06 April, 2005; 1 Dead ringers Wednesday, 06 April, 2005 Vol. 3 No. 293 Gangtok
Rs. 3 SBINOW! keep ringing at press CREDIT SBI announces Xpress Namchi XCredit.XXX Personal Loans for net monthly incomes of a NOW REPORT Rs. 2,500 onwards; 18-times the salary; at NAMCHI, 05 April: Landline 10.25% interest! phones have been ‘dead’ since contact PT Bhutia 9434357921, yesterday at Namchi after the Chettri 94340 12824 or thunderstorm of 03 April P Darnal 9434151288 evening brought down the Namchi Telephone Exchange service board. The landline serv- ices had been disrupted soon after Namchi witnessed a heavy 13 truckers driven to 15 days Judicial Custody, rainfall on 03 April evening. The PCO owners here say that since all the phones are four released on Conditional Bail “completely dead”, there has Sichey, PB Chettri and Suresh Tamang, a truck driver had announced for today been no business for them SUBASH RAI throughout the day today. Wangchuk Sherpa, both from by profession, who had died on through a press release issued on Though landline phones in GANGTOK, 05 April: Of the Ranipool. 28 March in a Siliguri Nursing 02 April, the SP said that he was most parts of Namchi are dead, in 17 truck drivers arrested after They have been released on Home after being allegedly as- not aware of any such meeting. some houses the “over-active” the lathicharge on 30 March, the condition that they will re- saulted on the evening of Holi. phones have turned out to be a nui- four were released today on port to the Sadar Thana twice a The SP also informed that It is to be recalled here that sance for the BSNL subscribers. conditional bail by the Chief week and take permission from the Police was still on the look- Manoj Kumar Gupta, general According to them, the Judicial Magistrate. The re- the police if they want to go out out for those protesters against secretary, Sikkim State Com- phones ring continuously only maining 13 were sent to judi- of the State. whom arrest warrants have been mittee of CITU, had claimed to go dead when the ‘call’ is re- cial custody for 15 days, in- The SP further informed made out for breaking the law in the said Press release that ceived. Once the receiver is put forms Superintendent of Police that the police today also re- on the day of the lathicharge. CITU would hold a meeting down, it starts ringing again. [East], S. Rao. leased a couple of vehicles, Regarding the meeting be- with the Police officials to de- The Cell One mobile serv- Those who were released which were seized by the Po- tween police officials and mem- cide further steps to be taken ice provided by BSNL is not on bail are: Bishnu Chettri of lice a day after the lathicharge bers of Centre of Indian Trade in maintaining peace and tran- faring any better either, the sub- Adampool, DB Chettri of on the funeral procession of Union [CITU], which the latter quillity in the State. scribers complain. “The line is disturbed and the service er- pic: JOSEPH LEPCHA ratic,” they say. “Mom, get the On the other hand, other mobile phone services are daura-suruwal working well. According to sources, the repair work of the ready, it’s time service board will take some time. “If it is in a very bad con- for school!” dition, the service board will have to be sent to Kolkata for a NOW REPORT repairs, which will take an even NAMCHI, 05 April: School is longer time,” they inform. an institution that imparts not only bookish knowledge but ragtime by PANKAJ THAPA also teaches students to appre- ciate their tradition and culture. It is with this belief that Evershine Academy, an English medium private school situated at Chuba and Ghurpisey, Namchi, has announced plans to make the students wear their tra- ditional costumes to school once or twice a week. “Making the students wear their traditional dresses to Deputy Commandant, 63 Mountain Brigade, U. Daduwal, flags off the JAK Regiment motorcycle rally taken out to commemorate the birth anniversary of Gen. Zoravar Singh. school will not only familiar- turn to pg 5 for detailed report ise them with their traditional attire, it will also encourage them to protect and preserve RAKDONG-TINTEK RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY TEESTA STAGE-V their respective culture and tra- dition,” informed NK Chettri, MARCH TO DC’S OFFICE DEMANDING COMPENSATION head of Evershine Academy. As informed by the DC, the Another of their demands is equal compensation to all the RANJIT SINGH Mr. Chettri further said that large gathering, which had ar- that a survey of the area be con- villagers, the DC [East] says the aim of the school was not GANGTOK, 05 April: About rived at the DC’s office at around ducted. This demand has been that this is not possible. only to provide textbook knowl- a hundred people from the 2 PM today, had two main de- put up to assess the impact the “We will find out the nature edge to the students but also edu- Rakdong-Tintek constituency mands. “Though their demands project could have as well as of the damage as well as its ex- cate them on their respective cus- of East Sikkim trooped into the were not very clear, they have to bring in more houses under tent according to which the com- toms, culture and tradition. Stat- District Administrative Centre sought that all of them be com- the damaged list. It seems the pensation will be computed,” he ing that moral and physical edu- here today. They met the DC pensated for the damage the people feel that the survey con- says. He further informs that it cation should also form a part of [East], R. Telang, to find out project has done to their houses,” ducted earlier was not satisfac- is the NHPC which will be pro- the learning in schools, he said what the district administration said Mr. Telang. In fact, they have tory and had also left out many viding the compensation and not that various sports and cultural was doing regarding their demanded that all be paid equal families whose houses were the district administration. programmes would soon be or- houses which have been dam- compensation irrespective of the damaged subsequent to the re- “We are only trying to me- ganised in the school to pursue aged by the tunneling work at nature or extent of damage suf- port of the survey. diate between the two parties,” this resolve. This, he added, will Teesta Stage V hydel project. fered by their houses. As to the first demand of turn to pg 5 turn to pg 5 2; NOW!; 06 April, 2005 ED-SPACE VAT continues to Vex Marg. But to this Mr. Bhutia of business houses here or at TENZIN DOMA contends that the only increase least on what they have recorded ith the State of will be in the maintaining of with the Government. And as Telecom Backbone Needs Sikkim coming un- VAT invoice. “The other regis- they have recorded a low turno- W der the purview of ters which they are talking ver, the Government can only Straightening VAT since 01 April, the general about should have been main- work with that. disposition among the traders tained by them even under the Apart from this, since most An evening of thunder, lightning and high wind and the here is that of confusion, appre- old system,” he explains. businesses in Sikkim are not as phones at Namchi have gone dead. The monsoons have hension and an amount of fear. However, all are not in a big as those in West Bengal, the not yet arrived and telecommunication has already started acting up. To refresh memories a bit, in a recent accident Confusion because some say the mood to make light-hearted threshold limit has been kept beyond Tsomgo in which some tourists perished, the travel concept is not clearly under- comments. One of the Auto low to bring as many traders agencies assisting in the recuperation of the survivors stood, apprehension as to the dealers here says that though under the purview of VAT so complained that getting in touch with their families had effect it will have on business VAT has already been imple- that they can avail of its ben- proved near impossible. The phone lines, landlines as well and fear of what the traders term mented in the State, people are efits. Mr. Bhutia also says that as mobiles, refused to communicate. That was when the as “incredible increase in the still confused, as no one knows this threshold limit is not final telecom strike was