The West Bengal election results have been good for the people of Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region. Maybe for the first time in the Assembly of West Bengal, we will have as many as five representatives. Everyone who desired for the regime change in West Bengal is rejoicing. The reasons for celebrating the results were many and legitimate, from a particular lens but if the larger picture is analysed then probably this result may not lead to the political change that the people have expected. 

The argument I am making is my own, the result of my volition and judgment of the situation. Not everyone may agree with it, but I sincerely hope that the rational and level-headed among us will give it a thought. Irrespective of how many representatives we have, and irrespective of the party in power, the West Bengal Assembly will not favour the creation of Gorkhaland state. 

The demand for the creation of Gorkhaland is based on the ethnic, cultural and linguistic differences we have with the rest of West Bengal. For many in Kolkata Darjeeling is a very important region in their imagination. They consider Darjeeling as an integral part of their legacy and history, which is based on a false understanding of history. It was a part of Nepal and Sikkim, in different periods in history and was ‘gifted’ by the Raja of Sikkim to the erstwhile British rulers. They seem to obliterate this from the history they refer to and create, when discussing the political situation in Darjeeling. I do not blame them for this. They are doing a duty towards their community and politics. The point is, we should also do our duty.

What is our duty then? Our duty is to unite and become one and brainstorm and redesign our demand and put it across the power corridors of Delhi and Kolkata. Can we do this? I do not think so. We cannot do this because there are too many factions and divisions among us. We have become pawns in the hands of the powerful. Darjeeling was so strong, politically, at one point in time because we were united and no leader from Kolkata would dare challenge us. It was also evident from the fact that every political parties trying to contest from Darjeeling would agree to our terms and conditions as alliance partners.

Till now, politiians in Darjeeling have been running around to make material gains, instead of striving for our collective aspirations. But the time for change has come. Now is the time to bury all our hatchets and join our hands in solidarity to fight for the creation of Gorkhaland. If the leaders still think only of themselves and not the cause, then we as Gorkhas will lose our existence and the cause of Gorkhaland will be lost forever.

The change in the politics of West Bengal has created a greater challenge for us. There will be a lot of materialistic development in our region, but there will be no concrete solution to our demand, except that we will become homo economicus-an entrepreneur of ourselves and eminently governable. Therefore, it is time we go back to the slogan that used to vibrate in the hills “Party Bhanda Jati Thulo, Jati Bhanda Mato”.

The public has to show the way, use their agency and force all the leaders to come together once again and move together towards our goal. We as a collective have committed many mistakes, knowingly and unknowingly but it is time that we act by forgetting the past mistakes but learning from it, understanding the present and preparing for the future. It is time that we push the shove together and with conviction for the shake of Gorkhaland.

Jai Gorkhaland!

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Culture of Peace Research Support is very significant to us, as it is also a reflection of the growing influence of our century-old movement and its narrative asserting that we are culturally, ethnically and linguistically different from Bengal and its people  Dr. Binu Sundas

Our demand and agitation for separation from West Bengal and the creation of Gorkhaland state has been ongoing for more than 100 years now. We justify this based on distinct cultural and ethnic identities. We have, at the same time, also argued that we have a closer cultural and ethnic affinity to the states of the Northeast.  Based on this second argument, there have been proponents who have also asked the Government of India to make special provisions in the Constitution for the inclusion of our region into the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. But all these years, our efforts have fallen on deaf ears.

Moving beyond the non-material reasons for the separation from Bengal and the inclusion in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, our region has suffered from underdevelopment to no development. The grievances of the people of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts have been the step-motherly treatment meted out to us by the Government of West Bengal. We do not have ownership of our resources. It is appropriated by the West Bengal government under the pretext of taxes and the use of the material as well as the non-material resources is constantly under surveillance. Forest, land, rivers and everything associated with it are used to harness economic benefits for the state and nothing in return comes to the region or the people.

Had we been part of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, which has taken the responsibility to accelerate the region’s socio-economic development by planning, execution and monitoring of various schemes to develop the region, we would had been a prosperous region with the forest, tea, timber and hydro power resources that are there in our disposal. Under the tutelage of the above Ministry, we would have reached the potential we have. However, being part of the state of West Bengal, we are excluded from all the benefits of the Ministry and the state is not concerned with our socio-economic and political welfare. The West Bengal government’s Tea Tourism and Allied Business Policy, 2019, which allows 15 percent of the tea garden’s land to be used for tourism and associated businesses, is reflective of the exploitation and marginalization of our region by the state. This Policy has been recently amended to allow for 30 percent of the land to be used for tourism purposes.

The country as a whole is oblivious of what has been happening in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. They are ignorant of the history of the region and the people and fall into the trap of the dominant narrative set by the state of West Bengal and many of its intelligentsia. It is also due to our shortsightedness. Our advocacy regarding our demand and movement has always remained limited to the political sphere. Other spheres were not considered to be significant in the effort to achieve our goal. Neither institutions nor organisations- governmental or non-governmental came forward to support or understand our issue. The rallying of these organisations, I understand, is very important for our movement. They can change and create a favourable environment in the nation for our movement. They could have helped us not only by building narratives through their contacts but could also have used their moral suasion to appeal to the government’s sense of right or wrong.

