Common People Common Voice

2017-03-07T13:12:00.000+05:30

"SAATHI" IMPARTS AWARENESS TO SCHOOL STUDENTS ON ANTI-DRUGS ADDICTION & ALCOHOLISM

The SAATHI Cell of Modern senior secondary School, Gangtok organised a day long successful community outreach programme on the theme "How to eradicate Drugs Addiction & Alcoholism" on 6th march 2017 at Modern Senior Secondary School premises.

The programme was graced by Mr.Sonam Dadul,senior Government official cum president of Modern SMC as the Chief-Guest and attended by Mr. Sonam Denzongpa, Joint Director East

HRDD, Smt Mala Zigdal Dorjee, Principal Modern Sr. Sec. School, Mr.K.C.Nima, Incharge (FREEDOM,Rehabilitation & Detoxication Society), Mr.Prashant Sharma, Counsellor(SAATHI), Mr. Silash Tamang,SI, SadaThana, School-Incharges, SMC members, guardians, teachers & students.

The programme began with the welcome address by Mr.T.P.Dahal, PGT(Nepali) & group song by Student members of SAATHI unit. The key speaker of the programme, Mr.Prashant Sharma, representative of SAATHI(NGO), spoke on social factors leading to drug addiction & alcoholism, their harmful-effects & remedies towards its emancipation. Mr. Prashant Sharma's counselling was followed by presentation of theme-based skit by the students. The Joint Director also made his presence felt by his rejuvenating talks on the theme. Principal Madam also highlighted the greater role of schools & community in launching social awareness campaigns & putting in concerted efforts to fight against such issues that have enslaved & spoiled the resourceful youth of the mainstream society.

The gatherings was also familiarized with SADA Acts by lone representative of Sadar Thana, Gangtok,SI,Mr. Silash Tamang & on behalf of the school family Profound gratitude was extended to FREEDOM NGO & School Alumni by Smt. Chung chung Bhutia, Primary In-Charge for their support to the school so far. The programme concluded with thanks giving address by Mr.Zamyang Wongyal Bhutia, PGT(English).

News & PhotoSources:Mr.H.K. Subba, PGT(History)(SAATHI Member).

Miss Nima Diki Bhutia, GT(Arts)(SAATHI Coordinator),

Miss Sakshi Rai, GT(Maths)(SAATHI Coordinator).

REMEMBERING THE BRAVE ONES

2014-10-01T12:53:00.000+05:30

Pic Source: Google

REMEMBERING THE BRAVE ONES

BORDER SKIRMISH BETWEEN TWO ASIAN GIANT NATIONS IN SIKKIM

“EXEMPLARY BRAVERY OF INDIAN JAWANS”

Hem Kr. Subba: Chinese intrusion into India territory has been taking place ever since the Chinese conquest of Tibet & deployment of their armed forces along the border being shared by their Indian counterpart. China still stakes claim to some mountainous regions of India on the ground that they were once the parts of greater Tibet, protectorate region of Chinese Empire. Moreover, Beijing denounces the Shimla Accord of 1913 as illegal and considers the territory demarcated by Mc Mohan line as disputed one. To exhibit and activate their military might, china had launched massive military offensive in Akshai-China in Ladakh and Bomdilla in NEFA and overran Indian territories, inflicting crushing defeats on Indian troops at several battle fronts in 1962.

Even today the developments of Chinese infiltration into Indian Territory are often reported and to resolve escalating border row the flag meetings are being held frequently. It is to be taken note of that in the months of September-October 1967, border conflicts had erupted at Nathula pass and Chola pass in Sikkim, about five years after Sino-Indian war of 1962. Sikkim, the then Himalayan Kingdom was a protectorate state of india since the colonial period and had witnessed bloodiest border conflict within its land.On 1^st October 1697, round three weeks after Nathula skirmish between Peoples Liberation Army of China and Indian Brigade based in Nathula (comprising 2^nd Grenadiers, 18 Rajputs and attached Artillery & Engineer Regiment). One more border development was reported at Chola sector. In Chola, there was a flat patch of icy land of about 5 metres on the unmarked boundary between china and india. There was a boulder of about 30 cm in height in the centre of narrow crest which marked the dividing line, according to watershed principle.

The main reason for the tussle was later revealed. It was known that a handful of sentries of 7/11 Gorkha Rifles (India) and those of PLA (China) were positioned on either side of the boulder. The border was open without RCC wall and barbed wire. The Chinese company commander and the political commissioner were staking claims to the boulder at the outpost. Naib Subedar Gyan Bahadur Limbu (JCO) posted at Sentry post at point 15450 was having a heated argument with his Chinese counterpart during which he rested his foot on the boulder under dispute. The five Chinese soldiers approached and one kicked his foot away but he obstinately put his foot back and challenged them. The Chinese turned aggressive and one of them bayoneted Gyan’s thigh and injured him. The Gorkhas response was swift and heroic. Both arms of the Chinese who hit the JCO were chopped off with a Khukuri. At this point, the Chinese opened fire with guns, mortars and RCLs and the two sides engaged in a firefight at close range. The Gorkhas were led by Lance Naik Krishna Bahadur Rai, the post commander though he was hit and severely injured. Rifleman Devi Prasad Limbu was already engaged in close quarter battle with the enemy and he single handedly beheaded five Chinese soldiers with his Khukuri. But he was claimed by a direct hit. For his heroic action he was awarded “Vir Chakra” posthumously. Lance Naik Krishna Bahadur was also killed whose body was later returned by the Chinese with full military honour. The Chinese commander who attended the funeral ceremony praised the bravery of the Indian soldiers stating that “they fought like tigers”. Lt. Rathore continued to lead his jawans until he was hit in the chest and abdomen and died immediately. Major K.B. Joshi also killed enemy soldiers and frustrated the attempts of the enemy to overrun the post. He kept boasting his Gorkha jawans to mobve forward and hold the enemy back. The enemy attacked posts in Rai gap area and Tamzey with rocket, RCL & Grenades and caused heavy casualties in the post held by 10^th JAK rifles. In the process, the Chinese fired green lights, ostensibly for a ceasefire. The Gorkhas had reached Tamzey to take position as ordered by officiating GOC Brigadier Kundan Singh. The casualties suffered by Chinese were heavier than those of Indian. They lost over 400 soldiers and 450 were severely wounded while on Indian side 88 were killed and 163 wounded. The bravery shown by Indian jawans is commendable and will ever be remembered. It is the victory the Indian army experienced and celebrated.

References: Chola Incident (Internet)

Biennial bulletin 11 G.R.T.C

Sino Indian border conflict (1967)

2014-01-17T12:53:00.002+05:30

Dear viewers, friends & well wishers,

After many and many days of break, we are back again with a short story titled “STRUGGLE: AN INIMITABLE EXPERIENCE OF LIFE”. This story was originally written in Hindi language by Shri. Kapilmani Adhikari, who is a very fine writer & a poet. Already honored with many awards, it is our privilege to publish his story in our weblog. So friends, enjoy the story.....

“STRUGGLE: AN INIMITABLE EXPERIENCE OF LIFE”

A marital life, struggling and facing difficulties with ups and downs in life, trying to take a little step forward, a child is born in a family. Family and village delighted with the birth of child. Dharmanand Budathoki and Dhanmati became proud parents of a baby boy.

On the 11^thday, baby was named as Gyanendra. Though it took time to bind marital life, after the birth of a child, it didn’t take much time for the baby to grow. From a boy, he grew to a youth.

Day after day, parents, thinking that there is no any insufficiency in the needs of their child started giving attention in each and every needs & wants of their son. “Won’t our son go to the path of misdeed” thinking this the parents is worried. When a child becomes young, his mind will no more remain like those of a child. His heat will be a habitat for terrible evils and starts doing topsy-turvy deeds, starts adopting ill ways, start drinking liquor and smoking behind his parents back. He starts returning home when the parents are asleep. Sometimes at midnight he tread like a cat, enters his room and sleeps. One morning when father asked him gently, “Gyanendra why did you came late last night“? This world is cruel; you should not be out of home till late night!

Gyanendra replies – Dad, why do you talk of world, my friend had invited me to a party, I enjoyed with him and now my head is aching.

The moment he talks with his father in this manner, it is clear that he is no more afraid of his father.

Father Dharmanand in dilemma starts thinking- “what I had feared has happened. In spite of taking many precautionary measures, my boy has gone in the wrong way. Father grumbles within himself. Still he did not use any harsh words to Gyanendra, gets inside his room.

In spite of all this Gyanendra has passed his Class X examination with good marks. Father Dharmanand is surprised and at the same time delighted to see his son doing well in his studies. Taking advantage of the situation Gyanendra keeps a proposal in front of his father that he wanted to go on a tour to Gwalior with his friends, “Father, I am going on a tour and for which I need 15-20 thousand rupees, or else it won’t be nice with you.

Day after day with the increase in his son’s demands and the attitude he is adapting made Dharmanand very unhappy and worried. He goes and checks his bank passbook. With his small job he had hardly saved penny by penny, inch by inch, 15-16 thousand rupee and starts thinking that if he gives away all his saving to his son, what will he do if there uncertainly some crisis arises in the family… even if he don’t give Gyanendra the money, won’t he starts acting like Duryodhana..?? He is baffled….and finally decides to fulfill son’s demand as money can be earned later for he is the only son and doing this may bring some understanding in his mind, thinks Dharmanand. Gyanendra leaves for Gwalior.

