call to Honour’ subterfuge. Well unfortunately for me, I’m stuck here his constituency in earlier days in a helicopter urging all He spoke of a hole and in it a mole and and like the mighty Titanic the more of you I pull down those, ‘sons of cowherds’, to go check out the mechanics about how he had fled, So while aloof he shouted from the roof with me the better we’ll drown as there’ll be plenty of of the chopper. Well as the saying goes, there’s always a Thinking he had good ol Son and Man misled! company right? But jokes apart, I shall strive to give silver lining in a dark cloud. This is after all the true But the wily two without much ado all you folks out there food for thought and a few laughs representation of our great nation, not us hoity toity types sent back a cannonball to boot, hopefully. What’s there and what’s not; who’s who lay claims to being educated and refined if you They said that the, ‘mole’ was mere hyperbole in and who’s out… after all, there’s so much to talk please. So poor Jaswant’s Honour is now on Call. about. But there’s just one hitch as I am no journalist, The city’s erstwhile great snorter R, has moved on to So that’s it folks from this madcap. If you like what though my only claim to literary fame is that I’m the tie the nuptial knot. Only he decided to choose the safer you got please do write and let me know. Ill be only too son of a scribe, I hope and pray that I make the grade environs of amchi Mumbai to do so as Dilli was getting glad to ladle it out. And anyone who has got upto here even if it’s just by default. So with that excuse of an too snort…ooops sorry hot! Well if nothing else his mug should get a medal for patience. Cheerio and see ya all introduction let me get on with it. shot on the occasion shows a beaming soul who seems next time. We have studied the working of Parliament in school, to have redeemed himself overnight. Lets all hope that Your very own, Maddy college and the likes, so I won’t bore you with details of the nuptial snort…..sooo sorry knot helps in getting him OP-ED 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 111111 Photo: Karchoong Diyali SIKKIM’S MOUNTAIN

by PEMA WANGCHUK writers, adventurers, anthropologists and botanists who faith possible in Sikkim. To begin with, the trooped the shortly after. Khangchendzonga range, because it dismisses the hangchendzonga rises nearly five and a half miles And that is what Khangchendzonga is all about. For established structure of the Himalayan layers of above sea level. British those interested in making its acquaintance, it is always Siwaliks, Lower Himalayan Range and the Great Ksurveyors, when they calculated its height in 1847, available, and for those willing to push the envelope, Himalayas, and instead churns them together in one demolished the ill-informed myth that the earth was the mountain offers as many facets as are required. For glorious and compact upheaval of mountainscape, kept not supposed to break the 5 Mile barrier in its the people of Sikkim, the mountain has been especially the region conveniently protected from expansionist undulations skywards. They also learnt that the generous. Its physical presence completes the horseshoe moves from the South. Bereft of a more layered Himalayan giants need not always be remote and that makes Sikkim a biodiversity hotspot, but it is in approach, this region became too foreboding to inaccessible. The closest British outpost of the range of interpretations that the mountain lends itself adventure into. To understand the formidable bulwark thumbed within 40 miles of the mountain making its so effortlessly to that it becomes so unique, so that the mountain range provided, one must bear in mind study the most accurate of any Himalayan peak. Nanda specifically Sikkimese. that the Mauryan empire under Ashoka is believed to Devi in the Garhwal hills which was considered the Sometimes the simplest of interpretations is often have moved up to Kashmir, slipped into Nepal and even tallest mountain on Earth at that time and was measured the most complete. For the Lepchas, Khangchendzonga though it spawned out of neighbouring Bihar, never to stand at 25,749 feet in 1822. This height, because was Kongchen Kongchlo, the Big Stone. In their stories, attempted Sikkim which they must surely have noticed. the calculations were based on readings taken from too Kong Chen is the eldest brother, the first creation of As a result, when the three Nyingmapa masters arrived far away, were considered to be too suspect to be their Mother Creator. The eldest brother introduction in Sikkim in the first half of the Seventeeth century, K

scientifically accepted and geographers remained is the most complete introduction of Khangchendzonga they found Sikkim to still be a hidden land, a land as Y unanimous in their belief that 26,400 feet [5 miles] was as it appropriates every aspect of the mountain that was yet uninfluenced by organized religion and lending itself M C the pre-ordained ceiling beyond which no part of the evoked in future times to address more specific well to the sustenance and propagation of the earth was meant to protrude. Nanda Devi’s height has concerns. The Lepchas have probably lived in the Nyingmapa faith when it was in distress in the place of since been recalibrated to 25,645 feet, but it was shadow of the mountain for the longest time which is its origin. Khangchendzonga’s imposing 28,176 feet [as probably why they make a more direct, more intimate Apart from a Fourth Brother to be crowned the king calculated in 1847] that astounded everyone. The latest connection with. The Lepcha story of origin states that of this now discovered land, the three Nyingmapa find cleared the highest known mountain of that time the first Lepcha couple was crafted from the fresh snows masters also needed an icon that would ease the by three-quarters of a kilometer! And, there was no of Khangchendzonga. Anyone who has watched a conversion of the land to this new faith. Attempts had doubting the readings or the calculations, surveyors had winter sun dawn will envy the been made before them to reach Buddhism to Sikkim approached the massif closer than men of science had Lepchas for where they claim to have come from and but had met with very limited success. Tibet was in a ever been to the high snows and the calculations were also understand that for anyone wishing to claim the state of great flux at that time and failure in Sikkim the most exacting that mankind had devised till then. ultimate pedigree in Sikkim, there could be no origin was no longer an option. Khangchendzonga, which the For an establishment [read British East India Company more special. locals revered, was appropriated as a Guardian Deity, officials], who till little over half a century before that Later, towards the early 17th century when the elaborate rituals formalized for its worship and the time believed the Himalaya to be a chain of active Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism needed to people convinced that the new faith would be volcanoes due to the plume of clouds that invariably discover the Hidden Lands prophesized by Guru reverential to their Gods. Buddhism struck deep roots sprang out of every summit, information on the Padmasambhava as safe havens where the faith to in Sikkim with this undertaking. Khangchendzonga, in Khangchendzonga must have been mind-bogglingly survive when it was imperiled in Tibet itself, it was a way justified and facilitated the propagation of sensational and this was borne out by the slew of Khangchendzonga that made the establishment of the Buddhism in Sikkim and continues to be worshiped extensively in monasteries here. - continued from page 10 Shortly after, when the third of Sikkim, Chagdor Namgyal, returned in 1709 to a Sikkim liberated from a Bhutanese invasion, he became the The golden line to Lhasa first king to realize the importance of instilling a feeling complete, compared to the long time taken for similar construction in the region earlier. For instance, the Xining of nationhood among the people so that Sikkim was to Golmud line was completed from 1958 to 1984 in the Qaidam basin. The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, a defended more strongly in the future. year after the project was launched. The railway to Urumqi was completed in 1960 and the Kashgar line (all in Khangchendzonga helped in this respect too. Chagdor Xinjiang) by 1999. Namgyal gave Sikkim Pang Toed Chaam, the Warrior When the Tibetan railway was started in 2001, the Chinese leadership said it was essential for ‘political’ Dance, and the mountain, apart from its position as a reasons. Integrating Tibet into China, opposing ‘splittism’ and promoting unity were cited as reasons. More benevolent Guardian Deity, also became the Warrior importantly, whenever a railway line has been constructed in China, it led to a massive exodus of Chinese from God. dZonga, the deity who resides on the summit, was other parts. now also the religious warrior chief who would lead This was the case with the Sichuan railway of the 1920s, when huge numbers of Chinese migrated to the battles against those who threatened the Hidden Land. coastal areas. The railway line from Xinjiang and Qinghai led to not only an increase in the Han migrants to these The dancers were lay persons and by that analogy, all areas, but also the displacement of locals from their livelihood. When the Chinese started constructing roads in Sikkimese became dZonga’s soldiers. The idea of a Tibet, local Tibetan shopkeepers lost their jobs to Han Chinese even on streets of the capital Lhasa. nation was established and the people made a part of It is not clear how many of the millions of ‘visitors’ to Tibet by the railway will settle down, although Chinese it. A new aspect was invoked and Khangchendzonga’s scholar Ma Rong estimated that Han migration in Tibet takes the form of seasonal migration of one-to-two years imposing presence over the Sikkim skyline made its (with a majority of migrants in this category), short-term and long-term migration (the latter said to be in minority). acceptance easy. It is not without reason that the Dalai Lama cautioned that this railway would result in ‘cultural genocide’ in And the mountain continues coming to Sikkim’s Tibet. Tibetan groups equate the systematic resettlement of Han-Chinese in Tibet as something akin to the problems rescue. In more recent times, when Sikkim was most between Israel and Palestine or even of Tamils in Sri Lanka. - continued on page 18 121212 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 ENVIRONMENT Teesta Carrying Capacity TEESTA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS AT A GLANCE Report throws up major TEESTA STAGE-I HE PROJECT / TALEM HE SCHEME Envisaged Power Generation: 75 MW concerns Location: The dam is to be constructed at the confluence of Kalep Chu with in North Sikkim. Project Summary: Talem HE Scheme is a ‘modified’ and much scaled down version of originally planned 300 MW Teesta Stage-I scheme. Under the original plan, one dam was to be located downstream of confluence of Lhonak Chu with Zemu Chu and the other at the downstream of the confluence of Chento Chu with Teesta river in North Sikkim. This project had to be abandoned in favour of Talem HE Scheme following severe environmental concerns raised in the phase-I report. Environmental Assessment: Despite the present scheme being a much scaled down version of the earlier planned Teesta Stage-I scheme, it is still located in an environmentally sensitive area. Further environmental assessment of the project required. TEESTA STAGE-II HE PROJECT Envisaged Power Generation: 540 MW Location: An 83 m high concrete gravity dam is to be constructed downstream of Chhaten on Teesta river, also known as Lachen Chu in this stretch, near Bansoi village 22 km upstream of Chungthang. a MIDWEEK Report warming phenomena, which is Project Summary: The water is to be diverted through an 11.6 km long head race tunnel to causing glaciers to melt fast and an underground powerhouse near Chungthang. GANGTOK: The entire Teesta its impact on glacial lakes and Environmental Assessment: Located in an environmentally sensitive area. Proper basin lies in an environmentally glacial lakes outburst floods assessment of different project-related activities and components on geological environment fragile and ecologically (GLOF), and their implications and biological environment required. sensitive area of Sikkim, home in hazard generation along with TEESTA STAGE-III HE PROJECT to some of the most endangered appropriate recommendations Envisaged Power Generation: 1200 MW flora and fauna of the entire has also been incorporated in the Location: The proposed project site – located in an 18 km stretch of the Teesta river between Eastern Himalayas. Most of the report. It may be mentioned here Chungthang and Singhik – falls on Zone-IV of seismic zoning map of India. endemic plant species are that the Teesta is a glacier-fed Project Summary: This project is proposed to utilize a drop of about 88 m in the proposed located in this unique biosphere river, originating in the Zemu project site for power generation as a run-of-the-river scheme. of Sikkim. Most of the animals Glacier in North West Sikkim. Environmental Assessment: The project is situated in one of the most ecologically sensitive found in this area are threatened The report suggests that areas of Sikkim and is likely to lead to adverse environment impacts. Any disturbance caused and listed in the Schedule I and proper mechanism has be to the biological equilibrium of the area would lead to loss of biological wealth unique to this Schedule II of the Wildlife evolved to check the influx of region. Therefore, a detailed environmental sensitivity analysis of the scheme is required. Protection Act. The area falls in immigrants and in addition TEESTA STAGE-IV HE PROJECT Zone-IV of seismic zoning map related issues like voters list, Location: Initially, the proposed project site was the 90 m downstream of the confluence of of India. This is the main thrust permanent settlement of Teesta and Talum Chu [Rangyong Chu] near Sanklang in Mangan sub-division of North Sikkim.

