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Ramesh for reviewing list of trade items for Nathula

A meeting of the ministers of Industry of the eight northeastern states was held in Gangtok at Chintan Bhavan in October. Jai Ram Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commerce, also attended the meeting. The meeting was primarily held to discuss and review the Northeast Industry Incentives and Transport Subsidy Policy 1977.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister Dr. Chamling offered to design the regional investment policy for the northeast. Chamling stressed that the northeast needed a well designed investment policy to be framed after consultations with all the stakeholders. He added that the northeast had tremendous potential in the hydel and tourism sectors, but said the region lacked infrastructure.

Minister of State Ramesh admitted that the Central government had failed to implement the special industrial policy it had framed for the northeastern states almost 10 years ago.

Shedding light on the recently opened Nathula trade route, Ramesh said that the current list of import and export items needed to be revised and that the list should include more feasible items. In this regard, he informed that the current list, with proposals from the state government, was being reviewed by the National Council for Advanced Economic Research, New Delhi, which will submit its report shortly. In addition to the trade at Nathula, he said that the state government's proposal to the Centre to promote and develop tourism was being looked into.

Youths receive tourism training

The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) organized a weeklong training program for youths at the Community Hall in Soreng in September. Altogether 41 youths from Soreng and surrounding areas took part in the training which was inaugurated by A. K. Shrivastava, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department. The training covered practical and theoretical aspects of eco tourism, monasteries, thankas (religious paintings), flora and fauna, wetlands, culture, cuisine, rescue and relief operations and personality development.

A similar training on cooking skills was held at the Institute of Hotel Management in Gangtok. Altogether 46 participants from south district were trained in Indian and Continental cuisine and in the hygienic handling of food.

‘Sikkim inspired by Darjeeling’

Dr. Pawan Chamling, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, visited Darjeeling on October 11. He was the chief guest at a Nepali play titled Ani Deorali Runcha, an extremely popular drama. The play first staged in 1972 was originally produced by Gorkha Dukha Nivaarak Sammelan (GDNS). The play is written by Man Bahadur Mukhia.

Earlier, addressing a grand reception at the GDNS Hall, Chamling, who is a well-known literary figure himself, thanked the GDNS for the invitation to witness one of the most thought-provoking plays in Nepali literature. Chamling also appreciated the charitable work being carried out by GDNS members.

Later the Chief Minister watched the play at the Capital Theatre. Addressing the audience there, Chamling said that plays like Ani Deorali Runcha should be honored as they keep our culture and tradition alive and added that Darjeeling is the home of Nepali art and literature and that the hill town had inspired Sikkim in its development. Chamling also expressed the hope that Sikkim and Darjeeling would join hands to boost the tourism sector.

The Chief Minister awarded Man Bahadur Mukhia, the playwright of Ani Deorali Runcha, with the first Dhan Bir Mukhia Award. The GDNS members presented mementos to the Chief Minister as well. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his wife, Tika Maya Chamling, and cabinet ministers. The entourage also visited Tiger Hill, famed for its spectacular sunrise, and Sinchel Temple before returning to Gangtok.

Chief Minister pledges support for tourism events

The popular Namchi Mahotsav was held in Namchi in west Sikkim in October. Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling inaugurated the Mahotsav at the Children's Park. On the occasion, he said that events like the Mahotsav were a perfect platform for showcasing the culture and traditions of the different communities of the state. Highlighting floriculture, the theme for this year's Mahotsav, the Chief Minister said that it could be a very profitable venture if pursued in earnest and added that Sikkim provides the right environment for its development.

He pledged cooperation to events such as the Mahotsav which help boost tourism. He urged the people, especially the youth, to explore possibilities in the service sector. This year the Mahotsav played host to the Chrysanthemum Flower Competition-cum-Exhibition. Around 30 people from Sikkim, Mirik, Kalimpong and Darjeeling participated in the competition. The first prize went to Sonam Sherpa of Munal Nursery, the second to Mani Kumar Gurung and the third prize to Sylvester Rai and Bijom Rai of Darjeeling. The prizes were sponsored by Mainam Garden. Lively cultural shows during the Mahotsav drew tourists and locals alike. The Mahotsav for the first time played host to folk dances from all the eight northeastern states.

24-m tall Buddha statue coming up

Dr. Pawan Chamling laid the foundation stone of Lord Buddha Garden at Rabong in south Sikkim. The garden, which is being touted as a meditation retreat, will have a 24-m tall Buddha statue. Pang Lhabsol, a major festival of Sikkim observed to worship Mt. Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim, is celebrated on a grand scale in Rabong. The famed Pang-Toed Chaam is one of the main attractions of this festival.

Orchid named after Sonia’s granddaughter

Sikkim has a new orchid hybrid Brasso laelio cattleya (BLC), which has been named after Miraya Vadra Gandhi, the granddaughter of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The flower was revealed on September 26 at Old Sikkim House in New Delhi in the presence of Congress (I) president, Sonia Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, Sikkim's Chief Minister Dr. Chamling and his wife. The release was followed by a flower show that showcased the varied flora of Sikkim. The hybrid was developed by K. C. Pradhan, former chief secretary of Sikkim and an orchid expert and well-known conservationist.

First international expedition atop Mt. Thingchinkhang

Climbers from India, Germany and Spain have climbed the 6,010-m Thingchinkhang, one of five peaks opened only recently for climbing. Three Germans - Schmidt Gerald Anton, DR Lehrer Florian and Mayer Gerhard - made it to the summit on October 19. Accompanying them were three Sherpa guides - Nima Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa and Ang Kami Sherpa - and liaison officer Dhan Bahadur Chettri. Yak and Yeti Travels and Expeditions had arranged the venture.

Jesus Maria Garcia Armendariz and Carmelo Zabalza Dallo from Spain were involved in opening the route and establishing advance camps. The expedition was planned by Satish Bardewa, a qualified mountaineer from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Indian Mountaineering Foundation. He is the national representative to foreign expeditions and CEO of Yak and Yeti Travels and Expeditions.

Addressing the media, Bardewa said that the recent success atop Thingchinkhang provided support to the Government of Sikkim in promoting quality and eco-friendly adventure tourism. He also thanked the Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Chamling, for promoting adventure tourism.

The company is to regularly organize expeditions to the remaining four alpine peaks. They are Brumkhangse (5,635 m) and Lamo Angden (5,868 m) in north Sikkim and Jopuno (5,936 m) and Frey's Peak (5,830 m) in west Sikkim, now open for climbing as well as trekking.
- Neeraj KC