Months and years had passed; there is no sign of Gyanendra returning back. His parents worried and upset. His mother felt sick due to son’s departure. She was rushed to hospital. Every little penny saved was spent on medicine and vitamins. Dharmanand had to look after all the family affairs. From kitchen work to feeding cattle and working in the field, everything had to be looked after by him now. A small job he had should also not be ignored.

Remembering their only son, they were living a life of misery. The hope that their son will return someday had vanished. One evening when Dharmanand was returning home after feeding his cattles, stood before him was his son Gyanendra. He was very happy to see his son after many years of depart and braced his son Gyanendra. He saw a girl behind Gyanendra and asked “son, who is this girl”? She is my wife father, replied Gyanendra. On hearing this, Dharmanand was speechless and at a standstill. The girl bowed before father and said ‘Namaskar’. There was no response from father. Dharmanand was mad at them, a storm started inside him and stopped….

Sick mother on hearing the noise outside tried to get up from her bed, but couldn’t do so. She started calling her son name, “son Gyanendra”! Gyanendra along with his wife entered house and tells “mother, look here, I have brought you a daughter-in-law”. At the sight of son and his wife, mother Dhanmati felt relieved of her illness. She thinks that now daughter-in-law is here, she will help in all the household task and I can relax for a while.

Father was very upset on Gyanendra marrying before completing his studies. A boy who had just reached 17-18 years of age could marry, he had never imagined. A boy, who had gone to Gwalior for tour after passing his exam, had returned after five years and had only written once then. He worked in a shop and fell in love with a beautiful girl. He had brought with him some money, but it was of no concern to his father, he is unhappy with his son. Dharmanand not have enough education had to settle for a small job, he did not wanted his son to go through what he has been through. He wanted his son to go for higher education and get a good job so that he could earn well and lead a good life. His expectation was ruined.

Gyanendra after marriage was shy to study school-college again, he restricted himself inside house. Except for regretting there was nothing left for him. The door to his brain was still bolted. As days and weeks passed, time and tide waits for none. Six months has passed since he got home, he neither works, nor he is worried. His Mother’s health deteriorate further, her speech is not understandable. One night he enters home in drunken condition and starts shouting, “father, today I am in this condition because of you. What have you done for me? All these years you have worked and lived near city, where is our building? Why didn’t you build any? You people did not even give me good education.

Father Dharmanand flounces in anger and says, “Look son, how do I give you better life than this? Without understanding the circumstances you got married, why do you want building? I gave away the money I have saved all my life, just for the sake of your happiness. You got married without our consent and also refused to study further. Is it our fault or yours? I am not happy Gyanendra. Who is to be blamed here?”

Gyanendra in a fit of anger starts shouting, “Father, I blame you, it has been years and years since you are working, you should have at least bought a piece of land in city for your only son. Why didn’t you? People who have come few years back have build big houses, bought cars and have been living a life of luxury. Your principle is not going to work in today’s date father, you are….

Dharmanand embarrassed and unable to exchange words with his son quietly gets inside his room, tears rolls down his wrinkled cheeks. Gyanendra still shouting, “I am not living in this house anymore, not for a minute. Neither this is a big house nor any land to build one. It’s better to live separately, than living with this old couple” goes to another room where his wife was.

Dharmananad drenched in tears thinks, is it all because of me being one who follows principle of his own, thinking for other’s benefit, and could not even build a good house for my family? But still I won’t work out of my principle. It is true that below light, there is always darkness.

Working as a guard (chowkidar), with full sincerity and dedication did not realized how swiftly his life has passed. With a belief that a small family can be a happy one, never thought of having more than one child, never though their only child could turn out to be a drunk, it is also heard he had gotten himself into drugs these days. Gyanendra hasn’t realized his mistakes. He will realize later what a life struggle really is.

Gyanendra enters his room and starts calling his wife, Mary…! O Mary…he steps out of house and starts calling his wife’s name, she doesn’t reply back. She is seen nowhere as night darkens, he calls Mary, Mary, the whole night, there is no sign of Mary. She doesn’t come back tomorrow, day passes, day after tomorrow, it passes and passes, Mary doesn’t come. Gyanendra reports to Police Station of his wife missing. While he was returning, he saw villagers gathered in front of his house. Shocked and astounded, Gyanendra rushes inside house. He saw that his mother had taken last breath of her life, her breath dissolved in the air. Father Dharmanand sitting near his deceased wife’s pillow with tears flowing from his eyes. Gyanendra walks near his father, keeps his head in father’s shoulder starts crying from within his heart with an inimitable experience of his life.

FAITH BEYOND AMBIT

2012-07-27T08:45:00.000+05:30

FAITH BEYOND AMBIT

The life should promise me nothing,

Other than the love from you,

Thus our fate shall decide,

That our faith to be always true.

The clouds should promise me nothing,

Against the tranquility of your mind,

To be peaceful forever and ever,

In solitude serenity of the nature.

The sea of faith should bind us,

Allowing nothing to trespass,

For solidarity of solitude heart,

Towards eternal bliss of union soul.

By the grace of almighty god,

May the union soul never part,

Together to serve the impartial lord,

Yama of the heavenly earth.

- By Jigmee Tenzing

आमा ितमी िबना

2012-03-02T22:30:00.001+05:30

आमा ितमी िबना त म

फूली सकेको फूल झै अब कुइ झर्न लागे,

ितमी सपनी मा आएको देख्दा ,

झस्रङ भएर जागे ।

स्कुल को हल्ला भन्दा त,

जङ्गल्को सून-सान नै राम्रो लाग्न थाल्यो ।

ितमी िबना एक्लो बाच्नू भन्दा त,

कब्रीस्तान्मा नै बस्नू राम्रो लाग्न थाल्यो ।

िझिल- िमली बलेको बत्ती भन्दा त,

कालो अन्धकार नै राम्रो लाग्न थाल्यो ।

ितमी िबना एक्लो बाच्नू भन्दा त,

जीवन छोरी जानु नै बेस लाग्न थाल्यो ।

आमा ितमी िबना त यो जीवन पनी,

िबरानो-िबरानो लाग्न थाल्यो ,

ितमी आउँछौ भ्नी प्र्खीन्दा प्र्खीन्दै,

यो जीवन पो बीत्ला झै लाग्न थाल्यो ।

आमा ितमी िबना त जीवन य्स्तै य्स्तै छ,

ितमी आउने आसा मा यो मेरो जीवन पनी िबत्ँछ जस्तो छ ।

आमा ितमी िबना...

-गणेश छेत्री

वेस्ट पोइन्ट उच्च्तर
माधयिमक िवधालय

EDUCATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOOD SCHOOLS

2012-02-22T08:52:00.002+05:30

DR. INDRA BIR SINGH YADAV

The tendency of linking education with economic is of recent origin. The old concept was “Education for the sake of education”. In other words education promotes only physical, mental, moral and spiritual development of a child. Hence, education was considered an item of expenditure only. As such, whenever need arose for thrifts or cuts in the budget allocations, expenditure on education was readily curtailed. The reason was that educational planning was not correlated integrally with educational planning or total national planning.

Previously economic was considered as a science of wealth only but now a day’s almost all modern economists regard economic as not only a science of wealth only but it is considered as vitally and essentially related to all those activities of human beings which are concerned with the production, consumption, exchange and distribution of wealth. Thus, broadened in its filed, economic becomes integrally connected with education, which guides and modifies the activities of human beings in various ways and in diverse areas of activity. The reason for this is that education modifies the activities of human beings in various ways and in diverse areas of activity. The reason for this is that education modifies human behaviour in all aspects by developing his mental powers of thinking, planning and evaluating so that so that he is able to lead a very effective life promoting social welfare with his own progress and development. It may be borne in mind that education discharges this important function by establishing schools, colleges, libraries providing required aids and appointing teaching personnel. For this, vast sums of recurring and increasing amounts of money are needed. Thus education seeks the help of economics to achieve its aims of National Developments in all fields of national life and all spheres of national development including economic prosperity and national security.

Hence there is an intimate relationship between education and economics. Due to this relationship where as on one hand the economy of a particular society influences its education, on the other hand the return of education of their society. In this sense, education and economics are integrally correlated as are the two sides of a coin. Now it is not regarded as a thing of consumption yielding long term results.

Kothari Commission (1964-66) emphasized the vocational education considering educational expenses as investment. It included work experience in the curriculum and education came to be linked with life. Increase in the productivity was looked upon as the aim of education. For this reason the economic development of the country could become strong because education is the most important means of development out of all important means of national economic development.

Education is an instrument for economic development. It is the concrete base for development. More investment does not contribute to economic development. The production will remain incomplete in the absence of educated persons. Money, time and energy will be misused. Education is the only source, which imparts knowledge and training to the people and plays a positive and constructive role towards national development.

Education confers great indirect benefits even on the ordinary working man. Thus education can become a means of economic development and increase personal income because the person receives education and gets a job, his income increases by production with the increase in income, he becomes economically prosperous .Education provides an opportunity to the individual to think about future needs in addition to his immediate needs and develops his abilities to solve his problems. It also provides a basis to his material wealth. Skilled man makes progress in his standard of life by increasing his productivity. Skilled manpower is contributed through education.