C of the Carrying Capacity Study immigrants, land acquisition, However, the site was later proposed to be shifted to downstream location NHPC. M

Y Report of Teesta Basin in domicile/ residential Project Summary: Investigations regarding the newly proposed project are in progress. K Sikkim, released by the Central certificates, ration cards, etc. Environmental Assessment: The technical findings for the original 495 MW project had Government recently. should also be addressed painted a dismal picture. As per the report, any increased human activity in the proposed At a time when the Sikkim appropriately. In case of project area would have adverse impact on the habitats of a rich diversity of mammals, fauna Government has embarked on unforeseen natural calamities and butterflies. Another possible downside to carrying forward this project was geological an ambitious programme to like dam burst or accidents due instability resulting in an increased incidence of landslides. harness the vast hydro electric to blasting, landslides caused TEESTA STAGE-VI HE PROJECT power potential of the State and due to project activities, etc. the Envisaged Power Generation: 440 MW given the nod to three more victims should be compensated Location: The project under the present revised scheme is to be carried out at Sirwani in projects on the Teesta, the report by project authorities within a East Sikkim. The originally proposed 360 MW scheme was located downstream of the assumes great significance, prefixed time and amount, the powerhouse of Teesta Stage-V HE Project on Teesta river, about 500 m downstream of the given the environmental as well report has said. road bridge at Khanitar/ Mamring in East Sikkim. However, the proposed project was likely to as social impact of the hydro The Study was initiated at the submerge an area of 214 ha, which included forest lands, private holdings, Manipal Institute, the LPG Bottling Plant and the Indian Oil Depot. electric projects on the fragile instance of Ministry of Project Summary: Under the revised scheme, a 20 m high barrage is to be constructed on eco system of the State. The Environment & Forests, river Teesta at Sirwani. The water is to be diverted through an 11.5 km long head race tunnel report provides an in-depth Government of India while with underground powerhouse proposed at Tarkhola in South Sikkim on the right bank of river study of the physiography, issuing Environmental Clearance Teesta. terrain, drainage and other to Teesta Stage-V Hydro Electric Environmental Assessment: The proposed project site lies in seismically active region. The characteristics of the Teesta power project proposed by river channel proposed for this scheme is rich in aquatic life, in which about six species are of basin in Sikkim. It also provides National Hydroelectric Power fishery interest. More than 100 species of mammals, 230 species of birds [including ‘threatened information on the proposed Corporation Ltd (NHPC). The species’], 345 species of butterflies and various amphibians and reptile species are found in power development model Teesta Carrying Capacity Study the vicinity of the project. being adopted by the State. was entrusted to the Centre for The report has categorically Inter-disciplinary Studies of mentioned and discussed in Mountain & Hill Environment detail the adverse impacts of (CISMHE) in September, 2001 HIGH ALALHIGH TITUDE SPICES each of the six mega hydro by Ministry of Environment & , South Sikkim – 737 139 electric power projects (Stages Forests, Government of India vide HIGH ALTITUDE SPICES, RAVANGLA ANNOUNCES I –IV) on the Teesta and has also letter No. J.12011/1199-IA.1 for THE SETTING UP OF 6. 00 CRORE suggested ways and means to which funds were provided by STATE OF THE ART : MULTI FRUIT, VEGETABLE AND minimize the impacts on the NHPC Ltd. The study was SPICE PROCESSING UNIT IN SIKKIM. fragile biosphere supported by coordinated by CISMHE, FOR THAT IT NEEDS Strategic Partners with sound financial background. the River Teesta. It has also University of Delhi, Delhi as the Shortly Tie up with Consortium for Exports covered the geophysical Principal Investigator with Sanction and Approval Stage : Sept.-Oct, 2006 environment of Teesta basin and institutional collaboration with Infrastructure building from : October, 2006-09-05 deals with various geological other national level institutes. Trial Runs : October 2007 . Commercial Production : November 2007 Interested parties may contact : 97330 -76313 and seismotectonic aspects. The The Teesta Carrying email: [email protected] phenomenon of frequent Capacity Studies final report is Chief Promoters of Project: landslides in the basin has been now on the web site of NIC, highlighted and various Sikkim, and can be accessed at BHAICHUNG BHUTIA & SAMEER TAMHANE mitigation measures also have www.sikenvis.nic.in/ :OUR BRANDS: been suggested. ccstbs.html and The effects of the global www.cismhe.org. Spice of Life Actual CULTURE 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 131313 Recreating the ‘Ban Jhakri’ by BIRENDRA RAI

GANGTOK: The Ban Jhakri Falls, presently being developed in Ranka under the initiative of the Rural Management and Development Department, is an interesting cultural development in the region simply because it aims to throw light on the phenomenon that is Shamanism. The park will house various statues, Dhyangro [Shamanistic percussion instrument] and masks used by Jhakris currently being installed there. The aim behind the creation of the park is to catalyze a sense of curiosity among the youngsters on the way of life of Ban Jhakris [shamans who cure ailments of the spirit] and their art rarely practiced in these parts; a culture that predates any organised form of religion. Gyaltsen Lama, the artist responsible for recreating these masks, instruments and statues, informs that the absence of any artistic or aesthetic qualities in the installations is a deliberate interpretation of the original way these masks and statues were made. There will be variations in the materials used here though, cement for wood for instance. “The reason for creation of these installations is to remind the people of a culture that is fast losing prominence. During my month-long research, I realised that all the materials that I went through were researched not by locals but scholars from abroad. This gave me more reason to take up this project and try to recreate a true picture,” says Lama. The installations being constructed are replicas of the original masks and statues found in the Himalayas, which unfortunately belong to private K

collectors abroad. Some of them have been dated Y M

back a few centuries. These masks were used by C shamans or Jhakris in their exorcism and soul journeys while the statues were of the various sacred deities that the people worshipped and revered. The project began a year ago and is likely to be completed in about two months’ time.

Gyaltsen Lama at work amidst his creations at the Ban Jhakri falls. Photos by Karchoong Diyali. Statues abound in Sikkim A national level tender under at Rabongla will be laid by chief a MIDWEEK Report a two bid system for the work minister Pawan Chamling on 7 GANGTOK: Sikkim’s of the construction is to be September, where he will also fascination with installing placed. The cabinet in turn has grace the Pang Lhabsol statues of saints and prominent also approved the DPR for celebrations there as the chief figures continues with the State phase II which is to be guest on that day. Cabinet approving the submitted to the union Another large statue of the construction of yet another one government with the request for Nepali literary giant Bhanu Bhakta at Hee Gaon in West Sikkim. funding the project. is proposed to come up at In the last cabinet meeting This will be the fifth statue Gyalshing in West Sikkim while the which took place at the end of that will come up in the state. A construction work on the ‘Stairway August, clearance was given for 135 feet statue of Guru to heaven’ based on the Lepcha the construction of a statue of Padmasambhava has already folklore has already started. Mahatma Sirijunga Singthebe at been constructed at Samdruptse In the same cabinet meet, the Yummang Thegu in Hee Gaon. in Namchi, which has become ministry has also given its Mahatma Sirijunga is the patron a major tourist attraction. administrative approval and saint of the Limbu community of Another large statue of Lord financial sanction for a revised Sikkim. The cabinet has approved Shiva is coming up at Solophok, estimate of another Rs. 59 lakhs the detailed project report of the also in South Sikkim, while an for landscaping and development phase I of the project to be 80 feet statue of Lord Buddha of Ban Jhakri falls at Ranka in East undertaken under the Rural will come up at Rabongla in Sikkim with a revised estimate of Management and Development South Sikkim to mark the 2550th Rs. 2.6 crores as against the Department. It also allocated birth anniversary of Lord original sanction of Rs. 1 47 crores. funds amounting to Rs. 30 lakhs Buddha. It is hoped this will The Ban Jhakri falls will house a for the first phase. This has been further help develop the park cum gardens; the project is transferred by the Cultural Affairs Buddhist Circuit in the state. being undertaken by the Rural and Heritage Department to the The foundation stone for the Management and Development A Midweek Photograph Rural Development Department. Buddha statue cum eco garden Department. 141414 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 PANG LHABSOL

he Tsuklakhang royal chapel has been mute witness for their well being. Tashiding, Norbugang, Drablaghang, Dzongri, to a tiny monarchy’s chequered history, best The pomp and pageantry was a fulsome occasion Rabdentse, Khecheopalri, Tholung, Pomdong, Texemplified by the many twists and turns in the for one and all, with people decked up in their festive Kalijhora and Tsuklakhang Goenkhang among others. celebrations of the only festival peculiar to Sikkim- best and a lunch hosted for them by the Palace. Sadly, there seems to have been a most unfortunate Pang Lhabsol. And then, one bleak year, the Pang Lhabsol misunderstanding over the Pang Lhabsol celebrations In the heyday of the , Pang Lhabsol was a celebrations at Tsuklakhang were abruptly terminated. at Tsuklakhang. While the locals have been under the red letter day on the calendar. Not only were the The magnificent costumes and masks were put away, wrong impression that it is out of bounds for them, the guardian deities of Sikkim propitiated, the day was the Pangtoed dancers put to pasture like the ceremonial message received at Tsuklakhang has been that of a doubly significant as the national day of Sikkim. For a horses themselves. We heard feeble protests from the lack of public participation. few years after a newly acquired status as the 22nd state public about the decimation of their culture but still This year finally a silver lining -the Tsuklakhang of India, the deposed Chogyal still celebrated Pang there were no celebrations at Tsuklakhang. Trust laid all misconceptions to rest by taking out an Lhabsol at Tsuklakhang with a few minor changes- the Then the sleepy town of Ravangla reinvented itself ad in local papers inviting the public to participate in new democratically elected leaders were guests of as an alternative venue for Pang Lhabsol celebrations, the Pang Lhabsol celebrations at Tsuklakhang. Further honour as the pageantry of Pang Lhabsol unfolded in complete with Pangtoed dancers. Meanwhile in the Trust invited all the Buddhist organizations to front of the royal chapel. Gangtok, the day found itself being promoted as a day celebrate Pang Lhabsol at Tsuklakhang itself. Dzo-nga (mDzod-lnga) fulminating War Deity of of unity in a modern interpretation. Tourists who were We must remember that the prayers are for the well Sikkim, was commanded by Mahakala, the lured to Sikkim by the promise of masked dances in being of all people of Sikkim, that the guardian deities Commander-in –Chief of all the Guardians of the Faith Gangtok complained bitterly that they either had to go being propitiated are our guardian deities and most Pang Lhabsol: A tryst at Tsuklakhang

by TENZIN C. TASHI

C

M

Y K

Pang Lhabsol celebrations as it used to be at Tsuklakhang. Photo: Late N. S. Lepcha to guard the Faith and to protect and bring peace and to Ravangla to see a mix of old and new traditions or importantly, Pang Lhabsol is the only festival that is prosperity to all the people of Sikkim. Dzo-nga, like watch a very modern tableaux on the streets of Gangtok. uniquely ours. All Buddhists everywhere celebrate other many other guardian deities, was a malevolent spirit Where were the magnificent dances and rituals that deuchens like Drukpa Tseshi and Lhabab Duechen but who was subjugated by and appointed as a guardian every traveler to Sikkim had waxed about? Pang Lhabsol is ours alone. How then do we ensure deity of the land and its people by Guru Over the years, the multiple interpretations of Pang that this year the celebrations at Tsuklakhang are truly Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Rimpoche also Lhabsol have obscured its significance for the present successful? For starters, we have to make the time to decreed that the people of Sikkim should propitiate the generation for whom Pang Lhabsol is as much about put in an appearance at Tsuklakhang, young kids in tow guardian deities in an annual ritual worship that Pangtoed dancers at Ravang as a cultural programme that they, and we, may reacquaint ourselves with the unnatural calamities be kept at bay. on M.G.Marg. A lot of myths have sprung up around traditional celebrations. We may not have first bounty Pang Lhabsol witnessed among other chaams, the the traditional celebrations at Tsuklakhang, indeed of harvest to offer but we can contribute our mite by spectacular Pangtoed chaam or the warrior Dance about Tsuklakhang itself. One persistent misconception offering ‘tsog’ and cash. This will go a long way in unique to Sikkim and attributed to the third Chogyal among most locals today is that Tsuklakhang is out of helping to defray some of the costs involved. Chador Namgyal who also invented the Lepcha script. bounds to ‘ordinary’ people. How ridiculous- it is Finally, while there are some who feel that festivals The Pangtoed chaam is the only chaam which is primarily a place of worship where many devout people must reinvent themselves to continue to remain relevant performed by laymen. In the old days they were regularly do their rounds! to the present generation, there are the purists who sequestered away from wine and women for one week While the dances have definitely been discontinued, believe that the essence is all important. We still have a at Tsuklakhang while they rehearsed for their symbolic the prayers and other rituals have been regularly done long way to go to bring back Pang Lhabsol in all its role as the warriors of Dzo-nga. in the time honoured tradition by the Tsuklakhang Trust. glory to Tsuklakhang but a beginning has been made People from all over Sikkim would throng to Traditional ritualistic offerings of ‘bel-tson’, prayer this year and that’s truly important. The first step is Tsuklakhang to offer the bounty of their first harvest to flags, ‘poe’, khadas and cash have been offered to always the hardest. Lets all make this first step a giant the guardian deities, to reiterate their faith and to pray sacred places like the four sacred caves, Pemayangtse, step. See you at Tsuklakhang!

