Founded in 1976 by the legendary PTI journalist Late. Ram Patro sir, just a year after Sikkim’s merger with India, Sikkim Express(SE) has remained steadfast in their duty towards the people of Sikkim and in fostering democracy in the region. Today, as they complete five decades of service, SE has evolved from a small publication, to a vital pillar of democracy in Sikkim and the neighbouring Darjeeling-Kalimpong region as well.

In 2003, the new Editor-in-Chief Amit Patro, who was only 24-yrs old at that time transformed Sikkim Express into a daily newspaper, and changed the media landscape in the entire Sikkim-Darjeeling region. In a way, the growth of Sikkim Express has by and large mirrored Sikkim’s maturing from a small and isolated Himalayan kingdom, to one of the fastest developing states in India today.

My tryst with Sikkim Express began around 2013-14 when I sent them a few articles. In 2017, when Gorkhaland andolan broke out, and the West Bengal police made it impossible for me to report from Darjeeling, I had shifted my base to Sikkim temporarily. That is when I first met Amit Patro and his dedicated team of journalists.

When Darjeeling was silenced, it was Sikkim who spoke for us, and Sikkim Express had the loudest voice against the atrocities that were being meted out on the Gorkahs. It was Sikkim Express that connected numerous national newspapers and news outlets to the on-ground activists in Darjeeling and Kalimpong region. They did not let threat and intimidation from the powers that be, silence their voices, nor ours.

As Sikkim Express completes 50-years today, I cannot help but thank them for upholding objectivity, for upholding the values of journalism, for being the platform through which our region has learned to express ourselves. Your perseverance, dedicated and hard-working staff, and fearlessness in Sikkim, enable us to be courageous here in Darjeeling.

To the entire Sikkim Express team, past and present – we owe you a debt of gratitude. One which we will never be able to pay back, but which we honour every single day by upholding the values of journalism you represent.

The post Sikkim Express – We owe you a debt of gratitude appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

बंगालमा यसपालिको राजनीतिक चलखेल, हावा पहिलाभन्दा अलिक फरक र रोचक देखिन्छ। मुख्यतः सत्ताविरोधी लहर, परिवर्तनको लहरको तातो हावा चलीरहेको अनुभव गर्न सक्छौं। वर्तमान टीएमसी सरकारसित असन्तुष्ट जनता यसपालि सरकार फेरिएको हेर्न चाहान्छन्। त्यसरी नै पहाडमा गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासन जो विकलांग ब्यवस्था भनेर मानिने ब्यवस्थासित दिक्क मानी मानिसले नयाँ दिर्घकालिन ब्यवस्था तथा स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान खोजीरहेको देखिन्छ।

२०१७ को जन आन्दोलन अनि शहिदहरू

पहाडमा चुनाव भन्नसाथ मानिस भावुक हुने र तृणमूल सरकारको बर्बरता र क्रुरतापुर्वक दमनले शहीदहरूका रगतपच्छे लाशहरूको सम्झाना दिलाउने कुरा बताउँछन् यहाँका सोझासाझा जनता। पहाडका जनतामा खरानीभित्र भएको झरिलो भुप्रो झैं आक्रोश छ। तर लुकाएर राख्न बाध्य छन् तानाशाही बंगाल सरकारको डरले। भन्छन्, “अलिकति बोल्यो कि मुद्दा हाल्दिने डर।”

“ती ११ जना शहीदरूको बलिदान पनि खेरो गयो जब दलाल, मिरजाफरहरूले १०४ दिनको बन्द र जनआन्दोलन लक्ष्यमा पुग्न नपाई बंगाल सरकारसंग सम्झौता गरे।” जनमानस दाँत किट्दै भन्छन्।

समग्रमा पहाडका मानिसको परिप्रेक्ष्यहरू बटुल्दा यो निर्वाचनलाई भावनात्मक दृष्टिकोणले हेरेको पाईन्छ। र जन आकांक्षामा आधारित जनताले अझै पनि तृणमूल सरकार र गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासनबाट उन्मुक्त भई पहाड तराई र डुवर्सलाई एउटा नयाँ पूर्ण व्यवस्थापकीय अधिकार प्राप्त स्वयत्त प्रशासनिक सेटअपको चाहाना राखेको बुझिन्छ।

विधायिकी शक्तिविहिन (Devoid of Legislative Power) र शक्तिहिन गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासन (GTA)

औपचारिक रूपमा १४ मार्च २०१२ मा स्थापित भएको गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रीय प्रशासन (GTA) ले गोर्खाहरूको भाग्य र भविष्य निर्धारण गर्न असक्षम भएको कारणले नै पहाडका अधिकतम जनताले यसलाई नकार्दै आएका छन्। तर तिनताक र वर्तमान समयमा केही सत्तामा आसिन मानिसहरू ब्यवस्थालाई बंगालको डाडु पनिउँबाट पस्केको भाग जो ब्यक्ति बिशेष र धुपौरेहरूले आफ्ना स्वर्थपूर्तिको लागि पर्याप्त सम्झन्छन् तर गोर्खाहरूको हितमा र दार्जिलिङ, कालेबुङ, तराई र डुवर्सका सर्वाङ्गिन बिकाशको निम्ति वान-वान चोक्टा तिरिक् तिरिक् झोल मात्र हुन् भन्ने कुरो पहाडका वंचित भुक्तभोगीहरूलाई थाहा छ। शिक्षित जमातलाई थाहा छ तर मौन् छन्। कारण डर र त्रास।

यो GTA व्यवस्थालाई बाँदरको पुच्छर, लौरो न हतियार भन्दा कुनै अत्युक्ति हुँदैन कारण यो शक्तिहिन छ। यो व्यवस्थामा विधायिकी शक्ति छैन। गोर्खाहरूको हितमा विधि विधान, ऐन कानुन बनाउने क्षमता छैन। जो बनाउँछन् बंगाल सरकारले बनाउँछ । यसपालिको चुनाव घोषणा पत्रमा गोर्खाहरूको हितमा “ग” अक्षर सम्म लेख्न अनुचित ठाने तृणमूल सरकारले भनेपछि अनुमान लगाउँन सकिन्छ ममता सरकारलाई गोर्खाहरूको कति सरोकार छ भनेर। तर GTA (TMC Team A) का व्यक्तिवर्ग लाटाको देशमा गाँडा तन्नेरी भने झैं पहिचानको मुद्दालाई केही नामधारी न्यूनतम विकाशको बजेटमा बेचेर छाती फुलाएर हिँडछन्। अशिक्षित लाटा सोझा जनतालाई “बिकाश नै पहिचान हो” भनेर रट्नु लगाएको मानिसको भनाई छ।

पहाडका राजनितीक पार्टीहरूको DNA

पहाडको राजनीतिक पार्टीहरूमा बिमल गुरुङको गोजमुमो (GJMM), मन घिसिङको गोरामुमो (GNLF) अनि सीपीआरएमले (CPRM) बीजेपीसंग गठबन्धन गरेर बीजेपीलाई सघाउँदैछन्। अनि पहाडमा मन मिल्ने मानिसमाझको प्रचलित नारा -“चुपचाप् कमल छाप।” जनमानसको मुखमा झुन्डिएको छ भन्छन् रैथानेहरू।गोजमुमो र गोरामुमोले बीजेपीसंग गठबंधन गरी उमेद्वार दिएर असल काम गरेका छन्। अब यो दुई पार्टीले गर्न पनि के गरोस् त पहाडमा लगभग लोपोन्मुख अवस्थामा छन्।

अनितको भारतीय गोर्खा प्रजातान्त्रिक पार्टी (BGPM) नामको मात्र क्षेत्रिय पार्टी हो। ममता दिदीको पहाडको टीएमसी हो । उनारूले भन्छन्, पहाडमा विकाश गरेका छौं। खै कुन विकाशको कुरा गरेको बुझ्नै सकिन्न। अँ अलि अलि बाटो घाटो त बनायो, गाउँ घरमा समाज घरहरू बनायो। तर हाम्रो जातिले माँगेको विकाश त्यति मात्रै हो र?