at its peak and everything linked to amount of paperwork” which what Value Added Tax is really and can be raised upto Rs. 20 Cherry House was acting up. What we are trying to high- VAT requires. But as the Spe- all about. lakh depending on the meetings light here is that although telephones have become com- cial Secretary, IT&CT Division, he holds with members of the mon accessories nowadays, they are most required dur- Finance Department, KN Bhutia business community in the ing emergencies. If the phone lines are to go dead with says, all this is natural. coming days. But, he says, only inclement weather, then what use are the crores poured “With the implementation dealers registered under VAT down to raise Sikkim’s teledensity among the highest in of something totally new, there DEEP can engage in interstate trans- the country? What follows thunder and lightning? Land- is bound to be some apprehen- FOCUS actions with similarly regis- slides. And that is when telephones can bring in help and sion and confusion; in fact tered traders in other states. relief quicker. In another incident last year, a fire at Soreong there should be,” he says, add- “We were told that the ex- This, initially, might create blazed itself to death because the phone lines were dead ing that all the confusion and isting sales tax system would be some problems but things will and the fire brigade could not be raised in time. For a hill apprehension will get reasoned replaced by VAT, but even af- eventually settle down. state like Sikkim, telecommunication is required for more than just gossiping. They are needed during emergen- out in a few months. “After all, ter its implementation, other As to the apprehension cies. The concerned authorities have to make sure that this is the biggest fiscal reform taxes are still being added,” he that VAT may lead to a shut all telecom providers in the State, BSNL and private, up- in the country since Independ- complains. If other sales taxes down of the wholesale sys- grade their infrastructure to the required levels to with- ence,” he says. are indeed still being imple- tem, this could in fact be ben- stand natural hazards to some extent. Right now, except VAT [Value Added Tax] is mented, the Special Secretary, eficial to the consumers as it perhaps in Gangtok, a strong gust of wind is enough to a form of sales tax levied on IT&CT Division, appeals that would take out one link of the make the telecom footprint lift off from a region. This is goods and services at each he be informed so that he takes commission chain in reaching inexcusable from people who are profiting from this busi- stage in the production and dis- it up at the appropriate forum. supplies to them. ness in the State. tribution chain. Those having “Actually, only the central sales Some of the medical store taxable turnover above the tax, which is at four per cent, owners here inform that with amount fixed are registered is being imposed; this will be the implementation of VAT, under VAT [the amount fixed halved next year and will be they are facing problems. “The Opium vs. Democracy in Sikkim or the threshold limit totally done away with the fol- old stock we had procured at of turnover here is Rs. 5 lakhs] lowing year,” explains Mr. 12 per cent sales tax has to in Afghanistan The most common com- Bhutia, adding that this would now be sold at the 4% VAT, plaint among traders here is the save a lot of money for Sikkim. causing us a loss of eight per huge boom in opium traf depend on providing poor increased amount of paper Others are of the opinion cent,” they say. Afic is threatening to re- farmers with less destructive work expected with VAT. The that since Sikkim does not pro- As informed by Mr Bhutia, verse the recent spate of en- ways to make a living than dealers have to maintain a duce many items and is depend- the prices of goods have al- couraging progress in Afghani- growing opium poppies. That number of registers under the ent on West Bengal for the im- ready come down in neigh- stan. Last year, the country pro- requires the rebuilding of local VAT system, such as cash port of goods, the threshold limit bouring places. Therefore, it is vided an estimated 87 percent roads and irrigation works so memos, bill book, register of for traders in Sikkim should obvious that the end users will of the world’s illegal opium rural industries and alternative goods that come in, etc. have been higher than in West benefit under VAT. The Gov- crop. Apart from the damage crops, like wheat, can become “There is a lot of paper Bengal. The Government, on ernment has given a transition that opium, transformed into viable. For many small farmers work to be done under this sys- the other hand, feels that the period of three months for heroin, inflicts on users world- today, the only available credit tem. And at this rate, eventu- threshold limit should be based traders to transfer to the new wide, the trafficking also lines comes from drug traffickers ally we will be just maintain- on ground realities. The thresh- system while they have a pe- the pockets of who offer down ing files and ignoring our busi- old limit of Rs. 5 lakh has been riod of two months to be reg- armed militia payments ness,” quips a dealer from MG based on the existing turnover istered under VAT. leaders and EXTERNAL against the next corrupt local opium harvest. officials, giv- AFFAIRS For the first ing them the AFGHANISTAN three years after SESSION BEGINS SANS means to resist the United President Hamid Karzai’s ef- States invaded Afghanistan, BOOKS IN DARJ HILLS forts to promote security, devel- combating the drug trade was sion of the plains in mind,” says science and physical science BIRENDRA SHANDILYA opment and democracy. low on Washington’s priority BB Pradhan, secretary of Hill textbooks have been introduced Washington is finally treat- list. The problem was largely DARJEELING: Those study- Secondary Teachers Organisa- in the Hills. But most of the ing the issue with the serious- left to British troops, who had ing in Nepali medium schools tion [HSTO]. textbooks are yet to arrive. ness it deserves. Finding effec- neither the numbers nor the fi- in the Darjeeling Hills are yet to According to him, supply- “Learning English and tive answers will take time, nancial backing to handle it receive textbooks even though ing textbooks to schools in the mathematics books have arrived money and local Afghan com- successfully. But now they will nearly one-fourth of the aca- plains in June does not make any but are in short supply. The stu- munity involvement. Quick be getting some help from the demic session is already over. difference, but the same, if done dents are thus not being taught fixes, like aerial spraying, don’t American military, which pre- “This is mainly due to the for the Hills, causes a great prob- anything in the schools. We permanently solve the problem, viously operated under orders Secondary Board’s apathy to- lem as nearly half the academic don’t know how to conduct the and they undermine efforts to to ignore the drug traffickers, wards the Hills. In the plains, session is over by then. half-yearly exams scheduled for revive the rural economy. Af- except for those accidentally the academic session runs from Students can’t always make July without the textbooks. It is ghanistan is one of the world’s encountered during military May to April, whilst in the Hills do with books handed down by also very difficult to complete poorest countries. Making its operations against the Taliban. it is from February to Decem- their seniors. From this aca- the syllabus,” added Pradhan. economy function again and Under new rules being final- ber. Text books are being sup- demic session onwards for ex- Along with supply of text- resettling its returning refugees turn to pg 6 plied keeping the academic ses- ample, history, geography, life turn to pg 4
