27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 111 Employing children under 14? ROADIES Now you can go to jail for this TO HIT GANGTOK on page 18

on page 5 A.D. GETS READY on page 2

27 SEPT - 03 OCT, 2006, GANGTOK [email protected] VOLUME 1 NO. 4. Rs. 10 K Y M C ‘DUGDI’ COMPLETE STORY ON PAGE 3 HOTELIERS IN THE CAPITAL FURIOUS OVER ‘REQUEST’ FOR COMPLIMENTARY ROOMS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT 222 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 ROUND-UP Domestic servant robs couple a MIDWEEK Report GANGTOK: The trend of Rai lodged a complaint with domestic servants turning into the Ranipool Thana, and the criminals is fast growing in the Police immediately started to State, with the Police arresting search for the absconding a person in connection with a Chettri. The Police, during the robbery. course of its investigations Ranipool Thana on found out that Chettri had September 23 arrested one relatives in North Sikkim. A Navin Chettri after receiving Police raiding team led by complaints from Clement Rai Ranipool OC Sub-Inspector of Assam Lingzey about a Karma Bhutia carried a number break-in at his house. of raids and finally managed to According to the complaint arrest Chettri at Phodong in registered at the Ranipool North Sikkim. Thana, Clement Rai, along During interrogation, with his wife, had gone for an Chettri admitted to his crime overnight visit to his sister-in- and revealed to the Police that law’s house, leaving behind the he had stayed at Hotel Lachen house to their domestic help, Valley in Mangan after Navin Chettri. When the decamping with the loot. When couple returned back the next he was arrested, Chettri was on day, they found that someone his way to Gangtok from had broke into their bedroom Mangan. Police also recovered through a window and ran some gold jewellery and cash away with Rs. 65,000 in cash amounting to Rs. 21 thousand A.D. gets Ready! and 8 tolas worth of gold from him. Chettri told the jewellery. Police that he had used some The suspicion immediately money in buying clothes and SHRP PREZ EMERGES AS MAN OF THE MOMENT shoes for himself. He has been

C fell on Chettri, a resident of

M Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling, who booked under 381 of the IPC Y K PEMA L SHANGDERPA the state. SHRP was also SHRP has been working at the was missing when the couple and is presently in Police protesting against the non grassroots level in West reached their house. Clement remand. GANGTOK: While the reservation of seats for the Sikkim. Although the party Central Executive Committee Limbu and Tamang hardly got any votes in the last [CEC] of the ruling Sikkim communities in the state. They election, it is believed that it Democratic Front was submitted a memorandum to now has considerable support. Man arrested for celebrating the Garibi Uthan the Governor protesting Sounding upbeat, Subba said Diwas at the SDF headquarters against the delimitation and that the people have been attempted rape in the Indira Bye pass road on asking for its cancellation. accepting the programmes of When Mrs. Subba started to 22 September, another man Copies of the memorandum the party and were expressing a MIDWEEK Report heading a regional rival outfit were also sent to the Chief a desire to join and participate raise an alarm by shouting for was hogging all the limelight. Electoral Officer, Sikkim, the in SHRP’s drive for change. GANGTOK: A 22-year-old help, Mahesh stopped the car Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Chairman of the Delimitation “We have to change the has been arrested in connection and allowed her to get down party president A D Subba had Commission and Prime government. The old foxes with attempting to rape a 14 but managed to speed away the audacity to come out in the Minister Manmohan Singh. should go. All are looking for year-old girl in South Sikkim. with her niece still in the streets even if it was with a Speaking to Midweek, new faces, new issues, new Mahesh Subba, a resident of vehicle. thousand odd supporters on a Subba said that the protest was planks, new administration and Dalep Busty, was arrested by The girl returned home day that also happens to be the also against the hike in prices we have been working on a Temi Police, following a later in the evening and two birthday of the SDF supremo. of all essential commodities network of supporters,” he complaint registered by the days later told her aunt that she The foot rally organised by the which he claimed had gone up claims further adding that victim’s aunt. According to had been raped by Mahesh. SHRP turned heads while as high as 3 to 10 times. “The about 800 members had joined Mrs. Man Maya Subba, a Mrs. Subba filed a complaint Subba basked in the new found people in the villages are the party since the rally. resident of Rashep Busty in with the Temi Police, who attention. This was SHRP’s already feeling the burden of the Reacting to the SHRP rally South Sikkim, the accused based upon a rough sketch of way of registering their protest hike in power which is and Subba’s assertions, a senior offered a lift in his vehicle to the accused prepared on against what they called anti- absolutely unnecessary and leader of the SDF said “Every her and her niece when they details provided by the victim, people policies of the State uncalled for. While the party has a right to echo their were returning to the village arrested Mahesh on 25 Government. government claims of discontentment. We have not around 4: 30 pm on September September. His Bolero, Making the leaders of the harnessing huge power, the prevented them from organizing 22. However, when they allegedly used for the crime state units of national parties people are burdened with such the rally and it went without any reached Mrs. Subba’s house, was also seized by the Police. like the State Congress and the hikes, he accused, adding, “We hindrances. This proves Mahesh refused to stop the Mahesh has been booked Bharatiya Janata Party look have also taken serious note of democracy has taken roots in vehicle and continued driving. under 365/376/511 of the IPC. like mere ‘arm chair’ how the government has not Sikkim. This will also not harm politicians, Subba and been able to pay up the our traditional vote banks. MIDWEEK CLASSIFIEDS supporters, suggest some, contractors and in some cases Obviously there are some displayed nerves by coming the salaries of its employees. sections that are not happy and Midweek announces a section for CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS. out in the open. The party took The situation is grim while the they are with them. Everybody LOST / FOUND / WANTED / FOR SALE to the streets in a peaceful people are waiting to celebrate has a right to raise their voice. But TO-LET / JOBS / VACANCIES manner to protest against the the Dasain.” it has proven that the other leaders for ONE COMPLETE WEEK recently announced Started on 02.02.02 [2 of the state units of national comes at only Rs. 100 notification of the delimitation February, 2002], a date that parties are only arm chair (WORD LIMIT 50) of assembly constituencies in Subba likes to emphasize on, politicians’ and paper tigers.” COVER STORY 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 333

No.896 ADGP/C&CP/AIPEC 2006 Dated: 24.08.2006 Sub: Ref. Booking of double beded two rooms required for accomodating AGPs/ADGPs/DGPs from 26th Oct to 6th Nov 2006. Dear Sir, As you are aware that Sikkim Police has been entrusted with the responsibilities of organising All India Police Football Championship 2006 at Gangtok from 26th October to 6th November in which police football teams from all over India ‘DUGDI’ will be participating. As such, senior officers of the ranks of IGPs / ADGPs and HOTELIERS IN THE CAPITAL FURIOUS OVER ‘REQUEST’ FOR DGPs from all other states as well as Central Police Organisation will be arriving at Gangtok on or before 26th COMPLIMENTARY ROOMS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT October 06 to witness this tournament. Under the circumstances I, on behalf of ADGP / Crime & a MIDWEEK REPORT THE COST OF ASSISTANCE Check Posts / PHQ who is the Organising Secretary of this Meet, would take this opportunity to request you that at least GANGTOK: This letter 1Double Bedded Room (Deluxe) Rs. 2,000/- (approx) two double-bedded good quality rooms having attached (cover & extreme right) 2 Rooms per Hotel Rs. 4,000/- bathrooms etc. suitable absolutely for accomodating Senior requesting for two rooms each Number of days required 12 (Twelve) Officers of the rank of IGPs / ADGPs & DGPs may kindly has been sent to 60 hotels and Assistance from each hotel Rs. 48,000/- kept reserved in your Hotel as ‘Complimentary’ from your lodges in the capital, most of Number of Hotels 60 (Sixty) end as a token of assistance to the Police Department for them within walking distance Total Cost of Assistance Rs. 28,80,000/- the abovesaid period. of the Police Headquarters. Your kind cooperation in this regard will be highly MIDWEEK has a photocopy All rates have been approximated for the European Plan appreciated. (rooms only) of an average Gangtok hotel. of one such letter. Thanking you Yours Sincerely While a handful of hoteliers officials on account of the peak to reason too. Consider the Superintendant of Police are willing to comply with the tourist season. But the Police economics involved. Providing Crime Branch / CID request, there has been growing authorities would not hear of ‘ Two double bedded good Gangtok, Sikkim unrest and resentment amongst it. The hotel owners were then quality rooms having attached the majority ever since they asked to accomodate their bathrooms,etc suitable of the overall magnitude of the All facts taken into received the letter. Apart from guests, some of whom have had absolutely for accommodating ‘assistance’ the Police consideration, hotel and lodge the fact that providing the confirmed bookings since June Senior Officers of the rank of Department expects private owners find no immediate redress rooms ‘complimentary’, as 2006, in some other lodges IGPs/ADGPs and DGPs’ hoteliers to provide. This except wait and fume about it the letter states, is completely elsewhere in the capital at their complimentary to the Police gesture of support is a truly internally since the only place they out of the question, as things own expense. Further, a hotel department means a serious expensive one, to the tune of a could go with such problems was stand, the dates of the ‘All owner was asked to give in loss of revenue to the hoteliers whopping Rs. 28,80,000! the Police. But in this case they India Police Football writing that he would anyhow in peak season. As it is, private hoteliers fear that the Police will favour their Championship 2006’ coincide manage to have two luxury A deluxe room that meets hardly receive any concrete own interests and only lead to with the busiest time of the year rooms in his hotel vacant the above criteria will cost a assistance from the more harassment and dugdi for K Y for those in the hotel industry, before the dignitaries arrived minimum of Rs.2000 that too Government and it is due to themselves since they could not M C this being the peak season. for their complimentary stay being a conservative estimate. their own marketing efforts that provide a ‘token of assistance to Most hotels have already got for twelve days when he A loss of Rs.4000 per day for they have been able to get the Police Department.’ Hoteliers their booking charts full and in repeatedly refused. 12 days means a total loss of guests.Besides, cancelling who feel that the whole episode is fact have been forced to turn “It is not fair of the Police Rs.48,000 for an individual confirmed bookings will result nothing but ‘police dugdi’, still down more bookings. Department to expect us to hotelier. Take that amount and in a serious loss of credibility fear repercussions as is clear from Apparently some hoteliers cancel confirmed bookings, for multiply it by the number of for the hoteliers within the the fact that they spoke to approached the authorities and which we have already hotels this letter has been sent trade both with guests and their MIDWEEK only on the condition tried to explain that it was not received advance payment, and to and one can get a fair picture travel agents. of anonymity. possible to have the required that too for so many days,’ says rooms reserved for the police a disgruntled hotelier. It stands

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Sikkim Tourism Department tourists along with the figures) arrived in Sikkim. This international markets. There Gurudongmar Lake in north Sikkim. year, we are all set to break that are very few private tour Photo: KARCHOONG DIYALI record. Already, we’ve had operators concentrating on this 1,79,385 visitors till June this segment, which brings to fore year. No wonder the State a vital issue - the lack of joint Government has attached high marketing in the State. There priority to tourism. is virtually no collaborative Tourism activities in the effort between the private and State have no doubt gone up in public sectors. Both sectors are the last one year due to the doing it their own way, without persistent efforts of all the consultation or collaboration sectors - be it the private or with each other. “The public or even the NGO sector Government must only work and there’s no denying the fact. on the policy. After that it is up The Tata Consultancy Report to the private sector and the Tourism Master Plan for the State NGOs to go ahead and work has projected a gradual growth of and plan. Private sector is profit tourism related activities till 2011. driven and so can create the The tourist inflow to the State has most efficient and effective exceeded the projections in the logistic arrangements,” opines Master Plan for domestic tourists Mr. Rai. but in case of international On the role of the private tourists, it is still way below the sector, Travel Agents’ Tourism booming, projected estimates. Association of Sikkim (TAAS) The numbers may be president, SK Pradhan says heartening but are we getting that TAAS has been consistent but time still for a rethink the right kinds of visitors? And in its promotion of Sikkim as a are we fetching the right prices tourist destination. “We play a SAMTEN YANGZOM now ready to reap the benefits. reflected glory, it’ s time for a for the products? vital role in supporting the We would like to believe in the rethink. The growth in tourism in the State Government’s efforts in GANGTOK: Sikkim has statistics and the awards we Agreed that the numbers are State notwithstanding, there is tourism promotion.” firmly established itself in the have won. We are “small, but impressive. Last year, we broke a flipside to it. There is a This brings us to the tourism map of the world. So beautiful.” We are everything a record of sort. The number growing concern on the impact promotion of Sikkim as the we want to believe. We would that Darjeeling is no longer - of visitors making a beeline of the tourism boom in the “ultimate ecotourism also like to believe that Sikkim and even more. towards Sikkim was State which is still ill-equipped destination.” Ecotourism is

is the hottest “ecotourism” Really? unprecedented. A total number to handle massive flow of indeed the buzzword for C

M destination today. We have Before the euphoria sets in of 2,68,267 visitors (domestic tourist traffic. Do have Sikkim today but in the Y

K hard sold ourselves and are and we begin to bask in the and foreign according to the adequate infrastructure to meet absence of any set definition, this burgeoning demand? the dictums guiding ecotourism Also pertinent here is what practices are not defined in the is the optimum quantum of State, thus leading to its rather Orchid named after Gandhi tourism needed in the State? Is pretentious understanding and it a “boon or a curse” to the promotion. “Ecotourism is the sanity of our State? Has the only way to save this situation. family member gains from tourism been By creating the best experience equated by the impact, positive and narrowing down the target or negative, it has made on us segment we can hope to a MIDWEEK REPORT Chamling and his wife Poudyal also said that the and on our environment? differentiate the product - one Tikamaya received the UPA release of the new hybrid in Experts agree that we are size does not fit all. We can GANGTOK: A new orchid chairperson and Priyanka at New Delhi was an attempt to getting mostly low-end budget charge more but provide a good hybrid Brasso laelio cattleya Sikkim House. popularise the orchids of tourists. So would it be feasible experience of eco-tourism and [BLC] from Sikkim has been The hybrid was prepared Sikkim at the national level. in the long run to foster a local culture to the visitors,” named after a member of the by former chief secretary and “The function was itself a big tourism economy that is solely says Mr. Rai. Experts feel that Gandhi dynasty Miraya Vadra a well known orchid expert achievement for Sikkim and based on the domestic market? if the State Government is Gandhi, the granddaughter of and conservationist KC was an attempt to give the Or are we exploring other serious enough, then it will Congress president Sonia Pradhan at his Wayside state recognition in the growing international markets? have to immediately plan an Gandhi. nurseries in Tadong here. floriculture map of the Initially it was to be high value ecotourism policy and put it in The hybrid orchid now Speaking to MIDWEEK country,” Poudyal added. low volume tourism and what place. Also it will provide known as BLC Miraya after over phone Agriculture and Earlier in 2003, during the we have now is high volume funds for capacity building in the daughter of Priyanka Horticulture Minister visit of the then prime low value tourism. “High value the designated sites. Gandhi was released on 26 Somnath Poudyal said that minister Atal Bihari is a very small component Ecotourism should not be September by the UPA the programme was very Vajpayee, a hybrid orchid was really since our experience for confined to just huge hoardings chairperson at Old Sikkim successful and was named after him. When asked the traveller is very poor and on the wall but best practices House in Chanakyapuri, New appreciated by the UPA to give a name for another ill conceived,” says PD Rai, put in place. The rush to build Delhi. The brief naming chairperson. “We are grateful dendrobium hybrid, Vajpayee founder member, Ecotourism more hotels and other ghastly ceremony was followed by a that Madame could set aside named it as Kalpana Chawla and Conservation Society of infrastructure is telling on the flower show showcasing time to grace the function and after the Indian astronaut who Sikkim (ECOSS). A typical eco-system and fragile Sikkim’s flora. The function we would like to thank her for was killed in the Columbia example would be a high-end environment. Quality of life for held at the Old Sikkim House her presence which will boost tragedy. Both these hybrids tourist arriving here in a SUV most citizens has actually gone also saw the presence of Sikkim’s efforts on were also developed by KC and staying in a star hotel. But down. We see numbers but this Priyanka Vadra Gandhi. developing floriculture,” Pradhan and his son Sailesh once in Tsomgu Lake he would does not speak of the negatives Earlier, Chief Minister Pawan Poudyal said. Pradhan. be rubbing shoulders and that are overwhelming us. It is experiencing the same thing time for a serious rethink on Send in your feedback and queries to sikkim.midweek @gmail.com with a guy who has stayed our tourism policy, if we OR post it to: overnight in a Rs. 120 room indeed want to hold on to the Midweek, Near Hotel Yatung, Nam Nang, Gangtok - 737101 sharing it with 5 others. “ultimate ecotourism Therefore, there is a need to destination” title and actually Phone: 03592 320169 properly tap the high-end do justice to it. ROUND-UP 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 555