PANGTOED CHAAM VILLAGE FAIR EXHIBITIONS ARTS & CRAFTS CULTURAL SHOWS VOLLEY BALL TOURNEYS FINALS OF THE OPEN NATIONAL LEVEL TOURNEY INTRA SIKKIM TOURNEY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA PANG LHABSOL 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 151515 ‘Statues’ complete a decade of unity SARIKAH ATREYA talks to THUKCHUK LACHUNGPA, president, Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee on completion of a decade of Pang Lhabsol celebrations in Gangtok.

Midweek photographs

Photo: PLCC, Rabong Blending past and present at Rabong a MIDWEEK Report tug-of war to a volleyball tournament that has teams GANGTOK: In this age of 24- from outside of the state hour satellite television and participating, the attractions of unlimited entertainment the Pang Lhabsol celebrations options, where traditions are at Rabong today are many. generally bypassed for Rabong offers a good something that is deemed trendy example of what Pang Lhabsol th This is the 10 year Sikkim. We even went to some pass on the mantle to the future and modern, a festival that is seeks to promote - unity. The anniversary of the Pang Lepcha villages in generation, the students. The uniquely Sikkimese has been event, managed by the Rabong Lhabsol Statues of Unity to get the authentic look for the more the students get involved, able to blend the two aspects Pang Lhabsol Celebration celebrations in Sikkim. Can statues. We took photographs of the more the festival will grow. together and that too Committee, has patrons and you tell us something about its facial expressions and From this year onward, we have successfully. members from all communities inception? peculiarities, body type started essay writing and Rabong in South Sikkim has joining hands in making the Actually, since the early measurements from models painting competitions besides K been playing host to the Pang festivities that of a lasting Y

1980s, there had been talks and from both the Bhutia and the cultural competition, among M Lhabsol festival, which has memory. C discussions amongst the Lepcha communities. It took a other things. From this year turned into a major annual event The focal point of the Pang intellectuals of Sikkim on the lot of time to come up with onwards, we are planning to put on the town’s social and cultural Lhabsol celebrations here is the need to preserve and promote prototype models for the up a readymade stage which will calendar. Every year, this town Mani Lakhang [a small our unique cultural heritage and statues. The total budget was Rs. involve less digging. In the wears a festive coat during the monastery] also known as the traditions. In spite of having 10 lakh and a sculptor from evenings, there will be popular biggest three-day celebrations, Mane Chokerling, located in such a rich cultural heritage, sculpted the three cultural programme for the the highlight of which is the Daragoan overlooking the town. there is hardly any monument in statues. public. It is very important to performance of the 18th Century In fact, the Mani Lhakang was Sikkim to showcase this. We felt incorporate popular trends in Pang Lhabsol is also a Warrior Dance or Pangtoed built by the locals for the the need to put up monuments festivals like this in order to religious festival in Sikkim... Chaam, [Warrior Dance], an purpose of holding the Pang that reflected our unique attract a lot of people. There has I have been often accused of essential part of the Pang Lhabsol festival. culture. Then we started to be variety besides the bringing the festival from the Lhabsol celebrations. The The Mani Lhakang, a part of researching on the theme and traditional festivities to keep the monasteries to the markets. This Pangtoed Chaam is unique to the Ralang Monastery, one of sourcing for ideas. Being a interests of the people intact. is because of lack of Sikkim and it was the third the premier monasteries professional artist myself, I too understanding. The traditional Are you happy with the way King, Chogyal Chador located nearby, has grown to wanted to contribute my bit to Pang Lhabsol ceremony has the festival has grown in the Namgyal, who choreographed prominence because of the this great project. been going on for centuries in last ten years? the dance, which is said to have famed Pangtoed Chaam, How did you come up with the the monasteries in the form of Whatever vision we had, of appeared to him in a vision performed during the Pang idea Statues of Unity depicting the Pangtoed Chaam and other spreading the word of unity, around 1700 AD. The Pangtoed Lhabsol festival. In the last few Thekong Tek and Khye religious ceremonies and this peace and communal harmony, Chaam also assumes extra years, it had become the Bumsa? will continue as it is. The has been achieved to a far significance as it is the only epicentre of Pang Lhabsol The great event of the celebration at the Statues of extent. It is very important to religious dance not performed celebrations in the state. The swearing-in of the oath of blood Unity here in Gangtok is the maintain this peace and unity in by monks. Pangtoed Chaam used to be brotherhood between Thekong cultural aspect of the Pang Sikkim, for development, This is just the religious earlier performed at the Tek and Khye Bumsa at Kabi Lhabsol festival. progress and for our future aspect of the Pang Lhabsol Tsuklakhang Monastery [the Longstok in North Sikkim in the generations. This is the message celebrations. Over the years, the royal chapel] located in How has this cultural aspect 13th century had till now we are spreading through this celebrations here have grown in Gangtok, the state capital, but of Pang Lhabsol evolved over remained only in oral traditions festival. The inspiration for size and started incorporating was later discontinued. Now, the years? and later in history books. We unity amongst us is this Pang several other elements of gaiety not only have the locals, The celebrations have grown decided to immortalise this Lhabsol festival. until it took its present shape, through their undaunted spirit tremendously over the years. great historic event in statues. Today, Pang Lhabsol is also where apart from the Pangtoed and hard work, kept this Today, it is the biggest Having decided upon the theme a big tourist attraction. This is Chaam, performed by lay important aspect of the community festival of Sikkim. of Statues of Unity, we were one way we can attract more people on Pang Lhabsol, the Sikkimese culture alive here in It brings together all faced with a daunting task. visitors to the state, who come preceding days offer a treat of this small town, but has also communities, be it Bhutia, There were no photographs or looking for a unique experience activities. Rabong has been able added to the local economy by Lepcha, Nepali, or the business paintings to base our sketches and to really understand our rich to efficiently blend the past with way of tourism promotion, community on one platform. upon. We just had the oral cultural heritage. The Pang the present and offer something drawing huge crowds from all Any one who is a Sikkimese, traditions as our guide, which Lhabsol Committee is now to the people that is both over the state and outside. who loves Sikkim, is part of this also had many versions. Based planning to bring out miniature traditional as well as modern. It is indeed a fine unique festival. on these stories and folklore, I versions of the Statues of Unity From Boogie-Woogie assimilation of ancient cultural started the initial sketches. We What are your future plans? which the visitors can take dance competitions, to rural heritage meeting modern-day had to search for models all over Now we are slowly trying to home as souvenirs. sports such as sack race and entertainment dictums. 161616 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 OPINION Teacher), who first introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century when he visited Tibet. The sacred and awe-inspiring Taktsang (Tiger’s Lair) Monastery in Paro and the many foot and hand prints left by Guru Rinpoche in Bumthang in Central Bhutan and elsewhere in the Kingdom are constant reminders to the faithful of Guru Rinpoche’s historic visit to this Bhutan: sacred and hidden land. Though Buddhism was first introduced in Tibet during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century it was Guru Rinpoche who A Fine Balance between actually established Buddhism as the State religion in Tibet in the 8th century. The early Tibetan immigrants to Bhutan and in other parts of the Himalayan region is thought to have taken Tradition and Modernity place in the ninth century during the reign of the apostate ruler Langdarma (836-842) in Tibet when

Jigme N. Kazi

ometimes life rewards you in an unexpected way. A wedding in the autumn of 2005 took me to the S fabled Bhutanese capital - . The brief stay in the capital and a short trip to the nearby picturesque valley of Paro - about 90 minutes drive from Thimphu - was not only a dream come true but also one of the most pleasant and fascinating experiences of my life. Even keen visitors from its neighbouring areas - Nepal and Sikkim, and Assam in India - have rarely paid a visit to Bhutan. Centuries of The Taktsang Monastery in Paro. isolation has indeed helped Bhutan preserve its rich Photo by Karchoong Diyali and unique cultural heritage. The Himalayan Kingdom’s

rugged geographic features with high snow-peaked mogul who owned New York Daily Times, Sunday Mirror religious turmoil and persecution were at its height. By C

M mountains on its western, northern and part of eastern and Daily Mirror among other newspapers. the 14th century many of those who came from the north Y

K frontiers have helped the country preserve its natural One of the main attractions of the wedding firmly established Buddhism in western and some parts beauty and ancient heritage. Now, the tiny land-locked celebrations was the presence of His Royal Highness of central Bhutan. However, it was not until the early Dragon Kingdom (Druk Yul) is stretching out its wings the Crown , Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, 17th century that Buddhism really and truly took a firmer and opening up to the world outside. and some highly-placed members of the royal family. hold throughout the country. What made this possible Naturally, its first cautious move towards a more The first day of the two-day marriage celebrations was was the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a developed nation state, while preserving its precious set aside exclusively for the main wedding ceremony high incarnate lama from Ralung Monastery in Tibet, natural and cultural heritage, is to stretch its hand of which was witnessed by the distinguished guests, to Bhutan in the year 1616. friendship to its immediate neighbours – India and Tibet including close relations of the bride and bridegroom, Shabdrung Ngaway Namgyal (1594-1651), who (China) - which share many things in common with visiting foreigners and select members of the top notch belonged to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, was Bhutan. Speaking at the wedding reception hosted by of the Bhutantese aristocracy and government. The one of the many lamas who fled Tibet and sought refuge the bride’s family, Bhutan’s Home Minister, Lyonpo second day was open for others to bless and offer their in Bhutan when the Gelukpa sect came to power in Jigme Y. Thinley, rightly pointed out that the marriage good wishes to the newly married in traditional style. Tibet at the turn of the 17th century. Because of his between Ugyen Dhendup, a Bhutanese, and Tenzing Part of the wedding celebrations reflected a fine forceful personality and his deep-rooted religious Dechen Gyari, a Tibetan, symbolized the “marriage blend of eastern and western cultures even as the beliefs he was successful not only in defending Bhutan between Tibet and Bhutan.” westerners, in their ties and suits, danced with the against Tibetan invasions but also in uniting the entire Tenzing is the daughter of Lodi Gyari, a well-known Bhutantese, clad in their national ‘kho’ and ’kira’, to country under a central authority with himself assuming figure internationally on Tibetan affairs who is presently the rhythmic beat of rock ‘n’ roll sung in Bhutanese. both temporal and spiritual power as Shabdrung, the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in The spirit and style of the festive occasion reflected meaning at whose feet one submits. Washington. Both Tenzing and Ugyen, son of Sonam the aspirations of the common man in the Dragon Even after the establishment of the Wangchuck Dhendup, an influential Bhutanese, work and live in Kingdom to reach out for modernity while preserving dynasty in 1907 Bhutan continued to pursue the policy the US. Being married to one of Tenzing’s close cousins their glorious ancient tradition. The philosophy of their of maintaining a fine balance between spiritual and I, along with my wife, were one of the few from Sikkim lifestyle, based on the Middle Path teachings of Lord materials needs of its citizens and the state. While invited for the wedding. The presence of a host of rich Buddha, seems unshakable come what may. gradually introducing a more democratic form of and influential Americans and other foreigners close While moving steadily but surely into the future governance, aimed at ensuring continuity and change, to the Gyari family, many of whom are active supporters Bhutan has its feet placed firmly in the past. The Prime His Majesty has set his priority and coined his own and sympathizers of the Tibetan cause, added to the Minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, puts it this way: “We formula for the future of his people and the country in glitter and glamour of a wedding held in traditional need to know where you come from in order to know these words which now form the basis for all policies style against the backdrop of a quiet and scenic beauty where you are going.” The Home Minster goes further and programmes of the government: “Gross National of the eastern Himalayas in its full splendour. and stresses on His Majesty King Jigme Singye Happiness is more important that Gross National Among the most prominent invitees for the wedding Wangchuck’s emphasis on the need to maintain a fine Product.” were Richard C. Blum, husband of US Senator from balance between material needs of the people and their While most people across the globe grope in California, Dianne Feinstein, and Founder of American spiritual welfare. darkness in endless pursuit of contentment, the Himalayan Foundation, and John Ackerly, President of Even a casual visitor to Druk Yul (Land of the Bhutanese already have the key to happiness. Someone the International Campaign for Tibet. Other luminaries Thunder Dragon) will at once come to realize the once said happiness is not what you have but what you for the occasion were Thomas Pritker, Chairman and CEO importance of religion in the daily life of the Bhutanese are. And as Ugyen and Tenzing move from east to west of Hyatt Corporation, USA, Gregory B. Craig, former people. Prayer flags, temples, prayers wheels and and begin their life together they must discover for Special Coordinator for Tibet appointed by the US monasteries adorn the gentle hills and valleys of the themselves the real source of peace, joy and happiness Government, Professor Edward Luttwak, US Government Kingdom. Prayers such as “Om Mani Pedme Hung” and spread it around once they find it. consultant, writer and Senior Fellow at the Center for (Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus) are forever on the lips Strategic and International Studies of Washington, and of most Bhutanese. Ghislaine Maxwell, the charming New York socialite and It was Lord Padmasambhava, the Indian tantric - Jigme N. Kazi is a journalist and the author of daughter of the late Robert Maxwell, a British media master locally referred to as Guru Rinpoche (Precious “Inside Sikkim : Against The Tide.” ESSAY 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 171717