RAJDHANI 06 April, 2005; NOW! 3 LOCAL ENTRPRENEUR RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD Learn from Sikkim, urge speakers on national unity former Governor of Tamil gions, be it a mandir, mosque, a NOW REPORT Nadu and Assam, Dr. Bhishma monastery or a church. This, GANGTOK, 05 April: Twenty- Narain Singh, and former Chief they stressed, was true national nine year old Naresh Subba, Election Commissioner, Dr. integration at work. “After all, managing director of Envision GVG Krishnamurthy. there can be no better example Pvt. Ltd. and director, Teesta The Governors, while of secular living than equal pa- Rangit Pvt. Ltd., was presented speaking at the conference, in- tronage of all faiths,” they said. the Rashtriya Ratan Award by troduced Sikkim as the most “It is ironic that many still don’t Governor V. Rama Rao on 23 peaceful State, which gave a know of Sikkim. You should March at India International Cen- true meaning to the concept of visit it sometime and learn from tre, New Delhi, during a confer- ‘national integration’, and it,” they added. ence on “National Unity & Eco- urged other states to emulate Speaking to NOW!, Mr. nomic Development”. the example set by Sikkim. Subba, who returned recently Present for the awards cer- They also said that Sikkim from New Delhi, said he was emony, instituted by the Global was the only State which had honoured to be conferred with Economic Council, were an Ecclesiastical Department the award in such an august former Governor of Sikkim, that looks after the affairs of gathering. He also said that this Chaudhary Randhir Singh, institutions of different reli- award was a proof that local en- Governor V. Rama Rao hands over the Rashtriya Ratan Award to Naresh Subba of Envision Pvt. Ltd. at a function held at New Delhi. trepreneurs of Sikkim were now doing well enough to be taken SGC felicitates Dr. Tamang who returns the compliment WEATHERUPDATE seriously at the national level. Global Economic Council, which has instituted the by instituting special award for Bio students Rashtriya Ratan Award, is a non-political, voluntary organi- a NOW REPORT SGC Principal hands over a felicitation GANGTOK & SURROUNDING AREAS sation with the sole objective GANGTOK, 05 April: Fac- certificate to Dr. Tamang while the Vice- principal and Dean look on The Weather Yesterday of contributing towards the ulty members as well students MAX TEMP: 20.4 Degree Celsius country’s economic activity of the Sikkim Government Col- MIN TEMP: 10.2 Degree Celsius both in domestic and interna- lege, Tadong, today felicitated Rainfall: nill tional spheres by enhancing Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Relative humidity: 66% secular ideas. Reader, Department of Botany, for having recently bagged the Bio-Science Award for the year 2004-05 from the Ministry of Science & Technology, Gov- ernment of India. Dr. Tamang was awarded for his significant contribution ment of Dr. Tamang had given said, he had received the award. towards improving functional a recognition to the Sikkim Making public the secret properties of fermented foods Government College in the na- behind his success, Dr. Tamang and beverages, promoting eth- tional level. said that though professional nic food products and under- Dr. Tamang, in his address, jealousy existed everywhere in standing the nature of functional said that more than receiving the world, and Sikkim was no micro-organisms and their role the award itself, it was the love exception, he had taken the in fermentation process. and affection he had received criticism constructively during from: Orissa, Assam, Tripura, W.B., Bihar, U.P., The award, which carried a from his colleagues and stu- his 15-year long career and Rajasthan, Karnataka, Sikkim, citation, plaque, a cash prize of dents that he cherished most. worked upon it to achieve the Manipur, Nagaland Rs. 1 lakh and a research grant “I am not a scientist, I’m just target he had set for himself. and other states... of Rs. 3 lakh per year for a pe- a researcher. What I did was just Finally, Dr. Tamang an- riod of three years, was presented conduct a research on what was nounced a special award for the to Dr. Tamang by Kabil Sibal, already invented by our ances- next three years to the students Venue: Guards Ground (West Point School Ground) MoS, Science and Technology, tors,” he said modestly. who top the part I bio-science ex- Gangtok, Sikkim at New Delhi on 27 February. He shared this award with aminations in the university level. While addressing the func- his colleagues, fellow research- This award will be given from the Daily Cultural Programme at 4:30 PM tion, Dr. SK Pradhan, the SGC ers and his wife, Dr. Namrata cash grants he has received as a Sponsored by “CAPART,” Ministry of Rural Dev. principal, congratulated Dr. Thapa, with whose support, he part of the Bio-Science Award. Govt. of India, New Delhi Tamang and said that the award ORGANISED BY “VRRDO” was a big honour not only to KOLKATA the college but also to the en- tire State. He hoped that the FROM 3RD TO 12TH APRIL, 2005. TIME: 10:30AM TO 7:30PM faculty members as well as the students will be impressed by the deed of Dr. Tamang. SIKKIM PEACE FESTIVAL- 2005 The vice-principal, KR Chakraborty, said that Dr. Organized by Sikkim Christian Churches Tamang has set an example for at TNSS School Ground from 4 -7 April all the faculty members and the 2005 between 5 PM to 7.30 PM. SNT Bus students, and added that hard work always bears fruit. He will be provided after Crusade meeting also urged the younger genera- from Development Area to Jalipool. tion to follow the path shown by Dr. Tamang. For further details contact: 201462 Earlier, MP Kharel, the col- Denzong Inn, Gangtok, Sikkim 9434109838/ 9832062239 lege dean, said that the achieve- 4; NOW!; 06 April, 2005 NEWSSCAN
AWARENESS-CUM-TRAINING PROGRAMME ON COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE GETS UNDERWAY No short-cuts to development and self-reliance, trainees told realising the Chief Minister’s vantage of this by taking up or- SAGAR CHHETRI dream to make the people of chid cultivation commercially. GANGTOK, 05 April: Deputy Sikkim self-reliant. In the Youth Stressing on adopting latest Speaker, Mingma Sherpa, and Revolutionary Year, the Govern- technology in agriculture, Mr. Agriculture Minister, Somnath ment also has plans to revolu- Poudyal urged the people to use Poudyal, today stressed on flori- tionise agriculture in the State, organic fertilisers. He further culture as a viable income-gener- he added, while stressing that informed that he would soon ating sector and urged the rural the participants needed to instill visit rural areas to know what populace to take up commercial in themselves leadership quali- crop was suitable for cultiva- cultivation of flowers as a source ties so that they could become tion in the respective villages. of livelihood. They were speak- leaders in their respective areas The Minister also appealed ing here during the inaugural and encourage and help others to the educated unemployed function of the three-day aware- take up floriculture in a com- youth to build capacity and de- ness-cum-training programme in mercial manner. velop their skills and suggested Commercial Floriculture at the “The Government will hold them to take up contract farming Community Hall, organised by more programmes like this in and do direct marketing of their the Horticulture & Cash Crop De- the future for the benefit of the produce so that middlemen did velopment Department. people, besides providing them not profit from their hard work. After inaugurating the pro- help in this regard. Hence, we The HRD Minister lights the ceremonial lamp while his Cabinet Earlier in his welcome gramme, the Deputy Speaker also need your participation colleague, the Forest Minister looks on. speech, Secretary, FSAD & said that the three-day pro- and cooperation,” he said. the rich flora of Sikkim was Echoing his statements, the HCCD Department, GK gramme was an effort towards Mr. Sherpa further said that also appreciated by the Union Agriculture Minister urged the Gurung, said that despite hav- Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, participants to benefit from such ing a large variety of flowers in during his visit to the State. workshops and told them there the region, the people of the This, he said, indicated that flo- were no shortcuts to economic State were yet to fully exploit riculture held much promise for development and financial sta- this opportunity and benefit the economic development of bility and no substitute to hard from it. Hence, he added, this the people here. He