Photo: Karchoong Diyali 8-year-old Raju has his day cut about the extent of the net of out for him. He gets up at 7 in the ban, the future of the the morning, sweeps the floor domestic helps is in a quandary. and collects packets of milk from There is a sense of defiance a nearby shop. By 7:30, it is time in the employees. Mrs Chettri, for “Bhaila” to get up, and wash who has two girls from and get ready for school. He Islampur near Siliguri helps his Bhaila to wash, dress employed with her since the last and then carries his heavy three years, is not too worried school bag all the way to the about the ban. “I am told that school. Throughout the day, the Police will come to every Raju runs errands for the family household to check for child and by noon, he has to take labour. But I will just tell them Bhaila’s lunch to school. In the that I have sponsored their afternoon, he makes another trip education and stay and they are to the school to pick up Bhaila. not domestic helps.” Like her, When Bhaila spends his time most of the employees have a playing games on his expensive ready excuse up their sleeves. PlayStation or his computer, or “I brought Passangkit here simply decides to channel surf, because her parents left and she Raju’s duty is wait on his little had a better chance here in the master and ensure that his every town with us than in her village. demand is met promptly. Raju I am her guardian now. How cannot read or write but dreams can the authorities say that she of becoming a “businessman” is a domestic help and that is when he grows up. illegal?” asks Mr. Lepcha. “If Sita’s daily routine consists Employing children under 14? the authorities are so serious of cleaning the house, washing about implementing the ban, the dishes and running after an then they should first go the overactive 5-year-old. She houses of the politicians, arrived here with nine of her Now you can go to jail for this ministers and the bureaucrats “friends” and “brothers and where there will be at least 3 sisters” from somewhere such children working for them. “near Siliguri” last year, to But they will go scot-free work as domestic servants for which child labour is banned in the nuclear families in the awareness and publicity because they will come up with various families in Gangtok. under the Child Labour form of grandparents and amongst the people on the ban, the argument that they have

Sita has no clue how much she (Prohibition & Regulation) cousins is missing and there is most people are clearly not in adopted the children.” K earns-her monthly salary is There is also a growing Y

Act, 1986 by including the ban a real need for domestic help, the mood to comply with the M directly given to “Bhaiya,” the on children below 14 working especially when it comes to latest directive. The ban is concern about the fate of the C man who acts sort of a as domestic workers or looking after a small child. being taken with scepticism and children once the ban comes middleman between her family servants and employed as helps Here lies the predicament. many wonder how effective it into force. “What will happen back home and her employees. in dhabas, restaurants, hotels, Poor children in India begin will be. The role of Sikkim to the children? Who will take This 8-year-old is not allowed tea shops, etc. by October 10, working at a very young and Police in implementing this ban responsibility for this? Has the to ride on her employer’s son’s 2006. tender age. Many children have would be limited to assisting the Government thought about bicycle and does not go to The decision was taken on to work to help their families primary agency-the Labour how it is going to manage the school. She has no idea where the recommendation of the and some families expect their Department-in carrying out child labourers when they have the rest of her friends and Technical Advisory Committee children to continue the family periodic checks. “We will no where to go? Are we going siblings are. on Child Labour. The ban is business at a young age. support the Department in to give birth to a whole new set meant to come to the rescue of Though most children begin making sure that the checks are of anti-socials and GANGTOK: From October 10, thousands of children who are working at a young age due to conducted free of any untoward delinquents?” asks a social life might change for Raju and often subjected to physical economic reasons, doing so incident,” DIG Range Akshay worker, echoing perhaps the children like him when the violence, psychological trauma allows them to break from Sachdeva said. sentiments of a majority of so- Central Government’s ban on and sexual abuse when they some social constraints and Interestingly, the State called offenders here. “At least employment of children below 14 work in homes and hotels. The escape abstract poverty back Labour Department does not I have provided a home and in homes, hotels, roadside eateries Committee stated that children home. Some of the children are maintain a record of the regular food to Passang. If he and resorts comes into effect. employed in roadside eateries sole bread winners for their children working in the State has to go back to his village, he The law makes it clear that and highway dhabas were the families. And the scenario is no as domestic workers. All will probably have nothing to no home or hotel can employ most vulnerable, especially to different here in Sikkim. efforts to talk to senior officials eat,” reasons “Chumla”. children below 14 years. Yet, sex and drug abuse. But with the Central in the Department on the Already, the Centre has very few are aware of the fact But can a mere ban resolve Government this time measures taken to properly started putting pressure on the one could be fined or even the complex socio-economic determined to ensure that the implement this ban proved State Governments to enforce jailed if one is found guilty. issues involved? Raju and ban is properly implemented, futile. MIDWEEK was told to the ban in both letter and spirit. The penalty for violators is a Sita’s stories are those of the question that everyone’s write an application addressed Now the onus of implementing jail term ranging from three hundreds like them in Sikkim asking right now how serious to the Department Secretary the ban is on the State months to two years and/or a and especially here in is the State Government on this outlining the “queries” or “any Governments. They have been fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Gangtok. Every second issue and what will be the fate other information.” directed to begin sensitising the Early in August, the Central household employs at least of the hundreds of child With the State Government people to the ban and strictly Labour Ministry announced one domestic help. With the domestic helps already yet to publish the gazette enforce it from October 10. that it was expanding the list breakdown in the joint family employed? notification, and implementing of hazardous occupations in structure, the support system Given the lack of proper authorities still in the dark - by SARIKAH ATREYA

call: 9733091503 or email: [email protected] 666 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 ROUND-UP

One of the corners in the newly built Khangchendzonga Shopping Complex ‘The New Lal Bazaar’, a snapshot of the garbage disposal facility there and a view of just one of Gangtok’s numerous bad roads, below the Sadar Thana.

MIDWEEK Photographs

C

M Y K IT STINKS!! TENZIN C TASHI Practically every problem roads, the PHE or some cable faked, faking a birth certificate greater deployment of can be traced back to an attitude guy or telephone guy will come is easy as pie. Also, their ‘stay sweepers. Simply designating f the many problems problem. Take garbage along and dig up the newly off the roads’ retaliation to the an area as a litter and spit free faced by Gangtokians, dumping. Go anywhere, forget done roads. Why can’t recent police crackdown on zone will never work. To be O indiscriminate garbage the well known mother lodes Departments co-ordinate with over the top hike fares is also truly successful, any change dumping, potholes, too much like Syari, Nam Nang and other Departments and lay the indicative of much cockiness has to start with a change in vehicular traffic, bad roads, no Arithang, every place is an pipes or whatever it is and then on their part. attitude. People have to parking available, rash driving, impromptu dump. Every home, tar the road? After all no Parking in town is a virtual necessarily develop a better suicides, concerns of personal every business establishment Department can afford the nightmare and one wastes a lot civic sense and a sense of safety and the like take centre cleans up the immediate area luxury of working in isolation. of time, energy and petrol communal ownership which at stage. of concern, be it the home or Also, rather than repair circling around MG Marg in the the time of going to print is Due to their proliferation, the shop and rather than make potholes when they are just hope of getting a parking space. sadly absolutely zilch. we focus on the more obvious an effort to collect the rubbish starting to form, it seems the How can we then miss the cars But there’s hope yet. The woes, or what we can actually and wait for the garbage protocol is wait till it’s a which are coolly occupying two same people who spit and see and experience for collection truck, uses the cover seriously big crater across half parking spaces? The attitude litter willfully and are ourselves, and tend to of darkness to clandestinely tip the road and then repair it on seems to be, ‘As long as my inveterate garbage dumpers at downplay the root cause of the rubbish at the nearest public war footing. Bad roads reduce car’s safely parked, let others home are surprisingly well most of our problems. It’s area. This is a bad health hazard the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and fend for themselves.’ A very behaved in other places. I’ve essentially a matter of attitude. with stray dogs foraging for a thus actually add to the burden cavalier attitude truly but oh so myself bumped into Sikkim And the general attitude of bite or two in the rubbish and of the nation’s oil deficit. common. Should drivers park people on holiday in the cities Gangtok, I’m sorry to say, scattering it over a larger area. Rash driving is partly their cars in only one slot, there sheepishly exhibiting a stinks. In more ways than one. Bad roads are the fallout of because most of the drivers would be at least 7-8 slots more terrific civic sense, collecting Perhaps it is only to be myopic planning. Our roads behind the wheels of taxis are available on any given day. their rubbish in plastic bags expected that progress for all are dead enders for the most underage youngsters. In most The much tom tommed which they then dispose of that its worth will also usher in and there seems to be cases, they are self promoted ‘Litter and Spit Free’ zone is carefully. Charity, they say, a flip side. Somewhere along absolutely no co-ordination handyboys who are learning on the single largest example of all begins at home. Maybe it’s the line we seem to have lost between the Roads Department the job. Only they are risking inherent flaws in the system. If time we all did a rethink and the simplicity Sikkim in the and the PHE. We see the road the lives of a lot of people in today the same zone is a little learnt that communal past was famous for and traded in a particular area being tarred their hurry to make the cleaner, it is not because people resources are collective it in for a very self centered and before we can even begin maximum runs. In these days have stopped spitting or resources and tried to be less complicity. to enjoy the feel of smooth when a Sikkim Subject can be littering. It is only due to the casual about it all. ROUND-UP 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 777 Aisa Bhi Hota Hai Baba to ‘retire’ administrative control of East reared 10 heifers, and, [iii] a MIDWEEK REPORT and South districts. Ralang farm was proposed to Audit noticed in August be used for rearing bulls/calves aba Harbhajan Singh of event of a war between India 2004 that none of these animal after its handing over to Sikkim Baba Mandir will ‘retire’ and China, Baba would warn farms had any animals since Livestock Development Board. Bfrom active army the Indian and Chinese soldiers a MIDWEEK REPORT 1999-2000, but the Department While the Department services in December this year three days in advance. During continued to deploy employees stated that it had initiated with full pension and other the flag meetings between the he Animal Husbandry, in these farms. Thus, due to non alternative activities for retirement benefits. According two nations at Nathula, the Livestock, Fisheries & utilisation of their services a Ravangla farm as late as to a transit-warrant issued by the Chinese set a chair aside for the TVeterinary Services sum of Rs. 24.65 lakh incurred February 2004 the other two army, Baba, who left for his last saint. Every year on September Department [AHLF&VS] on their pay and allowances farms, Chujachen and Ralang, official leave on 12 September 14, a jeep departs with his incurred wasteful expenditure during the last five years was a were not utilised for the earlier this month, will retire on personal belongings to the of Rs. 24.65 lakh on pay and total waste. The infrastructure purpose for which these were 1 December, 2006. nearest railway station, New allowances of 44 employees available in these farms worth established, rendering the According to legend, Jalpaiguri, where it is then sent engaged in three animal farms Rs. 52 lakh also remained expenditure on pay and Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of the by train to the village of Kuka, having no animals! unutilised. allowances of staff for the last Punjab Regiment drowned in a in Kapurthala district in The Animal Husbandry In reply, the AHLF&VS five years wasteful. glacier while escorting a column Punjab. A small sum is also Department maintains a stated in February 2005 that [i] What can we say to of mules to a remote outpost. He sent to his mother each month number of farms for rearing of Chujachen farm would be that? Three animal farms, was found after three days and But the name of Baba was animals, of which the three utilised as Backyard Poultry 44 employees, a sum of cremated with full military recently dragged into courts in his farms at Chujachen [East], without further delay, [ii] over 24 lakhs spent on honours. It is believed that it was home state Punjab. A petition has Ravangla [South] and Ralang Ravangla farm had stared them and no animals. Yes, Harbhajan Singh himself who been filed in the Jalandhar District [South] are under the rearing cross-bred heifers and Aisa Bhi Hota Hai led the search party to his body, Court by Pyare Singh, a retired and later, through a dream, subedar of the Indian army instructed one of his colleagues stationed at Nathula and said to to build and maintain a shrine be a close relative of Baba. In his after him. petition, Pyare Singh has accused Celebrations conclude at Today, venerated as Baba the Indian army of propagating Harbhajan Singh, he is the superstitious beliefs among the presiding deity of the Nathula general public by venerating the Holy Cross School Brigade. Every soldier in the name of Baba Harbhajan Singh Several awareness chief guest, Commissioner brigade pays his respect to and treating him like a live person. a MIDWEEK REPORT ‘Baba’. Every Sunday, a langar The court has issued a notice on initiatives are already cum Secretary of the K is organised at the temple. All the the respondents to respond to Y GANGTOK: Sikkim can have underway to address problems Commerce and Industries M soldiers posted here believe they the issues raised in the petition. C a financially secure and such as growing substance Department CL Denzongpa are blessed by the Baba, who The next date of hearing has independent next generation if abuse and escalating suicide had congratulated the school on looks after their well-being. been fixed for sometime in collective efforts are made for rate in the state, he said, adding the occasion and had also Legend also has it that in the October this year. the empowerment of youth that the elders needed to get lauded them for being with quality education and involved in the whole process conferred with the State employable skills. This was and strengthen it with their National Award for Best said by BB Gooroong, Chief support. He further stressed on School in Overall Performance Advisor to the CM, on 21 the society’s responsibility for the year 2006. September during the towards imbibing the right During the function, Avika concluding day function of the virtues, proper social Tsherin Kaleon, Laden Ongmu two daylong Sesqui Centennial responsibility and compassion Pakhrin, Sulochana Dahal, Jubilee celebrations of the Holy in the youth. Sukriti Tiwari, Rabina Sherpa Cross Congregation held here Lauding the Holy Cross and Monica Pandey of Holy at the school auditorium. School for having constantly Cross School, Tadong, were Mr. Gooroong, who was worked toward imparting also awarded the Ratna present as the chief guest on quality education to the Pradhan Memorial Award for behalf of the Chief Minister, children, Mr. Gooroong said the Best Girl in School for the said that the rapid change the that the school had done well years 2000 to 2006. state had seen in the last three at distilling the treasures that The Sisters of Mercy of Holy decades had been very textbooks hold into the minds Cross Congregation was disorienting for the youth and of the youth, besides grooming established in Switzerland in 1856 it was time these problems them to be more responsible by Father Theodisius and Mother were recognised and tackled and compassionate citizens. Maria Schrer and the congregation properly. Speaking a day earlier as the arrived in India in 1894.

ADVERTISING / PRINTING / PUBLISHING / DESIGN / EVENT MANAGEMENT CONTACT: 98320 31929 EMAIL: [email protected] 888 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 ROUND-UP Ani Deorali Runchha 34 years after it was first staged the play still connects with the audience SARIKAH ATREYA Photo: SARIKAH ATREYA

GANGTOK: After a gap of 30 years, theatre lovers of Gangtok were treated to a classic Nepali play, an experience that was quite unforgettable. For many, it was a trip down memory lane, having seen the play during their school or college days in Darjeeling; for the old timers it was nostalgia all the way. “Ani Deorali Runchha” brought about a massive emotional deluge in the audience, who were left with a lump in their throats and varied emotions in the two days that the play was staged here at the Sikkim Government College Deorali Runchha” ran for a Yonzan and lyrics by Durga ignorance and demands his in search of a livelihood. It was auditorium on 25 - 26 record seven consecutive days Kharel, the songs of the play share in everything, including also a means to escape the September by the Indrakhill to a packed house, making the are heard and sung even today. the firewood collected from the oppression and the debt-trap Natya Manch. The play was play one of the most successful “Ani Deorali Runchha”, forests and the fodder for the laid by the landlords. received with as much Nepali plays of all times. with its performance and story- cattle. Even the fish in the Various aspects of the

C enthusiasm here as when it was The success of the play took line and a perfect blend of village river cannot be caught Nepalese cultural tradition, M