Curriculum as per the recommendations of Kothari Commission should be including work experience. In the light of this, schools/boards introduced a subject named as Socially Useful Productive Works (SUPW) in their school time table .Even vocationally trained teachers were posted in the schools for this subject. But the reality is that it is treated as free or games period by the teachers. It has become a synonym as Some Useful Periods Wasted. The curriculum should be related to the life of the students, prepare them for a living and become a means of national development. In 10+2+3 pattern of education, importance should be given to work experience, science & productivity; we know that the productivity is one of the components in economic growth.

Education will have to reframe its objectives to make it an effective means of economic development. It will have to change its form so that it may be according to the needs and ambitions of the common man. This aim will develop the sense of dignity of labour. Here comes the concept of Livelihood Schools (Li-School). In order to meet the global demand and the new challenges thrown to the Indian industry and also to generate employment, the concept of livelihood development has been given top priority by the Government of Sikkim. The youths of Li-Schools possess required skills, ability to grasp opportunities which offer economic advantages, orientation towards applying knowledge to maximize gains, business skills and leadership qualities and above all confidence that one can make things happen. These Li-Schools motivate and guide the youths to enable them to take a step forward and take up a career of self employment and setup a small or micro enterprise as an entrepreneur as well as channelize the trainees for useful and productive purposes.

In these Li-Schools the capacities of the unemployed are to be developed to enable them to sustain themselves economically and it is the first such scheme in the country. These Schools are helping the unemployed youths of State to groom their talents so as to imbibe in them the ability to harness their skills and become self- reliant. The Government Policy is to give preference to local resources and utilize the services from all sectors and within the Government Sector.

All the 30 Li-Schools opened will function under State Institute of Capacity Building,(SICB) Karfectar, South Sikkim. The Institute and all Li-school will be Governed by a Examining cum affiliating Board i.e. STATE BOARD OF LIVELIHOOD SCHOOL, SIKKIM (SBLSS) which has been notified vide Notification No. 246/GEN/DOP dated 09.04.2010, Government of Sikkim.

With the vision that, the Sikkimese Youths may be capable to do something of their own after the training in various Livelihood Schools spread all over the State the various curriculums are designed in such a way so as to ensure the quality of content, including practical training and effective modes of delivery and On –Job- Training (OJT) etc. Apart from assisting the prospective trainees, the Li-Schools remain in close contact with employing establishments for job placements of trainees. The Li-Schools /Institute have collaborated with such Service Partners who can employ them after the training.

The Li-Schools identify existing capacity building resource institutions and entities and experts within the country and even overseas and establish appropriate National/International linkages and network which may help in addressing proper and successful transitional needs of the youths of the State. In the process, the State Institute of Capacity Building has collaborated with Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Industries, Government of India and Apparel Design and Training Centre, Kolkata under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Similarly, Institute for Livelihood Education and Development (iLEAD), an institute for livelihood education and development is a flagship programme of Aide et Action. Aide at Action believes that there is a correlation between livelihood and education. Livelihood contributes to the attainment of education and education in turn contributes significantly to enhance livelihood opportunities. With this background, Aide et Action has promoted this project (iLEAD) which is aiming at providing livelihood support to drop out youth of 18 to 28 years from marginalized sections of society through employability training in various trades.iLEAD has 11 centers including one residential in Rajasthan, 34 centers including 17 main centres, 8 satellite centers in Gujarat and 2 centers in Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

The present employment scenario in our State, Country or at International level is very unusual. There so many people unemployed and at the same time there are large number of jobs openings. How can economy policy affect unemployment? The need is having skills. Six crores skill persons are needed in the world. The job providing sectors are unable to get young skill peoples. This is the age of Employability Skills. Employability Skills are critical skills need in the workplace, whether self-employed or working for others. It is very important that schools and institutions provide the basic employability skills so that all students and adults are equipped to handle the complexities of their jobs throughout their lives. In fact, employability skills are the effective use of knowledge to maintain an edge over others with the same knowledge. These skills will help the students to move from theoretical to action when they will join any organization as an employee. To be skilled you must be able to undertake a task competently; it is not about luck or a one-time effort. Skills are learned and repeatable. In short, Skills is what someone can do with their knowledge.

The economists are asking to produce skilled talents. The skills of the students can be developed through the medium of training and they can be made an integral and stable part of their personality so that they may become their permanent asset. In the traditional schools, there should be teaching through Experiment, Project, Activity Method, Jurisprudential Inquiry Model of Teaching (JIMOT), Learning by Doing, Heuristic Method etc. These methods of teaching will help to develop the ability to think critically, act logically, evaluate situations to make decisions, reason and make sound decisions which will be a valuable asset for the students to find suitable jobs in prevailing jobs scenario. The physical and mental skills can be also developed through the medium of proper scientific methods. This can play important roles in Economic Development.

References:

1. ASPIRE News Magazine

2. Aide et Action, Reflection, Quartely News Magazine, Jaipur Region, September 2009.

3. Educational Administration Planning Supervision and Financing by S. D. Khanna,

V. K .Saxena, T.P.Lamba & V. Murthy

4. Sikkim Herald, Vol.XLV.59 dated 1^st June, 2001

KITE FLYING IN SIKKIM: A LOST JOY

2012-02-16T22:20:00.001+05:30

by Kesang Pakhrin:The history of Kite can be traced back to thousand of years ago that originated in

China

. The Kite during those days was used as means of sending message during the time of war. Some other sources also list uses of kite for measuring distances, testing of direction of winds and signaling for military operations. It has its own story and carries its own significance from places to places.

India

, the kite further evolved into the fighter kite known as the “Patang”. Here, the annual kite running competitions are held every year on the day of Makar Sankranti. Kite festivals are held at different countries, which is of ritual significance for the people of the respective countries.

Now coming back to our state

Sikkim

, I often wonder and look back to the day when I was a kid. The winter season of December and January, time for winter vacation for every school, used to be full of fun and enjoyment. Flying kite, it was how we used to spend most of our holidays. Kite, popularly known as “Guddi” in

Sikkim

, is flown from roof tops of the building and open spaces like fields or playgrounds.

Not only kids, even their parents especially the fathers were also involved in flying Guddi. The main enjoyment in flying kite was in Kite Fight, known as ‘Pench’, where we try to cut each others kite with the use of a strong thread known as ‘Manja’ which is attached to a wooden device known as ‘Lattai’ used to release and roll back ‘Manja’ letting it loose at high speed or by pulling the kite in a fast and repeated manner.

We could see many colourful kites in the open sky and imagined even we could fly like kite, soar high and touch the sky. But as of now, we can hardly see any kite flying in the sky. Even this winter vacation, there was any kite flying. Earlier, each and every toy shop in “Thado Line” used to sell kite at 1 and 2 rupee each for kite made of paper and plastic respectively. Not only market, kite was available at ease in every village. Self made paper kite was also seen in abundant manner. As of now, there are hardly any toy shops at Thado Line those sell kites anymore. When asked a toy vendor why don’t you sell kites these days? He simply answered “there are no demands for kites these days. Nowadays kids enjoy and get themselves involved in playing video games and computer games rather than flying kite”. It was a tough task for me finding any kite in the market of Gangtok and Deorali. Alas, in my desperate effort for finding kite in market, I was compelled to make kite out of news paper.

Well, here we have forgotten one of the ancient sky sports that we have inherited from the past. Though kite flying is still prevalent in many parts of

India

, it is a forgotten story in

Sikkim

. The kids here are more interested in electronic and computer games rather than flying kites. There will come a time when our kids will see kites only in books and stories or television. Though flying kite is only used as a means of entertainment and does not carry any important place in our customs or traditions as far as

Sikkim

is concerned, we should also not over look the importance it has carried since ages and ages in the world scenario.

भानुभक्त

2012-01-22T13:54:00.000+05:30

भानुभक्त

हे भानु ितमी नै हौ,

नेपाली हरु को राजा ।

ित्म्रो जन्मदीन्मा हामी ,

बजाउछौ बैन्ड बाजा । ।

जैल भित्र बसी लेख्यौ रामायाण्,

सुद्ध नेपालीमा हाम्रा लागी ।

घर्-पिरवार आमा-बाबु,

छोरा-छोरी सबै त्यागी । ।

ितमी अस्त भयौ र िबत्यौ,

ता पनी हरेक नेपालीको रगत मा बग्नेछौ ।

ितमी किहल्यै मर्ने छैनौ,

ितमी हरेक नेपालीको मुटुमा बाच्ने छौ । ।

-गणेश छेत्री
वेस्ट पोइन्ट स्कुल
गङ्तोक्, पुर्व िसिक्कम

LIFE GOES ONN….

2012-01-07T19:18:00.000+05:30

By: Miss Yozna Tamu Gurung

LIFE- four letter word but theres so much in it, tears, laughter, hope and expectations, disappointment and agony, jealousy, achievement, success, failure…..but it doesn’t matter what we feel or what we do our life goes on and that is when we love someone the most (be it our parents, friend or our lover) just the thought of losing them make us shed our tears. We cannot even imagine our life without them. But hey guess what????!!!! Even if we lose them….life goes on….. Yes it does. No matter how much we love them, no matter how scared we are to lose them, no matter how hard we hold on to them, no matter what he/she means to us, if they walk away from our life…..life goes on and it has to go onn....

Its not a choice, because we have no option. When a relationship ends, whether to move on with our life or not is entirely our choice, however life just goes on whether we want it or not, whether we understand it or not. God must be crazy……he makes us love someone so deeply and then takes it away from us and when he gives us the sorrow, he give us the strength to face it as well, and guess its his choice that our life should go on coz may be he is only making us strong to face bigger challenges in our life or may be he is just preparing us for something. We fall, we get hurt, we hurt others, our heart breaks, we break hearts…but still our life goes on….for a reason, may be we’ll know sooner or later.