further sug- work. The Minister, while point- workshop had been organised gested that the local cultivators ing out that Sikkim boasted of with the main objective to tie up with agencies for proper large varieties of orchids, said make the people aware of the marketing of their produce. that people needed to take ad- economic benefits of floricul- ture and to build capacity. The workshop, participated ALL MOBILE in by people from all four dis- AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE tricts, has been divided into [PRICE RANGINGPHONES FROM 2450-MOTOROLA & 2975-NOKIA] * Easy Instalment scheme for Government & Private three parts: the first day pro- employees gramme mainly focuses on * Video Camera on Hire/Videography available Cymbidium Orchid, while on * Conversion of VHF to CD the second day, stress will be Please contact: TENZING ENTERPRISES, Dev. Area, Gangtok laid mainly on seasonal flow- Ph: 201462, 201006, 9932480012/ 30, 9832077993 ers. The third day of the pro- gramme will deal with cultiva- tion of bulbous flowers. A visit to the Orchid Show at Flower An Appeal Exhibition Centre here at White Chakung Senior Secondary School is 75 years old. Emi- Hall complex was also organ- nent persons have taught in this school which has pro- ised today for the participants. duced notable personalities and achievers in various fields. The resource persons for the In order to mark the occasion, the school will celebrate its workshop are KC Pradhan Platinum Jubilee in the month of May, 2005. The celebra- [IAS], former chief secretary; tion which will last three days from 6th to 8th May, 2005 Dr. RC Upadhyaya, director, will consist of inaugural function to be attended by NRCO; ST Lachungpa, Addi- Honorable Chief Minister of Sikkim, felicitation of ex-teach- tional PCCF, Forest Depart- CHAKUNG ers and alumni, sports meet, essay competition, quiz com- ment; as well as scientists, de- SENIOR partmental officials and other SECONDARY petition, cultural programme, tourist festival etc. etc. The SCHOOL celebration will require substantial amount of fund to be experienced people in this field. BRILLIANT COACHING 2005 - “Success Is Motto” raised as donation from dignitaries, ex-students, Platinum Panchayats and other fund collection drives. Dreaming of scoring 80% and above! Then enrol now!!! Jubilee An appeal is being made through this column to all Year LAST BATCH FOR THE SESSION 2005-06 STARTED AT LAKHOTIA ex-students, wherever they are to donate generously COMPUTER CENTRE [LCC], TIBET ROAD AND ARITHANG ALSO. FOR CLASS X [CBSE/ICSE]- MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS CHEMISTRY and participate in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations AND BIOLOGY of their almamater to make it a grand success. FOR CLASS XII [CBSE ONLY]- PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY They are requested to send their contribu- For Morning shift contact: LCC Computer Centre, Tibet Road tions to the Principal, Chakung Senior Sec- For Evening shift contact: Arithang Head Office ondary School, who is also the General Secre- along with guardian tary-cum-Treasurer of the Platinum Jubilee Cel- Contact: Mr. Sunil Chaudhary [Managing Director] or ebration Committee. Tenzing Bhutia and Apsara Sharma at LCC Computer For further details, please contact the Centre/Beside Arithang High School. under-mentioned ex-alumnus of the school: Ph. 9832321635, 9832083825, 201081, 200078 Tej Gurung Marda Bldg., Near Forest Office. FORMS AVAILABLE AT TIBET ROAD. SO GRAB THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Cellphone No.: 9434080878 ph: 281021, 9434043253
NEWSSCAN 06 April, 2005; NOW! 5 JAK bikers roll off on 1469 km expedition a NOW REPORT GANGTOK, 05 April: To Government of Sikkim commemorate the birth anni- Department of Commerce & versary of General Zorawar Singh, a motor cycle expedition Industries was flagged off today by Secretariat Annexe - I Deputy Commandant, U. (3rd Floor) Daduwal, 63 Mountain Bri- gade, from Track Junction, near Gangtok Nathula border. ‘Fierce Fourteen’, the team comprising of 14 motorcyclists NOTICE TO ALL INDUSTRIAL of JAK Regiment, led by Lt. UNITS IN SIKKIM Col. SS Jamwal, will conclude 13 April after covering a dis- mum experience. their expedition in Kolkata on tance of 1469 Km via It is to be recalled here that Darjeeling, Kalimpong, General Zorawar Singh had Notice is hereby given to all Industrial Units “Mom, get the Siliguri and so on. earlier led six breathtaking in Sikkim desirous of availing various ben- The riders with tremendous campaigns across the great efits/ incentives/ subsidies available under daura-suruwal skills have been chosen to par- Himalayan range to conquer ticipate in the expedition; mo- Ladakh and Baltistan and car- State and Central Industrial Acts and Rules, ready...” torcycles of different makes ried out a spectacular invasion that they are required to submit their monthly Contd from pg 1 from diverse inventory of bikes of Western Tibet in the history production figures to Department of Com- have been used to gain maxi- of Indian army. also make it possible for them to merce & Industries, Government of Sikkim discover new talents. Human Resource Develop- by 10th of every following month, failing which ment Minister, GM Gurung, will Session begins sans books in Darj hills no request will be entertained from these manded that the textbooks for inaugurate this programme on Contd from pg 2 units for availing benefits/ incentives etc. 22 April at Chuba, it is learnt. Nepali language subject be Evershine Academy was estab- book before the beginning of the printed in the Hills, as the ones lished in 2000 and has classes academic session in the Hills, printed in Kolkata always have BY ORDER up to III. At present, the school HSTO has also demanded that innumerous mistakes. has around 200 students. registration forms and applica- tion forms also be printed in “All these problems will be Director Nepali along with the present solved if a Regional Board Office Commerce & Industries Department Rakdong-Tintek English and Bengali, as Nepali is set up in the Darjeeling Hills Release Order No: 11/IPR/05-06 Government of Sikkim has been recognised as a state exclusively catering to the DGHC Date: 5/4/05 GANGTOK residents... language. They have also de- area,” demanded Pradhan. Contd from pg 1 he says. It was also informed ADMISSION FOR CALL CENTRES TRAINING AT that the NHPC has been non- HERO MINDMINE, NEW DELHI committal in this regard though they have not said that they will not give the compensation. The Government of Sikkim with a view to assist the local educated youth to acquire profes- However, to the demand that sional skills and to prepare themselves in the present market to seek job opportunities in another survey of the site be con- ducted, the DC has agreed. global market invites application from the interested eligible local educated unemployed “A survey of the extent of youth for following courses:- damage is under the district administration’s purview and we have agreed to this and an- Sl. Duration Process Maximum other survey will be con- No. Particulars Venue of the Qualification of intake ducted,” he says. Course Selection capacity According to the DC [East], a local level committee, which would include the panchayats 1. Call Centre Hero 02 Class Through 15 and the area MLA, will also be Training Mindmine (Two) XII screening by candidates formed. The committee will also New Delhi Months selection per batch have a few people from each ward so as to involve the people. Technical personnel from the The selected candidates will be awarded with the consolidated scholarship of Rs. 10,000/- Mines & Geology and other in- for the entire course. stitutes will also be included and the final report of the committee will be put up for consideration. The application in plain paper may be submitted to Shri S. K. Pradhan, Joint Secretary-II, Department of Personnel, Adm. Reforms & Training along with attested copies of educa- tional qualification certificate (Certificate & Mark sheet of Class X and XII), Certificate of IDentification, Employment Card, Date of Birth Certificate, 3 (three) Nos. of Passport size photographs, 02 (two) nos. of Self Addressed Envelope along with Postage Stamp.