Y first staged in Darjeeling. the theatre scenario in the emotions, romance and without the permission and such as village weddings, K The year was 1972. The Darjeeling Hills to a new level humour that every Nepali equal share of the landlord and Tihaar, Deosi and Bhai Tika are theatre scenario in Darjeeling altogether. Some critics even could relate to, had managed to his ever-scheming and also well incorporated in the was alive and vibrant. A well- hailed it better than cinema of strike an emotional chord in the manipulating accountant. The play. The emotional upheavals known playwright, theatre that time. Backed by a power heart of every Indian Nepalese appalling status of women and and the sense of rootlessness actor and director, Man packed performance by MB in the Darjeeling Hills. Says their several social constraints experienced by the villagers Bahadur Mukhia had just [as Man Bahadur Mukhia was poet and actor Kalu Singh is also well depicted in the play. when forced to leave the land finished writing a new play. fondly referred to by his peers] Ranapaheli, who was also part Moreover, the play also of their birth and everything Little did he realise at that time who played one of the pivotal of the original line-up of casts questions the validity of they ever possessed, send a that his play would bring about characters himself, the play in the play, the play reached out untouchability in the Nepalese powerful message in the play. a cultural revolution of sorts in brought together some of the to every section of the society. Hindu society, steeped in the Over the years, the play has the Darjeeling Hills and no best known names in the He even remembers the first rigidity of the caste system. been staged by different theatre Nepali-speaking individual Darjeeling theatre world. Well Chief Minister of Sikkim, Kazi The play also tries to groups and was last staged here would be left untouched by it. known actor and writer, P. Lhendup Dorjee sitting in the comprehend the social and in Gangtok some 30 years ago. Later that year, the Gorkha Arjun, who played the central audience and watching the play economic causes that forced Man Bahadur Mukhia also took Dukh Niwarakh Sammelen character of Randhoj, is still in Kalimpong in the 70s. the Nepalese from Nepal to the play to Nepal where it was (GDNS), a prominent social remembered for his powerful The essence of its success migrate to India looking for a received very well by the King and literary organisation in performance. Menuka lay in its simple yet realistic better alternative. It was then. Even after three decades, Darjeeling staged the play, Pradhan, another well-known story-telling and the powerful common for villagers to flee to “Ani Deorali Runchha” remains directed by Man Bahadur actor and theatre personality social message it carried with “Munglan” as India was called, an all time classic. Mukhia himself. The response from Darjeeling, was also part it. Written in chaste and rustic it received was unprecedented of the original cast. With dialect spoken by the Nepalese and overwhelming. “Ani classic music by Karma of Nepal, the play depicted the struggle, the hopes and the DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY aspirations of the marginalised sections of the Nepalese AVAIL UPTO 100% society of Nepal in the early 20th century. It depicts a society DISCOUNT ON ALL that is steeped in feudalism, COURSES with the landlords always ready to extract their pound of flesh the perfect solution SCHOLARSHIP EXAM GOING ON from poverty-ridden villagers, to advertise everything often neck-deep in debt. It also portrays the fears and the without the burden HURRY UP! LIMITED SEATS!!! hopelessness of the villagers of a huge ad bill! FOR DETAILS CONTACT: whose poverty and deplorable TO PLACE CLASSIFIEDS CITI Computers, Tibet Road lives has led them to pawn their lives away to the landlord. The IN MIDWEEK Gangtok - 737101, Sikkim poor villagers are oppressed by Ph: 201119 / 9832025675 / the landlord, who takes call 320169 9832005613 advantage of their illiteracy and ROUND-UP 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 999

a MIDWEEK Report The ninth day is called ‘Nawami’. On this day the god fter monsoon ends and Vishwas Karma, the God of autumn begins, one of the creativity is also worshiped. All Abiggest festivals of the factories, vehicles, any year for Hindus and Nepalese Dasain Aayo Hai! machinery instruments and Hindus in particular, is here. anything from which we make Just saying “Dasain” conjures a living are worshiped. K

up images of windy days and After ten long days the Y blue kite-dotted skies, new The significance of Vijaya Dashami and Dasain battle is over and victory has M C clothes, plenty to eat and been achieved, good prevail family gatherings that bring the block and water from the source of life and everything. troops across the town. With the over evil. The tenth day is the entire clan together. kalash is sprinkled on it to As days passes by regular end of the Fulpati procession, the ‘Dashami’. The day elders put During the month of Kartik nurture the seeds everyday rituals are observed till the Dasain feasting starts. jamara and tika upon the in the Bikram Sambat calendar during the morning and seventh day. The seventh day is Maha Asthami or the eighth foreheads of those younger and (late September and early evening puja. The ritual called ‘Fulpati’. In Fulpati, the day of the festival is the day bless them. The importance of October), Dasain is the longest performed at a certain kalash filled with holy water, when the goddesses Durga and Dasain also lies in the fact that and the most auspicious auspicious moment determined banana stalks, jamara and sugar Kali have to be appeased. The this day brings family members festival in the Nepalese annual by the astrologers will provide cane tied with red cloth is carried night of the eighth day is called and relatives from far and wide calendar, celebrated by the yellowish green seedling by Brahmans on a decorated Kal Ratri, the dark night to receive tika from the head Nepalese of all caste and creed known as jamara considered a palanquin under a gold tipped Animal sacrifices of buffalo, of the family. Tika continues throughout the world. The blessing of Durga and and embroidered umbrella, led goat, sheep, chicken and duck for four days and in the last day fifteen days of celebration bestowed by elders atop the by dancing and singing cultural are made. people stay at home and rest. occurs during the bright lunar heads of those younger to them fortnight ending on the day of during the Tika. Midweek Photographs the full moon. Throughout the From the days following Hindu world the goddess Ghatasthapana to the seventh Durga in all her manifestations day pujas are offered everyday is worshiped with innumerable and regular rituals performed. pujas, abundant offerings and The life force is embodied in religious fervour. But, Dasain the divine energy and power of is no longer just a purely the female, depicted as goddess religious festival; it has over Durga in her many forms. All time become a cultural festival. goddess who emanated from The longest holiday of the year goddess Durga are known as provides the perfect Devis, each with different The Decorator opportunity for family aspects and powers. In most reunions, and a time to relax. mother goddess temples the 65 year old D N Burman has been The first nine days of deity is represented simply as putting up and decorating the pandal Dasain are called Nawaratri. a sacred Kalash, carved water here at the Sarbajanin Durga Puja Ghatasthapana, literally “pot jug or multiple handed goddess Celebrations in Development Area establishing” marks the holding murderous weapons. for the last 18 years. Proprietor of Jay Guru Decorators in Champasari in beginning of the festival. The During these nine days people West Bengal, he has been in the kalash, water vessel is placed pay their homage to the business for 25 years now and has in the prayer room. A leaf plate goddess. If she is properly been decorating the pandal himself filled with sand and covered worshiped and pleased good in Gangtok since 1988, meticulously with cow dung is shielded from fortunes are on the way and if cutting out the styrofoam sheets into the sun and placed in front of angered through neglect then floral designs and insignias with his the image of the Durga. Barley misfortunes are around the steady hands. seeds are sown onto the sand corner. Mother goddess is the 101010 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 OP-ED/FEEDBACK INBOX Vol. 1 No. 4 [email protected] It’s a shame Last year nearly 2, 68,000 tourists visited Sikkim. This year the figure is expected to cross over 3 lakhs. Sikkim can now boast of being one of the more popular destinations of Eastern India with the State Tourism Department assiduously promoting the state with the slogan ‘Small but Beautiful’. Is it really so? What do we offer the tourists who spend good money to come here? Let us just focus on our capital town for a moment. And our roads. The basic infrastructure required to travel. The first impression a tourist gets as he gets down from the vehicle at the private taxi stand is of a severely damaged and broken road. If he has the misfortune of having to travel the one way DPH lane to wherever his hotel is, he will be assured of a bone rattling adventurous ride along the dirty crater filled road. Nearly every arterial road in the capital is in the same state of disrepair. Many are in such a sad state it is difficult to believe they belong to a state capital. There is really no point in trying to emulate Switzerland or Singapore when we have the basics so very wrong. How hard can it really be to fix the roads once and for all? The government’s priorities are A Cry from Dzongu a little misplaced, perhaps. We build huge statues and bhawans, spend a whole lot of money on many other things, zongu, the homeland of places of religious significance, on carrying on the project in so the constant refrain of not having funds for road repair the Lepchas and a today stands threatened by Dzongu, then the people here is beginning to wear thin now. We can blame the public for Drestricted area, is a place these proposed hydel power have a few questions. What lack of civic sense, for dumping garbage in the jhoras and of much historical importance. projects. Today when all the does a restricted area mean? not keeping the town ‘Litter and Spit Free’. But the onus of However, since the past couple developed countries in the What is Article 371 F of the providing good roads has to fall on the government. One of months, the area has been in world are according top Constitution of India all about? excuse for the constant ‘repairing’ that our roads go through the news for all the wrong priority to environment What is environment is given to the bad weather, in this case the rain. We are reasons. We are the citizens of protection, here we are heading protection? What is public told the contractors do not get time to complete the strengthening period, with the water acting as a lubricant the biggest democracy in the towards the opposite direction. hearing? Why did the and not letting the tar set in. But why is it that all ‘repair’ world yet the current ongoing Dzongu is very rich in forests, government not make an effort work happens either just before the monsoons or during it. activities in Dzongu are far flora and fauna, and various to ask the people of Dzongu if

Winter, some would suggest, would be an ideal time. Fact from democratic. endangered aquatic life thrive they actually wanted the C

M is that collusion between contractors and others ensures Our protest against the in its rivers. And it is the projects to be carried out in Y

K that ‘road repair’ always stays a work in progress. Good proposed hydel power projects government’s duty to safeguard their area? What importance navigable roads is the right of every citizen of the capital are not against national interest. these very resources from does the opinions of the and of every visitor who spends money to come here. We are simply exercising our going extinct. minority hold in a democracy? It is time the State Government turned this into a priority right to protect our motherland, Public hearing is not for It is my appeal to all the area. culture and traditions. We, the public to listen to speeches people of Sikkim to lend their Lepchas, are already from the authorities; it is an support to the people of categorised as the ‘Vanishing opportunity for the public to Dzongu in their attempt to save Tribe’ and the tribe is on the express their opinion regarding their land. Dzongu might be o tefromthepublisher verge of extinction. Though the pertinent issues affecting them. divided into two if the project n government should be taking Unfortunately, the public is carried ahead. Ultimately, no Dear readers, effective measures to protect hearing held here recently was one is going to win, but most It’s been quite a time for us at MIDWEEK since its inception the aboriginals, its policies are not conducted properly and it importantly, it is the Lepcha earlier this month. The Dasain break offers us an going quite the other way. went completely against the community of Dzongu who opportunity both for reflection and looking ahead. We set The place, which is known democratic procedures of will be the biggest losers. out with certain objectives, some we have managed to achieve, others we’ve had to keep aside for now. We are for its peaceful environment, public hearing. not ashamed to admit that we’re high on ideals and low abundant natural resources and If the government is intent Gyatso Tongden on funds but that’s a choice we have made. It’s the only one that allows us to remain independent, our loyalty only BALANCED BUT FOR is interested in what a bunch of local talents, bands, NGOs, to our readers. SUPERNOVA old rockers from dozed out rock government policies, young We take this opportunity to thank all those who have irst of all congrats guys for bands want. We sincerely think achievers etc than Supernova. lent their support to this venture. Our readers, who have Fthis effort. Midweek is that this did not merit a whole Did you guys in Midweek run regularly bought the paper and kept us encouraged with actually bringing back the youth page when there are more out of story ideas? Wake up their letters and calls, as well as all the advertisers who pleasures of reading through important and more interesting guys... understand what we have shown faith in us in our early days. A beginning has been made – let us now journey the week. Your paper seems to issues that concern the youth. really need. Today. together and create a platform from which every voice can be doing a nice job of balancing We would rather know about Karma and Friends, be heard. Let us make this truly a People’s Paper. good reports with some trivial what is happening in Sikkim - True Sikkimese at hearts! MIDWEEK will be back on the stands on Wednesday, ones. My gang of pals enjoy 11 October. reading Midweek but... don’t THANK YOU OLD WINE Happy Dasain! take it to your hearts we are hank you so much for your idweek is nothing but very surprised to see this Tcritical and useful inputs Mold wine in new bottle. overdose of Supernova or on the Official Website of the C’mon guys do something new. Government of Sikkim in your Rohit Pradhan, Gangtok Send in your feedback and queries to whatever that reality show is called. Hey, how many of us in article titled “What we love sikkim.midweek @gmail.com Gangtok actually watch that about the Official website of CONGRATULATIONS show? And what makes it so the Government of Sikkim”. must say that I love it. It is OR post it to: important that you carry the We are making the necessary Ivery much readable, as in - corrections. Please do not one enjoys the write ups while Midweek, Near Hotel Yatung, Nam Nang, report for three issues? And that too you filled up the whole hesitate to let us know of any reading them - without putting Gangtok - 737101 youth page with that? Hey, other discrepancies. any effort into it. Congrats! Phone: 03592 320169 Midweek rock fans, we do not Rajesh Verma, Director Jarina Tingbo think that an average Sikkimese Deptt of Info.Tech. received Govt of Sikkim over email OP-ED 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 111111 Contemplating Suicide

he 1999 data for suicide rates in the country give net that secures individuals, it also generally ends lives the incidence of suicides in Sikkim at 19.7 per 1 FRINGE BENEFIT at their most productive stage, at times even earlier. Tlakh population. The data is old, but since it PEMA WANGCHUK Suicide in itself may be an individual act, but is speaks in percentages, the trend should hold true even essentially a result of social factors which surround today. As per the 1999 study, Sikkim ranks fourth in or panchayats. This approach is well advised as it an individual. Several people contemplate suicide at the list of states with high suicide rates. Above it are covers both, the grassroots and the age-group where various stages in their lives. Only few actually commit Karnataka with 24.18, Tripura, 25.2 and Kerala, 30.48. a positive change to inculcate more respect for life is it. When more and more people start doing so, it At a recent awareness programme at a local school, a most possible. should become cause for worry. psychiatrist informed that Sikkim ranks second in the These, however, are essentially short-term The society’s role in preventing suicides has been nation in suicide rate figures. This is definitely a measures. Of course they are required because accepted by most religions which have not only societal trend that needs to be stemmed; a problem something needs to be done on an urgent basis, but if universally tabooed suicides as a sin, but some have that needs to be addressed. the problem has to be addressed and resolved more even put in place ‘punishment’ for the one who takes It would be too simplistic to suggest that suicides effectively, then a more detailed action plan will be his or her own life. The intent behind such are a recent trend in Sikkim. Given that most required. For starters, Sikkim will need to identify, ‘punishment’ is not so much to actually ‘punish’ the psychoanalysts here believe that the high number of scientifically, why so many people all over the State dead person, but more so to discourage the rest of the suicides result from untreated cases of depression and decide to take their lives. It is accepted that the believers from taking the same course. This approach other mental ailments, it would be inadvisable to argue decision to commit suicide is not of a stable mind, also spreads responsibility among the people to save that suicides are a recent phenomena. In all probability, but there are too many factors at play in a person’s those at risk of ending their own lives and involves suicide rates have always been high in Sikkim, but it life to establish mental illness as the only, or even the the whole community in the ensuring psychological is perhaps only now that it is attracting concern since leading cause for suicides. What about the role of the comfort for all its members. The social stigma attached the improved modes of communication and society? Since people lead their lives and make their to suicides is an effective deterrent, but for this stigma information available in the State see to it that news decisions with one eye on societal acceptance, does to remain a deterrent, the society has to remain of a suicide reaches a wider audience now. It would not a high number of suicide cases suggest the involved with the individual. If it is not involved, then thus be more advisable to accept that Sikkim’s suicide weakening of the society’s role? While admitting that it won’t notice, and if does not notice, there will be rate has become a matter of concern only now because suicide rates are a complicated issue and individual no stigma and no fear of damnation and one more it gets reported in newspapers more regularly and the cases have their own triggering causes, we focus on reason less to decide against self destruction. Social numbers present a trend that is too disturbing to ignore. one of the aspects here – the deterrent effect that a scientists have argued that the strongest contributor This consistent coverage of suicides has had the strong society could play. to an increase in the number of suicides is the desired effect. Not a week passes anymore without It needs no emphasis that suicide is a social deregulation of society, a normlessness that comes an awareness programme against suicides in schools problem. Not only does it reflect poorly on the social - continued on page 16 K Y M Dear Musharraf Bin Laden C i folks, I’m back from good ol at the job. That’s why the film, which Dear Musharraf Bin Laden my worthy successor. Dilli once more with some more one Al Qaeda spy reasonably high up I am no longer in the world of the living. I eagerly await your arrival at the Hyou know what to dish out! The in the ranking…oops casting order told Bush bhai and his motley cohorts have pearly gates. state of the capital reflects the state of me was titled, ‘Love in Kargil’, is now killed me so many times over and may Your onetime foe and the nation and Dilli is going from bad top top secret; which is why poor me the curse of Allah be upon them! current mentor to worse. Let’s look at the Army shall hasn’t seen it as yet. But what I have (##$$$@*#). That is why I voluntarily Osama we… the heroic defenders of our seen is far more interesting as espionage discontinued my dialysis and am It is this incriminating, ‘evidence’, that frontiers. There is a buzz doing the is a double edged sword, isn’t it, and I writing to you from heaven where I was has led to the forming of a Channel called, rounds that the Defence Headquarters have the advantage of being received with great gusto ‘Fauji’ (Inspired by the legendary King in Delhi may soon become a channel on both sides. For starters by Atta of 9/11 fame. Khan’s soap), I hear, to redraw the battle exclusively dishing out soap operas. the mole got his plum Though a distant relative, strategy now that the Top gun is no more After the recce into this hitherto character artiste role in the you are closest to my heart for sure. One division each has been unknown territory by the wife of the film and also an entry into and I therefore anoint you allocated to the jobs of direction, Chief of Army intelligence and in which a restricted but accessible my successor. Inshaallah production, cinematography, editing and the Army chief’s wife too was, and expansive studio you too will secure your research for possible story ideas. What’s ‘strategically’ involved, the covert currently under place in the annals of more, Bhai Bush has also assured Manu operation climaxed in an unimaginably construction in South history by rubbing the of support from the Hollywood industry. exotic shoot at strategic locations (from Block at the furious pace in infidel Bhai Bush off the The strategy is simple…bomb the sods which us common citizens are which operations were face of the earth! This with so much of the opiate of the masses banished), not to mention breathtaking conducted in the now alongwith your heroic that guns can be then dispensed with as a chopper shots over some sensitive spots countrywide famous, ‘Extract Prince’ admission of the use of the, ‘jihad’ rockin enemy would agree to anything and as an added bonus! Though the whole, operation that I mentioned in my last doctrine applied in the Kargil everything that Sonu and Manu dear ‘encounter’ (for lack of a better word), piece. He handed over to military misadventure in your soon to be propose on the Western Front! Well, I must did produce a film, I unfortunately intelligence, copies of a French (in)famous book, ‘In The Line of Fire’, say that it is a masterstroke as well as a cannot tell you if it was a box office intelligence report procured for him by will surely result in immortality and first in military strategy and like in the case bonanza. Intelligence, ‘moles’, within the Qaeda cell in Paris, which had in Allah be praised. But beware of the wily of Manu dear success is assured because the Army HQ tell me that the whole turn been copied from photocopies Sardar Mannu at Geneva where I of the now savvy spouses of the Army top charade of initial criticism and scorn in provided by Saudi intelligence reports suspect he may put you in a bind, brass who are all jumping into the act the Government and Media on the issue secretly copied by alert Saudi because there is a crafty infidel woman posthaste. I shall reveal further tantalizing was in effect a meticulously planned intelligence officers from the original behind this successful Man (no pun exposes on this breaking story as soon as I covert operation by Military document tucked away in a safe at the intended!) Just be tight lipped for a connect with a talking rhesus monkey, intelligence and Bollywood in the desi printing press of a distant relative of Bin change and all will be well. I have asked Mian Nawaz Sharif, who is a, ‘loose canon version of George Bush Bhai’s super Laden. The contents of the document, the Al Jazeera friends to telecast the operative’ out to get Musharraf Bin Laden duper hit, Shock and Awe in Eyeraq! a letter from Osama to his relative are funeral footage they shot at a time and bounces in and out of South block A, ‘deepthroat’, in the deep in you know quite cryptic… and revealing. which coincides with your attaining the every now and then when he visits from what US administration told me that he coveted title of Bhai Musharraf that Saudi Arabia. was inspired by, once again our (Text of letter translated into English even Generals and Presidents don’t Until the next skirmish then folks. homegrown Dawood Bhai who excels from original Arabic handwriting) enjoy and to point the world focus to Maddy 121212 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 ROUND-UP MANGALBAREY OOnn thethe roadroad toto dedevvelopelopmmentent