et me start by saying this is no further forget about writing anything. treatise, these are just experiences When earlier I had stopped writing now Lshared on writing by a person who by TASHI CHOPHEL it seemed just the opposite. Probably I has been writing (more off than on) for had lost touch with my centre for the last 14 years. And though I am no suddenly I felt that the world had moved established writer, some of my attempts on and left me high and dry. I would have appeared on papers, magazines and buy books which I couldn’t obviously periodicals making me feel like one. read, enter book shops hoping to soak in Writing came to me with the first flush the ambience which I missed. It was an of adolescence. Although a casual reader agonizing period. from an early age, it was unrequited love They say all good things come to pass that plunged me into the world of love but even bad times comes to pass, and poetry where I slaked my fire. Trying to then just like that I was welcomed back impress her I copied poems passing them into the world of letters. Frequenting the as my own only to have them delivered bookshop of a friend who would them at my aunt’s prematurely and encourage me to start writing, I managed luckily ending my period of plagiarism. the other it would cross The Assam Feeling extremely selfish and wondering to finish reading a novel which was huge Wish I could go back in time and look Tribune, both were the prominent dailies why anyone would bother about what I for me at that time. Then as time passed into my head to see what I was thinking of the state. Every time we crossed these had to say or who I was to say what I by I wrote my first article in years and I when I decided to embark on writing a novel. landmarks I would crane my neck hoping wanted, I just stopped writing. Youth and was happy to know that I still had it in To know what the motivation was. Was it to see what went inside them. idealism is a dangerous mix. me. But I still wasn’t sure until the day an attempt to impress or just plain And then one fine day I just walked into Three years down the line and after a another friend of mine handed me a thin foolishness that made me write a novel with the office of with a short story lot of odd jobs, landed myself a job in a volume containing some articles and no previous attempt at any creative writing and a lot of trepidation. I handed over my weekly. Shorthanded to begin with only interviews of I. B. Rai, a renowned besides the usual school essays. Well what work to the receptionist who rang up a lady five of us, besides writing we had to look Nepali litterateur. Impressed by what my does an inexperienced 16 year old write in the features section. She came over, read after other aspects and I was given sales. friend had to say of his writings but more about? His life of course, so I wrote all about my work on the spot and said okay. That Those were euphoric times as the weekly impressed by the terms like tesro ayam my childhood and the angst of growing up was it! Had never shared my work with spearheaded to number one within two and lila lekhan. As I perused the pages I in a lonely and hypocritical world. Being in anyone nor taken an opinion, just went up weeks, revolutionizing the reading taste came across an interview of his where that age where I was fascinated with guns and handed it the first time, jeez what was of the public. It sure was heady days when asked why he writes he says and war, and also being a Alistair MacLean I thinking? Anyways the next Sunday my seeing the readers eagerly awaiting the something to this effect “anybody can be and Fredrick Forsyth fan, I gave my novel piece comes out, I see my name in black next issue but more than that were an administrator, a policeman, a teacher, an action packed ending. This being so far and white and there is no sense of elation. changes being brought about. a father but it is only I who can write. back, it amazes me that I can recall these Sometimes I wonder if I have any feelings! Well besides some journalistic pieces I No one can write what I feel and this little details as I go about it now. Anyways, Anyways I go back the next time with was also churning out book and music writing can be done by me and only me”. I handed over my work to my English another piece which too subsequently reviews by the week for the next three years. All doubts that I had cleared up. teacher, who handed it right back to me with comes out. I suddenly seem to have a Sometimes I wonder how I could guzzle so Realization dawned that writing was a the usual circles and corrections in red ink. presence in college. My status is suddenly much stuff but the fact that I was enjoying celebration of individualism. Uniqueness

For a period of time I hid my book on the elevated from just another chinky to a it made it seem normal at that time. inherent in all of us came out as we each K top of my almirah and one day just like that published writer. Sometimes I wish I could And then I hit turbulence. For close explored different paths and came upon Y M I threw it in the drain that flows next to our the awe a non writer feels towards a writer. to two years I could neither read nor the one that was most compatible. C house. It was only recently that I learnt that During those days there was a write. For what had seemed effortless till Writing was mine. my English teacher would rave about my magazine called Connect which had then suddenly became insurmountable - So if you ask why do I write? I write attempt in the other classes. So my first work an excellent review section, two lines of print and I could go no because I just have to. of art actually went down the drain. impressed by them I too tried my College was the best thing to happen. hand at music reviews. Giving them Classes, except on practical days, were a personal touch I started reviewing from 8 to 12 in the morning so the both English and music which afternoon was yours for the taking. As too came out. The first time that I got militancy in Assam was at its height, paid for my written works was a real moving around outside the campus was high. A feeling of real not advisable so we spent the remaining accomplishment swept over me as I hours on sleeping, football, Friday realized I was paid for not who I was movies and reading with little or no time or my background but solely on the for studies as we were busy. basis of my work. Looking into the windows as families The first fan I had was the mother of sat at their tables, people inside cars on a a colleague. During our hostel days, the railway crossing waiting for the trains to locals would invite us for lunch at their pass, a farmer on his way to the field – you place; maybe they felt sorry for us having wish you could experience moments of their tasted our hostel food. Anyways when lives but you know that this is the only time this colleague of mine invited me home you will ever see them as the sea of humanity for lunch I jumped at the idea of relishing sweeps them away. Scribbling these facts their home food. When we reached his of life as I sat on my chair in the evenings home and I was introduced to his parents, was how I actually began to write. It was the mother comes up and gushingly around at this time that I also became a offers me a Gamchha (Assamese use the voracious reader, devouring everything that cloth as garland) and says she loves the was in black and white. As I read, there were way I write. She had read a review of a times when thoughts that I felt were reflected ghazal album and had felt exactly the in works of other authors, which brought a same way about it. Well, I was treated thrill. And it was then I decided to try my like a rock star that day and I was quite hand at short fiction and verses. pleased about it. Similarly other Sikkim students in were colleagues would come up and say how concentrated in three areas – we their relatives and friends would look engineering guys at the extreme north, forward to my writing. Well, I was FOR AD ENQUIRIES veterinarians at the extreme south and enjoying the attention. CONTACT: diplomas in the west. Moving from one And then one fine evening I asked 03592 - 227618 / 098320 89889 end to the other would take close to two myself the question “why do I write?” 98320 43693 hours which we eventually traveled as Pondering about it and writing down my EMAIL: there was nothing else to do. While thoughts I realized that I was writing to taking one route we would cross the extend my ideas to the others and felt [email protected] office of The Sentinel and while taking that I was forcing my views on the others. 181818 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 LITERATURE

SACRED GAMES astonishing modern city and its External Affairs and Finance in - VIKRAM CHANDRA dark side. Drawing on the best the BJP-led NDA Government even years in the making, of Victorian fiction, mystery of India, Jaswant Singh held SSacred Games is an epic novels, Bollywood movies and many keys to this radical New Arrivals At RACHNA BOOKSHOP of exceptional richness and Chandra’s years of first-hand transformation in India’s power. Vikram Chandra’s research on the streets of foreign policy, defense policies novel draws the reader deep Mumbai, Sacred Games reads and economic planning. He into the life of detective Sartaj like a potboiling page-turner handled several critical issues Singh and into the criminal but resonates with the that confronted the country. underworld of Ganesh intelligence and emotional India’s legitimate security Gaitonde, the most wanted depth of the best of literature. needs found international gangster in India. recognition, post-1998. The Sartaj, one of the very few A CALL TO HONOUR consequent challenges to Sikhs in the Mumbai police - JASWANT SINGH Indian statecraft, are analyzed force, is used to being identified Call to Honour: In service in great details in chapters on by his turban, beard and the Aof Emergent India is an USA, China, and Pakistan. He sharp cut of his trousers. But evocative account about a reconstructs the excitement the ‘Silky Sikh’ is now past forty, crucial period in India’s history. around Pokhran II in May his marriage is over and his After the passing of the 1998, which provoked strong career prospects are on the Nehruvian era of conservative international reactions. He was 1. SACRED GAMES - Vikram Chandra; Rs. 650; 900pp slide. When Sartaj gets an socialism and non-alignment a major player in the release 2. A LIFE LESS ORDINARY - Baby Haldar; Rs. 195; 163pp anonymous tip-off as to the in international relations, India of 166 passengers abroad 3. A CALL TO HONOUR - Jaswant Singh; Rs. 495; 426pp secret hideout of the legendary went on to redefine its IC814 hijacked to Kandahar 4. COMPLETE HOME DECORATION - Phil Gorton; Rs. 295;224pp boss of the G-company, he’s character and goals in and provides a first-hand 5. THE AFGAN - Frederick Forsyth; Rs. 255; 350pp determined that he’ll be the one accordance with the demands account of that testing 6. THE LOST KINGDOMS OF AFRICA - Jeffery Tyler; Rs. 405; 275pp to collect the prize. of a post Cold War world. episode. The author has 7. THE LEGENDS OF PENSAM - ; Rs. 200; 192pp Vikram Chandra’s keenly The BJP-led NDA covered in details other 8. LIFE: A MIRAGE - Dinita Rai; Rs. 15; 40pp anticipated new novel is a Government responded to all equally important events like sprawling, epic story of these issues with a dream for the Indo-Pak Summit in Agra, 9. IN INDIA - Henry Cartier Bresson; Rs. 1495; 128pp friendships and betrayals, of India and a clear vision. As the Lahore bus journey, and

10. THE HIMALAYAN CONSPIRACY - Sutradhar; Rs. 295; 303pp terrible violence, of an Union Minister of Defense, the conflict.

