We sat down for a short interview with him… imagine the delight, when he started answering them in the voice of different actors

Name: Sidhant Lama 
Mother: Smt. Jyoti Lama
Father: Shri. Raju Lama 
School: Modern High School 

TheDC. What inspired you to want to become a mimicry artist?
Sidhant: Watching Bollywood films was the biggest inspiration for me to Mimic them. I was amazed by the versatility of our actors, their voice ranges and their mannerisms and pecularisms so much so that I wanted to imitate them. As they say, “imitation is the greatest form of flattery”, I think by mimicking them, I am paying all of them a tribute.

TheDC: Were your family supportive of your decision?
Sidhant: Yes, thankfully my family have been very encouraging and is very supportive to me in this field.

TheDC; How did you prepare? What were the hurdles, how did you overcome then?
Sidhant: I prepare myself for imitating others by watching movies and by watching other mimicry artist from our country. I didn’t experience much hurdles except for when I was in a competition, and I was out after being in 10th position. That inspired me to keep on pushing myself and perfecting my art.

TheDC. Where do you see yourself, five years from today?
Sidhant: I see improvement in myself as a mimicry artist, my contents, my writing skills, and my imitating skills. I hope that people across the country will know me for my mimicry skills by then.

TheDC: What suggestions would you give those who want to follow on your footsteps?
Sidhant: If someone wants to follow on my footsteps or is already starting to mimic others, I would suggest them to learn by watching movies, work hard on your skills, and work even harder in your content. There is no short-cut to success, so practice-practice-practice every opportunity you get.

We are amazed by this uniquely talented young man and we wish him luck. We hope others too are inspired by him and will learn to follow their passion. With dedication, sincerity and hard-work, nothing is impossible.

You can contact him at: : (+91) 8972038793
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidhant.lama.7

The post Sidhant Lama – Voicing Delight appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Here’s their story

The Band

 Vocals: Sherab Namgyal Bhutia 
 Guitars: Regan Rai 
 Bass: Avyuday Naween Khaling 
 Keyboards: Mishael Dan Pradhan 
 Drums: Ashish Shrestha 

TheDC: Who are the “Educators”? What brought you guys together?

Educators: It is the love for music and common interest that brought all of us under the same roof “Educators”. We work together as Teachers at the Turnbull H.S. School we named ourselves as EDUCATORS. Our Drummer Ashish Shreshta completed his schooling from Turnbull H.S. School, and is now in college.

To put it formally, “Educators” are a Nepali rock band formed in 2018. The band is influenced by rock and the new wave of Nepali heavy metal and soft rock music. We like to experiment with music by blending mainstream traditional concepts with rock/soft rock genres.

TheDC: Have you guys performed anywhere?

Educators: On October 20 of 2018, we debuted at GDNS hall, with some renowned bands of Darjeeling. From there the journey started and since then we have worked on the creation of our originals. SAMAY, which is our debut single, was released on Sunday the 23rd May 2021.

TheDC: Tell us more about “Samay”

Educators: “SAMAY,” reminds us how our life sways between two extremes.  “Happiness and Sadness”, “Pleasure and Pain”‘ are two sides of our life, ‘Thinking’ is an imaginary wheel that processes, “Pleasure and Pain”, we experience both, but in the process, the imaginary thinking wheel, which grows bigger the more we think, should not ruin our life. Don’t let yourself come under the pressure of your Thinking Wheel and lay waste to your life. Love and live your life to the fullest. Life is so uncertain so make the most of it. Live, love, motivate your loved ones, stay happy, it is with this message we created this song” says lyricist and the band frontman Sherab.

TheDC: What next, what’s cooking?