P J PRADHAN the government; encouraged record. It has three government already have two Nepali audio perform during various events traders to supply essential and two private schools, which albums under their belt. The both within the state and In the mid-1930s, Mangalbarey items and groceries to the area boast of excellent football credit for this accomplishment outside, including the famous was a small sleepy village with among whom M/S CD players. The girl footballers goes to the collective efforts of Darjeeling Carnival. hardly any development in the Ruchhinbong & Sons were the have already become the state the students and Siddarth The legacy of late SL Dawa area worth writing home about. foremost; and even donated champions and four of them Yonzone, a PGT in the school. Kazi, who had initiated various The area comprised of around land for the construction of have already been selected to Another academic developmental activities in the

five villages with about 100 many structures that are today represent Sikkim in the institution that has proved itself area, is today being continued C

M houses and was covered with the important landmarks of nationals. These players are worthy of praise is Springdale by Dr TR Gyatso, former Y

K dense forest infested with Mangalbarey. Today, there are selected and groomed by chief Academy. Established in 2000, Principal Secretary of the ferocious wild animals. Lack of four fast food counters, three coach Palden Bhutia who also the school today has 244 Health Department, who has road connectivity, PCOs, three grocers, four runs a hostel which provides students. Apart from its focus shown his commitment communication and water tailors, one haircutting salon, a accommodation to these on providing quality education, towards promoting any cause supply were the major laundry and even a luxury talented girl footballers. the school lays equal stress on worth undertaking. It is with problems stunting the resort named The Bliss Resort. Besides sports, students extracurricular activities, the persistent hard work and development of this area. Some However, the area witnessed from Mangalbarey including dance and music. dedication of such people that elderly folks say this village in significant developments only Government Senior Secondary Trained under Mrs. Sujata Rai, Mangalbarey has evolved from West Sikkim was like a desert. after Sikkim became the 22nd School have won the state-level an excellent choreographer, the a sleepy village to a rapidly Despite this, the place was state of India. Electricity made patriotic song competition and students are regularly invited to developing town. famous for its gambling and its debut in the area in 1990, a local wrestling matches that three kilometre road linking were hosted every week. Since Mangalbarey to the rest of the the area was remote and people state was constructed in 1996, SRC to finally get a proper water could not afford to visit it every and telephone exchange was day, they decided Tuesdays established in 1998. The supply system would be the day for parched area got its biggest merrymaking. Perhaps, relief when provision for a MIDWEEK Report a proper water supply were still clean. He further Mangalbarey derives its name regular water supply was made system with the concerned added that apart from from this practice. under the direction of minister GANGTOK: Though lack of authorities besides rehabilitating those Seeing that people had PS Goley. a proper water supply system providing the rehab a grant abusing drugs or alcohol, started flocking to this area Probably the biggest is one of the problems being from his department for its the centre had also taken once every Tuesday to scandal in the area was reported faced by Sikkim Rehabilitation laudable work. up the challenge of participate in these activites, in 1972 when 13 valuable Centre since its inception, this The female wing has, till containing HIV/AIDS. some women folk of the area statues were stolen from the might soon change with some date, treated around 28 Since its establishment took this opportunity to sell oldest monastery at Rinchey. direct intervention from the patients. Among them, 17 at Nimtar in 2002, the sweet potatoes, simal tarul, and However, after the Sports and Youth Affairs have successfully rehab has treated 548 home brewed alcohol. Taking establishment of a Police Minister PS Tamang. Further, completed their four and a people, of which 411 were a cue from these local women, Department here, no major the centre may also get a grant half month-long treatment discharged after successful other traders started followed crime has been reported from from the department under the programme and are living completion of the suit and started doing brisk Mangalbarey. Besides its National Service Scheme. a ‘clean’ healthy life, nine rehabilitation programme. business. excellent records on law and The assurance came are currently undergoing Its high success rate in The village took its first tiny order, many government from the minister himself the programme and only rehabilitation of addicts steps towards development in departments are functioning during the function held at three have opted out. has today patients from 1940 under the initiative of late here efficiently, which is the centre on 21 September During the function, it Nepal, Bhutan, West SL Dawa Kazi, the landlord of something not every small to mark the foundation day was informed by Karma Bengal, North Eastern the entire area and town can boast of. of its female wing where he Chewang Nima, project states and other parts of the Mangalbarey’s pioneer in Even in the field of was present as the chief director of the centre, that country checking into the education. He established a education, sports and extra guest. The minister assured of the discharged female rehab for treatment. primary school in the area, curricular activities, he would raise the need for patients, 41.11 per cent which was later recognised by Mangalbarey has a good track CAPITAL 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 131313

eet Nagina Shah, 51. He wakes khanuhunthyo tyo zamaana ma.” ( LD up every morning at about 4 and Kazi used to have 10 paisa worth of Mbegins his daily grind. His daily GANGTOK’S UBIQUITOUS aloo chewra everytime he was around regime that completes the picture of those days). growing up in Gangtok. His morning Since then, lots of other chanawalas predicament which becomes the genesis have come about and added newer items of hundreds of jokes and tell-tales (like ‘5-star mix’ which means a mix of everyday, the staple snack for numerous ALOO CHEWRA five different chaanas)to the old menu teenage romances, something that has and even fastfood parlours have adopted provided respite from the bitter chill of the aloo chewra in their menu but Nagina winter for as long as we remember, feels this has not harmed his business at something that is to Gangtok what all. “The amount of chana I used to sell hotdog is to America. earlier, I still sell the same today ( West This is not Nagina’s story though. It Point). The number of consumers have is the story of Aloo Chewra, without increased, hence the number of vendors which the Gangtokian palate is not must increase too. And regarding the complete. fastfood parlours and restaurants, people “My father Narayan Shah who is 95 tell us that they don’t taste as good as now and SNT ko Bajey Chanawala, who our aloo chewra,” he smirks. is no more, were the first chanawalas And how could it? It doesn’t come to sell aloo chewra in Sikkim,” says wrapped in the pages of somebody’s Nagina. “He used to sell aloo chewra biology notebook, the definition of during Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal’s chlorophyll smudging away under the time. Those days I remember I used to scoop cut-out from the Bata shoe box run around naked in this same while the chanawala squeezes the last establishment (at Tibet Road) while drops of lemon with his soaked fingers horses and mules used to stop by for (nails lined with turmeric). some snacks here,” he runs out of Nagina has a son and four daughters. breath, excited. His daughters are studying and will be It has been 40 years now and Nagina married off eventually and his son is stirs the same ‘tried-n-tasted’ recipe also studying. In a sad tone he says that every morning on the huge earthern he will continue till he can and that hearth. He says that aloo chewra was nobody knows what fate has in store not something that was brought over to for his son. Whether he will continue Sikkim from somewhere else. It with his studies or... happened here, with whatever was CLOSING LINES: “Sir, yo sabai

available in town those days. It was a kura haru paper ma aayo bhaney kehi K Y

recipe that his father and bajey problem ta hundaina hola? Yasailey M chanawala cooked up, and the hamro jeevika chali raheko chha, kehi C Sikkimese took to it like flies. problem bhayo bhane tah!” he is He added that back then it was a worried. ( Sir, I hope this article you novelty of sorts. Chanawalas were are talking about will not create any stationed at West Point school (now Pay problems. This is the only source of & Accounts Office) near the Masjid, livelihood for us, if anything happens..) Higher Secondary (now Tashi Namgyal Well, does anyone have any problems Academy) and Paljor Namgyal Girls with aloo chewra? Does anyone have School and gathering around the any problems with something that has chanawala was not just a phenomenon NAGINA SHAH in his kitchen at Tibet Road (ABOVE) bred and raised generations of healthy restricted to the students, amost all the and someone caught in the act (INSET). Gangtokians for so long? townsfolks used to be there. “LD Kazi TEXT & PHOTOS by KARCHOONG DIYALI Vegetable HAMBURGER anyone? le ta dus dus paisa ko aloo chewra

DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2006 TIME: 7:30 PM ONWARDS... TICKETS AVAILABLE @ X’CAPE 141414 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 HISTORY Defeat of the jokers

the forces of disintegration had started cutting out new furrows. Some of them were in touch with the directionless and unfocussed leaders of the Janata conglomerate. The former Chogyal had started reshuffling his cards with great care. I was not capable to sit on judgement on the correctness or otherwise of the merger of Sikkim. I was not the instrument either to undo what the political Maloy Krishna Dhar, an leadership did in 1974-75. I was there in Sikkim Intelligence Operator was sent as an instrument of the government of India to generate intelligence on the security ambience of to Sikkim by the Intelligence the newly merged state and to perform counter Bureau [IB] after the ‘merger’ of intelligence operations along the Chinese borders. Sikkim with India in May 1975 to Having sensed that Delhi had lost its bearings I kept myself confined to honest reporting. But the look after the internal and high drama of political instability reached the apex counter intelligence functions. around the Deepavali day of 1977. My human In his book Open Secrets: assets informed me that 11 legislators of Kazi’s Janata Party, including four ministers were on the India’s Intelligence Unveiled, verge of defecting and toppling the government. Dhar offers an insider’s view on Their plan included two vital aspects: formation prominent people and of an alternative government and passing a majority resolution demanding annulment of the events of the time. ‘deceitful merger of Sikkim’ with India. Some pro- Chogyal elements had started spreading rumours EXCERPTS FROM THE CHAPTER PEOPLE’S VICTORY - DEFEAT OF THE JOKERS that once the State Assembly annulled the merger

C the new sovereign Sikkim would be recognized M returned to Gangtok from a short stint

Y by a few international powers. The K of a holiday in the southern peninsula, My human assets informed me that illiterate people of Sikkim were misled Ion January 23, 1977, after receiving by such whispering campaign. I shared a message from the IB that I should get 11 legislators of Kazi’s Janata Party, the information with Delhi and back to my station after cutting short my Calcutta and waited for instructions. holidaying…Back in Sikkim the Kazi including four ministers were on the verge of Nothing came. government and the Congress Party were [ [ Around 7 pm. I received a call from not in the best of health. The contentious defecting and toppling the government the Raj Bhawan and was advised to issue of citizenship and Sikkim subject see the Governor immediately. Governor BB Lal had brought to the fore the latent communal bitterness avert an impending split in the party. I sent a report to was already seated in his ornate office room and that existed between the numerically superior Nepalis Delhi on my discussions with Kazi and also kept the was in the process of discussing the matter of and the politically superior Bhutias and Lepchas. In Governor posted. political instability with Davy Manavalan. I was his heart of hearts Kazi was not in favour of granting However, Eliza Maria and some of the cabinet promptly ushered in and on demand from the citizenship to all and sundry Nepali settlers and he colleagues prevented Kazi from doing so. I was given Governor I shared with him the precise was keen to go by the letter and spirit of Sikkim to understand that the Governor too was opposed to intelligence that I had. I also told him that about Subject Register. the idea. After a couple of days of the formation of 12 legislators were herded together at a secret Narbahadur Khatiwada had raised his voice in Congress for Democracy by Jagjivan Ram, place in the capital. It was a sort of ‘action camp’ favour of Nepali rights even when he enjoyed the Narbahadur Khatiwada dropped in at my residence to motivate the legislators and to finalize the confidence of Kazi. His Nepali proclivities had also well after midnight and informed that he was quitting rough edges of portfolio allocation and alienated Kazini Eliza Maria. But Khatiwada used his Congress to join the new party floated by Jagjivan distribution of moneybags. The governor Youth Congress plank to advocate the Nepali cause Ram. He was in touch with Ram’s son Suresh and summoned the police commissioner for rescuing few other rebel Congress the ‘camped’ legislators. I requested him not to leaders. I was not compel me to discuss the delicate matter in front The ambience of merger-romance was over concerned with his of the police chief. But he insisted that I share political decision. My the complete information with Khurana. I had to and the forces of disintegration had started concern was the give in. professional link that I had [Excerpted with permission] [ cutting out new furrows [ assiduously built up for over last two years. We Masters Education Point more than any other Nepali politician did. But the maintained our relationship strictly on professional Tibet Road, Gangtok dazzling spark of Sikkim’s revolution had other things basis and his political somersault did not affect my in mind. performance. But the irrepressible police WINTER CRASH COURSE Little before Jagjivan Ram reneged against Indira, commissioner, who had mounted surveillance on STARTS FROM 1st WEEK OF DECEMBER 2006 Kazi called me to his office and wanted my opinion Khatiwada, was not happy over my links with the REGISTRATION GOING ON FOR CLASS X & XII on accommodating Khatiwada in his cabinet. The idea stormy petrel. He summoned me to his office and CBSE, ICSE & ISC 2007 was not new. But Khatiwada was an anathema to RC demanded a clarification. I was aghast over the Paudyal, BP Dahal and even SK Rai, a party stalwart. audacious attitude. Khurana was a drunken blob. But LIMITED SEATS ONLY!!! They were opposed to his induction to the cabinet I was surprised to see that he had lost his professional & ALSO REGULAR CLASSES FOR CLASS VII TO XII GOING ON IN FULL SWING and their efforts were fortified by some of the sanity too. I returned after giving a curt reply that my bureaucrats on deputation, against whom Khatiwada relationship with my professional friends did not come CONTACT: 201161 (O) had spoken vociferously. I supported the idea and under his policing jurisdiction. 9232514579 (O) advised Kazi that by inducting Khatiwada he could The ambience of merger-romance was over and 9434357076 & 9434143925 OPINION 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 151515 China to lift restrictions on travel to Tibet