ब्रिटिसकालिन संरचनाहरू, धरोहरू बाहेक अरू नयाँ संरचनाहरू कसैले बनाउने चेष्टा गर्यो? शैक्षिक संस्था, विधापिठ, महाविध्यालय, अत्याधुनिक अस्पताल , स्वस्थ्य केन्द्रहरू कहिले बनाउने पहाडमा? भएकै संरचनाहरू सडेर गईसके। भएकै प्रशिक्षण केन्द्रहरूमा तलकोहरू मात्र छन्। पहाडको पिउने पानीको गंभीर संकट, खस्कन्दो पर्यटन व्यवसायको जल्दोबल्दो मुद्दाहरू कसले हल गर्ने? शिक्षा जसले स्वस्थ्य समाज निर्माण गर्छ। शिक्षण संस्थामा पनि घोटाला गरी अवैध र अनैतिक ढंगमा अयोग्य शिक्षकहरूलाई नियुक्ति दिने जीटीए जस्तो प्रशासनलाई रद्ध तुल्याउनु हो भने यो बीजीपीएम पार्टीलाई सत्ताच्युत गराउनु नै पर्छ।

अजय एडवर्डको आईजीजेएफ (IGJF) पार्टीको लोकप्रियताको पारा निकै माथि चडदैछ। आफ्नै बलबुतामा उम्मेद्वारहरू खडा गरेको छ । केही गर्छ जस्तो छ यसपाली,भन्ने कुराको जिज्ञासामा मानिस भन्छन्, “केही गर्छ हैन भोट चै बिगार्छ। अलग राज्य गोर्खाल्याण्डको वकालत गर्ने पार्टी जन्मेको दुई साल त भयो तर राजनीतिको हावा कताबाट चल्दैछ भेउ नै नपाको हो कि भित्रभित्रै खेल खेलेको हो। मानिसहरूले शंका गरी रहेका छन्। कतिले तृणमूलकै टीम पनि भन्दैछन्। राज्यमा सत्ताविरोधी लहर चलीरहेको छ तर खै राज्य सरकार र जीटीएको घोर बिरोध चै गर्छ तर साधारण हिसाब बुझ्दा पनि पहाडको सत्ताधारी तृणमूल (बीजीपीएम) लाई सत्तच्यूत गराउनु हो र पश्चिम बंगालमा सत्ता परिवर्तन चाहाने हो भने त बीजेपीलाई सघाएर बीजेपीको भोट कनसोलीडेट गर्नुपर्ने होइन र? अजय र अभिसेकको जोडीले बीजेपीलाई निकै धक्का पुर्याउँछ जस्तो छ!”

गोर्खा बिरोधी टीएमसी, बीजेपीको घोषणा पत्र अनि राजनीतिक इच्छाशक्ति

टीएमसी गोर्खा बिरोधी पार्टी हो भन्दा दुईमत नहोला कारण २०१७ को जनआन्दोलन यही पार्टीको भाषिक अतिक्रमणले गर्दा भएको थियो। गोर्खाहरूको शान्तिमय जनआन्दोलनमाथि क्रुरतापूर्वक दमनले कतिले ज्यान गुमाए। बंगला भाषा थोप्ने तृणमूल सरकारको षडयन्त्र र अभिप्रायले गोर्खाहरूको जातित्व र पहिचानको नामोनिशान मिटाउने प्रयासलाई स्वाभिमानी गोर्खाहरूले बिफल तुल्याएका थिए। त्यही स्वाभिमानी गोर्खाहरू आजको दिनमा पनि ममताको तृणमूललाई सत्ताच्युत गराउन कम्मर कसेको जनमानसको खरानीभित्रको भरिलो भुप्रो सरह आक्रोशमा अनुभव गर्न सकिन्छ।

साल २००९ मा जब बीजेपीको बंगालमा कुनै अस्तित्व नहुँदादेखि यस पार्टीलाई दार्जिलिङ, कालेबुङ, तराई र डुवर्सका गोर्खाहरूले आधारशिला प्रदान गरेका थिए। यही भूमिमा पाईला टेकेर बीजेपीले बंगालमा दह्रिलो गढ बनाउने यात्रा शुरू गरेका थिए। तिनताक र वर्तमान समयसम्म गोर्खाहरूले लोकसभा अनि विधानसभा चुनावहरूमा भारी मतले बीजेपीलाई बिजय गराउदै आएता पनि बीजेपीले पहाड तराई डुवर्सका जनआकांक्षा पूरा नगरेको जनमानसको गुणासो छ। केवल झुठो आश्वासन मात्र गरेको आरोप लाग्दै आएको बिजेपीले २०१९ को लोकसभा चुनावको घोषणापत्रमा गोर्खाहरूका निम्ति” स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान” को कुरा उल्लेख गरेका थिए र यस विधानसभा चुनावको घोषणापत्रमा पनि गोर्खाहरूको महत्वपुर्ण मुद्धाहरूको समाधान गर्ने संकल्प गरेका छन्।

यसमध्ये विशेष “पहाडी क्षेत्रलाई संवैधानिक प्रावधान अनुरूप स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान” प्रदान गर्ने संकल्प दोहोराएका छन् जसलाई बीजेपीको राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा गरिने कार्यशैली हेर्दा र देशको प्रमुख मुद्दाहरूको समाधान गरेका कामहरूलाई हेर्दा तथा बीजेपीको राजनीतिक इच्छाशक्तिलाई हेर्दा बंगालमा सत्ता हासिल गर्नसाथ गोर्खाहरूको मुद्दालाई पनि सम्बोधन गर्ने प्रबल सम्भावनाको अपेक्षा गर्न सकिन्छ भनेर विश्वास गरेका छन् पहाडका मानिसले।

भारतीय जनता पार्टी (बीजेपी) जसलाई देशमा एउटा बलियो राजनीतिक इच्छाशक्ति भएको पार्टीको रूपमा मानिन्छ जसले राष्ट्रको हितमा विभिन्न मुद्धाहरूलाई सम्बोधन गरी समाधान गरेका छन्। धृढ संकल्प र साहसपुर्वक मुद्धाहरू समाधान गर्ने मोदी सरकारले फत्ते गरेका राष्ट्रको मुख्य मुद्धाहरू हुन् ;

सत्ता परिवर्तन र गोर्खाहरूको भविष्य

बंगालमा सत्ताबिरोधी लहर चलीरहेको छ। जनता तृणमूल सरकारलाई सत्ताबाट उखालेर फ्याक्न चाहान्छन्। यस समय फलाम तातिएको छ। गोर्खाहरूले २०१७ को तृणमूल सरकारको बर्बरता र अत्याचारको साटो फेर्ने मौका फेरि कहिले नपाउला। तृणमूल सरकारको बिरूद्धमा एक एक भोट ती शहीदहरूलाई सांचो श्रद्धाञ्जली हुनेछ। ममताको तृणमूल सरकार र गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासनले कहिले पनि गोर्खाहरूको हितमा काम गरेनन् र गर्ने पनि छैनन्। यो GTA विकलाङ व्यवस्थाले गोर्खाहरूको भाग्य र भविष्य निर्धारण गरेन र गर्न सक्ने पनि छैन। पहाड प्रतिभा पलायनले ग्रस्त छ। हाम्रा हजारौं शिक्षित बेरोजगार युवाहरू विदेश पलायन हुन बाध्य छन् कारण बंगालले रोजगार दिनु सकेको छैन । जीटीएले आफ्नो खल्तीमा लुकाको भ्रष्टचारको पैसाले रोजगार दिनु सक्दैन।

