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.

Trapped in the Feed by Raunak Mukherjee explores the “doomscrolling” pheonomenon and how social-media algorithms are designed to keep you engaged

At 2 a. m. in a hostel room , a 22-year-old media student scrolls through Instagram Reels rather than study for his exam. The videos merge together; fitness influencers flaunting sculpted bodies, productivity gurus advocating “hustle culture,” and travel vloggers living lives very different from his. “I don’t even recall launching the app,” he remarked. “I simply wanted to respond to a message. “Two hours vanished. “

The student’s story is not unique. Across India, college students and young content producers find themselves caught in an infinite loop of swipes, likes, and comparisons. This phenomenon is driven by a strong but mostly invisible force: algorithmic curation, which determines what appears on our screens and what disappears silently.

As social media networks become vital to how young Indians communicate, study, and express themselves, researchers and mental health specialists are posing an important question: What does this continuous algorithmic filtering do to young minds?

The Science Behind the Scroll

Social media algorithms are basically recommendation engines. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook utilize data such as watch time, likes, comments, shares, and even pauses while scrolling to forecast which material will keep consumers interested the longest.

According to Meta’s openly published study on Instagram, content that promotes consistent engagement, notably emotional responses, is prioritised in users’ feeds. This implies that posts that elicit joy, envy, indignation, or aspiration are more likely to spread than neutral or informative content.

“The algorithm does not think in terms of well-being; it thinks in terms of engagement,” says Dr. Shubhangi Parkar, a psychiatrist and former director of mental health services at KEM Hospital in Mumbai. “And human psychology is especially susceptible to emotional ups and downs. “

Neuroscience research has discovered that unpredictable rewards, such as viral videos or sudden likes, increase dopamine release in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is linked to pleasure and motivation. This can lead to dopamine loops, in which people scroll continuously in anticipation of the next gratifying update.

Comparison Culture in the Age of Algorithms

Algorithm-based feeds may accentuate social comparison for Indian university students trying to negotiate identity, ambition, and relationships.

According to a 2023 research published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, there is a significant link between heavy social media use and higher rates of anxiety, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction among urban youngsters. The impact was especially noticeable among young women and would-be influencers.

Algorithms exacerbate this comparison culture by constantly presenting users with content that is similar to what they already engage with, resulting in echo chambers of aspiration and inadequacy.

The psychological health costs of anxiety, burnout, and silence are significant.

While social media has fostered connection and creativity, the mental health implications are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Meta’s own internal research, some of which was presented during US congressional hearings, admitted that Instagram might aggravate body image concerns in adolescent females. Mental health specialists in India describe comparable trends.

“We notice kids who have anxiety stemming from internet validation,” says Dr. Samir Parikh, Director of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare. “Likes and views become measures of self-worth. “

The pressure extends beyond the users. Content makers experience algorithmic uncertainty, never fully understanding why a post succeeds or fails. This lack of openness can cause burnout, sleep difficulties, and chronic stress.

“Creators are working for an unseen employer,” Dr. Parikh explains. “And that manager keeps changing the rules. “

Local context: Why young Indians are especially vulnerable.

India’s young population, over 65% are under the age of 35, together with inexpensive data and smartphone connectivity makes algorithm-driven platforms extremely powerful.

For many students in small towns, social media exposes them to worldwide cultures and possibilities. While inspiring, this exposure can also exacerbate feelings of inadequacy when personal circumstances do not align with algorithmic ideals.

According to sociologist Dr. Shilpa Phadke, “platforms frequently amplify dominant beauty standards, urban privilege, and consumer success. ” Marginalized voices find it difficult to compete unless they match algorithm choices. “

Can Technology Be Accountable as Well?

In response to increasing criticism, platforms have implemented tools such as “Take a Break” reminders, hidden like counts, and content warnings. However, professionals believe that these methods place responsibility on individuals rather than systems.

“Digital literacy must include algorithmic literacy,” according to Dr. Nimmi Rangaswamy, a Media Studies professor at IIIT-Bangalore. “Young people need to realize that what they see is curated, not unbiased reality. “

Some Indian institutions have started including digital well-being workshops into orientation programs, instructing students how to regulate screen time and critically assess internet information.

Towards Healthier Feeds.

As awareness grows, younger users are also fighting back. Many students report curating their own feeds by unfollowing stressful accounts, establishing screen-time restrictions, and seeking offline support.