C

M

Y K

SIKKIM’S MOUNTAIN

- continued from page11 Khangchendzonga and meditates will give birth in need of a salve to treat the communal wounds to a child with a perfect face. Shortly after, in the scoured open in 1994, the mountain and its year 1913, she gave birth to Vivian Mary in worship, Pang Lhabsol, lent themselves well to Darjeeling. The girl who would on to take public expressions of brotherhood so necessary Hollywood by storm as Vivien Leigh! at that time in the observance of the festival as Point is that Khangchendzonga has always been Unity Day in Gangtok. It was natural progression accessible and open. Has it compromised its and even though the observance is not necessarily identity in any way? Does not appear so. Of the in accordance with the scriptures, the mountain’s top three Himalayan giants, Khangchendzonga is invocation to bless Sikkim with communal the only one known by its own name. harmony is in tune with Khangchendzonga has Chomolongma, after numerals like Peak B and IV Dilli Darshan from Sikkim always been – the Eldest Brother. The purer form is known as Mount Everest, a name of recent make, n the list of books to recently hit the stands is a pictorial booklet of the Pang Lhabsol rituals survive in the care of and sometimes even as Sagarmatha which even Oon Delhi, Agra and , a product of Milestones, a company Pemyangtse monks and a thanksgiving newer; few would be able to connect the names based in Sikkim. No bigger than a pocket diary, this glossy colour celebration to a benevolent host continues to be Lamba Pahar, Chogori or Dapsang or even Mount booklet serves both as a guidebook and your personal holiday diary. offered by the Kagyu monks of Ralong Monastery Godwin-Austen with the second tallest mountain Besides the usual list of recommendations on places to visit, at Ravangla. Every celebration is unique and each known by the world as K2. Khangchendzonga, shop and try out culinary delights, this travel diary also helps the invokes a special feature of the mountain as seen even though it has been spelt differently over the travelers to plan their trip by including a list of websites one can and required by the . years, has always been Khangchendzonga. visit for online information and hotel bookings. To take the drudgery The mountain has been exceptionally large- Khangchendzonga has been accommodating, out of reading a travel guide, the booklet includes lots of pictures hearted and has not limited its largesse to people understanding, benevolent and inspiring. And in that capture the spirit of these three cities. of a particular religious denomination. In that being all these, it has never ceased being itself either. The book jacket itself is interesting, which also doubles up as a sense, the mountain has been truly secular. A As Sikkim gathers together on Thursday to celebrate ‘pocket’ where one can ‘slip in’ photographs, tickets, passes and Theravada monk who meditated ‘facing Pang Lhabsol, it should seek inspiration from what business cards. It also allows the traveler to keep record of ’ in the 1940’s went on to find the mountain that defines Sikkim is really all about. memorable moments, interesting people and places. Also included the answers he sought. Gertrude Hartley, a devout Since everything about the mountain is so open- in the package is a handy map of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Once the Christian, had lost a baby during childbirth and ended, every person will probably narrow down to traveling part is over, this booklet will be a beautiful reminder of when she was expecting again, she decided to a different understanding, all of which will be your holiday to take back home with you. escape Calcutta’s heat and took a cottage on rent correct. What will remain common to all will be The booklet is reasonably priced at Rs. 100 and is available in Darjeeling. A mountain-lore reached her that that in the process of understanding the mountain, at Metroprints and Jainco. any expecting mother who looks at the peak of they will understand Sikkim. SPORTS & FITNESS 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 191919 DO’S & DON’TS Swimming Meet to start Preventing sports injury from 9 September ost sports related injuries are caused by M the overuse or misuse of a muscle or a joint. However, these injuries can be prevented easily by following simple guidelines. Follow four simple rules to prevent injuries: - Be fit for the task. - Be methodical in your workouts rather than violent. - Warm up and cool down thoroughly. - Use the right equipment and techniques. Listed below are some A MIDWEEK photo common sports injuries and tips on how to prevent them. of muscles. If possible, Runner’s knee: Strengthen the Back and neck sprain: Stretch athletes should exercise on quadriceps [the muscle on the the neck, back and stomach soft surfaces like wood or front of the thigh] by contracting muscles to prevent back injuries grass and avoid working out and relaxing them with the knee and pain. Use head and shoulder on hard surfaces like pavement straight. rolls to prevent neck sprains. or concrete. Athletes should Sprain: Exercise and stretch Foot pain: Stretch the Achilles warm up slowly and stretch joints such as the ankle to A contestant at the 1st Swimming Meet in 2004. tendon by gently pulling the after participating in rigorous increase strength and range of A MIDWEEK photo foot backwards for ten seconds. activity. motion. Repeat ten times. Wearing shoes Shoulder pain: Stand up Stress fractures: Do complete a MIDWEEK Report with heel pads can also help straight and roll shoulders warm-ups and cool-downs that prevent foot pain. backward in a circular motion. benefit all areas of the body. Do GANGTOK: The Sikkim Amateur Swimming Association Muscle pains: Warm up before Athletes may also use one hand not exercise or put too much [SASA] is organizing the 3rd Sikkim State Swimming Meet and stretch after workouts. Do to grip a chair, bend at the waist stress on one part of the body. at the TNA swimming pool from 9 to 10 September to K not bounce when stretching. so that the back is parallel to the Tennis elbow: Build forearm encourage swimming talent in the state. Y M

Shin splints: Well-cushioned floor and make 25 circles with strength by doing reverse curls There are various categories of competition - Seniors [Men/ C shoes with arch supports can the free hand to stretch the with light weights or by Women], Juniors [Boys/Girls], Sub- Juniors [Boys/Girls] and help prevent excessive jarring shoulders. squeezing a rubber ball. Open Team Relays for Senior Men and Women. Based on the results of the Meet, the SASA will also select the Sikkim swimmers for participation in the 60th Senior ork without computers in National Aquatic Championship, 2006 to be held on 21-25 Wthe present times September at . seems quite impossible. But Safe computer use Entry forms are available at Abacus, Archies, Curtina, while computers have Rangpo Tourist Lodge and Singhal Trading, Jorethang. revolutionised the way in which we do things, there are many long-term effects associated with extensive and Two more trophies for prolonged usage. It is not uncommon for badminton from this year individuals to experience eye problems and discomfort such a MIDWEEK Report as headache, backache and made on the basis of individual fatigue from extensive GANGTOK: The XVIIIth performances. computer use. What follows Sikkim State Badminton are tips that can help you have Championship is being hosted This edition of the State a less painful day at work. by the Badminton Association Badminton Championship sees - Maintaining good posture of Sikkim at the Indoor Stadium the inclusion of two trophies, while working on a computer from 7th to 10th September. Men the Under -19 ( Boys Singles) - Many of the ill-effects of & Women, and Boys and Girls in memory of late Master computer use can be lessened will battle it out in their Kuldip Gurung and Under-16 or avoided altogether by respective categories on a category in honour of late utilising correct typing knock-out basis. Apart from Master Prasant Pradhan who technique and posture, relaxed with elbows - Do not slouch. honing local talent, selection of had met with a fatal accident ensuring correct set up of forming a right angle and - Ensure that frequently players for the Sikkim squad for while representing the state in equipment and good work wrists extending straight used materials are within easy the forthcoming North Eastern the North Eastern Zonal habits. and unbent from the arms. reach. Championship at , Championship at last - Place computer monitor Hold wrists in neutral - Get up and move around Arunachal Pradesh will also be year. and keyboard directly in front position, not upward or as often as possible - at least of you so as to avoid twisting downward. once every 20 to 30 minutes. Send in your feedback, queries and mail to your neck. - Use an adjustable chair - Block excessive sunlight - Monitor should be 20-24 that provides firm, comfortable with drapes or blinds and use [email protected] inches away from eyes and the support. indirect room lighting. height of the monitor should be - Adjust chair height so that - Give your eyes a rest 5-15 inches below horizontal thighs are horizontal, and feet every 15 to 20 minutes by OR post it to: line of sight. are flat on the floor [use a focusing on a distant object for Midweek, Near Hotel Yatung, Nam Nang, Gangtok - 737101 - The mouse and keyboard footrest if necessary]. Chair 10 to 15 seconds and blink should be at the same height. should be with a backrest for often to prevent dry eyes. Phone: 03592 320169 - Shoulders should be lumbar support. - Use holder to hold paper. 202020 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 YOUTH

hey say that ‘history Impressed and gratified, one byproduct of that proposition. I maketh a man’. And of the Sakya lamas [I forgot to am the daughter of a Bhutia T someone aptly said that mention the name of this newly father and a Lepcha mother. history gives us our identity built gonpa is Sakya] gives his You’d expect tradition, culture through which we can assert our daughter’s hand in marriage to running high and of peak rightful place in the society and the Khye Bumsa. That quite seemed importance in our family but roots of our origin, the knowledge like a quintessential happy sadly that is not so. of which enables us to take the next ending but like every time, Unfortunately, that is the case step towards future. tragedy never ceases to strike. with most of the families today. The story of Pang Lhab-Sol You see, Mrs. Bumsa was We are like stuck in a middle started with how Khye Bumsa, barren and it’s a foolproof guess phase, neither moving ahead nor the equivalent of Hercules, got that during those times, to not wanting to look back at our past. the name by which we know have a child for a married The world has created many him today. It’s a time of about couple was like the greatest bigots and biased ones with thousand years back when the curse and a source of misery to biased ideas and bigoted beliefs. ‘lamas’ of Tibet decided to build them. So one day, this We see what I personally call a ‘gonpa’. How it looked like, I determined Khye Bumsa, but ‘communal harmony’ rife don’t know because my history with a chip on his shoulder, everywhere. of Pang Lhab-Sol is limited to decides to go on a long journey Coming back to the past, bedtime stories by my mother to find a solution to his misery. when Khye Bumsa presented when I was a child and a book After a long odyssey – I’d like his proposition to the couple, called Folk Tales of Sikkim I’d to think that a typical Khye they being too kind to say no, read at an age when I was too Bumsa journey is not without its said yes. Derak Pendan, if I’m young to understand the adventures – he finally arrives factually correct, was the importance of the event. in the land of peace, serene appointed place for the meeting. Well, back to the story. There beauty, the land of nature All the local deities were called was this huge pillar worshippers, the land of Khang- upon to witness the meeting [undoubtedly a part of a chen-dzod-nga. with Khang-chen-dzond-nga as building structure] so huge and Photo: PLCC, Rabong I guess Mr. Bumsa must have the prime witness to forming of so heavy that even a hundred done something to get an advice the brotherhood between, what thousand men together could from the above ‘Headquarters’ we now call, Lepchas and not lift it up. Enter a young, to go to the land of Khang-chen- Bhutias. Therefore, Khang- strong man who lifts up the dzod-nga where he and his wife chen-dzond-nga is symbolic of pillar all by himself. And hence would meet a certain delightful the occasion Pang Lhab-Sol. the name Khye Bumsa – a man couple who’d be responsible Some heavy swearing-in was with the strength of a hundred for replacing their misery with done during the Treaty of Blood thousand men combined. by HISHAY DOMA BHUTIA happiness. Brotherhood because Thekung Demazong. The land where Tek had already foreseen that

C Khye Bumsa would meet the Khye Bumsa’s successors M

Y For all the die-hard gamers in town, Midweek is introducing a old couple Thekung Tek and would milk Demazong and he K section on game cheats that will add to your arsenal of secret Nye Kung Nal and where they wanted to make sure that there weapons and moves. This week the cheats are for... would form an everlasting would be no partiality and bond. But let’s not forget the unfairness to his tribe, the initial purpose of Khye Bumsa original inhabitants of the land. to visit the couple. The wish to I don’t know why but seven be able to procreate children. or nine stones were buried Formalities done, Khye facing the Khang-chen-dzond- Bumsa, on meeting the couple, nga and blood from both the expressed his purpose for the families were dripped over the visit. Thus, Mr. and Mrs. stones to make the effect of Thekung Tek, being of gentle brotherhood treaty more and kindly disposition, blessed pronounced and final. That is Khye Bumsa and his wife with how Kabi Lungtsok got its name fertility. – ‘Kabi’ meaning blood and Elated, Bumsa went back ‘Lungtsok’ denoting those home and his wife soon bore stones. Kabi Lungtsok – the ENTER THE CONSOLE Now type the following in your SEE THRU WALL him sons. Grateful and in high place where originated the (press ~ by default) and enter console give weapon_< - Type gl_zmax 100. spirits, he returned to the family tree of Demazong. In sv_cheats 1 to activate cheat weapon name here- > gl_zmax 3600 will disable homeland of Thekung Tek and retrospect, I personally think mode. ADJUST GRAVITY this cheat. Nye Kung Nyal with a there should have been a severe MONEY AND WEAPONS After activating cheat mode C4 TIMER TO 10 SEC proposition. A proposition that punishment agreed upon if To get 16000$ which is the in the console with Type the following in your would make his successors an anyone failed to abide by the max, sv_cheats must be on. sv_cheats 1 you can change console: mp_c4timer 10 integral part of the land. brotherhood treaty. So type in the following in your gravity with sv_gravity <-999 AUTO AIM ONLY TO Before going further, let me Anyway, this is the story that console: sv_cheats 1 - 999999> SNIPER RIFLES mention that I am a true - continued on page 23 This will enable the cheats. GO TO MAP Type this in your console: After activating you must After activating cheat mode sv_cheats 1 and then type restart the level/map. Then in the console with sv_aim type in impuse 101 in your sv_cheats 1 you can change SEE OTHERS’ RECORDS console and you will have gravity with changelevel < cl_hidefrags 0 = To see 16000 dollars! mapname >. For example: other peoples records of kills The other code is for the “changelevel dust” (without and deaths. weapons. I dont want to take the quotes of course). MISCELLANEOUS: all the time to explain all the SPEED UPGRADED gl_alphamin 1 : removes weapon names because if you To upgrade the speed of your ladders, nets or fences... already play Counter-Strike a movements, go to your con- de_aztec : removes net on lot you should know the sole and type: bridge weapons/weapon code cl_forwardspeed 999. Re- cs_militia : removes fence names. To get the weapons peat this with cl_sidespeed at CT base.) you must have the cheats 999 and cl_backspeed sv_aim: adjust_crosshair activated once again 999... After doing all of these, (change the color of the sv_cheats 1. you’ll move VERY fast. crosshair) YOUTH 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 212121