ince the reopening of India. Recently, when His will no longer require foreign attend to the risks and Nathula on 6 July 2006, Excellency, the Vice President tourists to have special permits reconsider their travel plans. S Sikkim Chamber of of India was in Sikkim, a to enter the highest region on Meanwhile, on 23 Commerce has been urging the delegation of the chamber met Earth, according to Wu Jilie, September, 2006 at 8.28 a.m. Indian Government to the Vice President and vice-chairman of the Tibet the first train T264 from influence the Chinese submitted a memorandum Autonomous Regional Guangzhou, the capital of government to waive the which among other things also government. The government China’s southeast Guangdong Special Permit requirements dealt on this subject. in Tibet will waive existing Province to Lhasa sold the first for foreigners visiting the Tibet On 12 September, 2006, the travel restrictions and open ticket priced at 451 Yuan. S K SARDA Region of China. Chinese government more areas of Tibet for tourism, Along with the ticket, Communications in this regard announced that travel to Tibet the government official told passengers are being provided were also sent to Commerce will be eased on 1 October journalists in Lhasa on the day. a register card of personal Ministry, Government of when the Chinese government “With an eye on flooding health conditions and a the roof of the world with handbook of travel tips to the PARAGLIDING IN SIKKIM tourist dollars, China is Tibet Plateau. According to moving to scrap a strict entry current regulations, overseas regime for Tibet and make it passengers shall present Tibet easier for visitors to come in entry permission authorized by Flying high in the sky with a single Chinese visa,” a government before boarding top government official said. the train, says China Tibet R S SHRESTA glider [which usually weighs helicopter. In the next decade, several information Centre. about 55 kg] is easier to launch Since the Himalayas offer billion dollars are to be Once the relaxation is ver since the beginning of and manoeuvre, and only immense scope for paragliding invested into Tibet, that will formally withdrawn on 1 time, man has dreamt of requires a good slope for for joyride and as an adventure include links to India, Nepal October 2006, Indian tourists Eflying independently. launching. It is made of Nylon sports for tourists as well, it and into western Tibet. with visa can visit TAR (Tibet Flight, as we know it, was a cloth, reinforced and could be as well a good new It is worth mentioning here Autonomous Region). It is not fantasy possible only in dreams polyurethane coated to make it avenue for self-employment to that visitors to Tibet have to yet clear whether the Chinese or in myths, a glorious example non porous. It is inflated and the youth in Sikkim. apply for a Special Entry Permit will allow Indians to enter being the flight of Icarus. No maintained purely by the Arrangements are being made which is obtainable from the Tibet via Nathula or any other longer - we now have new movement of air across ‘sits’ to send our youths for a Foreign Office at Beijing. The Indian land frontier. method of taking to the air with below the wing, in a harness that complete course in Chinese Embassy in India It is interesting to note that the help of latest technology is connected to the wing by paragliding at Manali in issues Visas but does not issue there is no way to fly direct

with low cost and simplicity to suspension. He steers by pulling Himachal Pradesh next Special Entry Permit for Tibet. between Beijing and New K on one of two lines, known as month. Depending upon their The Indian tourists have to Delhi on any Chinese or Indian Y make the reality of flight M accessible to everyone. Para- brake lines. A paraglider takes individual aptitude and reach Mainland China on a visa carrier; the only way to do so C gliders and Hang-gliders have less effort to unpack or to capacity in the five-day basic and again after reaching is on Ethiopian Airlines. It is made all these possible and dismantle than a hang glider as course, some will be taken for Mainland have to apply for a likely that at the first instance brought about cherished flying it weighs only about 12 kg, is the intermediate course for the Special Entry Permit for Tibet China may allow entry into within the reach of common slower flying, softer landing, next seven days and a very few Autonomous Region. Tibet by air from any Indian people. and generally much easier to of them finally for the advance Prior to 1980, the Chinese airport and later may allow for We fly through invisible fluid handle and to learn. course of 20 days. required rigorous physical entry through land frontiers. [air] that must be understood in Hang Gliders too are non- A candidate should exams of all passengers prior But as it appears, the Chinese order to thoroughly know and powered aircraft that weigh preferably be a graduate and to boarding their flight to government is very keen to limitations of flying wings to more and are bulkier. They are free from asthma and cardiac Lhasa. Since then, however, develop Tibet and wants gain control. Understanding this, fixed wing aircraft and take disease, with his physical this requirement has been tourists to visit Tibet so that it his skills yearn for flying higher more time to rig up and fitness certified by a waived for many groups. But can raise the economy there. and further entering new realms, dismantle. Being bulky they government doctor and his life visitors with high blood [SK Sarda is the where the dreams come true. can not be carried by one duly insured. He should also pressure, or any respiratory or President of Sikkim A comparatively new sport in person of a car but need to be undergo this training at his own heart ailments, are advised to Chamber of Commerce] India - it actually appeared in this strapped onto the roof of a risk. The cost of journey, stay country in 1991. Sikkim had a vehicle. The pilot lies in and and training is paid by the taste experimenting paragliding maneuvers with the help of a government as a part of the EMPLOYMENT and hang-gliding very recently. bar that he holds in-flight. recently announced capacity Following experienced personnel are required for In Himachal Pradesh, which Hang Gliders and building programme under the Mahindra Authorised dealership at Tadong, Gangtok. plays a leading role in the field, paragliders, being rigid, can Sports and Youth Affairs 1. SALES MANAGER consequently take off in Department. Efforts are being it was introduced only in 1994 2. SALES EXECUTIVE after Roshan Lal Thakur from stronger wind conditions. made to send two candidates 3. CUSTOMER CARE EXECUTIVE Manali acquired some skill in An engine-less glider in from each constituency. 4. SERVICE ADVISOR flying from foreign pilots often which power is provided by the Concerned MLAs have been visiting Manali as tourists, pilot’s legs, a hang glider is a requested to send the names of 5. SERVICE SUPERVISOR reports the official government light, portable piece of interested and willing youth 6. SPARE PARTS MANAGER website on Bilaspur. Experts do equipment consisting of an from their constituencies by 10 7. WORKSHOP MANAGER not think joyriding a serious aluminium frame fitted with a October, 2006. Once the 8. FLOOR IN-CHARGE paragliding. They want to bring parachute. Additional successful trainee returns 9. ACCOUNTS OFFICER it to people as a sport and want equipment required includes a home, he should be in a 10. CLAIMS IN-CHARGE people to know what paragliding harness, a safety belt and a position to train other 11. FRONT OFFICE EXECUTIVE helmet. The pilot takes off on interested youth in his area and is. It is an amazing feeling up 12. STORE / ACCESSORIES IN-CHARGE there, they share the experience. a hang glider by running down establish himself as an 13. INSURANCE IN-CHARGE Paragliding is often confused a slope, ideally at an angle of entrepreneur. Please contact the following address along with resume with hang gliding. Paragliders about 40º, until the glider’s Further course for flying are non-powered air, 12 to 15 stalling speed, of between 15 experience is available for solo SIKKIM MOTORS kg, and can be carried in a and 3 kmph, is crossed. paragliding as adventure sports backpack to any flyable site. A Alternately, a hang glider can and tandem paragliding [2- Ph: 231969 paraglider is lighter than a hang be launched from a plane or seater] for joyride as well. Mobile No: 9434070601 & 9434012216 161616 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 ROUND-UP

SCA drags BCCI to court Trekking

a MIDWEEK Report the SCA, which is till now only for a full-fledged membership The High Court, besides an associate member of BCCI, had been ignored by the issuing notices to the expedition in GANGTOK: Following what be granted fill-fledged BCCI for far too long. This, respondents, has made it clear the Sikkim Cricket Association membership. the association said, had that any action taken by the memory of calls Board of Cricket Control The High Court, following resulted in not only SCA respondents shall be subject to in India’s indifference towards the filing of the petition, has losing out on its voting rights further orders of the High its various long-pending issued notices to the BCCI, its to the BCCI elections, funds Court of Sikkim. mountaineers legitimate demands, SCA has President as well as the board’s for infrastructure SCA, formed and registered filed a petition in the High General Secretary Niranjan development and other in 1987, was granted associate a MIDWEEK REPORT Court of Sikkim against BCCI Shah. benefits but local cricketers membership in 1991 by the and its president, Union During its hearing on 19 were also not getting a chance BCCI. Though the association CHANDIGARH: The Agriculture Minister Sharad September, SCA contended to play first class cricket at should have been accorded full Punjab police adventure Pawar. The petition demands that all its repeated requests various championship fledged membership by the sports club has announced trophies and avail of benefits board after five years of being it is organizing a trekking given to the first class crickets granted an associate member expedition in memory of by the BCCI. At present, status as per the rules, SCA is three mountaineers who HC upholds tender cricket in Sikkim is played still awaiting recognition even died while scaling a only in Under-15, 17, 19 and though almost 16 years have Himalayan peak in 22 categories. already passed. Sikkim last year. The process, dismisses police expedition will trek from Sep 23 to Oct 2 in Balchand petition on SIKKIM TOPS AMONG EASTERN ZONE Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh and PMGSY TEAMS IN SUB-JUNIOR C’SHIP parts of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. The GANGTOK: The home team with huge margins. In the last expedition is being has emerged as the top team in match of the league played on PEMA L. SHANGDERPA organized in the memory the eastern zone for the 29th 24 September, Sikkim defeated of additional director GANGTOK: The High court upheld the preliminary Sub-Junior National Chattisgarh 7-0. general of police P.M. Das of Sikkim has upheld the tender objection raised by the state Championship being played Jharkhand has been placed and two constables, who process and bidding system government that Sarda had no here at the Paljor Stadium. second in the eastern zone with died on a peak in Sikkim applied by the State Rural locus standi since he does not Team Sikkim topped the 9 points. Sep 24 last year. Management & Development have the requisite criteria as rankings with 12 points having The Sub-Junior C A keen mountaineer M Department for phase 5 of the required by the tender defeated all the other four Championship was held for the Y and Mount Everest K Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak documents. teams of the eastern zone, viz. first time in the state and the climber, Das was the Yojana (PMGSY) works in the The petition was in the news Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar and Sikkim football association founder of the police state. since the amount of works Chattsigarh. [SFA] was entrusted to host the adventure club and had In an order passed by a tendered under the phase 5 of The team who are through eastern leg of the tournament trained several officials division bench of Chief Justice the PMGSY was to the tune of to the final round of the by the All India Football and personnel in B. K. Roy and Justice A. P. Rs. 150 crores and was to national championship will Federation [AIFF]. mountaineering. Subba, the court on 21 connect all the major rural play their first match with last “We are happy that the team Serving officials and September dismissed the writ areas in the state. Some 59 rural year’s winner Mizoram in has performed very well. The personnel from the club petition filed by a Class I A roads are being constructed all Chennai in the second week of team has the right combination would undertake the contractor Balchand Sarda over the state under the scheme October. and fitness to play and win trekking expedition in against the department. The by the state rural roads Sikkim did not lose a single matches with teams from the memory of their writ petition was filed by Sarda development agency match in the eastern zone other zones,” a senior SFA colleagues. in May this year contesting the (SRRDA). league beating the other teams official told MIDWEEK. terms and conditions and the Sarda in his petition had guidelines, arguing it was claimed that the Notice - continued from page 11- against the central public works inviting tenders was published department codes and manuals without any authority of law and the public works code of and had glaring anomalies. He Contemplating Suicide the state of Sikkim. had deposited Rs. 2, 30, 000 Speaking to MIDWEEK against the cost of tender with fragmentation shattering graduate to the level of makes effective treatment of Secretary, Rural Management forms and another Rs. 45.76 a very effective defence against involving the society and not mental disorders accessible, to and Development Department lakhs as earnest money at 2. 5 suicides. just institutions. Curbing a sustained awareness drive V. B. Pathak said ‘truth has per cent of the tender cost Does the above template suicides is no easy task. that involves the society as a prevailed’ ultimately, after while he was disqualified at apply to Sikkim? Every Prevention demands a whole whole and reminds it of its three months of litigation the pre-qualification bid. individual will have to find an series of initiatives ranging responsibilities towards the which had disturbed the entire Sarda had also claimed that individual answer for that. But from provision of best possible individual. Once individual process of work and time. instead of issuing a press what needs emphasis is that the conditions from bringing up members of the society accept The High court dismissed notice for pre-qualifying the awareness drive against children and youth, to a strong that their continued disinterest the case mentioning that bidders, the department suicides will have to soon health services network which is allowing more lives to slip Sarda did not fulfill the opened the technical bids through the protective social SIKKIM MANIPAL UNIVERSITY cushion then there will be that eligibility criteria under the much before the financial bids A State Government University incorporated under the State Legislative Act IX of 1995 terms and conditions as which were submitted Recognised by UGC, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India many more hands reaching out Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical & Technological Sciences Distance Education Wing prescribed under the tender together. to assist every life at risk. form. The department had ADMISSION NOTICE FOR AUGUST 2006 Agreed, these are but The court also held that the contested that the petitioner BCA, MBA, B.Sc IT, MCA, MBA, M. Sc. IT incomplete thoughts. They press notice to be issued under did not fulfill any of the would have served their the PMGSY guidelines was not conditions of qualification DIT PGDIT PGDCA purpose if they get at least Short term courses in Computer, Computer Hardware Courses, Spoken English & some people thinking. Maybe directory and mandatory since laid down in the standard Personality Development the there was no consequences bidding document and as such then a workable solution will LC No: 1760 prescribed for violation of it as had no locus standi which the SMART ACADEMY offer itself. per the guidelines. The court court has accepted in merit. Bangar Building, Deorali, Gangtok. Phone: 03592 281043 / 280313 [The writer is Editor, NOW!] BUSINESS 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 171717 Dhanda Manda Hai

a MIDWEEK Report asain is just round the half of what it was in previous corner but the pre- years. While some of the shop DDasain shopping that owners at MG Marg blame the Hotlix gets ready to move precedes it shows no sign of no traffic rule after 5pm for the taking off this year. In fact, reduction in sales, others claim he number of eateries Deorali Bazar. In less than space at the Deorali Ropeway according to most shopkeepers, that lack of parking facilities is that have mushroomed three years of its opening, this terminal is just right for us. We Dasain is yet to turn ramailo discouraging people from T over the years in the small but compact restaurant will now be able to for them. Empty shops stare shopping here. All however Capital have certainly has become immensely accommodate about 45 persons back at the few who do venture agree that there simply is less delighted the gastronomes, popular for its scrumptious and there will be no parking out and no amount of discounts money moving around this with new places offering food and quiet ambiance. problem now.” And the view it or sales seems to tempt those Dasain. ‘We are still hopeful,’ diverse and exotic cuisines to Regulars swear by its great will provide will add to dining who prefer to stay away. Blame tells Karma Loday, owner of a tickle our taste buds, otherwise pizzas, with generous toppings pleasures. The new Hotlix will it on the bad weather or a dip garments shop, ‘the used to the more staple diet of with authentic Italian have some more surprises up in earnings but Dasain business government employees are steaming momos, thukpas and condiments such as olives, its sleeves. From food festivals is witnessing a definite supposed to get advance ‘chow chows’. Eating out has basil, oregano and cheese. The to live music, the focus will downturn. salaries on 25 October, maybe never been so much fun. The Chinese fare is equally good, now be on a more innovative ‘Unlike earlier most people there will be an increase in choice is varied, from pastas with mild and savoury favours menu. “We will be introducing now do their Dasain shopping business then,’ he adds. from Italy and aromatic that don’t over-dose on ketchup daily specials which will keep in Siliguri or other cities,’ says As the shop owners wait for K Y fragrance of Lemon Grass from and soy sauce. And if you like changing every day. Also, we Rajeev Agarwal of Rajeev this sudden spurt in business, M C Thailand to the complexity of it good old Indian, the Kormas plan to add Thai cuisine in our Electronics, disheartened at the let us hope it does materialize, dismantling a lobster or a crab, and Tandoori items are menu,” says Suraj. A full- poor response his Loan Mela or else its time to wake up and you can find it all here. delightful. The bonus: great fledged bar will now serve received recently. ‘Dhanda is smell the coffee. Maybe, there And one place that has, over coffee for the price. cocktails and mocktails, definitely manda,’ add the are just too many shops and too the years, held its own with This week Hotlix moves to outdoor catering will be people at Amber Electronics. few customers to go around. good food and prices that suit a new locale: the Deorali introduced. Great location, But, those who are really feeling This should be a signal to all everyone’s pocket is Hotlix, a terminal of the Ropeway. Says great food and great service. the pinch are the traditional the prospective businessmen multi-cuisine bar and Chef and owner Suraj Chettri: Something that will surely jewelers and cloth merchants, who plan to overwhelm this restaurant located here at “We needed to expand and the leave you licking your fingers! who claim that sales is less than small town with big malls.