“I still use Instagram,” Ayaan confesses, “but I mute accounts that make me feel awful about myself. It’s not ideal, but it helps. “

Experts emphasize that real change necessitates collaboration among tech companies, lawmakers, educators, and consumers.

“Algorithms influence behavior, but they are designed by humans,” Dr. Parkar points out. “Ethical design is no longer optional; it’s a public health concern. “

Conclusion: reclaiming agency in the feed.

Algorithms for social networking are not intrinsically harmful. They can link people, promote voices, and disseminate information. However, when participation becomes the sole measure of success, mental health hazards rise, particularly for young Indians negotiating important years.

Understanding how algorithms function is the first step toward gaining control. As consumers learn to question their feeds and demand accountability from platforms, the scroll may finally become a choice rather than a trap.

Writes: Raunak Mukherjee. He is a compelting his B A in Media and Journalism from Christ University, Bengaluru.

Sources and attribution.

• Meta (Instagram). Research Reports on Youth Engagement and Well-being.
• Indian Journal of Psychiatry (2023): Anxiety and Social Media Use in Indian Youth
• Interviews and expert opinion from Dr. Shubhangi Parkar, Dr. Samir Parikh, and Dr. Nimmi Rangaswamy.

The post Trapped in the Feed: How Social Media Algorithms Influence Young Indians’ Thoughts and Feelings 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.

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Interlocutor Blues analyses the political development that have unfolded, following the annoucement of an Interlocutor for taking forward the talks related to Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars

General Bipin Rawat had once said “India has to be ready for a two-and-a-half front war”, with the half referring to unnamed internal enemies, who are always ready to do the bidding of others. Of late, I have come to realize, in Darjeeling, the Gorkhas are also fighting a two-and-a-half front war. We are not just fighting those who are opposed to us, we are fighting among ourselves, divided on party lines, and even within the party, there are further frictions.

Who does this help? Definitely not the Gorkhas.

The Interlocutor

On the 16^th of October, 2025 the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed former Deputy National Security Advisor (Dy-NSA) retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as the Interlocutor and Government of India Representative to hold discussions on the issues relating to Gorkhas in Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal.

As reported in the Telegraph, and as read by a senior journalist on a Live show, his mandate is to “undertake constructive dialogue with various stakeholders including representatives of Gorkha organisations 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.”

Further, “to hold discussions with other stakeholders in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal in this regard.”

Furthermore, “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.”

A fairly broad mandate, which in my opinion encompasses all issues including Scheduled Tribe re-inclusion for the left-out Gorkha sub-tribes through the “cultural recognition and preservation of cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region,” and the long-awaited Permanent Constitutional Solution for our region as encompassed in “addressing their aspirations within the Constitutional framework.” For me, what’s more important is that the area demarcated is Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Dooars, and the discussions will not just be confined to the Gorkhas, but will also incorporate views of “other stakeholders’ in the Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region.”

The appointment of a former Deputy-NSA, no less, signifies the seriousness with which the Central Government is going about this issue. A critical appointment, in a critical geography, which has direct implications on India’s National Security.

Interlocutor Blues

Even before the news of the appointment had been properly reported in the media, the ruling party in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, spokesperson for Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) Spokesperson had already denounced the appointment as another “Conspiracy to put the Gorkhas back in the sack – गोर्खालाई फेरि बोरामा हाल्ने षड्यंत्र.” They had further added, “the appointment of the Interlocutor by BJP has been done only for the sake of making it easy to give speeches.”

While Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Gorkha National Liberation Front, Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists (CPRM) etc welcomed the announcement, the denouncements were louder to say the least.

On October 19^th the Indian Gorkha Jan Shakti Front (IGJF) held a press conference welcoming the appointment of the Interlocutor. This was followed closely by a Central Committee Member of IGJF through his article “Another Interlocutor, another election: Why Darjeeling Hills has reason to doubt” arguing that “under the BJP, interlocutors are appointed before major elections to create an impression of action, but once votes are secured, the dialogue loses urgency. The timing of the latest appointment, just ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, raises similar doubts about their intent”.

This has been followed by many “social workers” questioning the authenticity of the appointment, and demanding to know the mandate of the appointment.

On 18^th of October, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Prime Minister, expressing her “objection to the Central Government’s decision to appoint former IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as interlocutor for discussions on Gorkha-related issues in Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars”.