बंगालमा ममता सरकार ढल्ने संकेत ममताले नै भविष्यवाणी गरी सकेकी कुरा उनको ,”बंगालमा बीजेपीले सरकार बनाउनसाथ बंगाललाई तीन भागमा विभाजन गर्नेछ।” भन्ने वयानले जनाइसकेको छ। तीन भागमा विभाजनको कुरा चै जनतालाई भ्रममा पार्ने अतिशयोक्ति (बढाइचढाइ) मात्र हो । तर त्यसमा उत्तर बंगाललाई (North Bengal) विकाशित गर्नलाई अलग्गै छुटाउने कुरा लगभग तयार भईसकेको बीजेपीको संकेत चुनावी घोषणापत्र मार्फत पनि छर्लङ्ग बुझिन्छ।

गोर्खाहरूको हितमा संकल्प गरिएका बुंदाहरू मध्ये “गोर्खाहरूको आकांक्षालाई सम्मान गर्दै संवैधानिक प्रावधान अनुरूप स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान गरिने कुराले ठूलो आश्वासन पाएको र “बीजेपीले यो संकल्प पूरा गर्छ” भन्दै पहाडमा जनमानसले विश्वास व्यक्त गरेको बुझिन्छ। र शिक्षितवर्ग र बुढापाकाले यसपालिको भोटलाई ती शहीदहरू र टीएमसीको गोर्खाहरूको जातित्व, सांस्कृतिक पहिचानमाथि बारम्बार गरिने आक्रमणलाई सम्झी र बीजेपीले दिएको गोर्खाहरूको मुद्धालाई समाधान गर्ने संकल्पलाई सम्झी दुवै भावनात्मक र ब्यवहारिक दृष्टिकोणले टीएमसीलाई सत्ताच्युत गर्ने अभिप्रायले “चुपचाप कमल छाप” नारालाई भोटको दिन सार्थक तुल्याउने साधारण जनतादेखि लिएर समाजका “मौन योद्धा” (Silent Warriors) ले धृढ संकल्प गरेको कुरा जनमानसविच तीव्र गतिमा फैलिएको बुझिन्छ।

एक एक भोट टीएमसीको बिरूद्धले नै अनि बंगालमा बीजेपीको उदयले मात्र गोर्खाहरूको भाग्य र भविष्य निर्धारण गर्नेछ भन्ने कुरामा विश्वास्त पहाड तराई अनि डुवर्सका गोर्खाहरूले २३ अप्रेल २०२६ को दिनलाई पर्खीरहेका बताएका छन् ।

: सुदर्शन लिम्बू

The post विधानसभा चुनाव: भावनात्मक र व्यवहारिक दृष्टिकोण-कुन दृष्टिकोणले भोट हाल्ने? appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Interlocutor ToR includes “Addressing Gorkha Aspirations within the constitutional framework.”

Answering to a question raised by the Trinamool Congress MP from Maturapur, Bapi Halder, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityananda Rai has informed the Lok Sabha that the Government of India had “appointed an Interlocutor to hold constructive dialogue with various stakeholders”, as “there was no representation of the Government of West Bengal in two tripartite meetings, and no substantial representation in one meeting”, held on issues related to the Gorkha community.

The Minister said the “Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed following a tripartite agreement in 2011 between the Government of India, the Government of Bengal and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. In July 2017, all elected members of the GTA resigned. In view of the absence of elected members in the GTA and repeated requests for dialogue by Gorkha leaders, the Home Ministry convened three tripartite meetings on October 7, 2020, October 12, 2021, and April 3, 2025.

Subsequently, the Government of India appointed an Interlocutor fromer Dy NSA and IPS Officer Pankaj Kumar Singh to engage with various stakeholders, including representatives of Gorkha organizations, on issues concerning Gorkhas.

The interlocutor’s term is one year. The interlocutor will engage in constructive dialogue with various stakeholders and suggest measures to resolve these issues.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the interlocutor are as follows:

(i) To undertake constructive dialogue with various stakeholders including representatives of Gorkha organizations on the issues relating to Gorkhas in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal and suggest measures to resolve issues and roadmap in this regard.

(ii) To hold discussions with other stakeholders in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal in this regard.

(iii) Recommend measures for socio-economic upliftment, cultural recognition, and preservation of cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region, and addressing their aspirations within the Constitutional framework.

It should be noted that interlocutor former Dy NSA Pankaj Kuma Singh (IPS) has been visiting the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region, and has held talks with various representatives here.

The post MHA Makes Interlocutor “Terms of Reference” Public appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Curious we asked who the baker was, and we were pointed to a dynamic young man, Sanjok Gurung originally from Marybong T.E.

We sat down for a short interview with him….

TheDC: How and when did you decide to take up baking as a profession. What inspired you?

Sanjok: The decision to take up baking wasn’t premeditated or planned I was always drawn to the F&B industry and wanted to build something of my own. After BBA and MBA, with internships and industry exposure, I explored different roles, including event management and later HR at Hindustan Coca-Cola.

I moved into banking due to family priorities but felt unfulfilled. I wanted ownership of my work and time. Since my baking turned out well, I began experimenting, learning from scratch, and investing in professional training at IBPA, Delhi.

With family support and growing orders, I took a leap of faith and started Cake Crush in Salbari in 2018 with no Plan B.

TheDC: How difficult was the shift from Banking to Baking?

Sanjok: The transition wasn’t very tough but wasn’t easy either; my better half however was convinced that I would make a much better baker than a banker.

I left behind a stable salary for entrepreneurship, where I handle everything – production, marketing, accounts, and delivery.

But, I am thankful for all the Orders that came in, it made the transition easy. If I hadn’t received so many orders initially when I started it would have been very demotivating and I would have questioned and considered getting back to Banking. I’m grateful for the Clients who have been kind and supportive.

TheDC: Did your family support your decision?

Sanjok: Absolutely. Family support, both emotional and financial is crucial in this field.  Family support decides if any business thrives or dies.

Initially and even now, I consider them my team. The long hours and pressure are intense, but my discipline and consistency helped earn their trust. Today, they’re my biggest support system.

TheDC: When did Cake Crush start? What challenges did you face?

Sanjok: I started Cake Crush in 2018. Early challenges included lack of skilled help, limited suppliers, minimal access to information, and managing inventory and wastage.

I learned through experience, attended fairs, and kept upgrading my knowledge and skills.

TheDC: So what is the most satisfying part of being a baker?

Sanjok: The most satisfying part of Being a baker, is that I have a close, warm bonding with my customers. I’ve been part of their journeys—from engagements to weddings to birthdays. My cakes are part of their milestones.

I also love contributing to the community, training young people and creating products like healthy, local-ingredient-based cookies at Gorkhey Haat.

Baking gives me both happiness and challenges, but I wouldn’t go back to banking.

TheDC: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Sanjok: My Dream is to get Commissioned for cakes that are celebratory, luxurious, colossal, detailed and demand engineering precision, structural planning, artistic sculpting and culinary ability and are challenging. I also want to make quality cakes accessible at every budget.

I hope to open another outlet, take on more creative projects, and continue building meaningful work in the industry.

TheDC: What advice would you give someone, who wants to follow on your footsteps?

Sanjok: My advice would be, if time, finance permits then, be trained professionally, and work in a professional set up before opening your own venture. The experience is Priceless. Start small, find your niche, and focus on fundamentals.

Keep learning, price your work wisely. More importantly, develop your own style, don’t just copy trends, this is what truly makes us Artists.

Even though every baker’s journey is unique, I am always ready to help you out, if you seek my help.