Educators: We are more inclined to work on our original compositions, rather than doing covers. There is a lot more coming, next, we have “NAATA” a soft rock song, “JHUKDAINA GORKHA” with more cultural taste, “SUNSAAN CHA” and a lot more…

Besides imparting quality education, we would like to share our message of love to bring about unity among the people of Darjeeling hills, through music…

 “Educators” – the profile

Sherab Namgyal

Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia aka Sherab Namgyal is the Frontman of the band. He is the Lead Vocalist, Song writer and Composer. Originally from Sukay Pokhari, Sherab is not a trained singer but was part of the Choir at St. Augustine’s School (Kalimpong) since childhood, and later at SUMI (Kalimpong) where he used to sing tenor and bass under vocal coaches, Late Mr. Chandra Mohan Ghising (SAS), and Mr. Sanjay Samuel Rai (SUMI).

Previously, he had fronted a few short-lived bands like “Aatma”, “Shristi” from Sukay Pokhari. Performed at Gorkha Rocks buildup shows and also given invitational performance at Sikkim Manipal University.

He has written and composed songs Aandakarma, Maan, Samay, Jatitwa (lyrics Suresh Mukhia), and is now the songwriter and lead vocals at EDUCATORS. His previous recordings include songs in Gorkha Rocks – Volume II & III, and Noise Volume I (a rock songs compilation).

Avyuday Naween Khaling

Avyuday Naween Khaling is the bassist for the band. He is interested in all genres of music with a further incline towards Classic rock, Heavy metal, funk, and blues. He learned to pick up the bass guitar listening to bands like Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica, and famous Darjeelingey bands like Mantra and Reincarnation.

“I was never into the public music scene until Educators happened, where all of us blended as a band and being colleagues, we have the utmost respect for each other. Our passion for music binds us together” says he.

Regan Rai

Regan Rai is the lead guitarist and music composer. Born and raised in Darjeeling, Regan is a talented guitarist. He is an innovative and technically gifted guitarist. He was influenced as a guitarist by the likes of Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, Marty Friedman. His solos are a big part of what gives the song its enduring appeal.

Ashish Pradhan

Ashish Pradhan the drummer for the band is a former student of Turnbull Higher Secondary School. His brilliant drumming provides the rhythmical base for the band. Encouraged and assisted by his friends he started drumming in 2014. As a drummer, he got influenced by Vinnie Paul, Chris Adler, etc. His career started with his creativity and he has also made some appearances with other bands like “Left Behind” and “Unwise Obligation.”

Mishael Pradhan

Mishael Pradhan is the Keyboard player. He has been playing piano and keyboard since high school. He currently teaches music at Elim Melody Academy and is a teacher at Turnbull HS school.

Do Like, Share and Subscribe.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYPxoFyRjnNBXY44acdSaLQ

Follow Them At
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatorsmusic2018/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/educ.atorsofficial/
Regan Rai: https://www.facebook.com/regan.rai.9
Sherab Namgyal Bhutia: https://www.facebook.com/sherabnamgyal.bhutia
Ashish Pradhan: https://www.facebook.com/ashish.pradhan.54
Mishael Pradhan: https://www.facebook.com/mishael.pradhan
Avyuday Naween Khaling: https://www.facebook.com/avyuday.naween.shuvra.khaling

The post “Educators” – Portrait of a Band appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

This month, we are sharing the story “ प्रेम पत्र ” by Bishal Nalbo.

Instead of just focusing on previously published stories, we have decided to accept stories from our readers. The best story every month will be given a voice over by RJ Samir and we will turn it into an audio-visual format.

If you have it in you to write a story in Nepali, please do send us your entries.

You can write-in comments below or inbox us a message. Or You can email us the same at: editor@thedarjeelingchronicle.com or thedarjeelingchronicle@gmail.com

You can reach out to RJ Samir via WhatsApp or Call at: 891834 3658

We THANK our contributors

• Editing – Bishan Rai
• Writer / Narration – R.J Samir

Please SHARE, help us reach these stories to all of our people

You can subscribe to RJ Sameer on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXn

The post TheDC Story Series – “हाम्रा कथाहरु” Episode 12: प्रेम पत्र appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

This month, we are sharing the story “ख्रीष्टमसमा परिस्थितिले” by Sharad Sharan.

Instead of just focusing on previously published stories, we have decided to accept stories from our readers. The best story every month will be given a voice over by RJ Samir, and we will turn it into an audio-visual format.