JOBS JOBS JOBS Required trainee reporters for MIDWEEK. Interested candidates call 320169 or email [email protected] HEALTH THERAPY Well trained Masseurs FOR SALE available for both men and A Sony PD150 3CCD women. CONTACT: camera in good condition. 9832054928 Contact: 9932233032 LOST WANTED Passport bearing the name A flat for sale in and Pema Dolkar Thakarpa and around Gangtok for number E2248816 in CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS FROM GANGTOK! residential purposes. Gangtok. Finder please CALL: 320169 contact MIDWEEK CHUKIE TOBDEN WAKJILINGPA GANGTOK GAWA DENZONGPA GANGTOK JIGME TSHERING BHUTIA GANGTOK KELSANG PHUNTSOK GANGTOK KESHU BHUTIA GANGTOK ROSIELA GURUNG GANGTOK TSE TEN DORJI GANGTOK WANGYAL BHUTIA GANGTOK YOGESH PRADHAN GANGTOK Below Bank of Baroda The prizes are being sent directly to the winning customers address. M.G. Marg, Gangtok 181818 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 EVENTS MTV Roadies Roadies hit Gangtok! All Set To a MIDWEEK REPORT now at its final leg of the race plenty of exciting freebees, that is so vital to a reality game for the big prize at this moment, including 100 passes entry show, there is a vote out each GANGTOK: If you are a bike is making inroads to Gangtok, passes for the MTV Roadies week. Yup! The same Roadies Splash At freak and music your soul food, as part of its road trip to North Splash at X’cape on September you hang with, travel with, and love the idea of challenging Bengal and the North East. 30 evening! The evening bitch in front of the camera for your lean mean machines to After negotiating the promises to be a real deal, with whole country to see, could X’Cape some extreme road trips across treacherous curves and bends great music, plenty more also vote you out. How’s that the country, here’s some great along the Teesta in driving rain, freebees and of course MTV! for a little drama? And just to news. MTV Roadies is coming the contesting bikers are Roadies is just not about balance it out, the contestants to town! Don’t believe us? arriving here on September 30. biking. It’s another ball game could get immunity. Immunity Well it’s true! And MTV is holding this big altogether. There is a lot of fear is something the finalists earn India’s biggest reality show Splash at X’cape, the hottest factor involved. There are as by winning a task which just got bigger and better and club in town in the evening. those strenuous physical tasks- means they escape a potential grittier. And for the first time, This may be your chance to rub like rappelling down a steep vote out for that one task at it makes it way to the land of shoulders with not only the slope, tight rope walking across least. Whew! the Khangchendzonga. Roadies but also with MTV VJ some crazy roaring river and And just for the record, the 20-year-old Parul Well, so what if you ain’t Ranvir, who hosts the show. having to endeavour sleeping winner of Roadies 3 was 20- Shahi, winner of the part of this extremely popular And starting from in the same tent as your awful, year-old Parul Shahi, a petite MTV Roadies 3 reality show on bikes and September 25 to September 29, obnoxious and bitching fellow Delhite, who is actually an living, riding and competing MTV is holding promotional contestants! Upto 5 lakhs for Indian Nepali! After travelling with a bunch of strangers for events in major Colleges the winner, but hey, its just not for nearly 2500 kilometers, a huge cash prize, not to around here such as Sikkim handed out-you have to earn it! enduring tough tasks and forget a brand new bike, Government College, Tadong, The money has to be earned by beating 12 competitors, Parul MTV’s is making sure that SMIT Mahjitar and Sikkim the Roadies, a little incentive walked away with a Hero you be a small part of the fun, Manipal Medical College, to make sure everyone puts in Honda Karizma and booty of in your own town. Tadong. During the events, that extra bit of effort. close to Rs. 5 lakhs. Now that’s

MTV Roadies 4, which is MTV will be handing out To add that extra bit of zest, some tough girl.

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Y K BOOKS/LITERATURE 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 191919

WARNING: There are chances you may come across jeans, jackets and bags started sporting ‘patches’ and too many exclamation points in this piece. And there our fashionable people became walking billboards for are chances some anti-exclamation mark pressure anything from the US Postal Service to some groups might send the Editor an excruciatingly long obscure oil company in the UAE! petition against the unnecessary use of this But the determination of fashion-conscious punctuation mark by this weekly and ask if we have run out of ideas on how to gracefully use other peeps hell-bent on wearing a tight pair of punctuations! But let me assure you, the subject denims during those Lycra-less days was matter demands that almost every sentence in this amazing. If getting into those awfully tight article ends with an exclamation point. Also please pair of ‘Jeans pants’ was an ordeal, getting don’t expect the subject matter to be dealt in a out of them was a mission almost chronological order. I’m just too mentally traumatised impossible. Groans, grunts and frantic to recount the fashion trends of the 90s as well as its looks around to see if there’s anyone to major flubs, some of which I myself have committed! lend you a hand, or two, to get you out he 1990s sure was a strange time, with strange of that contraption. And all that pain for fashion trends and equally strange fashion flubs. what purpose? To make yourself look like TAnd I shamefacedly admit to having committed a ridiculous replica of Big Ethel, with the quite a number of them myself, including strutting denim covering your knees protruding as around town wearing a pair of spandex tights, known if your knees were on Viagra! The results during those days as ‘cycling shorts’! What was I were more disastrous on a pair of bow legs. thinking! That I was Axl Rose minus the stubble, Other horror-inducing fashion rages of the bandana, and Jack Daniels? Jeez! time were baggy pants and shirts with bat wing- Those were the dark ages when sporting a Tibetan like sleeves [I plead guilty to having worn these terrier hairdo was considered cool. Ah, those not-so- absurdities], puffed sleeves, Iron Maiden t-shirts, glorious days of side-parting, straight long fringes jabar-jasti ko denims bell-bottom [regular denim pants completely covering one eye, painfully tilted necks cut open at the seams and a V-shaped piece of cloth, known [to keep that fringe hanging over that particular side as ‘rockets’, sewn in between to make the ‘flares’], This was the age of the ‘anti-fashion’ fashion when of the face] and the resulting stiff neck at the end of fluorescent clothes that made everyone go blind [thanks we proudly went around looking like we just rolled the day! After my pet Apso saw that hairdo on me, to MTV], platform sneakers that elevated you to new out of bed in oversized plaid flannel shirts [in the bitch insisted on getting a crew cut. How mean is heights with layers of rubber soles, and fake Doc Martins summer!] worn over t-shirts endorsing heavy metal that! that threatened to weigh you down by their sheer weight bands. The look was not complete unless the flannel Topping the list of other popular hairstyles that had besides giving you corns. And then there were the days shirts were accompanied by dirty denim pants, a once swept Gangtok was Crew cut, a hairdo sported when people walked the streets of Gangtok wearing wallet chain [optional], a pair of dirty canvas shoes by delusional guys who, after an overdose of Vietnam combat pants and boots when the nearest war going on at and a thatch of equally greasy hair. This trend War movies, believed they were in the US Army. After that time was in the Arabian Gulf! Thank God, PVC continued until the time hip-hop street fashion took the release of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore starrer clothing failed to find a market here. over in the fag end of the 90s. Ghost, getting the short Demi Moore crop was a must Missing an episode of Beverly Hills 90210 and At least the good thing about those days of horrible for every ‘cool’ school girl while every other guy Fauji starring a young Shah Rukh Khan was a cardinal

fashion trends was that they lasted for quite some time K wanted an Aashiqui cut a la Rahul Roy. Sales of sin, so was addressing your friends by their full name. Y

Those were the days when geniuses like us were too before they became ‘oh so last season’. These days, M shampoo, as well as lice killer potions, shot up like C the fashion changes so rapidly that in a couple of crazy that season, I’ve been told. mentally preoccupied to spell out all the syllables in months’ time, someone might be writing a somewhat A denim jacket worn over anything, even formal a name. So Mahesh became Max, Savitri became similar piece on ‘the unthinkable fashion trends we pants [!], was another fashion statement back in the Savvy, and Thupden became Thups! If names were a followed last season’ here and demanding a barf bag 90s. My few attempts to make such a statement in race, we’d be looking back at those times as an era at the uncomfortable thought of his/her fashion flubs school got too loud for my teachers’ liking, resulting marred by genocide. of last season! Baarrfff! in a couple of quick detentions and the eventual Then somewhere around mid-90s we saw a late - SERAH BASNET confiscation of my prized denim jacket on charges of emergence of the grunge fashion [seems like it took repeated offence. Soon, it became cool to wear torn the trend some time to reach here from Seattle].

TARANTULA - Bob Dylan Tarantula is in the stream-of-consciousness style of Dylan’s liner notes to Highway 61 Revisited and Bringing It All Back Home. The publisher did our beloved author a great disservice in labeling these writings BESTSELLING 10 At RACHNA BOOKS ‘Poems’. These short pieces - interspersed with pseudo-missives - are literally unbridled prose, brimming with wit, sarcasm and absurdities. Only Dylan can say for sure what they’re all about. A poet is not necessarily one who writes rhyming verse, but formlessness is not poetry either. To call Tarantula ‘poetry’ is to turn a blind eye to Dylan’s assault on traditional prose narrative forms. That said, Tarantula is a great book to have on the shelf, but it’s not easy or especially rewarding reading unless one is primarily interested in the author. Because it’s Dylan’s only book [aside from published lyrics], it’s a rather important book.

A SHORT HISTORY OF TRACTORS ON THE UKRAINIAN - Marina Lewycka For years, Nadezhda and Vera, two Ukrainian sisters, raised in England by their refugee parents, have had as little as possible to do with each other - and they have their reasons. But now they find they’d better 1. How Not To Say What You Mean: A Dictionary of learn how to get along, because since their mother’s death their aging Euphemisms - RW Holder; Rs. 375; 510 pp father has been sliding into his second childhood, and an alarming new 2. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden; Rs. 265; 503 pp woman has just entered his life. Valentina, a bosomy young synthetic 3. A Short history of Tractors on the Ukrainian - blonde from the Ukraine, seems to think their father is much richer than Marina Lewycka; Rs. 405; 280 pp he is, and she is keen that he leave this world with as little money to his 4. Out of My Later Years - Albert Einstein; Rs. 450; HB 280 pp name as possible. If Nadazhda and Vera don’t stop her, no one will. But 5. Lifeless - Mark Billingham; Rs. 249; 470 pp separating their addled and annoyingly lecherous dad from his new love 6. How to Lose Weight - Christina Michael; Rs. 295; 192 pp will prove to be no easy feat - Valentina is a ruthless pro and the two 7. Tarantula - Bob Dylan; Rs. 440; 116 pp sisters swiftly realize that they are mere amateurs when it comes to 8. First Proof 2 Penguin Book of New Writing From India ruthlessness. As Hurricane Valentina turns the family house upside down, old secrets come falling Rs. 275; 290 pp out, including the most deeply buried one of them all, from the War, the one that explains much 9. The Joy of laziness - Peter Axt; Rs. 150; 160 pp about why Nadazhda and Vera are so different. In the meantime, oblivious to it all, their father 10. The Triumph of the Sun - Wilbur Smith; Rs. 290; 630 pp carries on with the great work of his dotage, a grand history of the tractor. 202020 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 YOUTH

EAST COKER Peppers, Peas, Mariah Spice Up AMAs

MEETS COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES WORST SONG POP/ROCK Sometimes it would seem MALE ARTIST: Nick Lachey, Sean that NOTHING MUCH Paul, Kanye West happens on in Gangtok. This FEMALE ARTIST: Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Nelly Furtado is attributable to the fact that BAND, DUO OR GROUP: the wonderful people who live in Nickelback, Pussycat Dolls, Red Gangtok, actually stay home for the weekends and Hot Chili Peppers think about non-italian related things. ALBUM: All the Right Reasons, And I’m not being facetious, the people who live in Nickelback; Stadium Arcadium, Red Gangtok are wonderful, and I don’t begrudge them Hot Chili Peppers; High School their time off in the slightest. People need time off, Musical,Various Artists even me. I took a few hours off tonight to have dinner COUNTRY with Bobby THE DRUMMER and then went to a couple MALE ARTIST: Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Keith Urban of little parties with him and Noel THE BASSIST. I’m FEMALE ARTIST: so decadent, aren’t I? Taking time off to socialize when f the folks behind the seems to be Nickelback. Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, I could be home NAPPY CHANGING. American Music Awards are As for Fergie and her fellow Gretchen Wilson Hhmm...I wish I had a better understanding of Latin BAND, DUO OR GROUP: Brooks & trying to reverse the Peas, their Monkey Business is up and ancient Greek. I’m such a dilletante, I only know I Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal your basic persona non grata phrase. Whenever I meet perception of being the most for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Flatts ALBUM: Legend of Johnny Cash, someone who can actually read or speak Latin I’m predictable award show out Album, and the group will vie for Johnny Cash; Greatest Hits Volume always impressed. It must be a rather heady high, there, well, they aren’t doing Favorite Artist in both Rap/Hip- 2, Tim McGraw; Me & My Gang, actually, to be able to speak Latin to the ladies (or themselves any favors with this Hop and Soul/Rhythm & Blues. Rascal Flatts men). Veni vidi vici when rearranged has some very year’s list of nominees. Also racking up multiple SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES dirty connotations. Forgive me, it’s late and I’m being For the second consecutive nominations were virtually any MALE ARTIST: Chris Brown, Jamie willfully obscure. year, despite having failed to artists who managed to score Foxx, Ne-Yo Hhmm... it’s 11 pm, already. Time for bed. But before release an album in nearly 18 some airplay this year: Mary J FEMALE ARTIST: Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Keyshia Cole I tuck myself in let me say that the worst song of all months, Mariah Carey leads Blige, Kelly Clarkson, time is probably : How can I live without you? by BAND, DUO OR GROUP: Black the nominations at the Dick Eminem, Kanye West, Jamie Eyed Peas, The Isley Brothers, Michael Bolton. But the pleasure derived from really Clark-produced trophyfest. Foxx, Rascal Flatts, TI, Carrie Jagged Edge bad songs almost invariably renders them wonderful. ALBUM: The Breakthrough, Mary J. If you can listen to How can I live without you? you Carey, the Red Hot Chili Underwood and Pussycats Blige; The Emancipation of Mimi, won’t be disappointed. It makes you want to find Peppers, the Black Eyed Peas Dolls all scored two nods Mariah Carey; Unpredictable, Jamie this man and study him, for how is it possible that a and Nickelback each snagged apiece. Underwood and Foxx human being could make something so awful? a field-best three nods for the Pussycat Dolls will do battle RAP/HIP-HOP Any thoughts, people? And remember, George Bush 2006 American Music Awards. with Chamillionaire in the MALE ARTIST: Eminem, T.I., C Kanye West M is an evil dimwit! And dwarf pornography is disturbing For her part, The redundantly named Favorite

Y BAND, DUO OR GROUP: Black

K in many ways. ARE we allowed to have cursing on Emancipation of Mimi New Breakthrough Artist race. Eyed Peas, Dem Franchize Boyz, this PAPER? I hope so. It’s always troubled me that songbird is once again up for Other nominations of note Three 6 Mafia some PAPERS try to, hmm... “discourage” the use of Favorite Female Artist in both include Disney’s hugely ALBUM: Monkey Business, Black “questionable” language. Eyed Peas; Curtain Call, Eminem; the Pop/Rock and Soul/ popular High School Musical King, T.I. Rhythm & Blues categories, as soundtrack competing against ADULT CONTEMPORARY well as a nod for Favorite the Chili Peppers and ARTIST: Michael Buble, Kelly Album in the latter category. Nickelback for Favorite Pop/ Clarkson, Rob Thomas The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rock Album, and Johnny Cash ALTERNATIVE MUSIC who also led the nominations for earning a posthumous nod, as ARTIST: Nickelback, Pearl Jam, last month’s MTV Video Music his The Legend of Johnny Cash Red Hot Chili Peppers Awards, are competing for faces off against Tim McGraw’s LATIN MUSIC ARTIST: Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Favorite Artist in the Alternative Greatest Hits Volume 2 and Shakira Music category, and Favorite Rascal Flatts’ Me & My Gang CONTEMPORARY Band, Duo or Group and for Favorite Country Album. INSPIRATIONAL Favorite Album for their chart- Winners will be selected by ARTIST: Aly & AJ, Casting Crowns, topping Stadium Arcadium in the a nationwide poll, and the Kirk Franklin Pop/Rock field. Their primary awards will be doled out live BREAKTHROUGH [ALL GENRES]: challenger in all three races at the Shrine Auditorium 21 ARTIST: Chamillionaire, Pussycat November on ABC. Dolls, Carrie Underwood