You can reach out to Sanjok Gurung at: Cake Crush, Panchnai Enclave, Salbari/Shop no.103, or Upper Basement, Citycentre, Siliguri 734009

The post Sanjok Gurung – Baking happiness, one cake at a time appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Nepathya Live in Siliguri marks the band’s debut performance in the city, a moment long anticipated by audiences across North Bengal, Sikkim, and the Eastern Himalayan region – where Nepathya’s songs have circulated for years through recordings, memory, and cultural inheritance, but never before through a Siliguri stage

The concert will be held at Utsodhaara Teesta Township, behind Kawakhali Ground, placing Siliguri – often described as a gateway city – at the center of a rare cross-border cultural convergence.

The event is presented by PVE Network, Club Gravity, and Mainali International Human Resources. PVE Network – owner of the IP Let’s Get Loud India Series, which featured Sajjan Raj Vaidya – is also serving as the curator for the Siliguri project, framing the concert as part of a broader vision for culturally rooted, regionally significant live music platforms in eastern India.

Over the years, Nepathya has distinguished itself as one of the region’s most formidable live acts. The band has performed hundreds of concerts across Nepal, India, Australia, Europe, Japan, and North America, frequently drawing crowds in the tens of thousands. In Nepal, their open-air shows have repeatedly ranked among the largest ticketed live music events staged by a homegrown band, noted for disciplined sound, minimal spectacle, and a strong sense of collective participation.

According to Bikesh Kayastha, Founder of PVE Network, the decision to bring Nepathya to Siliguri was driven by a belief that audiences in this part of the country have long been underserved when it comes to landmark live performances.

“The idea of bringing Nepathya to Siliguri came from a simple conviction – that people in and around this region deserve to experience a band of this stature live,” Mr. Kayastha said. “This is about extending the live concert experience to the eastern side of the country and raising the benchmark for production and presentation, so the audience here receives the same quality of experience seen elsewhere.”

Early indicators suggest that the Siliguri concert’s appeal extends well beyond the city. Fans from parts of Bhutan and Nepal are expected to attend, while within India, a significant volume of early inquiries has come from Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and across the Northeast region, reflecting Nepathya’s enduring resonance among urban and diasporic audiences alike.

Following the announcement, Early Bird tickets were released online and have seen rapid uptake, with only a limited number now remaining. Tickets are available via the District by Zomato App and Web.

In an era when live music is increasingly driven by scale and speed, Nepathya’s first appearance in Siliguri stands apart – arriving deliberately, and carrying with it the weight of geography, memory, and shared cultural history.

Event Details:
Event: Nepathya Live in Siliguri
Date: 28 February 2026
Venue: Utsodhaara Teesta Township, behind Kawakhali Ground, Siliguri
Presented By: PVE Network | Club Gravity | Mainali International Human Resources
Tickets: Early Bird tickets [limited availability] on District by Zomato App & Web

Note: For the first time, Nepathya bring their voice to Siliguri and we are honoured to be a part of their journey as a Media Partner.

We have not charged any money from the organisers or the band for the promotion, and are promoting the event as a mark of respect for the legendary Nepathya band.

The post Nepathya Live: For the First Time, Nepathya Bring Their Voice to Siliguri appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

We sat down for a short interview with him…

• Name: Samir Sharma 
• School(s): St Roberts\ Ghoom Boys \ Krishnamaya memorial  
• College(s): Govt College Darjeeling 

TheDC: What are you doing these days

Samir: I am currently in Salbari, running a Sound Track Recording Studio. Music arrangement, composition, recording, and mixing are what I mainly do. This is both my addiction and my profession, and I stay deeply immersed in it. Other than this, I write lyrics, and compose music, both for myself and for my clients.

TheDC: When did you decide you wanted to get into music, what got you into this field.

Samir: My love for music and literature began in childhood through casual singing and writing poems, even though I didn’t fully understand why I was drawn to it then. I started formal music training only after college, learning vocal music and piano under several respected teachers in Darjeeling.

I learned vocal music for a few months from Pradeep Chhetri sir in Darjeeling. I then began learning piano from Surajmani Bermey sir, who taught me many important things. Later, I studied piano up to Grade 4 under veteran musician Jeevan Rai sir. I then had the opportunity to learn from Daju Ajnish Rai, a veteran singer, composer, and music arranger from Darjeeling. He had returned from Mumbai after receiving professional training in Hindustani classical and experience there. Getting his guidance felt like nectar to me.

Over time, I gained a deeper understanding of music, developed my skills in arrangement and song writing, and decided to pursue music as my full-time profession, leaving behind a stable job as a computer teacher at the prestigious St. Joseph’s School, Darjeeling.

TheDC: Where did you go?

Samir: Driven by passion, I moved to Mumbai and spent nearly ten years working and learning in studios and production houses. During this period, I recorded legendary singers like Udit Narayan, Shaan, Kailash Kher, and Zubeen Garg and many more celebrity artists. I learned sound engineering, worked extensively on TV serials, and built strong professional connections. Eventually, I returned to composing and arranging music, creating around 90 devotional songs for Shemaroo Entertainment.

Alongside this journey, I collaborated on meaningful documentary and non-commercial film projects with director and close friend Anant V. Keni. Though I am now based in Darjeeling and he is in Mumbai, we continue to work together, thanks to the internet. Many experiences from this journey remain untold, and I hope to share them in time.

TheDC: Not many from our region get into creating music for documentaries or nature based shows, how do you train, what keeps you motivated?

Samir: I grew up in villages and small settlements, always surrounded by streams, and nature. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the जंगल, playing, wandering, and doing all kinds of things. Those scenes have stayed alive inside me and feel timeless.

The very nature of Darjeeling is such that it touches and influences any artist. The social and political environment of the place where I grew up also shaped me deeply.

I have always felt that my work should be useful to society, and should serve people, humanity, and their well-being. That is why I am naturally drawn toward such themes in my creative work.

TheDC: Tell us about your interest in Nepali Children’s songs

Samir: I always felt strongly is that we must work for our children. From the Indian side or India, there have been very little meaningful work in Nepali children’s songs. Majority of children’s music produced in Nepali language in India are mostly for advertising.

With my own effort, I have prepared and uploaded around 65 new and old Nepali children’s songs with animation on the Nivriti Soundtrack YouTube channel.

My friend Santosh lad from Mumbai helped in animation. Nepali children and parents from both India and abroad have benefited from this. These songs are also being taught in various schools in Nepal, which gives me immense happiness.

TheDC: What brought you back to Darjeeling?

Samir: It was this same love for my place and my community that eventually brought me back to Darjeeling from Mumbai.

TheDC: Tell us about the Ugly Green Planet

Samir: That Ugly Green Planet by Anant V. Keni has won the Best International Animation Film Award at CAMPINAS Film Festival 2025 (Brazil). With this, the film has now received 2 international awards and 17 official selections so far.

I feel truly thankful for the love and recognition.

TheDC: What are you busy with these days?

Samir: Currently, I am involved in various projects as a professional at Studio Soundtrack, Salbari, including recent works related to senior songwriter-composer Late Gopal Singh Bhandari, Doordarshan musical projects, and other regular studio assignments.

From all these works, what I have learned is this: I should never treat them as just “work.” They deserve greater awareness, care, and responsibility. These experiences have guided me in that direction, and that is the path my future journey will follow.

TheDC: How do you balance music and your life with family?

Samir: Managing a music career alongside family life is challenging, and for me, family support has been the key factor. Without it, continuing in this field would have been very difficult. My musical and technical skills helped me survive in the industry, even after leaving my teaching job, and working with various production houses.

Now, I run my own recording studio in Salbari, which allows me to give time to my family and children, though the ups and downs never really go away. My family has mostly been supportive of my unconventional career choice, even if they sometimes have mixed feelings, which is only natural.

TheDC: Where do you see yourself, 5-years from today

Samir: The journey will continue, and creation will keep flowing. Where it will lead and where it will end, I have left that to time. Along with music, I have a deep interest in literature. I write Nepali songs and ghazals, I still continue to receive guidance in Hindustani classical music from Barnali Basu ma’am in Siliguri. I am on a journey.