On October 24th IGJF Chief citing the letter written by Mamata Banerjee to the Prime Minister’s Office and the PMO allegedly forwarding it to the Home Ministry for reconsideration (as reported in the Telegraph), claimed that, this “exhibits the weakness of the BJP in the Centre and their Alliance Partners.” He had further appealed to the West Bengal Chief Minister thus, “We are not happy with the GTA, and you yourself had also said in the past that you would give us PPS. Therefore, this matter of the Interlocutor should be resolved quickly, because saying one thing before Tihar and something completely different after Tihar is not good – हामी जिटिएमा खुसी छैनौं अनि तपाईले पनि बिगतको दिनहरूमा पिपिएस म दिन्छु भन्नु भएको थियोे। त्यसर्थ यो इन्टरलोक्युटरको विषय चाडै समाधान होस् किनकी तिहार अघि एउटा कुरा अनि तिहार पछि अर्कै कुरा राम्रो होइन।“

On November 18th, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written another letter to the Prime Minister in which she has claimed, “it is a matter of grave concern that without any further communication in response to my letter and despite your kind intervention, the Office of the Interlocutor under Ministry of Home Affairs, has, vide Memo dated 10th November 2025, communicated that the office of the interlocutor HAS ALREADY STARTED FUNCTIONING, THIS IS REALLY SHOCKING”.

The Half Front

If you study the appointment of the Interlocutor issue, the Chief Minister of West Bengal has written two letters to the PMO, opposing the appointment. However, I am yet to see or become aware of any Gorkha politician writing to the PMO thanking for the appointment. I am sure our politicians are busy, but definitely they wouldn’t be as busy as the Chief Minister, would they?

What’s important to note here is that, the Chief Minister who, I am assuming is receiving all official communications, has already taken a stand against the appointment of the Interlocutor. The West Bengal government, thus emerge as the first front opposed to finding Constitutional Solution through constructive dialogue.

The second front will naturally be the political parties based in Bengal, like TMC or even BJP Bengal and Congress Bengal, who will outright oppose any solution for our region, they see it as an infringement on their domain.

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.

United we stand

I hope our politicians, and more importantly the citizens of our region will recognize the need for unity at this moment. In our unity, lies the defeat of those who have treated us as a distant colony, those who have treated us as a second-class citizen, those who have killed our brothers and sisters in cold blood.

Remember, the Interlocutor is not just a talks facilitator; he is also a Government of India representative with a wide mandate. So, let us put our best foot forward, and stay united. Let us ensure that the Constitutional Solution we derive through this exercise is something that will address our generational aspirations, safeguard our political, social, cultural, linguistic and economic space. Most important of all, let us ensure a Constitutional Solution which will address the crisis of identity that Gorkhas and the people from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars have had to face till date – i.e a state called Gorkhaland

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And the truth is simple:
This is not how a heritage site should look.

Drying clothes is not wrong.
People’s needs are not wrong. But choosing the only UNESCO-tagged railway station of our hills as the place to do it, that shows something deeper. It shows how casually we treat things that carry our identity.

Ghum is not just a station from 1881.
It’s not just old tracks and steam whistles.
It’s a symbol of who we are, what our hills represent, and how the world sees us. Yet today, it looks like a place we have stopped respecting.

And what hurts even more is the reaction: People walk past it without a second thought.
As if this is normal.
As if heritage is something that maintains itself.
As if the UNESCO board is enough to protect it.
It isn’t.

Heritage doesn’t die when buildings collapse. It dies when people stop caring.

I saw what Ghum has become, and it genuinely hurt me – not because the station changed, but because our attitude changed. If we don’t value our own heritage, what message are we passing to the next generation? What will they learn except indifference?
Tomorrow they will treat every public place the same way — because this is what they grew up seeing.

This is not about blaming anyone.
This is not about pointing fingers.
This is about acknowledging a simple truth:
We can do better.
We should do better.
Ghum deserves better.

A world heritage site should not look like an afterthought.
A place that carries our history should not look forgotten.
A station that once brought pride should not look neglected.

If Ghum could speak, it would not ask for luxury – only for basic respect. Only for the dignity it earned over more than a century.

A UNESCO board means nothing if the people around it don’t care. And today, after seeing Ghum, I felt one thing very clearly:
“Heritage is not protected by signs or titles – it’s protected by the people who live around it. That includes me. That includes you.”

Ghum Railway Station deserves more —
not just a title,
not just a board,
but the respect of the people who share its story.

Writes – Bidhan Rai Thulung

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