The last date of Submission of application is 30th April, 2005. ADIDAS launches Superstar 2NSM Joint Secretary-II/ DOP AT ABACUS SNOD Complex, Deorali Release Order No: 14/IPR/05-06 Date: 5/4/05 6; NOW!; 06 April, 2005 NEWSSCAN
AWWA supports self-reliance pic: JOSEPH LEPCHA Opium vs. ting sponsored by AWWA. a NOW REPORT Out of the 24 trainees, 18 Democracy GANGTOK, 05 April: Mrs. had successfully completed the Prakash, wife of Maj. Gen. training at Army Vocational in Avadesh Prakash, GOC 17 Mtn. Training Centre, situated near Div. and also the president of Baba Mandir a few kilometers Afghanistan Army Wives’ Welfare Associa- away from famous Tsomgo Contd from pg 2 tion, today gave away certificates, Lake. The occasion also wit- ized by the Pentagon, Ameri- machines and wool to 18 house- nessed the exhibition of the can soldiers will be permitted wives and unemployed girls of products knitted by the trainees. to provide direct support to Kupup and Thegu villages, who Addressing the gathering, anti-narcotics operations. The availed the 3-month vocational Mrs. Prakash informed that the Defense Department is asking training on woolen garments knit- main objective of this training for a more than fourfold in- programme was to make these crease in its funds for anti-nar- people self-reliant. cotics work in Afghanistan. NOW! Mrs. Prakash, president Army Just last month, Afghani- Wives Welfare Association, CLASSIFIEDS hands over a certificate to a stan’s repeatedly delayed par- STOCK CLEARANCE SALE local trainee at Baba Mandir liamentary elections were set TO-LET on TWEED & PURE on 05 April. for September. Unlike last year’s presidential vote, these A two-roomed flat at Oberoi WOOL, RAYMOND, OCM elections can succeed only if Building, Ground Floor, M.G. H Suiting & Pant with most of the country is secure Marg, available for rent. Heavy and firmly under central author- Suitable for office stitching facility Contact: 9832369852 Discount ity. Curbing the drug traffick- GAUTAM MAFATLAL ers’ wealth and power is cru- CAMERA MOBILE PHONE Below LIC Building, New STYLE cial to a successful vote. Market Gangtok Ph: 202238 Hotel Golden Pagoda Download your photos, get ring tones, MG Marg, Gangtok LOST: Class Xth wall papers & lots more. original mark sheet and WALK-IN-INTERVIEW URGENTLY REQUIRED pass certificate of C.B.S.E , Yama WANT TO LEARN Internet Point Chef: knowledge of all cuisine; DRIVING? board 1999 House, Gangtok. Name - Chandra Nepal, Receptionist: knowledge of computers Contact - The new ph: 9832344666, 9832480022 Roll.No - 3119948 and fluent in English, Hindi and other Allied driving Address - Tadong Gairi TUTORIAL: For regular languages; Waiters: Three; Bell boy: One; school Amdo Goan near Thana Check Post tuition and home tuition - Room bo: One; Kitchen helper: One Golai Indria Bye If found contact - 271157 CBSE, ICSE, NDS, and all Please drop in with your resume to Sai Kripa Hotel, Pass above Home subjects up to class 12TH. Development area Jeevan Theeng Marg ,Gangtok Contact: Prasant franchise- For further details, contact: 9434061144 Vision. Tadong. 97330 77290 Time: 9 am to 4 pm Ph: 280501, m: 9832014984 Kutse Shegu Below STNM, DPH road The 49th Day Balaram Gurung -9832348125 Kutse Shegu of In front of college gate, our beloved Kutse Shegu mother late Tadong BOTOX: The Kutse Shegu of late Lalita Tamang who Nimden Bhutia Joseph Rai, 227633 The fastest emerging treat- left for her heavenly abode on 18thFebruary who passed Hamro Garage, Arithang ment for facial wrinkles, facial 2005 falls on 7th April 2005 [Thursday]. All away on 22nd of asymmetry, excessive sweat- relatives, friends and well wishers are re- February 2005 th WANTED ing in axillae and palms, mi- quested to join us in offering prayers for the falls on 11 of departed soul at our residence at Pangthang April 2005.All relatives ,friends Graduate/Under-Graduate graine by a trained physician. SAP Family quarter, Gangtok and well wishers are requested Male/Female below 26 yrs. A safe 10 minutes procedure to join us in offering prayer for for Managerial Position in Rajesh Tamang (husband), Dinesh Tamang (son), Umesh with dramatic results. the departed soul at our a Pvt. Ltd. Company. Walk- Tamang (son) and all family members Ph..237224 Contact: 9434103290 residence at Ralong Kyongkha, in-Interview along with your South Sikkim and we also take Bio-data at New Apsara this opportunity to thank all those Lodge, Room No. 304, who stood by us at our time of Panihouse, Gangtok Kutse Shegu bereavement and regret our between 11 am to 3 pm on m-Meghal’s The Kutse Shegu of late Thering Lhamu Lepcha, who passed inability to do so personally 02, 03 & 04 April 2005. An exclusive house away on 21 February 2005, falls on 10 April 2005. All family SONS: G.C. Bhutia ( D S. Food), members, friends and well-wishers are requested to join us in Mr. Namgyal Gensapa, Ralong, FOR for designers wear offering prayers for the departed soul at our residence at Lower hand work ladies Tathangchen, Gangtok. We also take this opportunity to thank Bomdila Gensapa, Ralong, Karma Tenzing Bhutia, LIC HOUSING suits and tops all those who stood by us at our time of bereavement and LOAN regret our inability to do so personally Pangthang and all family Please visit Popri Lepcha, Thendup Lepcha, Dawa Tshering Lepcha, Phurba members CONTACT: 9832077601, 31 A National Highway 203895 Tshering Lepcha and Passang Tshering Lepcha. opposite Titanic Park. Ph- 204137/ 2061629 Anthyesti Kriya The Anthyesti Kriya of late Ajay Rai, son of Nimthi Bhutia and MISSING Prithi Kumar Rai, who passed Name- Ramesh Neopaney Kutse Shegu away on 01 April, falls on 06 April The KUTSE SHEGU of late Lhakpa Lepcha, [Wednesday]. All family S/o.