TheDC: Any word of advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps

Samir: This path is exciting, but full of ups and downs. Talent alone is not enough here; one also has to work a lot on behaviour and professionalism, which not everyone can manage. If talent and behaviour are kept in balance, the journey becomes much smoother.

One more thing I would like to add: music, literature, and all creative fields are going through a major shift because of AI. In some ways, it is helpful, it makes processes faster and more accessible. But personally, I feel that at least the core creative fields should remain free from interference, so that human skill, emotion, and creative sense can continue to grow naturally.

You can reach out to Samir Sharma on FB

The post Samir Sharma – Silently adding music in our lives appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

When Justice Exposes Failure explores the ongoing GTA Teachers’ Recruitment Case and examines it indepth.

The judgment passed by the Calcutta High Court, ordering the cancellation of 313 teachers’ appointments passed in 2019 for the GTA schools, has stirred up debate around the issue that had otherwise remained silent for months. Honourable Justice Biswajit Basu in his order stated, “……..this Court holds that the appointment of 313 voluntary teachers in the name of regularisation, whose particulars have been disclosed in the supplementary affidavit filed by GTA on April 29, 2025 is illegal, accordingly, the impugned letter bearing no. 254-SE/S/4A-1B/15(PT-III) dated March 08, 2019 whereby and whereunder the engagements of 313 voluntary teachers were regularized by the Principle Secretary, School Education Department, Government of West Bengal is set aside and quashed.”

As soon as the order was passed, reactions started flooding from various corners in different directions and intensities. While the GTA Chief pledged his unconditional support towards the affected appointments, stating that it was a fight for truth, justice, and unity, the IGJF founder and president welcomed the decision and called for the immediate constitution of a fair, lawful, and transparent recruitment process.

The Sanyukta Madhyamik Sikshak Sangathan (SMSS), on the other hand, called for an indefinite closure of the Hill Schools in support of the affected appointments. Some members of the BGPM media cell have extended the issue to a greater length by calling it Jasimuddin vs The Hills, trying to portray it as a communal issue rather than a legal one.

This piece is an attempt to dissect the different aspects of the case.

Why now? Is it an Administrative Failure or a Political Disaster?

Many of us are by now aware that the GTA region has not had a proper recruitment process for decades now, and the schools have been getting the teachers through a stop-gap measure of volunteer teachers getting regularised. While DGHC in its time had eventually issued an order for the schools to stop the recruitment of volunteer teachers, it somehow kept continuing later and became the conventional door for entry into the schools as regular teachers.

What is interesting is that though the process has been running through decades and the administrative gap remained as it is, the challenge to any appointment had never reached this far as this time. So, would it be justified to call it an administrative failure? In fact, people in many quarters are calling it a political blunder and a result of massive alleged irregularities in the appointment process that upset and disappointed the people at large.

The allegations point towards the existence of nepotism, favouritism and even bribery involving the appointments that were made. While there are many teachers who were actually working as volunteers at the time for years and actually contributed to the schools and the students, there are allegations that there were people who never even stepped inside the gate of the school getting appointed.

In one such allegation surfacing sometime ago, one of the teachers among the 313, who was allegedly working as a part-time lecturer a local college before he had gotten an appointment, had himself come in front of the media and made a grand display of his certificates and awards to compensate for not having been a volunteer teacher. Besides, there are many such alleged cases where the relatives of some influential people, party favourites and sympathisers, etc., got appointed without serving as a volunteer teacher. It is, in fact, estimated by many that at least around half of the appointments were tainted, if not more than that.

Contrarily, many who had actually worked for years as volunteer teachers across different schools failed to score a spot during the appointments.

The erstwhile District Inspector of Schools, Mr Pran Govinda Sarkar, has also regularly come into the ambit of allegation and suspicion for passing many appointments illegally for reasons best known to him. Allegations also point out that there were people who worked closely with him, some of whose names also appear in the list of the 313. In fact, the High Court, in its order, has also recommended a departmental enquiry against him.

Had the appointments been fairly given, it would not have irked the left-out candidates, some of whom went on to file a case against the recruitment process. That is where the entire legal process had first started and then continued.

The Politics of Victimhood: Is This Really “Jasimuddin vs the Hills”?

In their desperation to garner public sympathy and support, some members of Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) have come out to give a communal colour to this issue by painting it as Jasimuddin vs The Hills. Is it actually so? I would say – Not.

Those who have followed the case since the beginning would know that Jasimuddin was nowhere in the scene when the case had initially started. It was actually a case filed by a bunch of the volunteer teachers who were left out in 2019 when the 313 candidates were given appointments. They later withdrew their case, which most believe might have been because of the pressure they may have been subjected to during the case. It could be fear, threat, persuasion, or any other reason best known to them.

Jasimuddin’s petition was an intervention in the case, which became primary after the former case was withdrawn. Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya may have chosen a candidate from outside the GTA region to negate the chances of the petitioner backing out due to threats or persuasion. Jasimuddin may not have come to the highlight if the former petitioners had not withdrawn their case. The result, however, may not have been any different in that case either.

Those who have read the judgment would understand that Jasimuddin is nowhere in the central focus of the case. It is entirely about the 313 appointments. Jasimuddin vs The Hills is a coordinated attempt to frame propaganda to stimulate regional and community-based sentiments of the general public in support of the 313 candidates.

Who Truly Suffers and Who Is Responsible?

There is a saying that goes as – the prosperity of one often rests upon the sacrifice of another. The rampant irregularities in the appointment system had to come under scrutiny one day or another. Many of us may see the verdict as a dawn of justice against the corruption and hopelessness that infested the appointment system, and also hope that it brings a proper and transparent system into place. But it is also important for us to realise how the vested interest of a certain group of people has put many other innocent and genuine people’s lives into jeopardy. There are people in the group who have genuinely dedicated their service as volunteers to their respective schools for years without getting any return, some of them for over a decade. These genuine teachers losing their jobs isn’t the sacrifice we deserve to ask from them.

The important question – what are they a victim of? Many would want you to believe that they are the victims of the court order or the petitioners. Nothing could be further away from the truth. They are all the victims of administrative and political failure. They are the victims of the greed and the self-interest of a certain group of people. There is another saying that goes like – “The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them.”

Protest or Punishment? Rethinking the Closure of Hill Schools

While the Sanyukta Madhyamik Shikshak Sangathan’s (SMSS) outrage is justified, it is clearly directed in the wrong direction. Why should the students and their parents be the ones to bear the burden of the lapse on the side of the authorities? Many teachers themselves are not in favour of shutting the schools but are complying with the call out of compulsion.

The question should instead be asked of the perpetrators of the irregularities. The right to protest cannot come at the cost of a child’s right to education, especially when the fault lies elsewhere.

Beyond the Verdict: Restoring Trust Through Reform and Accountability

The judgment must not be treated as the end of the matter, but rather as an urgent call for systemic reform. If the administration and political leadership fail to act decisively now, the same cycle of injustice and irregularity will inevitably repeat itself. Immediate measures must be taken to constitute a statutory, independent, and region-specific recruitment authority for the GTA school system, entrusted with conducting fair, transparent, and merit-based appointments.

All existing vacancies must be filled through a lawful recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all eligible candidates, particularly those who have genuinely served as volunteer teachers for years. Clear eligibility criteria, publicly notified procedures, third-party oversight, and time-bound recruitment schedules are essential to restore faith in the system.

Equally important is the need for political integrity and accountability. Leaders who preside over such flawed systems cannot escape responsibility by appealing to emotion, identity, or solidarity after the damage is done. Silence during irregularities and outrage after judicial intervention is not leadership. The people deserve answers – who enabled this system, who benefited from it, and why corrective steps were never taken earlier.