If you have it in you to write a story in Nepali, please do send us your entries.

You can write-in comments below or inbox us a message. Or You can email us the same at: editor@thedarjeelingchronicle.com or thedarjeelingchronicle@gmail.com

You can reach out to RJ Samir via WhatsApp or Call at: 891834 3658

We THANK our contributors

• Editing – Bishan Rai
• Writer / Narration – R.J Samir

Please SHARE, help us reach these stories to all of our people

You can subscribe to RJ Sameer on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXn

The post TheDC Story Series – “हाम्रा कथाहरु” Episode 11: ख्रीष्टमसमा परिस्थितिले appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

This month, we are sharing the story “पश्चाताप” by Manoj Rai Namdung.

Instead of just focusing on previously published stories, we have decided to accept stories from our readers. The best story every month will be given a voice over by RJ Samir and we will turn it into an audio-visual format.

If you have it in you to write a story in Nepali, please do send us your entries.

You can write-in comments below or inbox us a message. Or You can email us the same at: editor@thedarjeelingchronicle.com or thedarjeelingchronicle@gmail.com

You can reach out to RJ Samir via WhatsApp or Call at: 891834 3658

We THANK our contributors

• Editing – Bishan Rai
• Writer / Narration – R.J Samir

Please SHARE, help us reach these stories to all of our people

You can subscribe to RJ Sameer on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXn

The post TheDC Story Series – “हाम्रा कथाहरु” Episode 10: पश्चाताप appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

The Rock & Roll and Hard Rock scene set by amazing bands such as The Hillians, Extreme Moderation, Turquoise and Jade, The Diamonds, Prism, Forbidden Fruit, Magnum Opus, Pralay was later followed by bands like Rusty Nails, the US Band (where US is short for Unity of Souls) among others, makes Darjeeling the leading light of Rock music in India. Following on the footsteps of these greats, is an up and coming band from our hills “The Invasion”.

When Chhogel Sherpa Holunga first sent us their single BLACK FLAG our Music editor couldn’t get around to listening to it right away, but once he did, he was hooked and he has been playing it all day long. “Highly Invasive” is what our music editor describes this amazingly well written, well composed, well-edited and mixed number, with guitar riffs that will compete with the best in India and the world.

The Invasion

Guitar: Swarnim Rai
Guitar and Vocals: Sangey Wangdi Bhutia
Bass: Aaron Gaurav Gazmer
Drums: Chhogel Sherpa Holunga
Mixing: Anuj Pradhan (Sacred heart workstation)

We sat down for a short chat with them.

TheDC: Who are “The Invasion”, what brought you guys together?

TI: We are a recently formed The Invasion, but we have known to each other from very long time. The music taste of all the members which is Rock /Hard Rock is what brought us together

TheDC: Have you guys performed anywhere?

TI: We haven’t performed anywhere as a Band right now, but all the members of our band have performed in various platforms like IITs, IIMs, Pub

TheDC: So what’s cooking right now?

TI: Right now we are focusing on band’s first EP (extended play) and later on we want to go for contests like Hornbill, Shirock Music Contests, and all other rock contest in India and as well as outside and lastly we want to do gigs all across the world.

Also our second song Streets is likely to be released next month for which Mixing/Mastering is done by Anuj Pradhan at Sacred Heart Audio Workstation.

TheDC: Tell us about your song Black Flag? Why is the flag black?

TI: It’s a song of taking a stand against a corrupt and dishonest system and people in power. It is a song for the youth to speak out against tyranny, nepotism, corruption and domination. The flag is BLACK because it’s the flag of protest.

Indeed it is, and we are thrilled to be the 1^st platform to publish the Interview of The Invasion, which we are sure will go a long way in rewriting rock history in our hills and the nation.

BLACK FLAG LYRICS

Rise up we got a battle to win

Against a system full of sins

Tyrant rulers all the way

Stealing your rights everyday

Are we just some livestock

They treat us like worthless mules

They are filled upto the brim

By stealing from their kin

Raise the black flag

united we stand against this tyrant system

we will prevail

Your sacrifices go in vain

You’re fighting a war without a name

Innocent’s blood in your hands

will torment you beyond the grave.