- Teknath Neopaney who passed away on 17 February 2005, falls members, friends and well Age- 7 yrs. on 06 April, 2005. All family members, friends wishers are requested to join the and well-wishers are requested to join us in bereaved family in offering Missing from Geyzing Sr. offering prayers for the departed soul at our prayer for the departed soul at residence at Lingdong, Dzongu, North our residence at Raj Gram, Sec. Girls’ School since 28 Bumtar, above Tendong School, Sikkim. We also take this opportunity to thank March 2005 from around Namchi. We would also like to all those who stood by us at our time of bereavement and regret take the opportunity to thanks all 11.30-12 noon. our inability to do so personally. those who stood by us during our If found please contact: Sang Dawa Lepcha [wife], time of loss. [03595] 251065, 9832028796, 9434195272 Kunzang & Choden Lepcha [daughters], All family members [263065, Ph. No. 03592-234004 98320-71057] 06 April, 2005; NOW! 7 litNOW! is the literary section of NOW! It results from the belief that good writers will be produced when a platform is provided for them to showcase their works. Hopefully this exercise will also grow into more than just a forum for writers and secure a reader- ship of its own. We won’t know until we try, so here goes. Entries for litNOW! can be mailed to NOW!, Gairi Gaon, Tadong - 737102, East Sikkim or emailed to [email protected]

t was this fine day when I sat brood- baby. Then I saw my teacher come to- ing over bygone things, unsatisfied wards me again with two other teach- Idreams, opportunities passed un- ers. They all had a good laugh at me, heeded and sad mistakes, that I heard but I still did not know what they were “In Quest” call out to me. “In Quest” is laughing at. I looked at their faces from an attempt to touch people who at some the corner of my eyes. I was fuming in- point of time have felt that life is not side. Then, suddenly, everything worth living. The magic behind the sim- by SRIJANA KUMAI changed. My teacher gave me an A- ple things of life make life beautiful and grade and others admired it and re- worth living... for childhood innocence. marked, how sweet, how cute etc. I I still remember my mummy coming stood there smiling from ear to ear. I home with chocolates and how I ran to too has a similar house like mine. Ha! was something on wildlife so I decided always knew I was the best. her; of course, apart from the chocolates, Ha! What are friends for? to draw a forest. Well it was rather Well, the fact about my drawing I was also happy that she was back since The best time of the year would be tough to draw all those animals I knew was that my proud lion stood in the I could tell tales about my little brother. on birthday. Every new year, I would and of course liked. I wanted to draw middle coloured in shocking pink and My little brown eyes sparkling and my look up the calendar to check whether my doggie and became suddenly wise my wild doggie stood there blue and mouth twitching two and fro, I sat be- my birthday fell on a school day or not. remembering that my doggie was not green long whiskers. I clutched my pre- side my mummy chattering about the School day would be best to show off wild. Finally, I still drew my doggie cious drawing to my bosom and with forbidden things my brother had done in and take revenge on some. With frills with long whiskers. I thought that would my pigtail bobbing up and down. I ran her absence. I felt like a hero when my all over my pink frock and a box of make him look like wild. Now, because home to my mummy. brother was punished. I sat there beam- sweets, I would proudly march to I thought I was the best in class, I wanted Now that I am not a child, any more ing with joy seeing my brother pout. school. It was a day of friends, friends to bring out the best. So I planned to I search for that little girl in me. The Good for him, he had broken my dollies and friends. Everyone in the class was draw the king of the jungle, the lion. I little girl who was so confident and arm and used it as a bat to play cricket. my fiend that day. I would be bad to drew a handsome lion and my draw- happy with simple thoughts. Yes, the School was great those days espe- some girls by not talking to them and ing was complete. My teacher came same little girl grew up. Why is it that cially because you could gather friends giving them only one sweet each. Well up to me and I proudly uncovered my when I draw today I have to take note around you and tell them about all the that was sweet revenge. drawing, she took a good look at it and of every minute detail? Why can’t I draw things you had back home. I remember Ah! Yes, how can I miss the sit-and- burst out laughing, I looked at her a pink lion and a blue dog? Is it because telling my friends that I had a house, draw competition. I was selected for confused and alarmed. I have learnt more things now? Is it be- which could move about, and every- this sit-and-draw competition. My lit- Hey! Wasn’t my drawing the best? cause grownups not supposed to make thing would open with a press of a but- tle heart throbbing with excitement and At that moment, my world came mistakes? Is it because we are afraid to ton. They listened to me awestruck and nervousness I took out a brand new set tumbling down. Big tears rolled down be laughed at? Do we loose ourselves my best friend came up to say that, she of crayons. I checked out the topic, it my cheeks and I tried not to be a cry- as we grow up?