The Blow of ultimate Bliss

2011-12-05T15:36:00.001+05:30

The Blow of ultimate Bliss

Towards sun and above stars,

Among many I stare but for,

To gasp a glimpse, in heart of mine,

Thou heart of pristine scene.

You are but an ultimate bliss,

Like the soaring moonlight kiss,

Bringing the light unto the darkness,

Silhouette of you, my princess.

Thou heart for the sore heart,

Heal the sore with pure trust,

With solidarity, for the need,

Ceasing all as our faith thrust.

Live with worth of worthiness,

That shall sway ever for kindness,

We shall triumph under emptiness,

As we shall put down our loneliness,

You star, you are lovable,

Thou heart always amiable.

By: Jigme Tenzi

Grow with us

2011-11-29T15:07:00.001+05:30

It has been our continuous effort to create a platform to showcase such talents whose talents have not been recognized by anyone so far. Let your talents not be confined within yourselves. Let people around the globe witness it. In our effort to find such talents, we have published creative works of many, so that they get encouraged and motivated to carry on with their work. To exemplify, you can check a link below, a poetess, who belong to a lower class family. With her marital life, struggle is her everyday routine as she hardly finds any time to express her feelings and jot it down in a piece of paper. Mrs. Kamala Devi Adhikari, a house wife, who is a very fine poetess has also read out to the public a Nepali Poem in the 78^th episode of “Pratibha Milan” with an initiative of Common People Common Voice.

Related Links of Mrs. Kamala Devi Adhikari.

कहाँ गई टूङीने हुन पाइला हरुु

जिन्दगी का पानाहरु

Similarly, Jigme Tenzin, a Veterinary Science student who hails from Bhutan and is currently studying in Mizoram, his works has also been published in our web log.

Giving wings to her dreams:Rinchen Doma Bhutia

2011-11-17T17:53:00.002+05:30

Rinchen Doma Bhutia

With a rise in population, employment problem has been rising in the state rapidly. Running towards getting oneself employed in Government sector with a white collar job can be seen as a trend in the youth’s these days. With the rising employment crisis, youths are getting more inclined towards drugs abuse or any other activities, leaving negative impact on them and the society. The above theory, that many youths believe in and walk with it their entire life has been proven wrong by a girl from Sombaria, a small hamlet in West Sikkim. With an international achievement at a very young age of 23, she can be encouragement to many of the youths all over the nation.

Today we are here in a conversation with Miss RInchen Doma Bhutia, who recently has participated in the Pre Paragliding World Cup which took place in Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh. Being the only female contestant to represent India, has been a matter of pride for the entire nation.

Common People Common Voice : So, Rinchen, how did you got into Paragliding?

Rinchen: It started back in the year 2007 when I got comparted in my class X board examination. I was quite desperate and thought I could not do well in my life. My mother runs a restaurant, so I used to help my mom in her business to pass my time. After few days, one of my relative Mr. S.B.Subba, who is a school teacher, approached my sister to take part in the selection process for paragliding training in a nearby village which was organized by the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim. So my sister approached me to take part in it. I was very excited; I have never seen a glider in my life. But the bad news came for me when I found out that the eligibility criteria to enroll was class X (Ten) passed. Desperate and hopeless as I was sitting, my uncle visited and handed me the form saying that you are allowed to enroll as there is a scarcity of female participants. Again another hindrance was my family. My brother did not permit me to go as he is a school teacher he insisted me to study further. It was one fine Sunday, I stole the enrollment form my brother, informed my mother and ran away towards training ground(laughs).

CPCV: So, did your mother permitted you to take part?

Rinchen: Yes of course, she is quite supportive.

CPCV: So, what happened in the field as you were totally new to paragliding, how did you caught up?

Rinchen: I was excited, I rushed towards the field. I was the last one to enroll. Everyone was practicing. I was very shy as I registered only on the second day. There has been quite improvement in other participants. The trainer asked me to start with the practice. The training session was very tough. I had to compete equally with other male participants. The field was quite small in size and the training gliders were very big. But later I learned that it was useful in days to come. With many falls and runs, I was improving every bit. Finally, 10 days of training was over.

CPCV: So, what after training?

Rinchen: After training, the officials from the department told that we will be selected to go Manali for our basic course. ‘Manali’ the name again thrilled me. It did not matter whether I will be selected or not, to get an opportunity to go Manali was the best thing I would have got.

CPCV: Were there any other female participants?

Rinchen: Yes there were and they were very good also. I wasn’t quite sure about my selection. There was a girl, Desh Maya, she was very good, but unfortunately she could not continue due to some illness. Then the interview session took place, my viva went well. Lastly it was decided that everyone will be taken to Manali.

CPCV: So after Manali, where was your career heading towards?

Rinchen: After my basic course in Manali, I had a very rough time getting into the right lane as no opportunities were being created. I was confused about taking it as a career. My parents felt quite in secured about me taking it as a career. So my mother insisted me to help with her business in restaurant, making ‘momo’.

CPCV: Looking forward to your life, now tell us about your experience in the recent competition?

Rinchen: Though I did not win the competition, it was a life time opportunity for me to participate. Having flied in Bir Billing, which is Asia’s No.1 and World’s 5^thParagliding spot, has been a moment that anyone would cherish till eternity. Among five female participants from all over the world, I was the only one to represent India.

CPCV: Any best moment and worst moment that you had during the competition?

Rinchen: Yes, I had both. Worst moment I experienced was when my glider collapsed. During my fly, when I reached the thermalling point, I could not handle the air pressure well and my glider collapsed. My glider started rotating like helicopter. I panicked a lot but I did not give up. I tried again, again the same thing. I learned that when we are in maximum height, and if our glider collapses it will come to normalcy after reaching its average level. It happened with me for the 4 consecutive times. Thanked god, nothing happened to me. I made a safe landing at last.

Now coming to my best moment, as I mentioned earlier, I did not won any position. I was presented with memento, as I was the lone female participant to compete representing India. Moreover flying at Bir Billing, 10-15 kilometer in sky is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Nevertheless, I survived and I am alive (laughs).

CPCV: What are the reactions now from your family?

Rinchen: Now my parents are happy with what I am doing. But when they see video footage of my, flying, they are really scared. Even my brother encourages me a lot these days.

CPCV: If one wants to take Paragliding as a career, how can they earn? What are the opportunities to do so?

Rinchen: Yes, there are various opportunities and ways of earning. If one goes to be a tandem pilot (commercial fly) one can earn in a good way. As for me, I am a solo pilot, which means I can compete in competitions, I may be called for demonstration, this way one can earn a good buck.

CPCV: What are the ways to become a good pilot? Any strategies you follow personally?

Rinchen: to become a good pilot one has to listen to every detail that instructor gives. No matter you fly 1 flight or 5, you have to make sure you are technically correct and most importantly you are safe.

CPCV: Other than Paragliding, any other interests?

Rinchen: Yes, I love to play badminton. In fact, I am a very good badminton player. I have played many events in schools and have gone up to district level. But unfortunately, due to lack of proper facilities in my place, I could not excel. Other than this, I love painting.

CPCV: Do you take any one as your idol, especially in Paragliding?

Rinchen: Bruce Mills, he is my idol. Other than a good pilot and an instructor, he is a wonderful human being. During my stay in Manali, I got many useful tips from him and inspired me a lot. Apart from Bruce Mills, Arjun Rai whom I address as Bubu (brother) is the one from

Sikkim

whom I take as an inspiration.

CPCV: Ok, so what are your future plans? How far will you take Paragliding?

Rinchen: Like every sporting person, I have a dream of taking my nation to international level. I want to make my state proud. I have also dreamt of becoming a tandem pilot one day. If it happens, I will be the only female to become so. And I would also like to start an institute of my own in days to come. Though it is a long way to go, I am determined of having my dreams fulfilled.

CPCV: Well it was wonderful talking with you Rinchen and thank you very much for sparing your time with us.

Rinchen: Ok, you’re most welcome.

Well readers, it was amazing talking with a brave lady and getting to know her better. We wish that all her dreams come true and hope that she will make

India

a proud nation one day. This is a clear message to youth’s to do something better with their life rather than being hopeless and complaining about their life. Where one being frustrated with their life, gets themselves involved in taking drugs and alcohol, Rinchen has proved that how one can cope with the situation and make better use of their lives.

Vague destination

2011-11-16T15:20:00.001+05:30

Vague destination

Sinuous I see, looking ahead,

No peace of mind, did I find,

With no guidance, I alone trot,

I know, nothing where it leads,

Then I shall walk, towards far horizon,

That seems very near yet very far,

I’m lost as the road winds,

To a distant vision so bleak.

Everything is blank with loopholes,

Destination, whatever it may be,

What it means I know not,

Downtrodden, I walk far east,

Like a lost fawn in the dense jungle,

Frightened of the immediate predator,

No acquaintances with no protector,

Shall this be my fate? Only god knows.

As the sun heads below the horizons,

Dawning the of rise of blue moon,

I see no peace but a misery ahead,

With unceasing sadness and loneliness,

Of this and that of earthly works,

Incredible why it befalls,

Soul of mine wonders to and fro,

Never finding a way to move through.

