Articles by Upendra M Pradhan

Interlocutor Blues

Upendra November 23, 2025

Interlocutor Blues

What’s more worrisome is that while Gorkhas should be uniting and united for a cause, we are not working towards that. The call by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha for all political parties to attend a discussion regarding creating a common platform and agenda to take to the Interlocutor was met with cold shoulders by some political groups. Instead of uniting, it has exposed our existing fault lines further.

This is where, the half-front will come into play. They will try and create divisions, diversions, and doubts among us.

Foreigner

Editorial, Upendra November 15, 2025

“FOREIGNER” – The tag that hounds Gorkhas (and Sikkimese Nepalis)

Those who have followed my writings over the years, will know, I will be the last person to defend Anit Thapa. However, have seen politics much closer than most people do, I have come to realize that, alleging a Gorkha politician of being a “foreigner – citizen of Nepal” is the easiest way to dent their reputation.

Not that Anit Thapa has a stellar reputation, however, I personally feel that, those making such allegations, should have a more solid ground to stand on.

They should reflect on the fact that every such allegations against Gorkha politicians harms the “Gorkha identity” further, and by extension, all Gorkhas (including the Sikkimese Nepalis) are viewed with suspicion.

Scheduled Tribe Re-Inclusion

Editorial, Upendra February 22, 2025

Scheduled Tribe Re-Inclusion Will Be Jeopardized

If there is communal strife in our region, it will, in all likelihood, give the Central Government an excuse to deny all the sub-tribes ST status, as center will show law and order problem.

I am therefore requesting all sub-tribes please don’t get involved in this manufactured tensions. The chances that those instigating you are working for the powers that be, or for money to foster communal strife and tension is very high.

Balwabas

Upendra August 20, 2024

Balwabas – A Class Act

The Balwabas bridge shows the power of collectivism. The power of a dedicated group of individuals bringing change, making things possible. This bridge marks the renissance among the Gorkhas, it showcases that when we unite, we don’t need to look towards others to uplift our community, we are capable. This bridge marks a new beginning for our region.

Cheapening Chowrasta

Editorial May 3, 2024

Cheapening Chowrasta: रोटेपिंग र डाइस लाग्नूको बेर छ

When we were young, you needed a special permit to drive from Bhanu Bhawan to the Zoo. Today, there are many “taxi stands” that have come up on the Mall Road. Who permitted those stands? So much so, even the Mahakal Mandir premise has been converted into Hotel and Taxi Stand zone. Another half has been taken over by the so called “hawkers”. Whatever little is left, is at times converted into “gundri bazar”, at times to “dog show” venue, at times to “marathon venue”, at times to “political rally venue”, at times “government program venue”…

Taming the Beast

Upendra March 20, 2024

Taming The Beast – Now, TMC May Shring-la?

Despite claims to contrary, it is clear that the BJP central leadership and also BJP West Bengal Unit have not been sincere towards Gorkha aspirations. So definitely they are not happy with Raju Bista constantly raking up the PPS and Gorkha ST issue. It makes them uncomfortable, when a youthful MP reminds them of their constant failure to address these issues. So they would rather have a “Maun-Mohan” than a “Modi” among their ranks. They would rather have someone who strictly toes the party line, and avoids contentious issues like PPS and Gorkha ST. Hence, there is a very strong rumor going around that BJP central leadership is seeking to replace Raju Bista with Harshavardhan Shringla.

Rethinking the tea industry

Upendra February 26, 2023

RETHINKING THE TEA INDUSTRY – Tea Garden Familes Aren’t Bonded Labourers

The way the tea industry is set up is highly feudalistic with the workers having zero rights. This was a model championed by the colonial Britishers. They did not want the natives to have any rights, and to remain bonded to the tea companies. This modern day bonded labour practice has continued in the tea gardens of Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars.

Ajit Doval

Upendra July 4, 2022

Ajit Doval – An Open Letter to the National Security Advisor

We know Sir, you must have multiple agenda and issues to deal with nationally, so I felt I will help you with avoiding some issues, while you relax with your family here, and perhaps meet with politicians who have won the recent elections and ink a few deals on “Political Solution” (fact that Mamata Banerjee hasn’t said a word against your presence here is a dead give-away).

Tea Tourism Exploitation

Upendra June 26, 2022

TEA TOURISM, EXPLOITATION?

The tea garden workers despite working for generations, are still deprived of their right to land – Parja Patta, they are paid less wages than what other workers, even unskilled labourers make in West Bengal, the facilities they are entitled to are rarely provided. Adding salt to their woes, the WB Govt has allowed the tea garden owners to build commercial real-estate labeling it “tea tourism”.

Rise Above

Editorial, Upendra May 15, 2022

Rise Above Petty Politics – Why Darjeeling Municipality Needs Our Support

Ruing the state of Darjeeling, a friend had recently told me, “हाम्रो दार्जीलिंग त टिका लगाएर छोड़ेको सांड जतिकै भई सक्यो जसको कोहि मालिक छैन, यहाँ जसको शक्ति उसकै भक्तिको चलनले गर्दा हाम्रो ठाउँ र जाति तुरी सक्यो…”