PULITZER PRIZES FOR LETTERS, DRAMA AND MUSIC The 89th annual Pulitzer Prizes were announced on Monday. Following are the winners in Letters, Drama and Music. Nepali literature goes global FICTION: ‘Gilead,’ by Marilynne Robinson: Nearly a quarter of a century passed between Robinson’s first novel, “Housekeeping,” couple of online well as classical,” says Rajeswor case the poems written in Nepali published in 1981, and this second book, the elegiac tale of a 76- Nepali literary/art Karki, publisher of the website. language across the world. It year-old Congregationalist pastor who, facing imminent death, journals, which are “We also want to introduce the also contains the English trans- writes a letter to his 7-year-old son. “Gilead” is set in 1956 in Iowa, A a place that Robinson, 61, knows well as a teacher at the Univer- both thematic and eclectic in information technology to our lations of some Nepali poems sity of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. their choice of poetry and arts, littérateurs,” added Karki, him- and contains two dozen plus GENERAL NONFICTION: ‘Ghost Wars: The Secret History of have started to tap the world self a literary figure. Nepali poems of Bhim Darshan the CIA, Afghanistan, and bin Laden, From the Soviet Invasion wide web, showcasing the According to Karki, in the Roka, translated by Maya to September 10, 2001,’ by Steve Coll: In chronicling how Al works of both known and un- upcoming editions, the journal Watson. It is indeed a web li- Qaeda’s brand of Islamic fundamentalism came to thrive in the known contemporary Nepali has plans to publish the Eng- brary of Nepali poems, as pro- chaos left by the Soviet pullout from Afghanistan, Coll, 46, an as- poets and artists. lish translations of Nepali lit- claimed by its publisher. The sociate editor and former managing editor at The Washington Post, pieced together the period of ignorance and inaction that led to the Nepalikalasahitya.com, an erary works. “We will also pro- poems of Ashesh Malla, Bairagi worst terrorist attack on American soil. online literary journal, has vide a forum to Nepali artistes Kainla, Balkrishna Sama, BIOGRAPHY: ‘De Kooning: An American Master,’ by Mark taken up the initiative to intro- and photographers,” he added. Banira Giri, Bhanubhakta Stevens and Annalyn Swan: Stevens, 53, is the art critic for New duce Nepali literature to global The website also features Acharya, Bhimnidhi Tiwari, York magazine and a former art critic for The New Republic and level - especially among the biographies of literary figures. Bhupi Sherchan, Bimal Koirala, Newsweek. He is married to Swan, 54, who has been a writer at Nepali diaspora. In the first issue, the journal has Bimal Niva, Chhetra Pratap Time and a music critic and senior arts editor at Newsweek. Ten With its good selection of covered the life of Parijaat. The Adhikari, Hari Bhakta Katuwal, years in the making, this book about de Kooning is widely consid- old as well as fresh poems of site also displays pictures of Ishwor Ballav, Laxmi Prasad ered the first major biography of the painter. HISTORY: ‘Washington’s Crossing,’ by David Hackett Fischer: Iswar Ballav, Tulsi Diwas, more than 60 contemporary Devkota, Lekhnath Poudyal, Fischer, 69, is Warren professor of history at Brandeis University. Bimal Nibha, Dr. Banira Giri, Nepali poets, hundreds of best Mohan Koirala, Momila, and In “Washington’s Crossing,” he shows how a despairing American Manjul, Dr. Benju Sharma, Nepali songs and ghazals and Tulsi Diwas- a few names to army refused to surrender during the darker moments of the Revo- Shyamal, to name a few, and links to the works of contem- reckon with among Nepal’s con- lution. Reached at his home in Wayland, Mass., Fischer said he new short stories, poems of porary Nepali painters. In its temporary literary figures- and believed that his book presented a complex look at the general. other talents, this site shows that first issue, it has covered the many other unknown but pow- “My Washington was a figure who took me very much by surprise,” the Nepali imagination is alive paintings of Manuj Babu erful poems of aspiring poets he said. “What he did was bring together the values of the Ameri- and well. And the aspiring poet, Mishra- a distinguished name can be read on this site. can Revolution with the conducting of the war.” POETRY: ‘Delights & Shadows,’ by Ted Kooser: Kooser is the novelist, journalist, essayist, in the Nepali painting scene. Under the Nepali poet laureate of the United States. He worked in life insurance for creative non-fiction writer - or Poet and advisor to nepali Kabitasangraha link of this site, much of his career, was vice president of Lincoln Benefit Life In- simply a curious reader who rel- kalasahitya.com, Usha readers will find hundreds of surance, where he wrote advertising copy and oversaw legal af- ishes good writing - could do Sherchan, said arts and litera- poems in the poem collections fairs. He rose daily at 4:30 a.m. to compose poetry, which he asked no better than to begin with ture are the hallmarks of any of some of Nepal’s most gifted his secretary and colleagues to critique. He retired in 1998. Clarity www. nepali kalasahitya.com, a civilized nation. “Such works poets including Bhupi is the hallmark of Kooser’s style, with deceptively modest meta- venture of MountDigit Publica- that intend to introduce the hid- Serchan’s Ghumne Mech Mathi phors grounded in the Nebraska landscape. tion [P.] Ltd. den Nepali treasures to the vast Andho Manchhe [42 poems], DRAMA: ‘Doubt,’ by John Patrick Shanley: At first glance, the genesis of “Doubt” would seem obvious: The play tells the story of “Our objective is to let the literary sky of the world must Gopal Prasad Rimal’s Aama ko a strong-minded nun investigating suspicions of pedophilia in a Nepali diaspora and the interna- be supported by all,” she added. Sapana [28 poems]... Roman Catholic school. But Shanley, said the play was actually tional community learn about Another Nepali literary What are we waiting for? inspired by what he called a visceral reaction to current American the rich literature and arts of online journal, www.nepali Log on.... political discourse. “People who have great certainty can be a force Nepal - both contemporary as kavita.com proclaims to show- of good, but can also be incredibly destructive,” he said yesterday. 8; NOW!; 06 April, 2005 THEFINALONE
PRAYERS AND PETITIONS walk around town and Sikkim. Well, he’s got some that only 28 of the party mem- the traders seem sure about come on record, but will feed the once sees lots of happy home work to do now. Around bers know of its contents. with the implementation of this little bird well to spread the word. Afaces; grins pasted like 20 organisations presented our And there was one party new form of tax is their fear of Seems they have also peti- its going to be painful to re- Union Home Minister with which bypassed the Union being drowned in tons of pa- tioned Mr. Patil for the cancel- move them; contented faces their respective memorandums; Home Minister and thought it per and registers. And prices? lation of service terms of vari- which seem to say that their every organisation in town, wiser to go all the way to the No idea. Whoever says they ous big shots around here and mission in life is complete. whether political or consisting President himself with their will go down. The opposite are quite sure of it coming So what’s going on? of two people, some never seems more likely, they say. through. Since no one really Shivraj Patil would know heard of and some just And the biggest puzzle knows what the Congress has best. One man’s happiness is formed for the purpose, they say is the continua- asked for, they can now take another