Articles by Guest Author

The Psychology & Politics of Bangdel’s Art

The first posthumous exhibition of Bangdel in London titled ‘Lain Singh Bangdel: Mountains and Migration’ was organised by Bonhams from 11th to 21st November 2023, which gave me a rare opportunity to look at a wide range of his works from different periods. In this essay, I discuss the psychology and politics of Bangdel’s art.


Shantiniketan Amader – A Memorable Journey

As a newcomer, you might question your decision to leave the bustling city life behind for this seemingly remote place. However, as time passes, the rustling leaves of majestic trees, the melodious chirping of birds, and the gentle breeze work their magic, infusing an atmosphere of peace and serenity. One can’t help but feel the blessings of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.


Lazen Khando Yolmo and CHAHAL Inclusive Preparatory School

In a world that sometimes struggles with differences, there are individuals who shine as examples of compassion and inclusivity. Lazen Khando Yolmo, the headmistress of the newly established CHAHAL Inclusive Preparatory School, is one such inspiring figure. Her unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive haven for children with Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome and hearing impairments not only deserves our admiration but is deeply personal to me. I’m fortunate to have her as my autistic daughter’s tutor, where my daughter can flourish without differences.



The Traffic Problem in Darjeeling town: from a daily commuter’s standpoint.

Every morning, a single question always bothers me before leaving for the office: ‘will I reach the office on time or not?’ For instance, from New-Jalpaiguri to Howrah, it takes approximately 7.5 hours now, and reaching Darjeeling from Sukhiapokhri or Sonada takes nearly 3.5 hours more than usual. This situation poses significant seriousness and challenges due to increased slow traffic movement; which not only affects mental stress and emotional imbalance in individuals but also aggravates air and noise pollution.


China and their Conspiracy to Derail and Defame the Dalai Lama

It’s been 20 days since the infamous video that went viral in India and caused unfathomable pain and suffering to the sentiments of thousands of Tibetan in diaspora and to millions inside of Tibet, when the Chinese government for the first time made the video of Dalai lama available on their heavily censored internet search bars for all the wrong reason, with the malicious intent to sow hatred, stir disgust and relegate the stature of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from the psyche of the Tibetan people, who has revered him for centuries and places an indomitable faith and unshakable respect on him.


THE TRAILBLAZER – Jorebunglow Woman Biker On an Inspiring Journey

What comes to your mind when you hear someone say they took a trip to Mustang on a bike? Obviously, a hunk, strongly built, in a classic leather jacket, and maybe a pair of glares. Well how about a little change of context? This time it happens to be a woman. Yes, Darjeeling’s very own daughter, Sumnima Rai. She is the first female to take on the undulating road. And she proved how well-equipped she is to face the lethal twists and turns waiting around in every corner.


Major Tremor Threats in the Himalayan Belt: Are We Prepared?

The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake and its aftershocks that hit southeastern Turkey along its border with Syria continues to rise. As I write these lines, the death toll has reached 51,134. The first quake occurred at 4:17 AM (01:17 GMT) on Monday, February 6, 2023 and was centered in the Pazarchik district of Karamanmaras province. Less than 12 hours later, a second quake of magnitude 7.6 hit the same area. After the earthquake, more than 100 aftershocks were recorded.


The Moon, He Created Muluk Bahira

“sympathy for the poor emerges from the hearts of the poor. One beggar knows the pain of another.” The dog, he says, is “a creature similar to me, who begs to eat.” – Bangdel wrote in his most famous short novel The Cripple’s Friend.


Why does our Disaster Management System Fail? Reflections from the Tupul landslide, Noney district, Manipur 

The proposed railway project to address the transportation needs of the region turned out to be an invited disaster. The lacuna is not only in having appropriate regulations, but also in the implementation of the plans, sometimes in the plan itself.  Still, most of the disaster management plans are post-disaster oriented, as in the case of a landslide at the railway project site. The project should have been timely planned and technically equipped to reduce the risk of human forces involved.