By: Jigme Tenzin

103 & still going strong

2011-11-14T09:59:00.001+05:30

Pada Bdr. Gurung "Bali bow Baje"

By: CPCV

We often think that how long we may live because of the lifestyle we are leading? One may get amazed after hearing that some people have lived for more than 100 years and are still living. In our quest for people living for more than 100 years, we came across a man whose age has reached 103 years and still determined to live for another few more years.

Few kilometers away from the town of Gangtok in a village called Ranka, and after 15-20 minutes of walk upwards the road, lives Padam Bahadur Gurung, 103 year old man who is popularly known as ‘Bali Bow Baje’. On our way to his home we also encountered a huge snake, straight away heading towards us. Frightened and startled we finally reached his house. Born and brought up in Ranka, he had a very simple life like any of ours. He is survived by 2 sons, 1 daughter and 6 grand childrens. At first we had a difficult time to communicate with him, as his vision was blurred and his ear was also hard of hearing. We had to talk very loudly near his ear to converse with him, which was making us feel quite uncomfortable as not being used to it often. But slowly we were catching the flow and even he was getting to understand us easily. He started narrating story of his old bygone days, how the school was established in Ranka, where he has played eminent role in its establishment. When asked about the recent earthquake of 18^th September as compared to that of “90 saal ko bhuichalo”, he says the 18/9 Earth Quake was nothing as compared to that of “90 saal ko bhuichalo”.

He recalls that he was very energetic and very fond of singing in his youth days. ”Whenever there was a marriage or any sort of function, I was invited to specially entertain the village and guests with my songs” adds 103 year old Padam smilingly. He even sang a few lines for us and says now “It’s very hard to remember those songs now. I have forgotten those songs”.

Even now, he does not sit idle in his house. When we reached his house he was busy arranging some stones in his fields. “It has been 6 or 7 months since I haven’t toured village like I used to do before”, recalls Padam Bahadur. When asked his daughter in law about his nature, she tells that usually he is calm but when not satisfied, he still scolds them and grumbles. With only one teeth left with him and few white hair, still he has a good memory to remember things. We found this by assuming that he did not forgot to carry his packet of biscuit which we brought for him as a gift. Saying that now it’s time for him to take a nap, and asks us to come again and goes inside his room. We managed to take him to his bed and ask for his blessing and bowed before him. His wrinkled hand touches our head with a smile on his face.

Well, it was a very wonderful and a blessed experience having got an opportunity to meet a 103 year old person. We hope to visit him very soon again. We wish and pray that he may live for more years and bless us in our next visit.

Indian women education: - A historical perspective

2011-11-10T18:26:00.001+05:30

Dr. I..B.S. Yadav

By: DR. INDRA BIR SINGH YADAV

Education is a ladder of development. It dispels darkness and brings s light. It is a base of all Human Resource Development, a stepping stone for the onward march of culture, the bedrock of all human progress. An ancient proverb lays down: If you are planning for one year, plant trees; If you are planning for five years, plant rice: If you are planning for the future, educate your children.

“Education of one boy is education of one person by education of a girl the education of the whole family”. --- Jawaharlal Nehru

This statement amply and to a great extent explains the importance of women education. In India, the condition of women education has always remained deplorable. Women’ education was badly neglected in the past. While her position in Vedic times or even the Upanishadic Era was good, there is no doubt that period after 1000A.D. was a dark age for her. Whatever the historic reasons, her social position began to deteriorate during the period and had considerable repercussions on her education.

During the British period in the beginning nothing was done to promote the Women’s education. It was only with the establishment of municipalities and local fund committees in 1870 that it was possible to promote girls’ education through local public funds. Schools were opened and even SNDT University, the only women’s university came into existence in 1915 through the efforts of Maharishi Karve to provide higher education suitable for women.

The real impetus to women’s education came with the political awakening of the country and the great push Mahatma Gandhi gave to women’s movement.

Indian Women Education during Vedic Period:

During Vedic period the women were considered as complementary of man. She has the equal status as man. They had full rights for their education but, maximum education was done at their homes. This was the earlier condition of education of women in Vedic Period. Afterwards the women education was neglected. There was no arrangement for their education in Gurukul.

Indian Women Education during Budhistic Period:

In the beginning of Buddhist Period the women education was neglected. When Mahatma Buddha allowed the ladies monk in Vihara then the women education flourished. They lived separately. The Acharya lectured them in the presence of special monk or monks. During Buddhist Period the women education was available to the high caste women. The general and low caste women have zero education.

Indian Women Education during Muslim Period:

During Muslim Period the women education did not flourish because of Parda System .The daughters of Islam could not rise to the standard of perfection their preceptors had attained. The low age girls could go to Maktab and could have education but for higher education ,the guardians had to do arrangement at their homes for their education that is for the instruction of girls, there were separate schools but usually they received their education in their own houses or in those of their teachers, living in close proximity. Sometimes learned men of advanced age and often learned ladies of tried merits and school mistress were employed for this purpose. The higher educations for women were only available to higher class families and royal families. During Muslim period only individual hard labour and economic status were responsible for higher education of women.

During this period , when a girl commenced her studies in a Maktab at that time she was made to read the Zarfishani to her parents, who made rich parents to the honoured Ustad in an assemblage called for this purpose. This was known as the Maktab Ceremony. But altogether women education was neglected during this period.

Indian Women Education during British Period:

The East India Company did not consider it necessary to educate the fair sex, perhaps because lady clerks or officers were not required for administrative purposes. At the same time, a variety of odd superstitions held back girls education. Thus William Adams wrote about female education in 1838:-

“All the established native institutions of education exist for the benefit of the male sex only, and the whole of the female sex is systematically consigned to ignorance and left wholly without even the semblance of a provision for their instruction.”

During the Company’s rule there was no separate state Schools for girls and hardly a few girls were attending boys’ schools. Most of the Girls School was run by missionaries and a few by private bodies. In 1851, the Protestant Missions were conducting 86 boarding schools and 285 day schools for girls with an enrollment of 2274 and 8919 respectively. According to the Educational Dispatch of 1854, the total number of girls school was 256 in Madras (Chennai), 65 in Bombay (Mumbai), 288 in Bengal and 17 in North Western Provinces.

FROM 1857 TO 1902:

The Indian Education Commission of 1882, while examining the question of girls education remarked---“Female education is still in an extremely backward condition and needs to be fostered in every legitimate way.”

It recommended that it should receive a larger share of public funds. As a result, state funds were spent more freely on girls’ education. There was a sharp rise in private efforts also. Owing to these two factors girls’ education progressed. This was especially noticeable amongst Europeanized communities viz Brahmo Samaj, the Parsees and the Christians.

FROM 1902 TO 1917:

But very son the feeling of passive apathy was changed into active sympathy owing to sentimental and material causes. The Education Departments also took some active steps and devised new plans for spreading education viz separate schools for girls were started. Arrangements of conveyance for taking girls to schools were made. Inspectors were appointed, favourable grants were given to private girls schools, and steps were taken to attract ladies to the teaching profession.

The above steps gave a great encouragement to girls’ education. In 1984, Mrs. Annie Besant established the Central Hindu Girls School at Banaras (Varanasi) with the object of importing Western Education to girls quite separately from boys in a modernized school of Hinduism. In 1916 the first Medical College lady Hardinge College, Delhi was established for the fairer sex in the country. The Women (SNDT) University was also established in the same year.

In 1917 there were 12 arts colleges, four professionals’ colleges and 166 secondary schools for girls. The majority of girls however did not continue their studies in schools for a long period.

FROM 1917 TO 1947:

During this period development of women education took place very rapidly. At the time of Independence, there were thirty thousand Institutions related with women education and approximately fifty lakh women were getting education from these Institutions’.

Indian Women Education during Modern Period:

After Independence revolutionary changes came into the field of women education .Many committees and commissions were established for the welfare of women and their education, namely:

i. Durga Bai Deshmukh Committee – 1958

ii. Hansa Mehata Committee--- 1964

iii. National Policy on Education—1986

There is considerable expansion in educational facilities for women all over the country at all levels. Major emphasis is given on women participation in vocational, technical and professional education at different levels. The special emphasis was lead on the removal of disparities and equalization of opportunity to women for attending their specific needs in acquiring education. Various steps were taken by State Governments and Central Government to remove prejudice and complexes present in Indian Women in acquiring education. Special vocational training Institutions’ for women were established by the State Departments of vocational education.

During Modern Period women education has become a revolution. Now the women are present in the every field of education. The knowledge explosion has made them universal. During this period the women education has been treated at par with the men. They have equal opportunities and facilities for them. More facilities have been given to them by the governments. The Railway Budget 2000-2001 introduced in the Lok Sabha by then Railway minister Miss Mamta Banerjee has provision of free pass to girls’ student to attend their colleges and schools up to the level of class XII. The government is seriously thinking of making girls education free up to the level of graduate. In this period the women education is far ahead in comparison to their Vedic Period.

Pointers for Reform in Women Education:

1. School going should be made convenient and acceptable for girls. This can be done in a number ways like exempting girls from paying fees, periods of free education for girls may be made longer than boys, staffing of primary school with fairly elder and mature women teachers can also increase the holding power of schools.

2. A nursery or pre-primary school should be attached to every girl’s school where the pupils are allowed to bring their younger brothers and sisters during school hours etc. As many girls are not sent to school, not because of the social stigma, but because they are required at home to look after young brothers and sisters and shoulder the household work.

3. Special incentives like additional allowances commensurate with hardship of rural areas should be given to the women teachers.