man’s misery. With made their presence felt. tion of other sales tax credit for every development tons of paper in the form of But the one with the along with VAT when they [Sikkim vis-a-vis Delhi] that memorandums the Union most humongous memo- are supposed to be abolished. transpires in the next 6 months. Home Minister might be ruing randums it seems was the Talking about abolish- And now with the truck the moment he landed in state Congress party’s which ment the wide grins which drivers strike over comes news had around 20 pages and is said grievances. Why bother about state Congressmen are going of another strike threat from the today in to have included graphics with riff raff when you can howl around with would seem to indi- MR and WC employees. The [maybe even footnotes and a into the Presidential ear itself. cate that they have abolished the Bengal fever seems to be quite History glossary]. By the way, Congress If that seems confusing, SDF party. Ask them which infectious. Last heard, every- 06th April members are tight lipped about you need to get a “one to one” toothpaste they use and they rat- one with any grievance is think- the contents of their memoran- with our Sikkim traders and tle off all they have managed to ing strike first and negotiations 648 BC: Earliest total solar eclipse; chronicled by Greeks dum saying it is “top secret,” businessmen. “Vat confusion” get done and not done in the re- later nowadays. 610: Lailat-ul Qadar, the night the perhaps meaning thereby that seems to be the general mood cent past. They will refuse to -OTIS koran descended to Earth only the “top” knows about it. while specifics have eluded 1199: Richard I, the Lion-hearted One member however reveals everybody. The only thing that King of England [1189-99], dies at 41 FOR BEST FLOORING 1773: Born, James Mill, JOIN INTERNATIONAL CALL CENTRE Wooden parquet flooring, philosopher/ historian [History of Lucky PVC floor tiles, PVC wood British India] (Plus 200 placed) 1866: Born, Butch Cassidy plank, tiles, Vista floor, Super 1874: Born, magician Harry International Call Centre recruitment marblex, Wall Heritage Houdini for Customer Care Officers. Surface, Textures, Spray polish, 1893: Andy Bowen & Jack Burke box the longest bout in history, Walk-in Interview on the 7th & Japanese technology. 7 hrs 19 mins to no decision [111 8th of April, 2005. contact: rounds] 1896: American, James Venue: Call Centre Training Facility, TIKA ENTERPRISES Connolly, wins 1st Olympic gold above NIC, Tashiling Secretariat. Near Krishi Bhawan Gate medal in modern history 31 A NH, Uma Cottage 1917: US declares war on For Further Details, contact: Germany, enters World War I Tadong, Sikkim - 737102 1928: Born, James Watson 9733098895, 9434103723 Ph: 231394 M: 9434153480 [codiscovered structure of DNA] 1966: Mihir Sen swims the Palk ARIES: You know so much. Why What’s wrong with raising a few Strait between Sri Lanka & India not share? They’ll pat your back eyebrows every now and then? 1976: 1st quadrophonic movie instead of biting your hand. This AQUARIUS: Public confession track: “Ladies & Gentlemen the evening, you’ll be in the mood for feels good. The reviews pour in. Rolling Stones” love stories, tender dramas and Your next move shows strength. 1986: Soccer ball juggled non- long, slow embraces. Find some- it? Start with ‘’I’m sorry.’ You can SAGITTARIUS: You’re so melo- Something you’ve been mulling stop for 14:14 hrs one you can share the depth of settle down now, and take a dramatic. What’s up your sleeve? over is about to emerge, and it’s 1992: Science fiction writer, Isaac all your feelings with, and sniffle break from that fun but frenetic They’re going to like this one. going to come from your own lips. Asimov [I Robot], dies at 72 a bit if you want to! pace life has insisted you keep You’re going to be busy for a va- Tonight might be emotional, for TAURUS: Blow your own horn. up with lately. Sure, it was won- riety of reasons. It’s time to work better or worse, but stick to the THE Cash in your chips. Later will be derful, but don’t you need to rest hard at turning your fantasies and truth, and all will end quite well. so much better than now. You’ll just a bit before work tomorrow? dreams into reality. Do it now, and PISCES: You have staying have absolutely no problem figur- VIRGO: Hunger clouds your judg- remember that there’s no way to power. Friends know that they’re ing out ‘’the moral of the story’ now, ment. Don’t walk into a trap. This hold back on what you want. loved. Only a fool would argue. scr mble or anything else that comes after should be a slow process. There’s CAPRICORN: Whose fault is this? There could well be love letters, a QUIZ the punch line, for that matter. Your permanence in the air, and easy Does it actually matter? The rules handholding and sweet whispers antennae pick all the right signals. affection, too. No matter who have already changed again. Get on your agenda, so be sure WHO AM I? Make the most of this time. you’re with, if you feel the urge to ready to proclaim your love and af- you’ve cancelled all your appoint- The name of the comic character below GEMINI: Seek a shaman or reach out and touch them, don’t fection for a dear one in no uncer- ments. A casual chat this morn- is what the jumbled words will unscram- sherpa. Maybe you can do this worry that you’ll be rebuffed. tain terms, regardless of whether ing could lead to much, much ble into. Get it right and one lucky win- alone. You certainly have the That’s out of the question. or not it’s ‘’appropriate’. Ah, well. more after dark. ner will receive Rs. 200 worth of eata- power. Thank God it’s Friday, LIBRA: You belong here now. You bles from Glenary’s. Entries should because you won’t be able to have the support system. The reach NOW! before Sunday. contain your enthusiasm a mo- web grows stronger every day. ment past five o’clock. You’re or- Imagine yourself lost on an alien dinarily quite the homebody, but planet that’s inhabited only by tonight it will be next to impossi- creatures that absolutely under- ble to keep you from kicking up stand and sympathize with you. your heels. Why fight it? That’s on your schedule for today. Guess the correct meaning of the following Chinese characters CANCER: Add new details. Vari- Needless to say, you shouldn’t 1. carrot ation is welcome. You like what turn down any invitations. None. 2. computer you’re hearing. You’re still in the SCORPIO: Your business exper- 3. cloning mood for interesting activities tise grows. Social skills blossom. One correct guess wins lunch worth Rs. 250/- at Chung Yin and sparkling company. If you You’re already drawing applause. Answer: ______Restaurant, Denzong Inn, Gangtok don’t have plans for tonight, You’ll be a social animal for most Name: ______make some, and be sure to do of the day, but tonight, all that will Last week’s answer: Cabbage. Winner: Dhan Raj Rai, exactly what you want to do. Not change. Prepare for the pleas- Arithang. Underline the correct answer, attach your name and last week’s answer: Wolverine. win- fair deferring to your partner, or antly inevitable in advance. Be rush entries to the NOW! office at Gairi Gaon before Monday. ner: Sonam Chewang, IVC, TNA. anyone else. sure the Chinese food has been Winner’s Coupon to be collected LEO: You’re caught in the act. ordered and the video is reserved from NOW! office What do you have to say about before leaving the office. CORRECT ANSWER AND WINNER NEXT WEDNESDAY

Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Baba Offset Press Works Pvt. Ltd., Gangtok. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Now! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 271167 email: [email protected]; [email protected]

1. carrot 2. umbrella 3. stick