Supernova > noun 1. A stellar explosion that only memorable performance he’s delivered so far. He produces an extremely bright object made of plasma pulled it off well with a much truer cover of the Billy that declines to invisibility over weeks or months. 2. Idol tune. He hit the lower projections reasonably well The unholy trinity of three aging rock stars: the but his transition into the refrain was great. And that infamous of former Motley Crue and pulling those girls up on the stage act undoubtedly earned fame; Jason Newstead, former him some major brownie points with the Supernova guys bassist of ; and Gilby Clark, the guy who who called him onstage for an encore the next day. replaced Izzy Stadlin in the once hugely popular After weeks of going mellow, Robichaux was band, Guns ‘n’ Roses. back in her form on week nine with Tracy Bonham’s o Rock Star: Supernova is the biggest reality Mother, Mother. She kicked ass, furiously playing her audition show currently being aired by CBS. Big Flying V, her dreads all over the place, her trademark Sdeal! Only a tiny bit of meditation on the definition rasp clearly subdued and instead replaced by some clear of Supernova and one is left wondering if some vocals. The range transition was impressive too. But potential rock singer is committing a career suicide. not impressive enough for fans to vote for her. So there Supernova. Not a very reassuring name for a band, don’t she was, in the bottom three. So what did she sing to you think? And considering the extremely mediocre redeem herself? Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer. She songs Supernova has unveiled so far, this audition might began with an acappella, which was not a whole lot be the brightest point in this so-called ‘super’ band’s impressive. It slightly got better once the music got career. After that, is it going to be ‘Hello, black hole’? going but not enough to sound good. We shall find that out soon. After three stinkin’ performances, Supernova did the After the ‘Tommyhawk’ fell on the tenth contestant most gentlemanly [or politically correct or commercially on Week Nine, most of whom had no business hanging feasible] thing to do – they saved the two damsels in around the Supernova stage anyway, only five are left to distress and sent Ryan home. Ryan returned the favour compete and connive against each other to front the band. by telling the band they could have made 20 years of Kick starting the Week Nine show with Lithium, away, jumping and sliding on the piano, and singing great music together but now that he has been axed did an unusual piano-based arrangement Coldplay’s Clocks, there were a couple of pitch from the show, he’ll go back to being a solo artist and of this Nirvana classic and totally nailed it. The problems with the “Dark Horse” going a little flat and see Supernova on the charts because that’s where he’s performance earned him a standing ovation from the crackly in the falsetto. Having exhausted himself of gonna be hanging out [Ryan’s words, not mine!]. judges and a jump-in-your-seat moment from Jason every cliché in the book within the first 30 seconds of So, who do you think will be going home on Week Newstead [and believe me, he’s not the jumping type]. the song, he’s in the bottom three ‘singing for his life’ Ten? I’m guessing it’s going to be Storm who’s the What they probably didn’t notice was Lukas repeating the next day. No, wait! He actually grabbed this weakest among the remaining five. But you never know. the same verse twice! So the next day, during the opportunity to try out some leftover clichés – popping After all, it’s a reality TV audition and Storm is an elimination show, it’s the Goth doll who got to play open a champagne bottle and shaking it all over, interesting person to have on the show for ratings. K with Supernova on their new track, It’s On, which – climbing on the speakers [which looked more pathetic - SERAH BASNET Y though the strongest song they have unveiled so far – than cool], then jumping off it. He looked like an M C is still very mediocre. overeager pup trying too hard to please. It was actually Masters Education Point Over the weeks, Magni Asgiersson has proved himself very sad to see such waste of his talent. Tibet Road, Gangtok to be a strong contender. The Iceman’s vocals were on . Ah! I have nothing good to say about spot when he sang Live’s I Alone. The performance had her performances these past couple of weeks. She WINTER CRASH COURSE good intensity. But the judges’ consistent focus on stage bravely took on ’s Bring Me To Life, a song STARTS FROM 1st WEEK OF DECEMBER 2006 antics has turned even the soberest of contestants into a totally wrong for her. So the next day, she’s also in the REGISTRATION GOING ON FOR CLASS X & XII walking cliché. Mid-song, Magni goes into the audience; bottom three singing The Beatles’ Helter Skelter. Uh- CBSE, ICSE & ISC 2007 that’s a good move. Then he spoils it by taking the tried oh, another one trying too hard! She’s on the judges’ and tested route to the judge’s stage. But overall, it’s a side of the stage, half on Tommy Lee’s lap and half on LIMITED SEATS ONLY!!! great performance. During the elimination show, Brooke Gilby Clark’s face, and poor Gilby’s flexing all his & ALSO REGULAR CLASSES FOR CLASS VII TO XII Burke, the mannequin host, tells us he’s the only muscles to push her away. Didn’t the Jill ‘grinding’ GOING ON IN FULL SWING contestant not to have made his way through the bottom episode teach this girl anything? The weakest CONTACT: 201161 (O) three during the votes. performance of the night. 9232514579 (O) was great on theatrics but not so great on ’s got the female population screaming 9434357076 & 9434143925 vocals this time. Between throwing his piano bench their lungs out for him but for me Rebel Yell was the

OPEN Thursday to Sunday

RATE : Thursday / Friday / Sunday - Rs. 200 couple/stag Rs. 100 Coupon SATURDAY : Rs. 400 couple/stag Rs. 100 coupon

CONTACT: 03592 229287 / 03591 228636

WEBSITE: www.sikkiminfo.net/xcape 222222 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 ART & ENTERTAINMENT B OLLYWOOD Hollywood-Bollywood ole to hats off to Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Cultural Exchange? BRajkumar Hirani for making a film that is more than just a rip-roaring comedy. Even more rib-tickling and heart- warming than the prequel Munnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munnabhai makes you laugh, makes you cry and, parallel to all the entertainment, it gives a message that sticks in the mind. To say it in Munnabhai’s lingo - it creates “chemical locha” in the brain. This Sanjay Dutt-Vidya Balan enlightened smile on his face not the least intrusive. Rajkumar starrer keeps you riveted to the throughout the movie. Hirani’s direction yokes together EDDIE VEDDER KAILASH KHER screen from the very opening Lage Raho Munnabhai all the elements of movie- reels to its conclusion. The most doesn’t merely end as a Sanjay making into a cohesive, hough one normally would not mention Indian singer Kailash exceptional thing about the film Dutt film. Although the actor meaningful and, above all, Kher and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder in a single breath but word is the way it blends comedy with takes to his role like a fish to entertaining package called Lage Thas it that the duo would be collaborating on a project for a emotional moments. the water and delivers yet Raho Munnabhai. The film is a forthcoming event! The collaboration will entail a live show in Arshad Warsi’s impeccable another brilliant performance, top-notch entertainer. There is New York City at Carnege Hall where the two of them will pay comic timing, coupled with ample footage is given to Vidya not a single dull moment in it. A tribute to late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Kher is quoted as saying: “I Sanjay Dutt’s light-humored Balan, Arshad Warsi, Boman must-watch. had received many offers earlier, but since I liked what Eddie had slapstick, promises laughs Irani and other actors as well. done with Nusrat Saab for the film Dead Man Walking, I finally aplenty for the viewers. And Vidya Balan looks angelic Oscar Academy’s library decided to take the plunge.” there are moments when the duo with her mystifying smile, free- acquires KANK script If Kher and Vedder are planning on jamming together on stage drives you to tears. For instance, flowing hair and charming to pay tribute to the late musician, director-choreographer Farah the sequence when Sanjay slaps persona. Boman Irani is highly abhi Alvida Na Kehna Khan will soon be busy rehearsing with Shakira and getting the Arshad and later goes to credible as a loud-mouthed K [KANK] may have met latter to shake her hips in Bollywood style for a forthcoming gig in apologise. Arshad proves in this Punjabi. Jimmy Shergill and Dia a mixed response in India but New York. sequence that he is not just an Mirza get their moments of Karan Johar’s take on extra- While Shakira’s trademark belly dance will remain, Khan will excellent comedian, but also a limelight. Abhishek Bachchan marital relations, continues to not only audition some other dancers but also teach Shakira some deft actor when it comes to makes a one-minute cameo. make waves on the global contemporary Indian dance steps in just three days. Going by the serious moments. To sum it up, Lage Raho arena. After becoming one of rumours floating in the industry, Shakira may end up returning the Another good thing about the the highest Bollywood favour by doing a special number with Shah Rukh Khan for Farah’s C Munnabhai is one of the best

M film is that Gandhiji’s ideology in movies to have come out of grossers in the overseas forthcoming directorial venture. Y

