Articles by Guest Author

Articles November 8, 2024

DEUSI BLUES: We are losing touch with our cultural roots

Deusi is a quintessential Gorkha tradition. It is not just a part of our culture, but it is also one of the threads that binds our community together. It is truly disheartening to hear from my mother that this time around, no one came to our home for Deusi – not even in our entire village. What’s even more troubling is how the vibrant tradition of Deusi, once played with so much vigour and enthusiasm in the hills of Darjeeling, is gradually fading away. Today, the youths who continue to carry forward our tradition can perhaps be counted in the tip of our fingers. It’s a painful reminder of how quickly we are losing touch with our cultural roots.

Articles October 24, 2024

Inclusivity, Well-being and Nation-building: The Need for Incorporating North Bengal (Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai Region) Under the North Eastern Council

The budgetary allocation for the NE States has increased significantly, with over 285% growth in the past 8 years from Rs 24,819.18 crores in 2014-15 to Rs 70,874.32 crores in 2021-22. The Government has dedicated over Rs 336,640.97 crores solely for the development of the NE Region, indicating a future of multi-faceted possibilities for the people of the region, economically and socially.

It is heartening to see the Central Government finally take notice of the concerns of the erstwhile peripheral states of the NE, whose inclusivity and integration were not a prime focus of earlier governments. In a similar vein, North Bengal, especially the Darjeeling hills and the Terai and Dooars areas,

Articles October 9, 2024

Are We Drinking Sips of Misery? Darjeeling’s Tea

Many have said, wrote, screamt their lungs out, then disappeared into thin air.

Articles September 27, 2024

Darjeeling Hills Tea Garden Workers

I was going through these two receipts from Reliance Smart and could not stop thinking and writing about the plight of our Darjeeling’s tea garden workers and their ongoing demand for 20% Puja bonus.

Articles September 26, 2024

MOLESTED FAITH: Fighting An Uphill Battle – The Monk and the Survivor

This article shares a disheartening incident involving a 36-year-old woman from Darjeeling, who was molested. She courageously shared her traumatic experience, in the hopes of inspiring other women, who may be suffering in silence, and encourage them to stand up for themselves. Her goal is that more victims will find the strength to voice their sufferings, rather than suppress it, in order to raise awareness about molestation and protect others, especially children, from such vicious acts.

Articles September 19, 2024

Are You Coming Home for Dashain This Year?

Do you remember the way our town felt during Dashain? The familiar breeze that carried with it the scent of home, the streets alive with laughter, the sound of distant drums announcing the arrival of celebrations? Dashain was never just a festival for us; it was a feeling—a pulse of life that brought everyone back together, no matter how far apart we had wandered.

Articles September 19, 2024

Pedophilia and its Impact on Society

Pedophile, derived from the Grrek (paîs, paidós), refers to an individual who is sexually attracted to women, especially young girls. This term has gained significant relevance amidst the growing issue of sexual violence and crime against women in India. Recently, the Supreme Court of India has been hearing a case concerning the brutal assault and murder of a junior female doctor in West Bengal, sparking widespread protests across the state.

Articles September 4, 2024

What Does It Mean To Be A Woman In India?

Imagine the traumatic experiences every Indian woman can recount from childhood to adulthood: unwanted glances, unwanted touches, and unsolicited advice on how they should conduct themselves to stay “safe” forever etched in their core memory.

Articles August 19, 2024

The Language Has Gained Recognition, But Do We Accord It The Reverence It Deserves?

The Nepali Language Movement culminated on the 20th of August, 1992, when the Nepali language was officially included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Each year, we commemorate this historic milestone with Nepali Language Recognition Day, reminding us of the profound significance and identity our language holds.

Rukmani, A Living Martyr of Gorkhaland.

During the unprovoked firing by the CRPF stationed at the Thana Dara crossing into the oncoming peaceful procession several people dropped dead on the spot. Young Rukmani Chettri was hit by bullet shrapnels that pierced the side of her face and entered into her neck area. She fell bleeding onto the ground. In a matter of a few minutes, the dead were strewn on the street. There was panic amongst the agitators and blood was splashed everywhere on the road. Someone found her laying unconscious, and took her, along with others, dead or wounded, to the sadar hospital.

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