4. Accommodation for lady teachers should be provided near the schools.

5. A social climate needs to be created among the village community to enroll all girls of school going age.

6. Family education should be made an integral part of women education.

7. Contents of women education should be emphasis the needs of womanhood.

8. Central and State Governments should join hands and seek the cooperation of all voluntary organizations to spread education for girls every nook and corner of the country.

9. Post elementary education should enable a woman to become a better wife, a better mother and an useful citizen. This education should increase the earning capacity of woman. Therefore, it must definitely be job oriented. Volunteers, NGO, Women Welfare Associations and Government agencies can help in running short term, useful and job oriented courses, Accountancy, Child Care, Nutrition, Dietician, Para Medical Courses ,Interior Decoration, Cuisine, Repairing fuses, Electronic Goods etc are some of the jobs which prove helpful in the home and also enable some to get employment.

10. There are more than six thousands National and State Welfare associations in India. Government should urge them to take up at least one common item of work.

11. Voluntary agencies can further play an important role in creating the right kind of public opinion in favour of women education.

My thoughts coated with sadness

2011-11-02T09:05:00.001+05:30

Jigme Tenzin

By: Jigme Tenzin

I feel sad! I don’t know why. Tears are rolling down my eyes. I know I never felt like this before.

I look around and I see no one. I’m alone, a sheer thought came. There is no one who really do not understand my silence nor who sit beside me and lends their hand towards me. There is no one who will really understand my inner turmoil. Like the unexpected rain after a beautiful sunshine I’m torn apart by worldly affairs. One minute I’m happy and in another second my happiness are washed away.

Like the sudden thunder storm, in fright my happiness is gone. Simply gone! Thoughts are just climbing over my head for its own opinion. I don’t understand what they are saying neither I want them to say something. I Whispered, “just go away”.

I don’t want to get involved. No one hears!

In the next door, I hear the guitar and children sing the hymn. I’m listening (very) carefully but I don’t get a single word. I think it is Mizo (local dialect). I’m crumpled inside. My stomach hurts. Am I worrying too much? I don’t want to think? Just want to be free of thoughts! But lo I don’t understand every thought are crumbling inside. I’ve headache? No but my head feels heavy, as if tons of loads are placed.

Another thought came, what shall I invite someone to eat? No, no one. Who cares?

The child over next door cries…and stopped now! I think mother took her/him into her lap. It reminds of my childhood when I was pampered and took me into her lap. I want to go back. To those times which were wonderfully beautiful. Those times that would never come again. Nostalgia struck!

Now I’m miles and miles away from that loved ones and those which I need most.

They say life is beautiful, and I agree but only it is most beautiful when you share your joys with your loved and the dear ones. I’m here now in an unknown place, someone, my friends have never heard to make a future. I know this is a turmoil time yet future looks bright.

Keeping the negative side aside, I shall walk on, till my journey ends with those positive things I’ve and leaving those negatives, the ones, I don’t have.

I shall carry a loving heart, a heart that shall pay my gratitude to those thankful and forgive those who tried to doom me.

WORLD AROUND ME THROUGH MY SKETCH

2011-10-31T18:05:00.000+05:30

Jeetan Sherpa

Here we are again with another exceptionally talented artist from Gangtok, Sikkim. As it has been our continuous effort to give those talents a new direction, we are here with art work of Mr. Jeetan Sherpa, a simple boy, who after his studies is pursuing Animation course that specializes in 3D model from Bangalore. A gifted talent with no professional classes taken, has mastered the art of sketching very skillfully and one can find a detailed expression in his work. Today we are posting some of his work which are very wonderfully done and hope after seeing his piece of work one can appreciate and view every detail in his work. We hope our viewers will love his work and encourage talent like Jeetan to excel in his future endeavours.

तूफानी सफर्

2011-10-30T11:57:00.005+05:30

- उदेश्य यादव

तूफानी सफर्

चल रहा तूफानी सफर्
सफर कर्ने वाला है नीडर्
जाना है वह जगह जँहा
लँडाई कर्ना जहाँ हो मना ।

जाना वहाँ है मुश्कील जरा

लगेगा तुम्हे जाना एक सजा

तूफान कर्देगा तुम्हारा जीना बुरा

कुल्फी जम जाएगी तुम्हारी यहाँ ।

यहाँ पर पहुचोगे तो

लगेगा आए हो तुम स्वर्ग मै

ना होगा कोइ झूट या दर्द्

होगा बस सच और सुख ।

- उदेश्य यादव

HAPPY DIWALI: MY WAY OF CELEBRATING

2011-10-26T14:19:00.001+05:30

A couple of decade ago, when I used to be a kid, hearing about the word DIWALI , there used to be some kind of exhilaration and the environment used to be totally different from what I see today.
I still can't get off of my eyes the image of those days when every house's doors in our village were covered with SAYAPATRI PHOOL ( सयपत्री फूल ), GODAVARI PHOOL ( गोदावरी फूल ) and MAKHAMALI PHOOL ( मखमली फूल ). The gleam of diya also known as पाला kept above cow dung (गाईको गोबर) still sparkles before my eyes. The mesmerizing chant of Deusi ( देउसी ) and Bhailo ( भईलो ) still echoes in my ears. What a time it used to be....

But as I celebrate now, the sayapatri phool has been replaced by the electric (पिल -पीले ) lights. Not only lights, even the Diya has been replaced by the electric one. Deusi and Bhailo, the way it used to be played has also lost its significance. It has been replaced by the band programmes with maximum numbers of songs played on western instruments. Where are those instruments that reflect our identity? Whenever I play drums it reminds me of Madal, playing guitar reminds me of tungna , those modern songs has made those melodious deusi ram and bhailo ram fade away. The story telling Ramayana silok has been replaced by the so called Rap songs. We hardly give away Blessings or Aashis at the end of deusi. I don’t even remember how the blessings were given away. Why am I doing this? Have I forgotten my identity or am I being ignorant? All these fancy way of celebrating diwali has taken me very far away from the reality why we celebrate diwali. Our younger generation hardly knows the significance of why diwali is being celebrated. This sorry state we are living in today is a clear example of where we have lead ourselves to. Having forgotten all our cultures and traditions and pretending to be knowing all about is what I do now a days. Why are we running away from who and what we are? Or are we still deprived of that education on our cultures and traditions by our parents? These things are to be looked seriously by each and everyone, so that we do not fall prey to the cultures transforming itself into westernization. Here I am not saying that being westernization is a bad thing, what I am saying here is that we should also not forget our customs and cultures, which should go hand in hand with the modernization. When I look into my neighbours and friends house, the way they are celebrating is the same it used to be a couple of decades earlier. Sometimes I am even invited to my friends place to celebrate with them. I don’t find any difference in their celebration. But why is it that only I have changed the way of celebrating Diwali? Am I being totally ignorant towards my customs or am I forcing myself to ignore the traditional ways of celebration? Or is it because of the lifestyle I am leading? Year after year I am losing all the assets that my forefathers have valued over the years. The assets of moral values, customs and traditions are more valuable than any other thing. What will I say if someone asks me about my culture and why am I celebrating diwali? Will I be able to reply back? Why have I gotten myself in to this shameful situation?

Well, now I have decided to look back at those days how it used to be. It is a high time for me to revive my lost customs before it is too late. I can make good use of the modern tools like internet to do research work on my culture and get to know things more specifically. I can approach knowledgeable person, friends, neighbours, colleagues on this matter, visit ancestral home or village where diwali is celebrated systematically till this date.

Leaving all those confusions and dilemma aside, I will celebrate this diwali, the way I used to celebrate a decade ago. Dear friends, I have decided my way of celebrating, what about you? How will you celebrate?

Requite my love

2011-10-17T14:39:00.000+05:30

Requite my love

Beautifully gifted thou art goddess;

My heart yearns, for picking a glimpse,

You the fairy fair, winsome lady,

As to bind thy love and mine to eternity.

Ye the pure heart, your heart so sweet,

As darkness fall I need no light but thee,

You shall complete me in kindness and love,

Your name renders peace in my formless soul.

In my inner soul your name resonates,

Yet I can't live in the strength of echoes,

Embrace me, in your sweetest heart,

Take me, touch my heart, ye my bosom friend.

Oh brightest star, you are so lovely,

Take, fill me in, take me into your heart,

Requite my love ye the divine fairy,

Take me by your friend to the heavenly bliss.