So cmon my brothers

remember the fallen ones

we will fight until the end

till our dying breathe

Raise the black flag

united we stand

against the tyrant system

we will prevail

We wish “The Invasion” good luck in their quest and we look forward to publishing their second number too.

The post PORTRAIT OF A BAND: The Invasion appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

This month, we are sharing the story “आरुको फुल” by Sarad Saran Sharma.

Instead of just focusing on previously published stories, we have decided to accept stories from our readers. The best story every month will be given a voice over by RJ Samir and we will turn it into an audio-visual format.

If you have it in you to write a story in Nepali, please do send us your entries.

You can write-in comments below or inbox us a message. Or You can email us the same at: editor@thedarjeelingchronicle.com or thedarjeelingchronicle@gmail.com

You can reach out to RJ Samir via WhatsApp or Call at: 891834 3658

We THANK our contributors

• Direction – Nawami Gurung
• Sketch – Lios Rai
• Editing – Nawami Gurung
• Writer / Narration – R.J Samir

Please SHARE, help us reach these stories to all of our people

You can subscribe to RJ Sameer on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXn

The post TheDC Story Series – “हाम्रा कथाहरु” Episode 9: आरुको फुल appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

I term myself ‘lucky’ to have the same school bunch as my group even after 6 years of having done with schooling, though we tend to get busy dealing with our own lives we make sure the get-together we have should be one which will have its sweet memories for years to come. Similarly this time we planned a trek, some adventure, yeah! Being born in the hills, adventure is an inherent character trait of ours. Trek was decided, this was easy everyone agreed to it but the main problem that arose was deciding the place. Finally after about a month-long debate, over the place and the condition required, the place decided was Sandakpu, which was the nearest and the easiest of all the other options. The date to the Trek decided was 16^th November to 20^th November. Six of us were all set to leave everything behind and ‘live the moment’, six days of pure adventure and nature at its best! The blog rather than providing a detailed guide is more of a narration of how the first trek to Sandakpu feels like.

Day 1

16th of November 6:30 am, Darjeeling Taxi stand was the rendezvous. All with a rucksack and a sleeping bag, unanimously agreed on the condition of not taking a guide, it would be just us. A taxi from Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang, 26 km away and the gateway to the trek were booked. Maneybhanjyang, a small town called for a tea break and a final check on the requirements for the trek, we were set for the journey, I was the most enthusiastic of the lot, as I had been waiting for this moment for a long time. It was at 9:00 am our trek uphill started, first two kilometres till Chitrey was steep and we were slower than expected, trying to find a shortcut gave us the chills of being lost on the very first day of the trek, after which we kept ourselves to the main road. Gairibas 20 km from Maneybhanjyang at a height of 8600ft was our first day’s destination. Several areas were selected for our photo-shoot, something we failed to notice at first was too many stoppages makes you more tired, and leave you with a greater distance to cover on the latter half of the day, when you are actually tired. Driven by hunger and with nearly a quarter of the total photos of the entire trek we reached Meghma, which is just 9 km away from Maneybhanjyang, it was 1:00 p.m. and decided a halt for lunch at the place, without any hesitation we devoured through the toothsome feast as we had a greater distance to cover, the owner of the shop was kind enough to guide us regarding the shortcut leading to our first day’s destination. The time, as it passed by triggered a decrease in temperature, the condition was such I had three layers of clothing and a rucksack weighing 8 kilograms, was sweating from inside yet it was cold, keeping that aside, trekking through rocky roads, with few scattered houses on the scene, seldom barking of dogs and the pure and organic music of nature soothing to the soul was the tranquilizer, the feeling of ‘mental high’. However, something that bothered was how much more for the destination to arrive as we just had a few hours of sunlight left. What we had feared was to walk in the dark with no house on the scene and here we were living our fears. The clock had struck 6:30 pm when a light brighter than our flashlights at a distance appeared on the scene, it was a dwelling, our destination Gairibas. The first house itself that we enquired had a dorm on offer and the booking of 6 beds were done straight away at a price of 250 per bed. To be honest, the place that we booked was not that great considering the food and the service provided, would have gone for other better option,  but everything was compensated by the quality of sleep. The first day to the trek made me look forward to days that would come.