K it never sounds preachy. The film Bollywood this year. The script markets, Karan Johar’s multi- Another star on the cultural exchange list is Hollywood actor rather shows its soundness in a is exceptionally well written by starrer film has now won an Penelope Cruz who might come to India in January next year if practical way. Dilip Prabhavalkar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi. The honour from no less than the things go as planned. The Spanish actress will mainly visit Delhi plays Gandhiji’s role in the most background music complements Oscar’s Academy Of Motion to find out the suitable locations in the city for her next movie, convincing way. He almost has an the screenplay and the songs are Pictures. titled The Princess of Kapurthala. Also she will finalise then the Trade sources say that the Indian hero, who will play opposite her. NOW SHOWING library of Motion Picture Arts It will be a film on Javier Moro’s novel India Passion. The and Sciences, also called the story of the film will revolve around a 17-year-old Spanish Oscar Academy’s Margaret Flamenco dancer Anita Delgado, who lands in the midst of a scandal Herrick Library, has acquired when she agrees to marry an Indian king in 1908. Cruz will play the script of Karan Johar’s the part of Delgado. KANK for research purposes. Also adding to the list of half-a-dozen Hollywood films to be The script of KANK would be shot in India in 2007, which includes Johnny Depp’s Shantaram, used for research purposes by is The Darjeeling Limited. Wes Anderson, one of the most students, filmmakers, writers unconventional of Hollywood directors, will be shooting the film and actors from the world of entirely in India. An eight week schedule, starting in December, International cinema, a means the film will be ready for a fall 2007 release. prestigious honour for the According to trade magazine Variety, the film focuses on three filmmaker. brothers who take a spiritual trek through India, following the death What makes the honour of their father. It stars Owen Wilson [who co-wrote the script with greater for Karan is the fact Anderson and Roman Coppola], Jason Schwartzman and Oscar- that KANK is the second film winner Adrien Brody. It may be made in about $40 million, half 11:00 AM, 2:15 PM, 5:00 PM from the stable of Dharma the budget of an average Hollywood film. productions to be acquired by the Academy for research D ON’ T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY purposes. Earlier, Nikhil Advani’s Kal Ho Na Ho was acquired by the Oscars AVAIL UPTO 100% Library. In fact, ever since its DISCOUNT ON ALL release, the film has kicked up a heated debate in COURSES International cinematic circles with renowned critics the SCHOLARSHIP EXAM GOING ON world over describing it as a pathbreaking film on marital HURRY UP! LIMITED SEATS!!! relationships to have come out of the stable of Bollywood. FOR DETAILS CONTACT: International critics have CITI Computers, Tibet Road praised Karan’s sensitive Gangtok - 737101, Sikkim ULTRA SURROUND SOUND handling of the subject of :SHOW TIMINGS: infidelity and extra-marital Ph: 201119 / 9832025675 / 11:00AM / 2:15PM / 5:00PM relationships. 9832005613 ART & ENTERTAINMENT 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 232323 searchers, the gospels, the Take away the grey strands streaking his long hair, it’s hard to blues, jazz, rock and roll, the believe LOU MAJAW is almost sixty. Especially not when he jives disco music and now the hip with the guitar in hand, as he continues to enthrall music lovers Lou: The Man hop, techno and all that with his vocal abilities and antics on stage. fashionable trendy musicians. Traveling places and performing to the hilt, North-East Eventually we don’t know India’s most famous rock and roll guru is not ready to quit yet what else will come. and asserts he will be a ‘performer’ till the very end. When he & His Music It is definitely not turns 60 on April 14 next year, he plans to celebrate it by walking threatening classic rock or from Guwahati to . At Umiam near Shillong, grand plans blues and the jazz and it are afoot to hold a music festival, a gathering of friends and never can. There is no law musicians from all over to play and celebrate his birthday. that says that this kind of music is not good. All we have Often dubbed as the father of rock and blues music in the to realise is the depth, the country, The Great Society’s Lou Majaw was in Gangtok for a power of music. They will day and performed at Little Italy here. PEMA L. SHANGDERPA realise that. Time will tell. caught up with him for an exclusive chat. On what music the North East is into now? How did this trip come is called Forever Young. There’s a variety of music. about? What about the ones to There are people who like I was performing at come out? reggae, metal music, jazz. Kalimpong and prior to that in This will be until next year There is no level ground. Not Darjeeling. I was invited to play yeah [laughs]. I am to come just in the North East but the here in Little Italy by Zimba. out with a much better and entire country. Coming to Gangtok is a perfect album both in terms beautiful experience always. of performance to production. About The Great Society.. The Great Society was The moment I left Kalimpong Something on the gigs for Gangtok there was this formed in the late 70’s. We you’ve got lined up... started with AJ, Bert and beautiful feeling, a kind of After Gangtok, I have to be relaxed comfort level. I could myself. Three of us. Later in Guwahati. From 7 Rudy Wallang joined us but feel the good vibes even before September, I will be in Delhi. I entered Gangtok and it this was later and there were continued as I stepped into Does music take most of endless scores of people who your time... anything else were involved with us. Little Italy straightway. This was Lou performing at Little Italy this exact same feeling I had besides music? What do you say about the For me it is music 24 hours. when I first came here 20 years in Little Italy makes it feel and met music sort of halfway. I trend of clubbing drugs It can be 10.30 in the night or ago. look all’s well and nice. never had a dream like I must and Rock ‘n’ Roll? 5 in the morning. It is fine with play the guitar or I must Music itself is a high which Which were your last Lou Majaw. I’d rather spend What you’ve been listening perform or sing. It just is unmatched. If you have performances before this? my time singing and playing to lately… I was in Delhi prior to my Listening to Indian happened. I liked to give each music you do not need any my guitar than sleeping it off. I K tour to this region and also musicians like HFT [High other [music and myself] more substance. Drugs, sex Y travel places but I am a bad and Rock ‘n’ Roll is often M company and that’s what is C had a couple of shows in the tourist. I don’t spend time to F#%*#@ Times]. They are a happening right now as well associated but they are all North East. I recently visit tourist spots. I keep myself great bunch of musicians. and we are moving together. together different ball games. performed in Guwahati and busy with music. Frank Zappa and then the other places in Assam. other Indian musicians like Then it moved on from Jim People who are not into music You have played in Reeves to Jim Morrison, still hit drugs or those into What about albums? Hari Prasad Chaurasia. Gangtok before… Abba to Zappa [Frank], music don’t touch it. They are not actually How did u start and who I was here sometime in the Beatles to Bee Gees, Elvis, albums as such. I call them was your inspiration? Message for the youth…… 80’s and played at a festival Cliff Richards, whatever. demos. Demo albums from I first started earning from Hard work, dedication and [Roctober] Autumn festival I remember a friend had the Great Society. One of music in 1966. I was in honesty. And be professional sometime in the evening with brought a stack of LP records. them is called Breakthrough. Calcutta then. Though I do not in what you do. The Great Society. It was a There was Chuck Berry and I The other one is D.Y.A.O. keep a record, it was during And the road ahead….. beautiful experience then. This said this is good shit. Of [which stands for Dance Your the flower power days and a Lou Majaw is 59 years place used to be very nice then. course there was Dylan…and Ass Off], which is actually a lot of things were happening ‘young’. Lou Majow will I don’t know what’s happening you can say that changed my kind of spoof. Then after that at that time. I have now celebrate his 60th birthday next now. But my experience here music direction, it changed I came up with a solo which overgrown as a flower child. I year by taking a walk from my outlook Guwahati to Shillong. It will be - continued from page 21 At this age where does the a part of my celebrations and energy level come from? on 14 April there will be a Pang Lhabsol : A Different Take It is all but energy outburst. music festival at Umiam where It is out of frustration and all my friends will be. We will started and continues. That was were rules like equal I am not one of those restlessness. Just plain all play and celebrate and all about a thousand years back. participation, opportunity, no sermonizing types. The ones frustration. There’s other the music of Lou Majaw will That is what we call history. A dominance. Quite like an older who consider themselves God’s ways of looking at it as well be performed. lot can happen in the gap version of our Constitution. gift to mankind; higher than How long before you say Who do you see among the But today, these famous other forms of life. The line of between past and future. The I’m done? present lot [band or blood brothers can’t wait to a famous song says “Practice world is divided into developed Well hmmmmm.. Until I individual performer] as the get at each other’s throats what you preach”, which and the under-developed, the breathe my last. Lou Majaw of yesteryears? powerful and the not so when given a chance. Call apparently those next big things On the change in the taste At the moment, these powerful. The country is divided that cut-throat competition. to God usually fail to do. of music of the present people [points to Steve, into Hindus and Muslims, rich But who’s complaining. But I think what we need generation … Sunny, Noel and Chundu of and poor and inevitably our state Sikkim’s the most tranquil today is awareness. Not in the old There’s been a whole lot of Route 66 performing]. These Sikkim or Demazong also has its state in the country. That tried, tested and failed methods. changes. It’s just not in the guys are giving a clean share of divisions. We talk about counts. “However, when Awareness about our past, our North east. There were the delivery, a very pleasant unity, brotherhood, equality. But adults come, can youth be far culture redefined. Somewhere torch bearers, the soul rendition of music, not noisy. scratch the surface and you still behind?” They are the most down the line, something got find discrimination in every conspicuous lot. We are totally wrong and we are what phase. Like in Sikkim, the people losing touch with our culture, we are today. It’s a need to start from the plains who’ve resided our heritage, our past. Aping afresh. Maybe a daunting task, in the land for the last many years the West is the rage. Guess it at times nearly impossible, but are classified as ‘Indians’. If they has something to do with the patience will help I guess. grass being greener on the are Indians, who are we? During - HISHEY DOMA is a Std. XII other side. [email protected] the brotherhood treaty, there Science student in PNGSSS 242424 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 BAZAAR SCORCHING THE SHELVES: the lowdown on new products GIVEN THAT this is It’s a sturdy and smart bag, definitely the year of easy to wash and drips dry in superheroes, we can expect to a jiffy. The stitching is pretty see a whole host of trademark strong too. The bag retails for ith mobiles becoming everyone’s permanent extra merchandise hitting the stores. Rs.700/- Rs.750/- depending appendage, there are a lot of exclusive mobile shops With Krrish a new desi super on what size you opt for. achieved by compromising on Wspringing up all over town. This is a relatively new hero has been born. Superman WHAT’S ONLY 6.9 mm features. The phone is power phenomenon, given that the earliest mobile dealers were multi- too has returned to save the and making a lot of eyeballs packed with ultra features: product electronic goods store. With practically everyone all world. Where Superman is, pop? The all new Ultra • Ultra Imaging with a 2 wired up and wireless as well, and constantly looking for an can Batman be far behind? edition 6.9 Samsung X820 megapixel camera and video upgrade, a mobile shop always finds takers. BATMAN’S a real suavely mobile. Yes, the world’s recorder Subham Enterprises is the latest entrant in the mobile phone cool guy cos whereas slimmest phone. Given that • Ultra Display with 262 business. Located smack in the middle of M.G. Marg, near Superman either flies or Nokia ditched its classic colour TFT Sikkim Sarda, the shop had a low key but poised opening some walks, and Spidey swings over Nokia shape and launched the • Ultra MP3 with 80 MB time back. the city, Batman gets to hugely popular N series memory That proprietor Sanjay Malu is himself an avid mobile phone drive the coolest range, those in the • Ultra Share direct TV out enthusiast becomes readily apparent as he holds fort in the midst Batmobiles ever! Check trade had predicted and document viewer of all the latest offerings from the big brand names-Nokia, out the great Batman that Samsung was upto We checked out the phone Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG, Motorola, et al. He is especially school bag at the kids something huge. in the flesh or rather the proud of the world’s thinnest mobile, the Samsung X820 as store next to Cloud Looks like the Fibreglass Infused Plastic and well as the Nokia N- series range. Nine (it’s called Korean boy, was it tremendous. The One finds the usual suspects by way of accessories like Mini Me but not chaebol clarity of the display and the cabinets, mobile cases, chargers, car chargers, crystal covers many people was upto sound quality was truly

for all brands, dongles, batteries, straps, hands free sets, and know it by something phenomenal for something so C

M card readers to name a few. name) near Star huge, thin. The mob did not feel Y

K Hailing from a family long associated with the photography Cinema. only it flimsy at all, the features and business, it seems only natural that Sanjay’s shop should also This bag is a wasthe free accessories really offer you a quick 1 minute digital passport photo service as well. great buy for miniscule! gave it solid punch. This combined with his photocopying service, and the prime starry eyed caped The The phone will set you back location, takes his shop beyond being another mobile shop. hero worshipping Samsung by about Rs.15,000/- roughly QUICK PICKS: young boys. We like it X820 is but you get a whole host of ultra • Super Screen Guard: Stick on screen guarder for LCD screens- because it comes in a mean incredibly thin and accessories free- 2 batteries, car just peachy for those paranoid about getting their LCD screens nicked or damaged. black, the perfect colour given lightweight. Some people charger, special battery • Mobile Metal Guard: Stickers in metallic silver hues. Choose a the affinity most young boys were complaining that it did charging case, battery charger, Lacoste, dragon, BMW, Bugs Bunny, Snoopy or a heart to add a have with dirt! The classic not feel like a mobile at all but direct TV out cable and data kit. nice personalized touch to your mob. Rs.50/- Batman logo is emblazoned we just love it. It’s really sleek Our advice to you is to covet • Rhythm light stickers: These make sure you don’t miss your proudly across its face and and what’s more, it has the calls by giving you a rhythmic reminder when a call comes. Small the phone for now but to wait but useful, at Rs.30/- apiece. even the zippers sport the lean, mean John Abraham a while for the prices to fall to • Blinkers: Straps with Winnie the Pooh, dolphins, fans, torches, same logo in a neon yellow. himself endorsing it. Perfect call it your own. Available in stars, pink hearts with blinkers that light up. Perfect as a useful We like that it has see through fit between the man and most mobile shops. We small gift. Rs.20/- each. but surprisingly strong side mobile, we’d say. checked it out at Subham • Mobiles, mobiles and more mobiles! What we like: The salespeople do not crowd you, you can netted pockets, perfect for The best part is the Enterprises. browse at leisure and in peace! snugly holding a water bottle. reduction in size has not been - TINA

So what is this new product you are promoting and Why should we try it? Q&A why? In the present day our bodies are continuously exposed with Ms. Karma Doma, It was in October 2005 when I was in Delhi to pollution of various type ranging from passive Health Instructor on the magic of Aloe that a friend introduced me to Aloe Vera and cigarette smoking to high fat diets, junk food and Bee Forever living products. As I am in Health alarmingly high level of stress. Prolonged exposure to & Wellness Industry, I took the training & feel all the above may result in toxins in our stomach & that every human being should be made aware intestines. These toxins block the lining of the intestines of this product. thereby reducing the absorption of nutrients in our body. Which is? This makes it more necessary to cleanse of all the Aloe Vera is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. unnatural toxins and to enhance the absorption and The knowledge of the extraordinary healing powers of assimilation of nutrients for a healthy living. the fresh Aloe Vera plant has been transmitted all over You really believe it helps? the world, and today the gel from the plant is extracted The first gulp of Aloe Vera Gel initiates the mission and used without losing its potency. detoxification inside our body which may accelerate the Are you supposed to drink this? blood circulation and also provide our body with The Aloe Vera gel is fibrous, nutritive and easily vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids and various digestible in liquid form. Since it is a natural product, its other nutrients. It is believed that it lets our organ taste and amount of pulp varies due to several factors, take a cleansing bath from inside. i.e. rainfall and geographical conditions but the efficiency You are welcome to contact of the product does not increase or decrease with these Ms Karma Doma Gyatso... for all Aloe Vera & Bee Forever living Products. Call 9832054928 or variations. email:[email protected] 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 252525

Total Sanitation Campaign [TSC} is one of the prioritized programme of the Rural Management & Development Department, . The programme is presently in progress in all four Districts.

The main objectives of the TSC are here under: 1. To bring about improvement in the quality of life in the rural areas. 2. To accelerate sanitation coverage in rural areas. 3. To generate demand based sanitation facilities through awareness creation and health education. 4. To cover Schools/Aganwadis in rural areas with sanitation facilities and promote hygiene education and sanitation habits among students. 5. To encourage cost effective and appropriate technologies in sanitation. 6. To eliminate open defection to minimize risk of contamination of drinking water sources and food. 7. To cover dry latrines, to pour flush latrines, and eliminate manual scavenging practice, wherever in existence in rural areas.