- By Jigme Tenzin

कहाँ गई टूङीने हुन पाइला हरुु

2011-10-13T20:45:00.000+05:30

कहाँ गई टूङीने हुन पाइला हरुु

कहाँ सम्म गई टूङीने हुन यी पाइलाहरु

कती सम्म् शब्दहरु लेख्छन यी औंलाहरु

हीड्छु म बाटामा एक गुन-गुनाई ।

जंधार तर्न डराउछन पाइलाहरु थर थराइ

कहाँ सम्म गयी टूङीने हुन यी लक्ष्य हरु

कती सम्मा कलम चलाउछ्ँन यी औंलाहरु ।

जाने जब पाइला सार्न यस धर्ताल्मा

पाए हुन्थ्यो देखे जती ठाउँमा जान्

बल गरीकन् उठी सार्छु एक पाइला

अर्को पाइला सार्न नपाईकन थेचारीन्छू म त्यही ठाउँमा

जबा सार्छू म दुइ चार पाइलाहरु

खुशी हुन्छन घर का परिवार हरु ।

भए म जब 'क्' 'ख' पढ्ने

बढ्यो चीन्ता ठुलो यस्लाई पाठ्साला कस्ले लाने ।

बीस्तारै बीस्तारै जाने मैले पढ्न लाई

सुनाउछूँ सबै पाठ घर्मा आई ।

कहाँ सम्म गई टूङीने हुन मेरा व्यथाहरु

कती पीडाहरु लेख्छन यी औंलाहरु ।

थुप्रै छन यहाँ स्याल्हरु बाघ का छाला ओड्ने हरु

थुप्रै छन यहाँ जुगाँहरु अर्काको रगत चुसी पेट भर्नेह्रु ।

धेरै जन्मीए यहाँ पर्भक्चीय प्राणीहरु

धेरै जन्मीए यहाँ गंङगटा हरु आफ्नो नङ्राले खोताली मुहान झल्काउने हरु

जता ततै छन यहाँ माकुराहरु शीकार्को आशामा जाल बुन्दै दाउ हेर्ने ।

शहर बजार तीर पनी स्याल जन्मीए असहाय प्राणी घीसारी पेट भर्ने ।

जता ततै जन्मीन्दैछन चील्हरु आकाश बाट उडी भुइमा चल्ला टीप्ने

सोध्छु म त्यही राषट्राघाती आत्मालाई हामी पनी तयही चाल सीख्ने की नसीख्ने

कहाँ गई टूङीने हुन पाइला हरुु

कती लेखाइमा टूङीने हुन यी शब्दहरु ।

- कमला देवी अधीकारी "उदासी"

A STUDY OF IDENTIFICATION OF UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIOURS AMONGST STUDENTS AND STRATEGIES USED IN REMOVING IT: A PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.

2011-10-11T09:12:00.000+05:30

Dr. I.B.S. Yadav

By Dr. I.B.S. Yadav:

Being worked as school teacher, head of the institution and teacher trainer, I have noticed a few students in my class who don’t pay much attention what I have been teaching them during my classes. At times I have thought of seriously about their behaviour. The students who do not pay much attention to the teacher have some undesirable behaviours. With their undesirable behaviours they can be easily identified. The following undesirable behaviours shown by the students has helped me to identify them easily in a conducive classroom environment:-

(i) Shy and self conscious behavior:- Shy individual has low self esteem and tends to anticipate adversities thus often remain silent and avoid eye contact.

(ii) Fearful behaviour:- Students sit alone in a room/classroom, hide from meeting students of higher classes.

(iii) Emotionally disturbed behaviours: - Students show emotionally disturbed behaviours like weeping, quarrelling, nail biting thumb sucking etc.

(iv) Sensitive behaviours: - Like getting hurt easily e.g. on being teased by peers, elders etc.

(v) Feeling of inferiority complex: - Feeling of inferiority arising from the sense of imperfection and in completion of work.

(vi) High aspiring behavior: - A student who hopes and aspire for high goal but failed to achieve this. He becomes unrealistic in life.

(vii) Delusions behaviour: - A student who does not work hard for the final examination and thinks that it is the God only who can get him through the examination and he fails. This shows the delusion in him which makes him not pay much attention in the class.

(viii) Anxious behaviour:-I have seen many students who were tense and worried and do not pay much attention during teaching-learning process.

(ix) Aggressive behaviour:- Students showing aggressive behaviour do not pay much attention in the class room. The tendencies of dominating always disturb her /his brain and thus they are not able to pay much attention in the class.

(x) Bad tempered outburst behaviour: - Sometimes if a student does not get fair treatment, sympathy, co-operation and freedom of action within reasonable limits by the teacher, the students get hurt and thus she/he was not able to pay attention in the classroom.

The children /students showing above behaviours require special attention in the school in general and in the class room in particular. So, to motivate them and to pay more attention in my class, I have adapted the following strategies:-

(a) I have asked these students to sit in front row in my subject class so that they can be under direct observation of me.

(b) I have given them special care and always boosted their ego to overcome the feeling of isolation, inferiority complex. I called them to black board to write simple answer and acclaim for credible achievements. I compensate them for their short comings.

(c) To motivate the students of aggressive and hostile behaviours I have staged and assisted plays , paintings ,talks and shown audio-video clippings related with my subject with aggressive students to overcome from repression and anxiety.

(d) I have provided them full freedom with reasonable limits, gave them fair treatment, co-operation as much as I could so that bad tempered outburst behaviour can be checked and minimised.

(e) For the removal of shy, earful and anxious behaviours, I facilitated and provided opportunities of free discussions on topics related to my subject by reading articles from magazines and newspapers like science Reporter, Times of India, The Telegraph etc as well as suggestions invited from the rest of the students of the class.

(f) Excursion, visits, tours for the students were organized and ample opportunities were provided to shoulder various responsibilities of management, arrangement in order to overcome the emotionally disturbed and high aspirations behaviours.

(g) The help of colleagues and talks by successful ex-students of the school and locality were solicited for motivating and providing psychological boost to these students.

(h) I applied Law of Gradual Control on the learners in their learning process. It provided a learner control over time and the speed at which she/he could learn the material and to overcome the feeling of inferiority complex by completing her/his task assigned.

(i) The teaching –learning process was strictly followed on the principle of teaching from simple to complex, familiar to unfamiliar concepts to enable the students to pay more attention in the class room.

The above strategies used by me were very helpful to motivate the students. The excursions, visits, tours highly motivated them and the first week after these exercises were very excellent. The students who were not paying more attention in my class, they started paying attention in my class. The counseling provided by my fellow colleagues and trained personnel from other educational agencies and talk by successful ex-students and successful persons from the locality had completely changed the classroom environment of my class and maximum learning was acquired by the students when their past results were compared with the present results.

Through this study, I got an experience that many problems, which cannot be solved by an individual alone. Individuals need help of the trained persons for solving the emotional problems of the students.

Tears of the sun

2011-10-09T12:41:00.000+05:30

Jigme Tenzin

A small effort by CPCV to bring all the hidden talent under one roof. Today we have come across another talent in the field of literature whose talent has not been recognized till this date. A college student of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Mizoram, who hails from Bhutan Jigme Tenzin is one of the exceptionally talented one with a very unique writing skills. Today here we are giving an exposure to his piece of work, which we hope our readers will appreciate and encourage his talents to go further and further. We wish him all the luck and hope his talent reaches new heights. We hope after reading his, this piece of art you all will look forward for more from him. So, we CPCV will be publishing his series of poem every week hope you all will appreciate this rising young talent.

Tears of the sun

The twittering of birds,

Yelps of those unwanted,

Yet! Other cries of unknowns,

Sheer sound of those abandoned,

It was always the pain,

To the beings of “samsara.”

Colors of tears has been shed,

By the war that dwell,

Bringing famine and poverty,

Unthinkable it becomes,

No warmth as fire of heart,

Everything and everyone is hurt.

Touching the broken heart,

Sooth the heart which have been hurt,

“Milue” what we called a life,

Is too precious to acquire,

Oh! Almighty lord,

Have mercy on those.

By: Jigme Tenzin

SONAM WAIBA: CAUGHT IN A MOMENT

2011-10-08T08:29:00.000+05:30

“Almost after 8 [Eight] months when I played guitar, I wasn’t able to play… I felt like I have never played before… I cried and cried and cried….”

It all started in the 90’s, a teenage boy grabbed a guitar, went in the corner and starting playing until he got the correct notes. With an enthusiasm and determination to dedicate his entire life to music, went through many phases of life. Like every rockstars his story is not different from any of them. Conferred with a title “Magic Finger” by a popular rock music magazine Rock Street Journal (RSJ), has also performed as a guest guitarist with India’s biggest rock band ‘Parikrama’, has also showcased his magical riffs all over the country. With all those family obligations and alcoholism that nearly made the magical talent hidden from the entire scene, made a comeback overcoming all the criticisms and leaving behind all those bad memories to start all over again, he is none other than Sonam Waiba. Here we are in conversation with guitar master, a legend, guitar god and many more titles that his fans call knows him by, trying to know more and better of him.

Common People Common Voice: Thank you very much Sonam Waiba Daju for giving your precious time and greetings from Common People Common Voice.

Sonam Waiba : Welcome, and thank you Common People Common Voice for honouring me and I appreciate your work.

CPCV : So lets talk about your initial phase, when did you start playing guitar? How did it start?

Waiba : Ok, the story date’s back to the time when I was just a teenage boy. There was a show by ITC where one of the

India

’s top bands ‘Shiva’ performed. Me and my friend cum Brother Rajesh Pradhan Daju (Brother) went together to watch the show. I was totally an alien to guitar. Guitar was totally a new character to me. There I saw how it was played; it was like a dream to me. They performed numbers like Wall by Pink Floyd, Breaking the Law by Judas Priest and some Jon Bon Jovi numbers. It left a mesmerizing effect on me. Later, Rajesh Daju bought a guitar and used to play. I used to watch him play; sometimes he used to teach me some chords. In no time he made to be a guitarist. It took me whole 9 to 10 months to hit correct ‘G’ note.

CPCV : And who inspired you to play guitar? You know, every great personalities has some inspiration..

Waiba : It was Rajesh Pradhan who inspired me to play guitar. As I told, I have never in my life touched guitar. May be Rajesh Daju had played earlier. But for me, it was totally a new thing. So, I take Rajesh Daju as my inspiration, as he is the one who introduced me to guitar and has helped me a lot to reach this level. I used to go to my friend Shyam Chettri’s place which was quite near to my house. To an extent he has also helped me a lot during my learning phase.