This week, MIDWEEK Duran Duran and Justin presents cheat codes for... Repeat this code to disable its effect. This code must be re- enabled with each new level. Your Timberlake to collaborate? health will still decrease, but you will uran Duran have posted can confirm that ever since not die when it reaches zero. Note: a bulletin on their Justin presented the band with You can still kill yourself with your own bazooka or grenade official MySpace page, a Lifetime Achievement Award D explosions. addressing longstanding at the Brits they have all INFINITE AMMUNITION rumors that they will record expressed an interest in Enable the “Cheat mode” code, with the one-and-only Justin working together,” Duran then press L2, L1, Square, L2, L1, Timberlake. Gossip about a Duran’s MySpace post reads. R1. If you entered the code potential D2/JT partnership “To that end, some of the band correctly, the game will apparently started after the new members met up with Justin CHEAT MODE automatically resume. Repeat this wave quintet and former boy- recently in New York to discuss Pause the game, then hold L1 + R1 and press Circle(2), Left, Triangle, code to disable its effect. band star struck up a friendship a possible collaboration.” Circle, X. If you entered the code correctly, the phrase “ENTER CHEAT” FULL ADRENALINE METER at the Brit Awards in 2004. No further details about this will appear. The following codes may now be enabled after L1 + R1 are Enable the “Cheat mode” code, “Since there has been some possible collaboration - which released: then press L1, R2, R1, Up, Triangle, speculation about Justin would effectively bridge ’80s, INVINCIBILITY Circle. If you entered the code Timberlake working with ‘90s, and new-millennial teen Enable the “Cheat mode” code, then press Square, L2, L1, Triangle(2), L2. correctly, the game will Duran Duran in the media, we pop - are available at this time. If you entered the code correctly, the game will automatically resume. automatically resume. YOUTH 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 212121 Matters of the Heart

e heard them sing at the Rebecca and Rajen Ghimirey. Paila if only the vocals had recent Pang Lhabsol Another interesting folk tune gone where the songs require Wfestival in Gangtok. worth a listen is Kaichimarey them to. Unfortunately, that is Yes, we also took note of that Pharia where an excited not the case. Katai Kahin catchy ‘eeya eeya eeyo, o yea would-be bride sings praises demands much more than o’ refrain of the song which had about her knight in daura Rebecca’s vocals can deliver the revelers dancing to Lhamu surwal and the dream and all attempts to pull a Hema and Rebecca’s tunes. Now, we trousseau she wants to wear Sardesai here fall flat. Chunauti bring you the lowdown on the when she accompanies her Paila is an interesting song - two songbirds’ latest album beau to his village. Written and with a dash of bluesy rock - Manai Ta Ho - Simply A Heart. composed by Noel Lepcha, it about overcoming obstacles. The album - a Sur Sudha is one of the few songs from Though Abhaya’s arrangement presentation - attempts to do a bit the album that stands out. sets it apart from other tracks, dance floor scorcher, we of everything: opening with In fact, Manai Ta Ho boasts what puts a dampener to the can’t think of any local DJs couple of traditional, folksy tunes, the album of a host of renowned artists song is the lack of punch in who’d want to play this one. This times, it’s handled progresses towards more and musicians collaborating to Lhamu’s vocals, something that song is another example that more positively, with the contemporary sounds, with upbeat, put this album together, from this particular song strongly dance numbers don’t require protagonist choosing to move up-tempo songs occasionally veterans like Rajan Ghimirey demands. much coherent lyrics and even on instead of dwelling in the interjecting these tracks. to the young and rock ‘n’ Another song that should not arm-farts accompanied by an bitter past. Ritu Naya is one The album opens with the rolling Abhaya Subba of have made it through the final upbeat tune can do the trick. such up-tempo track with a title track Manai Ta Ho, an I- ‘Ahbaya and the Steam Injuns’. cut is Party Girls, a Nepali- Hitting the skip button catchy ‘eeya eeya eeyo, o yea can-survive-without-you Despite this, the album fails to English bilingual disco track recommended on this one. o’ chorus and a little bit of rap. themed song written and rise above the mediocre. about partying hard - Asha The plus point for this This track, we believe, will be composed by Rajen Ghimirey, Two songs that could have Bhonsle ishtyle - with some album is its lack of those honoured with a repeated play followed by Samla, an been hits among the lovers of unimpressive rap bit thrown in overtly lovelorn songs. Though this dassain. interesting, nicely paced flute- contemporary Nepali music are for good measure. Though this the theme of ‘having loved and Rating: 2/5 driven folksy duet between Katai Kahin and Chunauti is definitely intended to be a lost’ appears more than a - WYLDE K Y M C

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Near Hotel Yatung Anarchy in the SMIT GANGTOK: Girish Pradhan and limelight have this tendency Nam Nang of bumping into each other every time there’s a rock contest. The frontman of Anarchy, a Gangtok-based rock outfit, Girish Gangtok repeated the feat he had performed last year and again bagged the title of Best Solo Vocal title during Kaalrav 2006 held recently 737101 at SMIT, Mahjitar. The contest was held on 23 September, the FOR AD ENQUIRIES second day of SMIT’s three daylong annual inter-college festival. CONTACT: Phone: His band, Anarchy, also secured second spot a day earlier in 03592 - 227618 / 098320 89889 The Battle of the Bands. 98320 43693 03592 This year, Kaalrav saw eight colleges, both from Sikkim and elsewhere, vie for the top spot in various contests held as part of EMAIL: 320169 the festival. To add some icing on the cake, Mantra from [email protected] Darjeeling, present as the guest band, also rocked the crowd with their usual dose of Nepali rock. 222222 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 BAZAAR

arita Cloth Emporium, reads the sign Guru Rinpoche, Chenrezig and Lord Buddha in Sabove this little shop in New Market. You a variety of sizes such as 4”, 5”, 9”, 12”, 15”, walk in and find out first impressions are 17” and so on. Brightly painted wall scrolls of decidedly deceptive, for it is long and narrow Hindu Gods like Hanuman, Lord Shiva and and there’s an amazing variety of goods to Lakshmi are available too, a testimony to the keep you busy for quite a while. We think the entrepreneurial genius of the Chinese. SARITA CLOTH EMPORIUM word ‘Cloth’ should get chucked out of the Umbrellas, jackets, socks, baby shoes, signboard fast! sweaters, incense, belts, caps, jewellery, prayer This shop is a big hit with tourists for it’s beads, water bottles, tiffin boxes, khadas, full of quaint surprises. Want to buy prayer stockings, bags, handbags, sunglasses, jewellery flags or ‘dhajas’? Walk right in. Want an boxes, felt hats, Chinese bowls, cups, mugs… umbrella? It’s in here. A brocade bakhu? everything co-exists happily in Gopal’s shop. Check. A cap for your kid? Check again. Saved up for a nice idol of Guru Rinpoche? QUICK PICKS: Your search ends here. Want a warm jacket · Nice socks in different sizes, from tiny ones or a sheer vest? Yes, you get it here. Funky with attached teddy bears for new born babies to socks sporting football boot designs for jewellery? Yesssss, you get it here. youngsters. Prices start at Rs. 30 and go Hey, how come you have so much of up to Rs. 50 religious stuff here, we ask owner Gopal. He · Khadas and prayer flags laughs as he offers his own pearl of wisdom, · Tiny bejeweled jewellery boxes which can be ‘Fashion changes very fast. Monks clothes used to store your earrings or sindoor. Rates remain the same’. Point taken. Indeed a lot start from Rs. 30 and there are several sizes. of monks frequent his shop for their needs. · Umbrellas in a variety of styles and designs. He stocks ‘shendep’ ‘khenza’ ‘zen’ ‘kera’ and · Very nice felt hats for the local gentlemen. They’re around Rs. 250 and you can sport a the whole set of monks garments. He even sober brown or a funky one in mufti tones. supplies the spellings of the garments names! · Small idols, only few inches high, of Buddhist If you’ve ever wondered where to get and Hindu gods religious items at a reasonable place, this is · Gold paint for thangkas it. There are prayer wheels, big and small WHAT WE LIKE chumi, mandalas, ‘gyamcho’ or butter lamp · The small knick knacks and the big smiles that sets, vases or ‘bhumpa’, ‘dilbu’ or bells, why greet you here. you even get the ‘phurba’ and ‘dorji’ so · The two fold gents umbrella that is huge when essential to religious ceremonies. unfurled but surprisingly handy to carry, around Rs. 180

There are nice idols of Buddhist Gods like

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M Y K SCORCHING THE SHELVES: the lowdown on new products

they’re in pure cotton with Here’s his recommendation: New bright piping on edges and a Robin Liquid Blue from Reckitt good investment. Bensicker (India) ltd. for dazzling PSST: If your kid wears whiteness. All it takes is a few drops of size 24, make a beeline cos Robin Liquid in some water and you alling all mothers..and the cost Rs.25/- for a medium that’s the size most in instantly get whiter, brighter rare father, bless his soul, sized vest to the well known demand and all the good clothes, he says. At Rs.9/- for a Cwho shops for his kids’ Bodycare brand that retails at pieces are getting snapped up 75 ml bottle, it’s worth giving

clothes. Has Junior again much higher prices. fast. him the benefit of the doubt. ○○○○○○○ outgrown his vests? You’re in Ladies, if you are ○○○○○○○○ There are some hidden luck, Raj Shree has some prepared to squat, your nce upon a time, there complications with scoring terrific stock of kids’ vests this rummaging in the mounds of used to be a super bleach this column. Ever since time around. Since there’s vests stashed in awkwardly Ocalled Ala. And it really Madam Editor parked me on always been something about placed looooooow shelves used to whiten the whites and this page, the better half is bargains and women that make will find you some real remove colours with just a dip. refusing to accompany me them inseparable, no one, I’m treasures that will have your But alas, Ala went off the to town. I’m accused of sure, will need directions to this kids raring to wear the vests. market and some women are chatting up the shop. There are vests with stars all still asking for it by name in shopkeepers! And those that A t-shirt slogan goes, a over and there are comic the shops. I asked my I know personally accuse Man is someone who will characters. shopkeeper friend to me of favouring certain pay double the money to buy The Disney range from recommend a good shops. So okay, this Robin something he needs and a Bodycare boasts real Disney replacement to whiten whites thing is available in ALL or Woman is a person who pays toons not those horrible especially school shirts most retail shops! half the money to buy two of caricatures of the same discoloured over time. - TINA something she doesn’t need. passed off as the real mc Coy But basics like kids vests are by small –time companies. If you want to be featured in The Profiler series or have new products surely exempt from this sage Take your pick from Winnie that you want featured in our bazaar page saying! the Pooh, Mickey, Donald, call us at There are different ranges Superman and other toon of vests from the offerings of friends. Vests start at Rs.40/ 320169 or email: [email protected] small time companies that - and go up to Rs. 65/- but WOMEN 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 232323 MAN ON OUR RADAR Pops-to -be club!

male friend admitted that 1. Top of the list, quit apprehensive about the he secretly reads the smoking. That’s your new addition to the family. moms-to-be feature. He unborn baby forming in 5. Most men worry about A your wife’s womb and finance, plan for baby’s confessed he’s feeling really you can’t afford to put needs long before he / mixed up ever since his wife wife and baby at she comes. got pregnant so how about a increased risk of passive 6. Some men feel jealous pops-to-be feature? smoking. that they are no longer Let me tell you about this 2. Be involved. Keep track of the centre of their wives’ other friend of mine, who the dates of hospital worlds. A very simple Lalu Pradad Yadav! Lalu, you ask? Here’s why: recently became the proud visits and drive your wife remedy is, grow up fast! · He ruled his long time fiefdom by proxy by installing his father of a lovely daughter. He there… willingly. 7. Enjoy the pregnancy for Devi, Rabri on the Chief Minister’s political throne. had smsed me about his wife’s 3. As your wife becomes once baby comes, you · He is the only politician to boast his own doll likeness. pregnancy in a very sweet way, bigger by the day, her self and your wife will have to · Most importantly, he is the man behind the incredible ‘We’re pregnant again’. That’s esteem takes a dive. wait for empty nest turnaround of the Indian Railways. a good attitude, for while the Reassure her she’s still syndrome before you can · He actually wowed the cream of the country’s management attractive to you. That’s be a twosome again. woman is the one who actually brains in the making at IIM Ahmedabad by holding forth - your baby in there! 8. You could always develop goes through the pregnancy, INTELLIGENTLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLY- on the 4. Realise that while your the Couvade Syndrome. Railways success story. the man is also dragged along wife obsesses with her For details please ask · He appeared in his rustic white kurta, doggedly referred to nilly willy on the pregnancy pregnancy, your own your nearest the haloed IIM as “Bharatiya Prabandhan Sanstha”, and roller coaster. feelings are also gynaecologist or med delivered his lecture in chaste Hindi. What’s a man to do, my undergoing an upheaval. school intern! (or read More power to you, Lalu! friend groans. Plenty, you bet! It’s natural to feel next issue of MIDWEEK!)

PRESCHOOLERS AND PARENTS: A QUOTA From the ‘Wondertime’ website: FOR Tracy Rasmussen, a young mother shares the QUOTES three things preschoolers really need to know. She says from her personal experience these are what she calls the 3 S’s: K

1. SELF-CARE Y M

2. SITTING STILL C 3. SHARING

MIDWEEK tip: Your child is never THE WORLD’S TEN RICHEST INDIANS: too young to start toilet LAKSHMI MITTAL $20 BILLION training. A toilet trained ASIM PREMJI $11 BILLION ‘Adam could not be child is a joy to MUKESH AMBANI $7 BILLION happy even in take anywhere ANIL AMBANI $5.5 BILLION Paradise without and is much easier KUSHAL PAL SINGH $5 BILLION Eve’- Lord John on your pocket. SUNIL MITTAL $4.9 BILLION Lubbock KUMARMANGALAM BIRLA $4.4 BILLION TULSI TANTI $3.7 BILLION PALLONJI MISTRY $3.3. BILLION ANURAG DIKSHIT $ 3.1 BILLION

MIDWEEK take: Well, ladies, while all that lucre is a deadly lure, not one of the men on the list are remotely handsome, worse, they’re all married or taken, and, yes, a man in your hand is better than one with cash in his hand any day. HEALTH-WATCH ‘So many beautiful women And so little time’. -John The power of organic Barrymore · Organic farming uses crop rotation and other traditional It’s also expensive, and pests become resistant to methods to keep soil fertile. chemicals over time. · Organic food is the end product of organic farming, which · Organic products have more minerals, less water and is grown and transported without the use of chemical less artificial chemicals, as a result of which the taste is fertilizers, genetic engineering, growth hormones, more natural irradiation or antibiotics. MIDWEEK says: Our very own Temi tea is now available DIAL : 320169 · Organic is not same as natural. Natural foods in ‘organic in transformation’ version. Though the price EMAIL : are preservative free and minimally processed. is upped to Rs.125/- a pack, our Temi tea now has a snazzy Organic food can be natural food but all natural packaging that finally does it justice. The earlier yellow sikkim.midweek@ food is not organic food. pack looked a little sorry as a gift for friends from outside · Chemically dependent farming produces unhealthy food. the state. gmail.com 242424 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 MOVIES BOLLYWOOD snippets

HRITHIK ROSHAN SPORTS MANY GUISES IN ‘DHOOM 2’ t is a common knowledge Inow that Hrithik Roshan plays a clever conman in Dhoom 2. What is little known is that he will sport many different looks in the film. The movie buffs are eager to see Hrithik stepping into the shoes of a thief who remains ever elusive for the cops [played by Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu] in the Yash SYNOPSIS: Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is a feisty, self centred rookie racing car aiming to win the ultra prestigious Raj Film’s much-awaited Piston Cup against his two chief rivals, the veteran King (Richard Petty) and the mean hearted, ever-second Chick (Michael Keaton). venture Dhoom 2. It is a role When he’s waylaid in the little town of Radiator Springs on Route 66, bypassed by the new interstate highway, he gets into trouble for which Hrithik trained and detained on community service. Anxious to get to the big race in Los Angeles, Lightning is befriended by the rusty tow-truck, extensively in dangerous Mater (Larry The Cable Guy) and the attractive solicitor Sally Carrera (Bonnie Hunt) who helps him in court. They, plus the local judge sports like roller-blading, sand with a secret past, Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) and the other townfolk, teach Lightning some values he was missing, before he boarding, snow boarding, sky- heads off to race for the Cup. diving and bike stunts also. THE BIG REVIEW as the only thing of value. humbles Lightning. Lightning’s willingness to And if this was not enough, When his selfishness gets The community spirit learn and his ultimate act of speculation is rife that Hrithik ars is a brilliantly him off the beaten track and worn effortlessly by the decency on the race track drive will be seen in as many as 15 executed movie with a into trouble, he is ordered to pretty blue Porsche, ex-big home these positive messages, different guises in the film. The movie’s theatrical promos well tuned screenplay make good the damage he’s city lawyer Sally Carrera but to their credit, John C already show Hrithik in 3-4 built on the simple but done. In the process, he is (Bonnie Hunt) also engages Lasseter and his writers never different get-ups. And the buzz evergreen character elements befriended by the the young rookie, leading to forget to have fun at every is that Hrithik also guises that gave old Hollywood its community’s ugliest a romantic possibility the opportunity. One memorably himself as a dwarf and as a golden glow: decent human member, the busted and screenplay toys with for our funny scene (later reprised with woman in the film. He adopts values. The good, the badly rusted, low brow tow-truck, amusement. a twist) has Mater and all these different looks to mangled and the ugly are all Mater - rhymes with tomater The hardship caused to the Lightning playing a mislead the police. Dhoom 2 embraced as valuable members - marvellously voiced by town by the freeway taking all mischievous game one night is slated to hit the theatres in

of the community, and winning Larry The Cable Guy. Mater, their passing traffic trade, and among the local tractors, who November. C

M hearts earns greater status than a symbol of sincerity, is an the brief reflection that people are portrayed as the equivalent AMEESHA PATEL WANTS Y