The post When Justice Exposes Failure: The GTA Teachers’ Recruitment Case Beyond the Noise appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Historical Background

To comprehend the importance of Vande Mataram, it is imperative to examine its historical origins, a path that connects literature, nationalism, and India’s fight for independence. The development of the hymn from a poetic composition to a national song exemplifies India’s collective awakening against colonial dominance.

• The song was first published in 1875. This is corroborated by a passage in the English daily Bande Mataram written by Sri Aurobindo on 16 April 1907, that it was thirty-two years ago that Bankim composed his renowned song. He further observed that few listened at that time, but during a moment of awakening from long delusions, the people of Bengal looked around for truth, and in a fated moment, someone sang “Bande Mataram.”
• Prior to its publication in book form, Anand Math was serialised in the Bengali monthly magazine Bangadarshan, of which Bankim was the founder editor.
• The song “Vande Mataram” appeared in the very first instalment of the serialisation of the novel in the March-April 1881 issue.
• In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama raised the tricolour flag for the first-time outside India in Stuttgart, Berlin. The words Vande Mataram were written on the flag.

Ananda Math and the Religion of Patriotism

The central plot of the novel ‘Ananda Math’ revolves around a group of Sanyasins known as Santanas, meaning children, who dedicate their lives to the cause of their motherland. They venerate the motherland personified as the mother goddess; their devotion is solely to their land of birth. “Vande Mataram” is the song sung by the Santanas of Ananda Math. It stood as the symbol of the “religion of patriotism” that was the central theme of Ananda Math

In their temple, they placed three images of the mother representing the motherland: Mother that was, great and glorious in her majestic grandeur; Mother that is wretched and grovelling in the dust; Mother that will be, in her pristine glory. In the words of Shri Aurobindo ” The Mother of his vision held trenchant steel in her twice seventy million hands and not the bowl of the mendicant.”

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894), the author of Vande Mataram, was one of the most prominent figures of 19th-century Bengal. He holds a pivotal role in the intellectual and literary history of Bengal during the nineteenth century. As a distinguished novelist, poet, and essayist, his contributions significantly influenced the development of modern Bengali prose and the articulation of an emerging Indian nationalism.

His notable works, including Anandamath (1882), Durgeshnandini (1865), Kapalkundala (1866), and Devi Chaudhurani (1884), reflect the social, cultural, and moral concerns of a colonised society striving for self-identity.

The composition of Vande Mataram, is recognised as a milestone in nationalist thought, symbolising the synthesis of devotion to the motherland and spiritual idealism. Through his writings, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee not only enriched Bengali literature but also laid the foundational ideological principles for India’s early nationalist movement. In Vande Mataram he gave  the country the vision of the motherland personified as the Mother.

Vande Mataram – Song of Resistance

In October 1905, a Bande Mataram Sampradaya was founded in North Calcutta to promote the idea of the Motherland as a mission and a religious passion. Every Sunday, the members of the society went out in Prabhat Pheris, singing “Vande Mataram” and accepting voluntary contributions from the people insupport of the motherland. Rabindranath Tagore also sometimes joined the Prabhat Pheris of the Sampradaya.

On 20 May 1906, in Barisal (now in Bangladesh), an unprecedented Vande Mataram procession took place, with over ten thousand participants, both Hindus and Muslims marching through the main streets of the town carrying Vande Mataram flags.

In August 1906, an English daily titled Bande Mataram was launched under the editorship of Bipin Chandra Pal, with Sri Aurobindo later joining as joint editor. Through its sharp and persuasive editorials, the newspaper became a powerful instrument of India’s awakening, spreading the message of self-reliance, unity, and political consciousness to an all-India audience. Fearlessly preaching the gospel of nationalism, inspiring young Indians to rise above colonial subjugation, the Bande Mataram daily served as a major platform for articulating nationalist thought and mobilising public opinion.

Alarmed by the rising influence of Vande Mataram—both as a song and slogan—the British administration adopted stringent measures to curb its spread. The Government of the newly created province of Eastern Bengal issued circulars prohibiting the singing or chanting of Vande Mataram in schools and colleges. Educational institutions were warned of derecognition, and students participating in political agitation were threatened with debarment from government service.

In November 1905, a fine of Rs 5 was imposed on each of the 200 students of a school in Rangpur, Bengal, as they were guilty of chanting Vande Mataram. In Rangpur, prominent anti-partition leaders were instructed to serve as special constables and to prevent the chanting of Vande Mataram. In November 1906, at a largely attended meeting held at Dhulia (Maharashtra), cries of Vande Mataram were raised. In 1908, at Belgaum (Karnataka), on the day Lokmanya Tilak was being deported to Mandalay in Burma, the police thrashed many boys and arrested many persons for chanting Vande Mataram against a verbal order prohibiting the same.

Battle Cry for Resurgent Nationalism

The song “Vande Mataram” became the emblem of India’s struggle for independence, encapsulating the collective aspiration for self-governance and the emotional connection between the populace and their homeland. Initially popularised during the Swadeshi and anti-partition movements, it quickly transcended regional barriers to serve as the anthem of national awakening. From Bengal’s streets to Bombay’s core and Punjab’s plains, the refrain of “Vande Mataram” echoed as a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. The British endeavours to suppress its rendition only amplified its patriotic significance, transforming it into a moral force uniting individuals across caste, creed, and language. Leaders, students, and revolutionaries drew motivation from its verses, reciting it at political assemblies, demonstrations, and prior to incarceration. The composition not only motivated acts of defiance but also infused the movement with cultural pride and spiritual zeal, establishing the emotional groundwork for India’s path to independence.

“Vande Mataram” emerged as the rallying cry of rising Indian nationalism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

• Vande Mataram was sung at the 1896 session of the Congress by Rabindranath Tagore.

During the stormy days of 1905, the anti-partition and Swadeshi movement in Bengal, the appeal of the song as well as of the slogan Vande Mataram, became very powerful.

• At the Varanasi session of the Indian National Congress that same year, the song ‘Vande Mataram’ was adopted for all-India occasions.

In April 1906, during the Bengal Provincial Conference at Barisal in the newly created province of Eastern Bengal, the British authorities banned the public chanting of Vande Mataram and eventually prohibited the conference itself. Defying the order, delegates continued to raise the slogan and faced severe police repression.

In May 1907, in Lahore, a group of young protesters marched in defiance of colonial orders, raising the slogan Vande Mataram to condemn the arrest of Swadeshi leaders at Rawalpindi. The demonstration was met with brutal police repression, yet the youth’s fearless chanting of the slogan reflected the growing spirit of resistance spreading across the country.

On 27 February 1908, around a thousand workers of the Coral Mills in Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu) went on strike in solidarity with the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company and against repressive actions by the authorities. They marched through the streets late into the night, chanting Vande Mataram as a mark of protest and patriotism.

In June 1908, thousands gathered outside the Bombay police court during Lokmanya Tilak’s trial, singing Vande Mataram in a powerful display of solidarity. Later, on 21 June 1914, Tilak received a grand welcome in Pune upon his release, with the crowd echoing Vande Mataram long after he had taken his seat.

Impact on Indian Revolutionaries Abroad

• In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama raised the tricolour flag for the first-time outside India in Stuttgart, Berlin. The words Vande Mataram were written on the flag.
• On 17 August 1909, when Madan Lal Dhignra was hanged in England, his last words before he went to the gallows were “Bande Mataram.”
• In 1909, Indian patriots in Paris undertook the publication of a magazine called Bande Mataram from Geneva.
• In October 1912, when Gopal Krishna Gokhale arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, he was welcomed by a grand procession accompanied by cries of ‘Vande Mataram.’

National Status

In the Constituent Assembly there was absolute unanimity over adopting both Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram as National symbols, and there was no debate on the issue. On 24 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad addressed the Constituent Assembly, stating that Vande Mataram, due to its significant role in the freedom movement, should have the same status as the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and be honored equally. He said,

“There is one matter which has been pending for discussion, namely the question of the National Anthem. At one time it was thought that the matter might be brought up before the House and a decision taken by the House by way of a resolution. But it has been felt that, instead of taking a formal decision by means of a resolution, it is better if I make a statement with regard to the National Anthem. Accordingly I make this statement.