Day 2

The sun was out, embellishing the marvellous scene, it could not get any better. We stared with some fresh apples that we had carried along, noodles, and butter toast which we ordered there itself, a perfect morning.

We left the place at 8:45 am, the destination to reach was Sandakpu the booking for the night had already been made at a cost of 200 per bed. The distance to cover however was just 12 km, but the climb from 8600 ft. to 11,929 ft. made it challenging. The route was steep, and the addition of heavy rucksack made the climb tougher. Kalipokhari fell on the way demanding us to stop and admire the lake, we took a break as it was already 11:30 am the decision made was to start after lunch. Lying there in the grass observing the clouds, as we waited for the lunch to be prepared made me realize I had never been so close to the clouds, it felt like I can almost extend my arm and get hold of those white ‘cotton candies’ that were just floating above me, at that moment all I could wish for was the time to stop, I would have happily embraced that feeling forever. There is something about nature that I have experienced, the more you lean towards it the more it calls for you. Though we were hungry the call for the lunch was an interruption. Lunch on offer was noodles and Yak meat, since being a vegetarian I stuck to the noodles. 6 km more of a climb to go and with every decreasing kilometre milestone, the sense of achievement was getting stronger. Resting in some places, capturing our moment together and feeding ourselves with protein bar we continued towards our destination. The clock had struck 5:00 when finally, we stepped our foot in Sandakpu. The feeling can’t be jotted down, yet giving it a try, it felt like I Just scored the only goal, on the 90^th minute of a football final, leading my team to victory, something out of this world. Sandakpu the place has half of its area falling in Nepal and the other half in India, the National flag of both countries stand tall at the respective parts, since the place is such, we had the experience of dining in Nepal, and resting in our room in India. A game of UNO, in our room, concluded our second day.

Day 3

Cracking of the dawn shading its path rich golden with the entire Himalayan range to be seen as simply a treat. After watching nature’s time-lapse, the toughest job was to freshen up, as the water was just above the freezing point. The Day had to be started early as we had to cover a distance of 21 Km towards Phalut. Unfortunately, two of our friends could not proceed with the trek any further, due to a sprained foot, and a bad cold caught, emerging into a snag. Reduced to four an unenthusiastic act of helping them back to Darjeeling in a taxi from Sandakpu had to be performed. We however continued, Phalut awaited us with a room booked, here again, we paid an amount of 200 per bed. We started towards our destination at 9:30 am. Sandakpu the particular area, can be sketched as a bit commercialized one holding few shops, therefore the scenic beauty, what we actually seek is towards Phalut, everyone thinking of this trek make sure Sandakpu to Phalut is included as well. The advantage for the day is the route, which was not steep allowing us to cover a greater distance at a lesser time. We walked through the path, appreciating what the place had on offer, not a single human soul was seen for the first 8 km. We took a couple of breaks, our body started  demanding proper lunch, after about 15 km with no sign of shop visible, a break was taken to have what we had brought with us, nuts, chocolate, protein bar, the weather too was not in our favour, there was a rapid drop in the temperature, a thick mist had us covered blocking the visibility of even the route in front of us, let go of the view, it was freezing and we were left with the only thought of  reaching Phalut, the sooner the better. I still can frame it, none of us uttered a word for a few kilometres, waking like a robot just programmed to reach Phalut, and the first question asked was how much more to go? The daylight started to cease topped with the mist getting denser, our flashlights had given up on trying to cut through. Hands and the exposed part of the face were freezing, yet on the inside, I was sweating, due to the layers of clothes I wore and the rucksack I carried. It was unexpected, but candle lights just in front of us, and here it was Phalut, which has just one guest house and no electricity. It was 5:30 pm, the first thing we did was went to our room and threw our rucksack after which we changed and drove ourselves towards the kitchen basking us to the firewood that was lit and the best thing, our food would be prepared in that firewood. Sharing the guesthouse was a couple from Mumbai and a group of friends from Kolkata. The day though totally different from the other days was concluded in a similar way, a good cosy sleep.