K winning prizes. example to Lightning, as is used to travel from A to B to of dullard cows. TO PLAY THE FEMALE Lightning (Owen Wilson) old Doc Hudson (Paul enjoy the trip, not to shorten it, Inventive and witty, Cars is TAPORI CIRCUIT is a likeable but shallow, self Newman) who is the town’s also supports the film’s overall a well oiled Pixar movie- ince Ameesha Patel has watched Lage Raho centred show pony of a wise old judge, hiding a moral tone, which helps give machine that deserves its S Munna Bhai, she can’t stop racing car who sees winning secret that surprises and the entire story some depth. victory lap. raving about it. She loved the role of Munnabhai, but goes SHOWING FROM FRIDAY PREVIEWfida over the role of circuit. She likes its tapori style and wants to play the female circuit sometimes in future. JOHN ABRAHAM MAY Piecing The Puzzle SIGN A FILM OPPOSITE 11:00 AM, 2:15 PM, 5:30 PM LIV TYLER ohn Abraham may sign a n the glitzy entertainment except for an enemy which film opposite Liv Tyler, titled capital of Mumbai as dusk lurked in the shadow, waiting J I The Good, The Bad and The descends, famous actress to destroy their love. An Avon. It will shoot completely Suna Azim (Kangana Ranaut) enemy which neither of them in Mexico from June next year. slashes her wrists in a hotel saw till it was too late... A source says, “John has a room, in an attempt to kill When Aditya realizes that very international look and can herself. When this news the only way he can save easily pass off as a Mexican reaches film maker Aditya Sana from total devastation is actor. This is the reason the Garewal (Shiny Ahuja), he is to take her away from role has probably been offered devastated. Aditya has been Bollywood and the vested to him.” However, John’s searching for Sana all over the interests that threaten to business manager Bhaskar world. Sana who was destroy her completely, he Shetty said, “He has not intensely involved with Aditya, runs away with Sana putting signed any film, but is in FROM FRIDAY had mysteriously disappeared his career on the line. Those serious talks with various from his life without any moment lived in the sanctuary production houses aboard.” explanation, three years ago, of their love are like an oasis only to surface now in what in the desert. could be the last moments of Until one day, suddenly, her life. she disappears, leaving him As Aditya waits outside the with unanswered question. ICU in a death watch situation, Why did she leave at the very praying to be reunited with acme of their love, when there THE her, he is hurled back into the seemed to be hope? What perfumed days and pushed her to attempt STARRING: champagne nights of his suicide? Will be finally be able Kangana Ranaut, Shiny Ahuja memory, wherein Sana Azim to piece together the puzzle HOTLINE played the role of both, lover that has been haunting him ULTRA SURROUND SOUND and mentor to a struggling and almost destroyed him? :SHOW TIMINGS: Aditya. And most important of all, will 320169 11:00AM / 2:15PM / 5:30PM Everything was perfect, be reunited with his love? ENTERTAINMENT 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 252525

together an ensemble of has been received very well,” famous names-Rajesh Hamal, says a producer. Sai Gayatri Pukar Gurung, Amar Dahal, Films has been registered with Dasain ko Ramailo Pushpa Lata Lama and of the Producers body in Nepal. course, the reigning queen of The film is scheduled to be Nepali films-Niruta Singh. released in Darjeeling, According to the producers, Kalimpong, Jaigoan, Malbazar Nepali film Aama ko Kaakh to getting the stars of in North Bengal and “Kollywood” as the Nepali Phuentsoling in Bhutan from add to the Dasain festivities Film Industry in Kathmandu, October 20 this year. “We have Nepal is rather ludicrously plans to take the film to all SARIKAH ATREYA referred to, was quite a Nepali-speaking areas of the challenge. “Most of the actors country and also overseas to GANGTOK: Come Dasain who have worked in the film places like Hong Kong and and it is time for a fortnight of are very busy stars. Getting Singapore, where there is a festivities and merry making. their dates proved difficult but sizable Nepalese population,” It is a festival that is universal in the end, we managed to the producers say. in its appeal and there isn’t any shoot and complete our film This film may be a great section of the Nepalese Hindu on schedule,” says one of the promotional tool for Sikkim society that is untouched by it. producers. Made at a budget but making a film in Sikkim is And adding to the Dasain of Rs. 50 lakhs, the film has still an expensive and fervour are Nepali films, which been extensively shot in exhausting affair. With have over the years, become an Sikkim and in Mirik in growing interest of even integral part of the festivities Darjeeling. The post Bollywood producers to shoot in Sikkim and the Darjeeling production was completed in here, it makes sense for the Hills. No wonder, Nepali film Mumbai. State Government to create the producers choose this time of Written and directed by right environment for film the year to release their films. Bijay Kerang, who has earlier making. There is a need to Last week, “Aama ko assisted noted Nepali director bring down the entertainment Kaakh” was released at the Tulsi Ghimirey, the music for tax levied on films here as well Denzong Cinema Hall here. the film, which is already a big as loosen the red tape to allow Entirely a local venture, this hit, is composed by Sambhu films to be shot in some of the film has been produced by an Rai. Revolving around a story restricted areas in North enterprising group of seven of a mother and her plight, the Sikkim, which are locals from a NGO, Uddisa, film promises “good breathtakingly beautiful. The under the banner of Sai Gayatri entertainment” with plenty of production costs are expensive Productions. In the past, action and romance also here, with most of the shooting

Sikkim has seen very few thrown in for good measure. equipments and technicians K Y

independent ventures into Released in Nepal on being hired from outside of the M commercial Nepali film industry today, it has also ruled the Nepali film industry, August 4, the film has been State. The lack of infrastructure C filmmaking, but this nascent brought back to the silver before deciding to settle for running to packed houses there. for film-making can hinder business is now slowing screen Tripti Natkar, a popular domestic bliss. “The response in Nepal has Sikkim’s larger involvement in picking up, with more interest actor of the 80s and 90s. Tripti This film also brings been overwhelming. The film the business of movies. being shown in the movie makes her comeback in this business by the locals. film after a gap of nearly 17 With “Aama ko Kaakh”, Sai years. Known for her Gayatri Productions has memorable performances in Hungry Kya? Rush to Rasoi achieved quite a feat. Not only Nepali superhits such as Saino, Rasoi, the newly opened fully vegetarian restaurant has this film brought some of Samjhana, Kusumay Rumaal located at the old Blue Sheep restaurant in M. G. the biggest names in the Nepal and Lahuray, Tripti at one time, Marg is the talk of the town. With its tastefully done décor and reasonably priced buffet breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner, the place is a hit even before STATE BANK OF INDIA it gets down to serious business. Taken on lease “Light of Sikkim” Building, M.G.Marg, from the Tourism Department who has offered it to private investors, it has been taken by two local Gangtok-737101 Sikkim businessmen who now look set to turn the place around. Whether it is for a quick breakfast or lunch one can just rush to Rasoi and feast on the vegetarian delights the place has to offer. NOTICE The best part is that each day a new menu is designed for the buffets. FOR URGENT ATTENTION OF CUSTOMERS HAVING ACCOUNT AT STATE BANK OF INDIA, GANGTOK BRANCH We are providing On-Line banking facility under Core Banking from mid-October 2006. All our customers are requested to personally call at the Branch immediately to verify/ record their latest Signature /Addresses so that they may not face difficulties in availing themselves of the On-Line advantages after the migration. Please call us at 202224,201535,220641.

Asst. General Manager, SBI, Gangtok. 262626 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 ETCETERA

THE CONTENDER FATAL ATTRACTION HRP leader AD ow what would this by KARCHOONG DIYALI S Subba’s rally may Ntown have been silent but it be without its extra www.shutterspeedchronicles.blogspot.com certainly resulted in a lot marital affairs. The list of of noise in the local media, people making out with as newspapers went to other people who are not town both downplaying their legally wedded and exaggerating the partners is long and varied. strength of the rally. While Upar se neeche tak, I have one English daily claimed the dope on all but kya less than 500 people karein being so ethical and turned up, another said all I can’t really give out the it ran into thousands. names. Lekin, have to Whatever may be the share this with you guys. exact figure, to take out A very high ranking a rally in Gangtok on official is having the most the birthday of OUR sordid affair in his office LEADER was with a staff of his. The symbolic, at the least. gentleman is of course Apparently, the gentleman is much married and wifey at creating quite a buzz in the HAPPY BIRTHDAY! home knows not a thing. rural areas and just by being id anyone see or rather Anyway, the other day when so visible is giving Bhandari Dcould anyone miss the a friend went to his office for the creeps, who cannot bear large banner put up in front of some work, he found the door the idea of another opposition Krishi Bhawan wishing the CM bolted from outside. Much to leader taking center stage on his birthday? So his shock, he later found out when HE is around. The fact considerate of the that busy- hands was actually is that Subba is working the department, considering its inside with his paramour! crowds while all that the rest minister just lost his Oh dear ladies, you who play are doing is rushing to Delhi constituency in the recent such dangerous games with petitions and then delimitation notification. please remember what rushing back with press Central Pendam, so full of happened to Sheila Pradhan, releases. The other day NBC’s is now reserved as a who was loved to death [so to someone was mentioning SC seat and poor Somnath speak] by a married how AD Subba reminds him Paudyal, the giant killer of last bureaucrat she was having an of the pre 1994 Chamling. elections must now graze new affair with. Atleast that’s what Ouch, that surely must hurt. pastures. news reports tell us.

C SLIGHTLY-OFF-CENTRE/SLIGHTLY-OFF-CENTRE

M Just another day of drying laundry besides Community Hall. Y K X-Rated Font Used on THAI LEADERS ORDER Cop pays price for his mating dog Third-Grade Handout SOLDIERS TO SMILE MONROE, NY: School MALDA, West Bengal: A policeman charged with guarding officials apologized after an X- BANGKOK: Thailand is often Thais and tourists. industrial plants in West Bengal has had his salary cut for failing rated font was used on a third- called the ‘Land of Smiles’, and “People take their children to stop his guard dog from becoming pregnant, officials said. grade spelling packet handed the military’s coup leaders to see the tanks and take Authorities at a steel plant in Malda, 220 km southwest of out to parents. The font showed apparently don’t want to ruin pictures with the tanks and Kolkata, took a dim view of constable Sunil Kumar’s oversight male and female stick figures that image. So, soldiers have soldiers. The soldiers should after the dog mated with a stray and gave birth to 10 puppies. “It in provocative poses to form been ordered to smile. promote a positive image and is a very sensitive issue in our department,” said Deputy Inspector the letters of the alphabet. Army radio broadcasts are continue smiling, and be General of the state’s Central Industrial Security Forces, S Officials with the Monroe- reminding soldiers to be friendly polite,” the Army radio said. Bhatnagar. “The Labrador could not carry out her duties properly Woodbury School District in and courteous, especially to It’s unclear if soldiers were during her pregnancy and at time of delivery she was on leave,” Orange County apologized last children and anyone who wants to also ordered to let civilians hold he added. week after parents at Pine Tree take pictures with them. Since the their M-16s, which some Thais Kumar, whose pay has been cut from Rs 3,540 a month to Rs Elementary School were given the recent overthrow of Prime and foreigners did as they posed 3,295 last Wednesday appealed against the decision in the Kolkata spelling packet at an open house. Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for photographs that were High Court. “When an animal experiences the urge to mate, it Administrators said the teacher tanks and soldiers have been published in local newspapers. does not pay heed to its trainer,” he told reporters in his defence. did not use the font intentionally. stationed at strategic points around Many Thais have described But his boss is sticking to his guns. “A biological phenomenon Monroe is about 45 miles Bangkok, instantly becoming a this as the friendliest coup this relating to a sexual urge is a different issue, but it had been northwest of New York City. must-have photograph for many country has ever seen. established he was not serious about his duties,” Bhatnagar said. ETCETERA 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 272727

JEST LIKE THAT by PANKAJ THAPA

Issues that have Changes may be been brewing in occurring in your relationship[s] are primary coming to a turning relationship. One or point. You and the other of you is another may be vying for probably trying to hang onto emotional control. This can be what is familiar. very subtle and create long Transformation must be term conflicts that occasionally allowed to happen or the explode to the surface. You relationship will become stale. already know control is not Let things flow naturally. Don’t satisfying. jump to conclusions. Relationships are It is necessary that focused with high you give attention to intensity during this an issue of control period because that threatens to Mars and Venus split one or more of [male and female] are in your relationships. Either one Dasain Cheer tension. Sexual and creative of you may be the one who is energy increases, particularly seeking power and it may be quite subtle. You may be is that time of the year When you didn’t feel silly in solid partnerships. A again when the clouds running around with garlands relationship lacking shared attempting to get what you finally part to let the sun and itchy rice on your forehead. power is likely to demand a want through manipulation. T confrontation or shakeout. If you have been shine.With Dasain around the ( Since scratching the rice tika This could be a channeling your corner, there’s a definite buzz in off your forehead was taboo, thoroughly exciting energy into a the air. Tailors going at their we soon discovered that a week. You have project that has machines like locomotives, couple of scrunches a la Jim multiple favorable positive value for trying to complete the flood of Carey created enough space for many you may be receiving aspects that bode orders. Their desperate clients your pinky to scratch.) But if K well for travel, love life, recognition and applause Y wringing their hands raw that was what it took to receive M

now. If, instead, you are C relationships to children, wondering if their new threads the moolah, then so be it. working on something that is legal interests, or anything would be ready in time. Or Today it has become more high-tech. Whatever you do purely to make your ego more worried that their meticulously of an opportunity to catch up will bring educational shiny, you will find others are chosen outfit/ prints/ design/ rewards. This is a good time fighting you every step of the with friends and family to be a Gemini. Explore way. pattern/ etc.etc. may have members distanced by whatever you wish! You are moving in become passé already. Social increasingly hectic lifestyles. You likely will have the right direction. visits begin and end with by PANKAJ THAPA When neglected relationships cause to feel a For the next several inquiries about the level of can be repaired and sense of pride about months your life will preparedness (“Where’s the digest. When relatives working strengthened. A time when the not be such a recent activities. time to find something nice for in banks are hassled by tika becomes more precious, heavy, weight bearing grind. Others are happy to myself?”)Equally meticulous not only because it blesses, but You will have more and better benevolent grandmas for crisp give you credit, even if that are the grocery lists, gift lists, bundles of low denominations. also because we are blessed to makes you a bit options from which to choose. guest lists, and misc. lists that Bulging tummies and bulging still have family elders who can uncomfortable. Meanwhile the Segments in the life of the give nightmares about nose- bestow their blessings. And the probability is high of hearing goat tend to come in chunks pockets,- sure signs of a from someone you thought of time. Your daily life is not diving bank balances.(“Will prosperous dasain. When Lady older you get, the more long gone. It could be a former as changeable as many of the that much anticipated bonus Luck has to work overtime to treasured the tika day. The lover, and at the very least, an other signs. come through in time to make try and pacify all her devout missionary schools taught us old friend. You may receive the ends meet between meat and followers paying obeisance to about the Spirit of Christmas During this eclipse positive news from enlightening spirits? Do you her throughout the night. and Christmas Cheer. Our season you are people who live far know anyone in the Army As a child, Dasain meant forefathers taught us about the from your home. probably bringing Canteen?”) When the new clothes, squeaky shoes and Spirit of Dasain and Dasain Activities that something to a ubiquitous khassi is served up Cheer. When ‘tis the season to involve travel, especially if you plenty of pocket money and successful in more varieties than the good friends to create chaos, with be jolly, to meet, eat, drink and conclusion and preparing to will be near the water, are Lord intended, and eaten in minimum control from the be merry,- and reach for the move on to the next project. particularly restful. You would more quantities than the good bottle….of Hajmola or Gelusil. The next month brings more prefer to spend your time this elders, who tended to be more than normal numbers of week in R&R, or in the arena Lord intended the body to magnanimous during this time. Happy Pujas everyone! telephone calls, emails, and of learning/education. communications of all kinds. Aspects bode well at this time. You may be traveling nearby. Make an effort to This eclipse is in see your life with a your sign and it touch of realism WEB DESIGN especially strong for now. Don’t take those born Sept 16 - risks against foolish 21. You may be odds. You are willing to help email: [email protected] feeling as though you have almost anyone in need, but only one opportunity to pursue your judgment about just who an area of great importance to is truly deserving of your you. It is true that the energy or money may be circumstances will probably murky. Whatever you give, not come along again in this expect nothing in return. Then way. there might be a surprise. WEB DESIG 282828 27 Sept - 03 Oct, 2006 SPORTS HIV / AIDS SIKKIM RESPONDS

Rural HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme
8 Targetted Intervention Projects
Telecounselling Services : Ph. No. 1097
143 Schools Covered Under School AIDS Education Programme
Inter-Sectoral Collaboration With Different Government and Non-Government Organisations
90% Training Programme of Medical, Non-Medical and NGOs Completed
Advocacy of Opinion Leaders / Stakeholders
5 Voluntary, Confidential Counselling & Testing Centres
5 STD Clinics

6 Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission

C M

Y (PPTCT) Centres K
Promotion of Condoms for Protection from HIV / AIDS

We Can... We Shall... We Will Fight AIDS Together

SIKKIM STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY SSSSSSAAACSCSCS  Kazi Road, Gangtok

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