The advertisement for the research grant for the Culture of Peace research programme by Zubaan in collaboration with Heinrich Boll Stiftung becomes significant to us. It is open to applicants from the eight Northeastern states, along with those from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. The advertisement further states that our region has been included as a contiguous region. Though the institutions do not have any political reasons for our region’s inclusion but for us it is politically a very significant development.  It indicates that certain organisations, have started to understand that our region’s inclusion is of paramount importance to establish the continuity of the northeast region. Further, it is also an indication that some actors have come to the understanding that people from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong lack support and need to be supported. Finally, this advertisement is also a reflection of the growing influence of our century-old movement and its narrative asserting that we are culturally, ethnically and linguistically different from Bengal and its people, and that this distinction is gaining legitimacy.  

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Crispin Chettri, the head coach of the Indian National Womens’ Football Team was a part of United Kurseong Football Club (UKFC), and I have witnessed his growth and transformation as a player, coach, and a person – writes Dr. Binu Sundas

When I came home for my summer vacation, the foremost thing on my mind was to organize a long-overdue get-together with my friends, the founding members of United Kurseong Football Club (UKFC). This visit also coincided with the Indian Women’s Football team qualifying for the AFC-Asian Cup 2026, to be held in Australia. Like all football lovers in India, and especially in Darjeeling, I was following the matches keenly, hoping that India would qualify. Of particular interest to me was that the Coach of the Indian contingent was Shri. Crispin Chettri, a local Kurseong boy and a former UKFC player.

The crucial qualifying match against Thailand, a much higher-ranked team, would be a difficult one. However, Team India beat them convincingly and along with the commendable performance of our footballers, this credit must also go to the coach, Crispin. His bold moves, tactical genius, and clear-headed strategy helped achieve a milestone in Indian football. Prior to this India had not qualified on merit. The first time when the Indian Women’s Team played in the Women’s AFC- Asian Cup they were invited. The second time they were to participate was as a host in 2022, but unfortunately due to COIVD-19 the host had to pull out.

Crispin was a part of United Kurseong Football Club (UKFC), and I have witnessed his growth and transformation as a player, coach, and a person. Crispin was born to be a sportsman, and as a youngster he excelled at all team sports, be it cricket, volleyball, or basketball. When we first scouted him, he was immediately drafted into the club. He gradually adjusted to the rigorous practice sessions of UKFC and quickly became an integral part of the UKFC team. At the time, we knew that he was a remarkable footballer, but no one could have imagined that he would attain such heights. He was loved by all for his down-to-earth personality and the respect he showed to the UKFC players and staff. An important quality that led to his success is that Crispin has always been a keen observer of the game and open to input from his seniors. These qualities of humility, focus and, dedication took him places. While playing for UKFC, he was spotted by Shyam Thapa, the legend of Indian football, and was selected to join his academy. Since then, his growth has been phenomenal. Crispin went on to represent the biggest clubs of India and represented Bengal, Maharashtra, and Assam in the Santosh Trophy.

Even as a young footballer, Crispin has always had a clarity regarding his future, and this, along with his determination and dedication, has been instrumental in his success. Over the years, we kept hearing about his successes, but the humble guy that he is, Crispin never forgot his roots. He was constantly in touch with UKFC, training players when he was home, chalking out plans and strategies for the club to grow. He also contributes financially every month to the club, like all the founding members, and continues to be a part of the UKFC family.

Crispin holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences and is a licensed coach. With football coursing through his veins, he couldn’t simply cut off all ties with the game so today we see him in his role as the Head Coach of the Indian National Women’s Football Team. However, coaching a women’s sport in India is not an easy task. The players and coaches face challenges of patriarchy, limited infrastructure, and a conspicuous lack of support from the industries in the form of sponsorships. While other teams had their chefs and nutritionists, Crispin and his team faced difficulties as they were not accustomed to the food in Thailand. He had to approach the embassy and organise Indian food for the team. This was not part of his job, but his determination to do well and create history was of greater importance than his job profile. As always, this Gorkha son rose to the occasion, overcoming the obstacle and today, the Blue Tigress is heading to Australia.

Crispin’s achievement and contribution to the nation should be documented in the annals of Gorkha history. This beleaguered community has been fighting to establish its identity in India for a long time. Crispin’s achievement is historical not only for the nation but also for the Gorkha community. The Gorkha community of the country has to be thankful to Crispin for bringing the community into the imagination of the nation.

Thank you, Crispin, for making the Blue Tigress one of the 12 top teams in Asia and Australia, providing recognition to the Gorkha community, and representing UKFC. The qualification to the Women’s AFC Asian Cup has also brought Indian men’s football, which has been witnessing its share of difficulties and obstacles, into the limelight and has contributed directly as well as indirectly to resolving the issues. Your legacy, which you have built on determination, dedication, grit, passion, and love for the sport, will remain forever and inspire generations in the future.  Your achievement with the Indian Women’s Football team will always be remembered and enshrined in the history of Indian football.

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