The composition consisting of the words and music known as Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem of India, subject to such alterations in the words as the Government may authorise as occasion arises; and the song Vande Mataram, which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and shall have equal status with it. (Applause). I hope this will satisfy the Members.”

His statement was adopted with Rabindranath Tagore’s Jana-Gana-Mana being adopted as the national anthem of independent India, and Bankim’s Vande Mataram being adopted as the National Song with an equal status as Jana-Gana-Mana.

Commemorating 150 Years of Vande Mataram

As the nation celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram, commemorative activities across India seek to honour its enduring legacy as a song of unity, resistance, and national pride. Institutions, cultural bodies, and educational centres are organising seminars, exhibitions, musical renditions, and public readings to revisit the song’s historical and cultural significance.

The Government of India will commemorate this in four phases.

A Few of the activities are listed below.

On 7th November 2025

• National Level inaugural programme of the commemoration to be held in Delhi (Indira Gandhi Stadium).
• VIP events with widespread public participation will be held across the country till the tehsil level on 7 November.
• A commemorative stamp and coin will be released at the national event.
• An exhibition on the history of Vande Mataram will be organised, and a short film will be screened.
• Films of the stamp and coin releases will be shown at every official event.
• Photos and videos of the events will be uploaded to the campaign website.
• At the national level, the programme features prominent singers from across the country presenting different adaptations of Vande Mataram.

Yearlong Activities

• Special programmes to be hosted on All India Radio and Doordarshan and FM radio campaign.
• PIB to organize panel discussions and dialogues on Vande Mataram in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
• A cultural evening dedicated to the spirit of Vande Mataram to be organized in all Indian Missions and Posts across the world.
• A global music festival dedicated to the spirit of Vande Mataram to be organised.
• Vande Mataram: Salute to Mother Earth – Tree plantation drives to be organised.
• Patriotic murals to be created and displayed on highways.
• Audio messages and special announcements to be made. LED displays at railway stations and airports are to display information about Vande Mataram.

Special Activities

• 25 films of 1 minute each on different facets of Vande Mataram, the Life story of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the role of Vande Mataram in the freedom struggle, and the history of India to be made, and outreach to be done via social media.
• To channelise the energy of patriotism, the Vande Mataram Campaign and the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign will be celebrated simultaneously

These initiatives not only pay tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s timeless creation but also highlight its role in inspiring generations during the freedom struggle. Through these celebrations, the spirit of Vande Mataram is being reinterpreted for contemporary India—linking the nation’s proud past with its aspirations for a united, self-reliant, and culturally vibrant future.

Conclusion

The commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram underscores the song’s profound historical and cultural significance in the evolution of India’s national identity. Emerging from the intellectual and literary milieu of the late nineteenth century, Vande Mataram transcended its literary origins to become a potent symbol of anti-colonial resistance and collective aspiration. The present observance not only reaffirms the enduring relevance of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s vision but also invites renewed reflection on the song’s role in shaping the discourse of nationalism, unity, and cultural self-awareness in modern India.

The post 150 Years of Vande Mataram – A Melody That Became a Movement appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

One of the brightest rising stars from the region, he is only on the start of his journey to achieve great glory, making the region and the community proud. TheDC sat for a short interview with Saurav to get to hear his story in his own words.

Tell us something about yourself

My name is Pasang Dorjee Tamang, and I come from Sahid Nagar, Siliguri. I am a passionate footballer who has been chasing this dream since childhood. Football is not just a sport for me, it is my identity and my purpose. Every time I step onto the field, I feel alive and motivated to push myself harder. The journey so far has been full of learning, challenges, and growth, and I’m determined to continue working towards my goals.

Since when have you been playing football?

I started playing football when I was just six years old. My early days were spent playing in the Sahid Nagar ground (4 side), where local matches and small tournaments were my first exposure to the game. That’s where my love for football truly began. Over the years, with constant practice and perseverance, I have been able to develop my skills and take my passion to a more competitive level.

What is the role of your family and parents in your journey as a footballer?

My family has played an immense role in shaping my journey as a footballer. From the very beginning, they have supported me emotionally and mentally, encouraging me to continue even when things got difficult. They understood my passion and trusted my vision when many around us saw sports as uncertain. Their encouragement gave me the strength to pursue football seriously, and their belief in me continues to inspire my journey.

How did you develop your interest in football?

From a very young age, I found joy and excitement in kicking the ball around. Football gave me a sense of freedom and purpose that nothing else did. As I grew up, I realized that this wasn’t just a pastime but it was something I wanted to dedicate my life to. I decided to make football my career, and since then, I’ve worked hard every single day to improve myself. My motivation comes from my love for the game and the dream to represent my country someday.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

There isn’t one particular person I would call my biggest inspiration. I have always played out of my own interest and love for the game. Football itself inspires me. However, I do admire Cristiano Ronaldo for his hard work, dedication, and mentality. His commitment to self-improvement is something I really respect.

As a footballer from this region, what are the challenges you had to face in your journey?

Being a footballer from this region, there have been quite a few institutional and social challenges. Unlike cricket, football does not receive the same level of attention, funding, or recognition. There is a lack of proper institutional support and structured guidance, which makes it difficult for young players to get the right training and exposure. Moreover, sports are still not regarded as a serious career choice by many people here. This mindset often discourages talented youngsters who might otherwise excel if given the right opportunities. Despite these challenges, I have tried to stay focused and make the most of whatever resources are available.

Are there any sacrifices you had to make to become a footballer?

Yes, I have made many sacrifices to reach where I am today. I had to stay away from home for long periods, live under strict discipline, and often miss out on the fun and freedom that others of my age enjoy. Life as a footballer requires constant training, mental strength, and adherence to a routine. While it has been tough at times, I believe these sacrifices are essential for growth, and I have no regrets about choosing this path.

Can you share your most memorable moment as a footballer?

My most memorable moment so far has been when I scored a hat-trick in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) tournament final. It was a proud and emotional experience for me – a reflection of all the hard work and dedication I had put in. That moment strengthened my belief that persistence and discipline truly pay off.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see myself wearing the senior national team jersey and representing my country on a bigger stage. That has always been my dream, and I am committed to working tirelessly until I achieve it. I also hope to inspire and support young players from my region so that more talent can emerge from places like our region.

What would you like to suggest to youngsters who aspire to become footballers?

To all the aspiring footballers out there, I would like to say – work hard, stay disciplined, and always respect your elders. The path may not be easy, but passion and perseverance can take you far. Focus on your goals, stay humble, and remember that success comes to those who are willing to give their best every single day.

Saurav’s is a story that we do not hear everyday, but we hope that we get to have more and more similar stories to share from our region. We wish Saurav a very successful bid as a National Football Team (U-23) player and we believe that this stint will create grounds for him to step into the National Team in the very soon.

The post Meet Pasang (Saurav) Tamang, the Local Talent Set to Shine in India’s U-23 Football Team appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

The Special Intensive Revision is a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral roll, where voter verification is done from scratch. This is different from the regular annual summary revision that accounts for new voters, deaths, and migration. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered this for Bihar, and now it will be implemented in 12 states and UTs, including West Bengal.

Since 1951 to 2004, it has been done 8-times. The last SIR was done in 2002-2004.

विशेष गहन संशोधन (SIR) भनेको के हो?