CPCV : You have performed in Delhi, Kolkota, and many other places. So how did you have your major breakthrough?

Waiba : It all started after the first time I touched guitar. Almost after 3 years of my introduction with guitar, I first performed at small festival show. Then after, I got company of great and wonderful brothers. We performed together at Guards Ground. We got an opportunity to perform at IIT Mumbai. But then, I played as a bass guitarist for Simple Parasite. I consider IIT Mumbai platform as a major breakthrough in my career.

CPCV : Have you taken any formal classes in Guitar?

Waiba : You know, during that time there wasn’t any classes or institutes like we find today. All you have to do was on your own. No Gurus or Teachers and like today, there was no easy access like internet and all where we can learn guitar techniques. At that time, I even didn’t used to own a tape recorder. I used to go to my friends place to listen. All you have to do was on the basis of what you hear. But yes, it was because of IIT Mumbai which introduced me to a person named Rajiv Garo from Guwahati, who taught me some techniques and piece. I can still play the notes he gave me that time. During that time, we spent nearly 15 days there at Mumbai and during those 15 days I learned a lot from Rajiv Garo. During those 15 days of stay with him I had an experience of 15 years. He was a wonderful guitarist. So, those 15 days of tips & suggestions, I take as my lessons. After that show, I came to know that how important notation was. So I grew my interest in learning notation, as notation was like a universal language for music. In studios also we were given scripts, and there were no need of understanding the language they spoke. All we have to do was read and understand the notes. I realized no matter how good guitar you play, if you are not educated, no one will accept you and value your skills. So I self practiced and learned notation.

CPCV : So how was your life after IIT Mumbai?

Waiba : After IIT Mumbai plenty of shows came our way. We did numerous shows at Darjeeling, Kolkota, Delhi and

Sikkim

. During that time I was getting more inclined towards being a solo guitarist. Then thereafter, I sent my 4 demo to a popular rock magazine named RSJ to get featured in their album. Many interesting and memorable things happened during that time. The criteria set by RSJ for sending demo were to be on 4 tracks. But during that time, there were no such facilities in Sikkim, we have to go to Darjeeling. So we decided to do live recording in our recorder. It was very difficult to okay in one take, if something went wrong, again we had to start from the beginning. Everything was live, from guitar to drum. Everything has to be perfect. Anyhow we managed to record and at around 4 am in the morning. Finally I sent my demo to RSJ which was named as Highway Freak, Waibaeetie, Blues Breaker and Akhil Dhama. Though the tracks I sent did not meet the criteria set by RSJ, still they loved my solos. After hearing my solo compositions they honoured me with a title “Magic Finger”. From all over

India

getting recognized by popular brand like RSJ wasn’t a small thing. I was getting drowned into fame, money, alcohol; they were becoming part of my life. It was in 1997… As I was getting more serious about my career as a guitarist, I left for Kolkota and started playing with a band called Fifth Dimension as a Rhythm Guitarist, though I was a lead guitarist. Very interesting and funny thing happened while I was in Kolkota.

CPCV : Would you like to share…?

Waiba : Yes sure, you know, though I was a lead guitarist, I had to compromise with rhythm guitar as it was Kolkota and not Sikkim. You know what I mean right..? I had to teach all the lead part to our band lead guitarist all night long, inch by inch and tomorrow at the show he used to play as a lead guitarist and there I had to play as a rhythm guitarist. This was quite funny and at the same time quite interesting also. (Says smilingly)

CPCV : Quite interesting…so how was your life in Kolkota?

Waiba : It went well. I stayed there for nearly 3 years. I used to work at studio and also play for my band. I met many great artists and worked with them. Lot of things came my way, money and everything. I was enjoying my life every bit. I played for many Bengali songs and telefilms, as they used to pay me well. More money means more alcohol, more enjoyment. More over, I was dragging myself into misery. I was parting my ways from my life, guitar. It was in 2000, I returned back to

Sikkim

CPCV : If you are to make a list of your achievements, what would you include?

Waiba : IIT Mumbai was the first step towards my achievements. One of the most wonderful achievements would be RSJ, whatever name I could make out of myself was through RSJ. Another achievement I would include in my list would be our release of Nepali album named ‘Aakancha’ which also made hit and topped chart in radio because during that time there were very few who could release their own album. I still listen to the album and it feels good. We also won at a show organized by Doordarshan in Gangtok. And recently I stood second in a solo instrumental competition which took place in Shillong. Yap, these all are the achievements I cherish till this date.

CPCV : So how was your life in Sikkim, after coming back?

Waiba : Oh ! After all my years of playing, having gone through enough of money, alcohol, girls.. I was totally lost in oblivion. This process went for quite a long time. Alcohol n alcohol…

CPCV : How do you see career in rock music?

Waiba : Well, career in rock music depends on oneself. In my point of view, when it comes to

Sikkim

, there is a very low chance of living your life through it. But slowly and gradually, it has been getting recognition. But in cities like Delhi, one has a very bright future in rock music. If one plays a good guitar, he can make a good buck in Delhi. It is very expensive for one to learn guitar in Delhi, one has to pay for minutes. Whereas in Sikkim, Rs.500 per month is what people of Delhi pays for 45 minutes. One can make more money in institute than playing for a band. So, what I would like to suggest upcoming guitarists, if you want your talents to get recognized, you should go to other states. You have lot of opportunities outside

Sikkim

and nonetheless you can earn good money also.

CPCV : OK.. so now lets come back to your time, I mean the phase when you were quite in dilemma…

Waiba : Yeah, after going through those successful innings, I was kind of lost in my own world of alcohol. I left playing guitar, as if guitar was an alien to me. So, nearly a year of disturbances made Magic Finger a Tragic Finger.

CPCV: After these all years, what made you come back again and start playing? As we all know that once you left something and you are totally out of track, it’s very hard to come back again..

Waiba: It was a show again that brought me back from the dead (in context of music), I got a contact from a friend and I was to perform at a show in Vajra. For the show as I started practicing and almost after 8 [Eight] months when I played guitar, I wasn’t able to play… I felt like I have never played before… I cried and cried and cried and thought now I should give up and never play again and it was over for me. But with new morning a new ray of hope came. I was not going to give it up so easily. All my life of those dedication and prayers, how could I give it up? It was a new start for me. I again stared playing and I’d say that after that incident I again learned from the beginning.

CPCV: You are also running a guitar institute of your own, Sonam Waiba Music Institute. How do you find teaching and imparting knowledge?

Waiba : Yes I am running my own institute, though it will take time to get recognized fully. It is a wonderful experience to teach what you know and it gives me satisfaction as well.


Sonam Waiba with his students

CPCV : If you are to perform with artists of your choice, let’s say a dream band of yours, how would the line up look like?

Waiba : Yes, I’ve always dreamt of having my dream band with artists from different bands. The lineup will be something like me as a lead guitarist, Mike Portnay and John Myung of Dream Theater will be my drummer and bass guitarist and Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden will be the vocalist.

CPCV : These names you mentioned are all from international acts, but when it comes to Sikkim who do you think has the potential or you have thought of playing or performing together?

Waiba : Yes of course, there are many good bands in

Sikkim

these days. But the one I would like to perform with will be Girish Pradhan. He is a very good performer. Recently we also conversed through facebook and he has also asked to perform together someday. Yes, if got an opportunity we will surely perform together and want my guitar to touch his vocal.

CPCV : We have also heard that your album was underway release. Have you released your album?

Waiba : Yes, I have completed writing my songs but the reason for getting delayed is due to the lack of proper technicians and moreover I have not been able to get a drummer who could play on studio recording. There are hardly professional technicians in Sikkim, so..

CPCV : Ok, so it’s been more than hours, hope we are not irritating you…

Waiba : No, no, it is interesting talking with you. I am enjoying it..

CPCV : Before wrapping up, what message would you like to give to all the upcoming and aspiring guitarist..

Waiba : Hard work and dedication is the most important thing one should possess. Apart from this, practice is what you need. Today we see most of the artist coming to our place are from outside. This means we are lagging behind in music as compared to other states. Therefore our artists have to be so fine and original so that Sikkim could emerge as a station or a hub for musicians from all around.

Well readers, this was the Guitar master himself, Mr.Sonam Waiba, caught in a moment and in conversation with Common People Common Voice. Hope everyone enjoyed this interview with our own son of Sikkim. We would like our readers to please give us your feedbacks on the topic

If you love me!

2011-10-01T14:04:00.001+05:30

If you love me!

Because I love you so much

I’ve forgotten to love myself.

Lost everything for you

What was mine and all.

I’ve chosen this frozen emptiness

And this endless fall.

For you I’ve died many times

And have cried darkest nights of ages

Watched funerals of happiness.

Because I love you so much

I’ve paid blood and sweat for your love

Bribed streams of tear

Offered smiles and maimed hopes

Only because I love you so much.

I remember

I had dreams sprinkled all over the sky,

Bridges across the stars built for me

And roads to the land beyond horizons

Because I love you so much

Lost my dreams and lost my roads.

Nowhere to go without you

I wait here lost in love

Yearning for a melody of life.

Thirsty-thirsty like a dead planet

I’ve felt the solid darkness of love.

This silence-silence of silences

Chills me more than death above

Because I love you so much

I’ve lost all pleasure and pain

But if you only love me

Come and release me from this chain.

Awaken me! Enliven me!

Because I love you so much.

By Bijoy Kumar subba