Day 4

The day was to be spent travelling towards Gorkhey which was the final destination where we would spend the night. The distance to say was 15 km, but since it was downhill we felt no pressure at all. After devouring ourselves on chapatti and ‘alu dum’ we bid farewell to the people and started at 9:15 am, the trek downhill was easy and flawless, and with no breaks at all, the destination was reached at 12:30 am. The view was somewhat hypnotic, hence I fell in love with the place, we booked a homestay, which consisted of two double rooms, at the rate of 600 per room. Into our rooms we went to freshen up and change since we had the entire afternoon, we decided to rest for a while after our lunch. It was late afternoon, and we started to explore the surrounding. The homestay was a beautiful one with a big lawn, outdoor sitting, and a place for a bonfire as well, the hosts were equally good. The dinner was a leisurely one with much chitchat and laughter. Since it was our last night together, we decided to sleep a bit late, being close to nature and away from technology, surely fixes our biological clock, sleep and wake up cycle is set perfectly. The sleep was just awesome.

Day 5

Honestly, I was happy the trek went on good, yet sad it was the day the trek would conclude. I wanted it to go on for a few more days. We started at 8:30 am towards Sirikhola, from where we would take a cab back home. The route was again a climb but was not steep. We took no breaks, and the destination was reached as early as 11:30 am, the site of proper road, car, and network in our phone, was some different feeling at the moment. Waiting for the cab called for a snack break. If given a chance of revisiting the place? Any given day would be a big YES!

NoteFew things to keep in mind for all the first time travelers are as follows:-

• Try to make the baggage light.
• Try not to take frequent breaks.
• Take an extra set of warm inners especially during winters, no matter how cold it is you will sweat.
• Snacks are available till Sandakpu but will be expensive.v  There will be no proper network throughout the trek.
• Book the place beforehand for Sandakpu and Phalut at least.
• Plan your trek properly.
• For all non-local tourists, taking a guide is compulsory.
• Carry a garbage bag along, as frequent snack break tend to litter the place.v  Enjoy your trip to the fullest.

This post was originally posted here.

The post Sandakpu – A Walk Above the Clouds appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

This song was screened in the “save Teesta and Rangeet” program organised by the Paila and warnamala family on 14th and 15th September.

The students who were involved in the films

Director – Megha Theeng
Asst Director – Rahul Syangdan and Phuden Sherpa
Art – Ananya De
Cinematographer- Yaksang Yonzon
Editing – Negacy Angom
Lighting – Pemsang Tamang
Prop Manager – Aditi Gupta, Juben Lepcha, Prashant Chettri and Prajwal Chettri

All students from 3rd Semester, Mass Communication Dept, St Joseph’s College, Darjeeling.

The post TEESTA – Through the Lens of St Joseph’s College, Mass Communication Department appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

This month, we are sharing the story “गर्वबोध” by Anand Akash.

Instead of just focusing on previously published stories, we have decided to accept stories from our readers. The best story every month will be given a voice over by RJ Samir and we will turn it into an audio-visual format.

If you have it in you to write a story in Nepali, please do send us your entries.

You can write-in comments below or inbox us a message. Or You can email us the same at: editor@thedarjeelingchronicle.com or thedarjeelingchronicle@gmail.com

You can reach out to RJ Samir via WhatsApp or Call at: 891834 3658

We THANK our contributors

• Direction – Nawami Gurung
• Sketch – Ananya De
• Editing – Nawami Gurung
• Writer / Narration – R.J Samir

Please SHARE, help us reach these stories to all of our people

You can subscribe to RJ Sameer on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWXn

The post TheDC Story Series – “हाम्रा कथाहरु” Episode 8: गर्वबोध appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.