The Total Sanitation Campaign [TSC] gives emphasis on your active participation in its implementation process. The Rural Management and Development Department humbly request you to come forward and lend your all out support to make this programme a grand success. We look forward to your valuable suggestions and participation.

CONTACT PERSONS: State Level: 1. Superintending Engineer [East] 2. Deputy Secretary [Sanitation] District Level: 1. District Development Officer, Divisional Engineers of South/West/East/North K Y M C 262626 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 ETCETERA

by PANKAJ THAPA by KARCHOONG DIYALI

LUNCH TIME : A girl takes lunch for her family toiling in the ginger fields in Central Pendam. CUT THE CRAP WHERE’S THE PARTY TONIGHT? hat most of our officials k this is a real funny one. Thave a fragile ego is a fact well known. But OA couple of weeks back, the top cops of this incident really takes it. During one of the the town decided to have a party, for which they Nepal boy claims to state’s grand functions, an officer was waxing booked a popular nightclub. Dancing continued eloquent on stage when all night, a little bird tells be shortest in world someone passed him a me, and the one with the

chit of paper. According to most nimble feet and the C

M a buzz source, the note best moves was as

Y asked him to wind up his always…you know who. It K 14-year-old Nepali speech fast as many in the must have been a purely boy Khagendra audience were actually inside affair [no pun Thapa Magar dozing off. But, long intended] because no standing next to speeches being the done wives were spotted. But, another boy at his thing here, the officer here’s the hilarious part, home in the continued nevertheless. having fun and dancing Banglung district in Anyway, what no one in together, unaware of what lay northwest Nepal. the audience gauged in store, were some of the was just how furious he guys who attempted the was about the note. That daring masked lottery evening he called up the robbery. A few days later, note-sender and gave the bonhomie was over as him a mouthful of the cops faced the men choicest abuses. Both again – this time in by the way were high handcuffs. No more ranking officials. Now it was the turn of the other dancing in the dark. officer to get MAD. So what best way to show his anger? The next morning he resigned from ‘MAATHI KO’ OR ‘ANTI’? the board of the cultural organization that had eople are funny. The first organized the function. So who are they? Pquestion they ask you when you talk about Wouldn’t you like to know! But even a Khatam a new paper is whether you are maathi ko or column like Buzz has some ethics and I just anti. What the hell is that supposed to mean? cannot reveal that. I’m surprised the declaration form didn’t have a column to tick mark the correct answer! And BROTHERS IN ARMS then there is the well meaning advice. ‘Be id you hear about this careful of what you write, jata teera taali cha, Dongoing jhagra between two of our uta nai janu parcha’ or else you’re ‘Rangpo KATHMANDU, Nepal: Nepal’s shortest boy is waiting for word ministers? Both are up in arms against each paar’ etc. Just for the record we’d like to make from the Guinness World Records, where he has applied to other and there is no love lost between these it cle ar, we’re neither mathi ko or tala ko. be named the shortest in the world, his supporters said last two ‘Blood Brothers’. One of the ministers is We’re proudly going about wearing the badge week. convinced that the other is printing and of being a ‘balanced’ paper [whatever that Khagendra Thapa Magar, 14, is only 20 inches tall and weighs circulating slanderous pamphlets about him means] although many are skeptical about 10 pounds. from the official ministerial office! Some observers this stance and think it’s only a matter of time According to Min Bahadur Thapa, president of the Khagendra claim that they are just being played against each before we sell out to the highest bidder. When Thapa Magar Foundation, they are expecting to receive a reply other and are naïve enough to fall into the trap. I did this town become so cynical? Or maybe from London-based Guinness World Records in the next few don’t know anything about that. I’m just a rumour that’s the only way things are allowed to days. The foundation was set up to collect funds for the boy. tumour that’s going to get bigger and bigger, filled function here. We will have to wait and watch. There was no listing on the Guinness World Records’ website with secrets of the bad, bad things that the high But, hey guys, support us by buying the paper on a shortest boy category, but Thapa claimed their closest and mighty say and do. Which, of course, I will so we can just do our job. Which is to bring competitor was 25 inches tall. pass on to you dear readers, so we all know parde you the REAL story, whether its maathi ko or The boy and family members are currently touring south Nepal, ke peeche kya hai tala ko! seeking support for the foundation. SEND FEEDBACK AND QUERIES TO [email protected] OR CALL 320169 ETCETERA 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 272727

“pls arnge pikp 4 2 ppl SMS on his bro-in-law and 4- arvng tmrw by rjdh xps.” month pregnant sister. The pending message unfortunately hat’s what SMS has done was delivered at 2 am that night. to the English Language, His faithfull cell beeped him Twhich has yet to invent a awake with the “Delivered to word that would describe the Jyoti” message. Yup. My friend mutation of words like “for” woke up the entire eastern into “4” and so on and so forth. Himalayas with his incoherent Sometimes the cryptic messages babbling about a 4-month make you wonder if one should monstrosity his sister delivered “the road to excesses leads to the path of wisdom..” call for Mr. Langdon. And as if at 2 am. A true story that. - JIM MORRISON that’s not enough (‘enuf ’) try How about another chappie HEARD ABOUT this 1980’s hard rock band Motley Crue’s mixing this new SMS jargon whose well meaning friends BIOGRAPHY, ‘’, and it’s making me feel like such an with a healthy dollop of the edited the name of his wife and INADEQUATE human being.. How can I say that I’ve ever really vernac and you got a spicy mix replaced it with a “socially LIVED when I haven’t stolen the clothes from a homeless woman that’s as hard to swallow as it is active” lady’s nickname? Next while she was chained to my bed? to comprehend. “wtng 4 u at li by PANKAJ THAPA day, when wifey called, the How can I say that I’ve ever really lived when I haven’t had sex with ka chas” Which for the SMS glamourous name flashed on his 15 women in a 24 hour period? Like I said, I feel so inadequate... challenged reads “ Waiting for “Having a great time. Wish you bigger-than-others-screen. He It is kind of daunting to read this book and realize just how extreme you at Little Italy. Where are were her!” And that’s not the answered with a tremulous and their lives were. And it’s funny, for where most biographies tend to you?” Easy? What about this least of the hurdles. If you have hopeful“er…hello? ko bolnu sanitize the subjects past, this book ONLY focusses on the unsanitary one - “k b 4 6 aune ho” (“What an ultra sleek cell phone, and a bhako la?”. Reality probably hit bits. And, judging from what I’ve read so far, there were only have you decided? Are you thumb that looks like its been him harder than the electric chair. coming?”) It doesn’t help that unsanitary bits in their lives. working on the railroad all day, It is a sad truth that one can most of the SMS junkies don’t then chances are you’ll probably Wow. I’m dumbfounded. I knew that such debauchery took place, always make out when a man is bother with Upper and Lower press a wrong digit (there’s 10 speaking to his wife, mistress or but not in such a sustained manner for such a long time. I guess I’m case letters, nor with of them bleeders to press) and daughter. He is his most tender a bit naive. Hhmm..and to deftly move from one topic to the next punctuation. Maybe too much the thumb is only human. The and loving with the daughter. His .....did you read the papers recently? Two things stand out! work for the humble thumb, anatomical message you conv. with the mistress you can’t FIRSTLY::: a REPORT on animal castration: “It’s true that piglets which has suddenly become the intended for your buddy reaches hear, because he’s gone out onto are castrated with NO anesthetic, but researchers haven’t yet most important digit in your some matronly mother of 4, the freezing balcony, while with determined whether the process is PAINFUL,” according to hand. The Thumb Rules, - and mother-in-law of 2.Chaos rules the wife it sounds like a telegram. Dr.Swamy Reddy , Director of Animal Welfare at the National sneers at myopic geeks as your eardrums shatter (“Mero Come the full stop. Lifestock Board. Hmm...cutting off an infants testicles without desperately using two thumbs to mistar le chal payo bhani ta The local Kings of Humour anesthetic, would that be PAINFUL? figure out how to insert a space. maarchha!”) and you reach for have a nice definition of SMS,- I do hereby declare the above referenced quote by Dr.Swamy Reddy However, some slips of the a Dettol-dipped Johnson bud. Sabji ko Momo and Soup. That to be the STUPIDEST thing that any human being on God’s green thumb can have a fatal result as The heights of SMS humour has would go down well with Single

earth has said in the last...well..7 days! this husband in Goa on a to be this acquaintance who Malt Scotch ! Cheers until next K SECONDLY:::Children fathered by OLDER men run a much higher business trip, SMS-ing his wife: Y tried out his brand new Nokia week. M risk of developing schizophrenia, researchers said on Thursday in a C finding that provides strong evidence that MEN, like WOMEN, have a “biological clock” when it COMES to having children. The STUDY BLOWS A GAPING HOLE in the commonly held belief that while older women run a higher risk of having babies with birth The Week Ahead defects, men face no such risk when fathering children even at an advanced age. Aspects suggest that Oh, whoops! There is Your relationship[s] Uh-oh...and I’m not getting any younger. Time to make some more it is time to let go of a a surprise upon you. with authority figures desire or way of being It comes from the and others with whom babies....FAST!! that just doesn’t work territory that features you work will be anymore. This may corporate/joint particularly good this not be monumental. It could be a finances, sexual relations, week. Your optimistic frame of particular diet or method of taxes, accidents or word of mind will serve to help everyone exercise. Letting go is the theme someone’s crossing. Make do a better job and to have more Crocodile Hunter for the week. changes where it is possible fun while accomplishing it. You have positive and necessary in these areas. In a sense, this is D- energies in the You will be happier if Day for Capricorn. Steve Irwin killed territories of you release the anger Saturn, as your romance, home, and that has occupied planetary ruler, has family. If you need your attention for a been creeping up to assistance at this time, just ask. time. If you haven’t an opposition to Neptune all Someone will be there to help resolved it by now, you probably summer. It has been a project right away. This is a good time won’t. Rehashing isn’t useful. to hold both hope and reality in to restore yourself, have a good Look for something to freshen the same space in your mind. self-talk about the good things the spark in your relationship. But of all the signs, a Capricorn you intend to do. Your communications has what it takes to succeed. Your mind races this are deep and to the Here we are. A truth week and things point at this time. is right in front of you happen in a hurry. It There may be a few and there is no way is possible that great who don’t want to around it. This has insights may dawn hear what you say. If this occurs been building slowly, upon you now. But you may be it is likely because they wish to so it comes as no real surprise. skipping over significant details deny the truth rather than cope It is very probably a relief that that need to be carefully with honesty. you don’t have to protect planned. This may be a good yourself from the reality CAIRNS, Australia: Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian You are doing your time to take a step anymore. television personality and environmentalist known as the very best at back from a The normally placid ‘Crocodile Hunter’, was killed on 4 September by a stingray while maintaining an friendship and let the Fish may be irritable, filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. optimistic and faithful air clear. Some may edgy and nervous He was 44. attitude. And you are want to drop out of participation this week. News may Irwin was killed by a stingray barb to the heart on Batt Reef, off to be congratulated for doing so in organizational activities. come your way that the remote resort town of Port Douglas in northeastern this week. One or more others Sometimes people and things in causes this upset. We all lean Queensland state. Stingrays have flat bodies and tails with around you are generally our lives just use too much toward preserving security, serrated spines, which contain venom and can cause cuts and irritable and they want you to do energy for their value. often into ruts. However, you puncture wounds. something about it. have a need for change. 282828 6 - 12 Sept, 2006 Reaching new heights towards Sikkim’s prosperity

Shri. V. Rao Dr. Pawan Chamling His Excellency Governor of Sikkim Hon’ble Chief Minister & Hon’ble Minister, Energy & Power

Vision of the State Government

C

M Y K to generate 5000 MW of Power by 2012

Ongoing Projects Upcoming Projects 1. Lachung HEP 1. Upper Rimbi HEP 2. Rongli HEP 2. Kalej Khola HEP 3. Relli Chu HEP 3. Bermelee Khola HEP 4. Mangley HEP 4. Kissim Khola HEP

Sikkim Power Development Corporation Limited. (A Govt. of Sikkim Enterprise) 31A National Highway (Near STNM Hospital) Gangtok, Sikkim. Ph: 03592 229199 Fax: 03592 228186 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Printed at Baba Offset Works, Tadong. Publisher & Editor : Mita Zulca. MIDWEEK, Near Hotel Yatung, Nam Nang, Gangtok - 737101. Phone: 03592 320169 Email: [email protected]