विशेष गहन संशोधन भनेको मतदाता सूचीको पूर्ण पुनरावलोकन हो, जहाँ मतदाता प्रमाणीकरण शून्यबाट सुरु गरिन्छ। यो वार्षिक सारांश पुनरावलोकनभन्दा फरक हुन्छ, जसमा नयाँ मतदाता थप्ने, मृत्यु भएका व्यक्तिहरू हटाउने, र स्थानान्तरण भएका व्यक्तिहरूको विवरण अद्यावधिक गर्ने गरिन्छ। निर्वाचन आयोग (ECI) ले यो प्रक्रिया बिहारमा सुरु गरेको छ र र अब यो १२ राज्यहरू तथा संघीय क्षेत्रहरूमा लागू गरिनेछ, जसमा पश्चिम बङ्गाल पनि समावेश छ।

सन् १९५१ देखि २००४ सम्म यो ८ पटक गरिएको छ। अन्तिम एसआईआर सन् २००२-२००४ मा गरिएको थियो।

Why is the 2002 Voter List Important?

The 2002 voter list is a significant document. If your name was on the 2002 electoral roll, you are already considered a valid voter in India, and generally, no further proof of citizenship is required by the Election Commission. You would only need to submit the relevant page from the 2002 electoral roll as proof.

२००२ को मतदाता सूची किन महत्वपूर्ण छ?

२००२ को मतदाता सूची एक महत्वपूर्ण दस्तावेज हो। यदि तपाईंको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा समावेश छ भने, तपाईंलाई भारतको मान्य मतदाता मानिन्छ र सामान्यतया नागरिकता प्रमाणित गर्न अन्य थप कागजात आवश्यक पर्दैन। तपाईंले २००२ को मतदाता सूचीको सम्बन्धित पृष्ठ मात्र पेश गर्नुपर्छ।

Required Documents Based on Year of Birth:

The required documents may vary based on your date of birth. Here is a likely scenario based on the process in other states:

• Born before January 1, 1987: If your name is in the 2002 electoral roll, a copy of that page is sufficient. Otherwise, you will need to provide one of the specified documents to prove your eligibility.
• Born between January 1, 1987, and January 1, 2002: You will need to provide one of the specified documents for yourself. Additionally, if your father’s or mother’s name is on the 2002 electoral roll, a copy of that page will suffice. Otherwise, one of the specified documents for either parent will be required.
• Born after January 1, 2002: You will need to provide one of the specified documents for yourself. For both parents, if their names are on the 2002 electoral roll, you need to submit a copy of that page. If not, one of the specified documents for each parent will be necessary.

जन्म मिति अनुसार आवश्यक कागजातहरू:

जन्म मिति अनुसार आवश्यक कागजातहरू फरक पर्न सक्छन्। अन्य राज्यहरूमा लागू प्रक्रियाका आधारमा सम्भावित अवस्था यस्तो हुन सक्छ:

• १ जनवरी १९८७ भन्दा पहिले जन्मिएकाहरू: यदि तपाईंको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा छ भने, त्यसको प्रतिलिपि पर्याप्त हुन्छ। नभएमा, तपाईंले निर्दिष्ट कागजातहरू मध्ये कुनै एक पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ।
• १ जनवरी १९८७ र १ जनवरी २००२ बीच जन्मिएकाहरू: तपाईंले स्वयम्‌का लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। साथै, यदि तपाईंका बुबा वा आमा २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा छन् भने, त्यसको प्रतिलिपि पर्याप्त हुन्छ। नभएमा, बुबा वा आमामध्ये एकजनाका लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ।
• १ जनवरी २००२ पछि जन्मिएकाहरू: तपाईंले स्वयम्‌का लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। साथै, दुबै अभिभावकको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा भएमा तिनको प्रतिलिपि पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। यदि छैन भने, दुबै अभिभावकका लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात आवश्यक पर्छ।

What is the Enumeration Form?

Every person aged 18 and above who wishes to be included in the voter list must fill out an enumeration form. This form will be provided by the Booth Level Officer (BLO) or can be filled out online through the NVSP (National Voter Service Portal).

गणना फारम (Enumeration Form) के हो?

१८ वर्ष वा सोभन्दा बढी उमेर भएका हरेक व्यक्तिले मतदाता सूचीमा नाम समावेश गराउन गणना फारम भर्नुपर्छ। यो फारम बुथ तहका अधिकृत (BLO) मार्फत दिइनेछ वा राष्ट्रिय मतदाता सेवा पोर्टल (NVSP) बाट अनलाइन भर्न सकिनेछ।

Common Concerns and Solutions:

• Change in EPIC Number: If your EPIC (Elector’s Photo Identity Card) number has changed since 2002, there is no need to worry. The Election Commission can link your old and new numbers.
• Spelling or Date of Birth Errors: Minor errors in the 2002 electoral roll are generally not a cause for concern, especially if your current EPIC has the correct information. For significant errors, you can use one of the alternative documents with the correct details.
• Address Change (especially for women after marriage): Even if your address has changed, if your name was on the 2002 electoral roll, you are still considered a valid voter. You just need to provide the relevant page from the 2002 list.
• Applying from outside the state: The enumeration form can be filled out online through the NVSP portal once the process officially begins in West Bengal.
• Documents and photos can also be uploaded online.

सामान्य चिन्ता र समाधानहरू:

• EPIC नम्बर परिवर्तन भएको छ भने:
  यदि २००२ यताका वर्षहरूमा तपाईंको मतदाता परिचय पत्र (EPIC) नम्बर परिवर्तन भएको छ भने चिन्ता लिनुपर्ने आवश्यक छैन। निर्वाचन आयोगले पुरानो र नयाँ नम्बरलाई आपसमा जोड्न सक्छ।
• नामको हिज्जे वा जन्म मिति त्रुटि:
  २००२ को सूचीमा साना गल्तीहरू सामान्यतया ठूलो समस्या मानिँदैन, विशेष गरी तपाईंको हालको EPIC कार्डमा सही विवरण छ भने। तर यदि गम्भीर त्रुटि छ भने, तपाईंले सही विवरण भएको वैकल्पिक कागजात प्रयोग गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ।
• ठेगाना परिवर्तन (विशेष गरी विवाहपछिको महिलाहरूका लागि):
  यदि तपाईंको ठेगाना परिवर्तन भएको भए पनि, तपाईंको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा समावेश छ भने, तपाईं अझै मान्य मतदाता मानिनुहुन्छ। तपाईंले त्यसको प्रतिलिपि मात्र पेश गर्नुपर्छ।
• अन्य राज्यबाट आवेदन दिने:
  पश्चिम बंगालमा प्रक्रिया सुरु भएपछि गणना फारम NVSP पोर्टलमा अनलाइन भर्न सकिनेछ। आवश्यक कागजातहरू र फोटोहरू पनि अनलाइन अपलोड गर्न सकिनेछ।

2002 VOTERS LIST – To download, click on the link below

Those from Darjeeling can check 2002 list here: DARJEELING

Those from Kalimpong can check 2002 list here: KALIMPONG

Those from Kurseong can check 2002 list here: KURSEONG

Those from Siliguri can check 2002 list here: SILIGURI

Those from Phansidewa can check 2002 list here: PHANSIDEWA

Those from Mal can check 2002 list here: MAL BAZAR

Those from Kalchini can check 2002 list here: KALCHINI

Those from Madarihat can check 2002 list here: MADARIHAT

Those from Nagrakata can check 2002 list here: NAGRAKATA

Those from Kumargram can check 2002 list here: KUMARGRAM

Those from Alipurduar can check 2002 list here: ALIPURDUAR

Those from Falakata can check their 2002 list here: FALAKATA

Those from Dhupguri can check their 2002 list here: DHUPGURI

Those from Nagrakata can check their 2002 list here: NAGRAKATA

Those from Mainaguri can check their 2002 list here: MAINAGURI

Those from Kranti can check their 2002 list here: KRANTI

Those from Jalpaiguri can check their 2002 list here: JALPAIGURI

Those from Rajganj can check their 2002 list here: RAJGANJ

Those from Chopra can check their 2002 list here: CHOPRA

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