Importance and Significance of Education in Darjeeling
Posted by barunroy on May 15, 2008
By Ichamani Chettri
We know the significance and importance of Education in our life, but yet we are careless. We know this to be the age of Information and Technology but yet we are in Stone Age!
Why aren’t there any Army officers, Naval officers, Air force Officers, I.A.S officers, I.P.S officers, Engineers, Doctors, I.F.S. officers, Ambassadors or other Administrative and Executive officers?
Hardly 0.000006% of our people are I.A.S officer and most of them come from SC or ST quota, percentage is taken 10 out of 1.5 million). Here the percentage is so low that the real question that arises is when will it reach 1 per cent.
If we will not do anything now then our percentage will decrease instead of increasing.
The one and only solution for this is education. I don’t want to say that we are not educated, we are educated If we get our statehood then I am sure our state will be a Liberated state in India with more then 95% literacy rate. The problem is we have college without subjects and lecturers, we don’t have good labs for science colleges, we don’t have options to choose the subjects, we are forced to take compulsory subjects.
Let us take the example of Kurseong College, in Science faculty (Math’s, Physics, Chemistry) are compulsory they don’t have a options to take a combination of (Maths, Physics and Geography), (Mathematics, Chemistry, Statistics), (Mathematics, Physics, Electronics), (Mathematics, Statistics, Geography)…..etc, there are so many other subjects till now we don’t the name of those subject.
Second problem is the syllabus which is offered to us is not good, because I have completed my Madhyamik Pariksha from Pushpa Rani School. I am also the student of Mr. Surendra Podder who is journalist of Himalaya Darpan, teacher of Pushpa Rani School and Member of Kurseong Municipality, whenever he used to come to our class he always said “Throw your learning English in Dhobi Khola”, I do agree with him because the standard was very low. In class nine and Ten we never studied about “Matrix” where as the student of I.C.S.E have to study “Matrix Addition and Matrix Subtraction”, ”Matrix multiplication and their properties “ are included in the syllabus of I.S.C even in the syllabus of C.B.S.E we can find these topics, but in our west Bengal syllabus we didn’t see the word “Matrix” till class 12th mathematics. After class 12th we are eligible to appear for NDA Entrance test which is conducted by UPSC. In such test some questions are asked about “Matrix”, Now tell me how we can take commission in Defense without studying “Matrix”. I have given you the example of Mathematics, may be something is happening with other subject also.
Here what I mean to say is that the path which was shown to us we are still following that path we never tried or trying to bring twist to our path. Now I request to all the people of Darjeeling its time to work hard because now its time prepare our own syllabus. My humble request to Surendra sir, Alley Sir, Sushila Madam and also other teachers of Pushparani school and entire teachers, lecturers, If we found in book that something wrong about the syllabus then we have to change the syllabus because your experience of Teaching Knows what is the syllabus of Class 8th ,9th ,10th comparing with other boards.
Surendra Sir, please don’t mind let me tell you the fact because whatever mistake you have done in future it should not be repeated by others .If you had done something at that time then I believe our syllabus might have been changed and instead of learning English our students were/are studying some other English. Today I can’t write good English why? Because I have studied learning English rather then other good English. Also I still remember whenever you used to take our class at that times you used to say that what is the use of studying History, Geography ??, We don’t know about our grandfather history but we are studying about Babar, Akbar and ……… . In geography we are studying about food grains which we cannot produce in Darjeeling. These subjects are useless instead of these subjects there must be class where we can teach our students about the work of Cobbler, Barber, Tailor……………………………………………,Sir If you will teach us like this then all the student of Pushparani will be Barber , Cobbler, Tailor and………. .Sir now we have to be advance we have to think something unique something extra ordinary. We will study History, Geography, Learning English beside this we will teach our student something technical Such as lab Technician (D.M.L.T), Computer related diplomas or programming, Diploma in electronics. Such type of courses we can introduce in Pushparani School even in other school.
If we are offered good subjects, good teachers then definitely we will achieve and cross the above mentioned percentage. For this target great efforts must be given by the teachers you are responsible to build our District, State and Country. Specially I request the Intellectuals and political Leaders of Darjeeling Such as Dr. M. P. Lama, Dr. Harka Bhadur Chettri, Mr. Bimal Gurung to bring the changes in the field of Education so that every body in Darjeeling can understand and study the subjects by their interest and choices. We have to introduce so many departments and subjects in each and every college of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and even in Sikkim. Also we have to build Degree college for Engineering, Medical Science, Pharmacy, Law, Management etc……..
These changes should be done immediately then only we can be Army officer, naval officer, Air force Officer, I.A.S officer, I.P.S officer, Engineer, Doctor, I.F.S. officer, Ambassador or other Administrative or Executive officer.
May 15, 2008 at 12:06 pm
In Hills (esp. in Madhyamik Borad School)English is taught in Nepali.
Teaching English in Nepali should be avoided.
May 15, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Correct/True. All the subjects are taught in Nepali. I had great difficulty in picking up English. I could not speak English properly even when I was doing graduation. English Schools like St. Robert’s , St. Teresa should teach and explain the subjects in English as is done in North Point and other ICSE schools.
May 15, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Varsha says
It is true that proper education makes a person not only a good human being but also a good citizen. Earlier though medium of instruction in schools were nepali but the standard of both the nepali and english were good. And credit truely goes to those excellent teachers who dedicated their time and energy to make their pupil lover of literature. I also think elders played significant role in generating interest amongst their siblings towards literature by being themselves voracious readers.I always watched my elder sisters enjoying differnt types of books and discussing about them, then I too started flicking the pages of books thats how I also developed interst in books.However, nowadays interst lies generally somewhere else maybe TV serials or fashion. Reading always helps by providing various informations about different subjects.
May 15, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Dear Friends,
Don’t underestimate the Nepali Medium schools that much. The number of IAS, IPS and the rest are from Nepali schools. Knowing English alone doesn’t make the difference. It also depends on the students. You need to want to do the best in your life. If you want to become and IAS officer, you will become an IAS depending up how much determined that you are. We are so accustomed to making excuses that nothing ever seems to work for us.
May 15, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I have to agree with Gorkhey Jeep’s sentiments. It is not that we lack education. We have the best of schools in India and arguable in the world and I will have to include St. Teresa’s School, St. Robert’s School along with the list of St. Paul’s School, St. Joseph’s School, Vidya Vikash Academy, Mount Hermon. This is only from Darjeeling. Kurseong is famous for great schools and so is Kurseong. The Government High School, Darjeeling has been declared as the heritage site. Now we have also had and have the best of teachers. But what i have noticed through my numerous interactions with students and schools through my numerous seminars and workshops is that there is a distinct lack of motivation amongst both students and teachers. During a seminar at one of Darjeeling’s Prominent Schools, when asked “how many would like to do their masters or go for higher studies”, in the assemblage of almost 300 plus students from 9 to 12 no one raised their hand. After much persuasion only one student raised his hand. the teachers seemed rather unamused.
The need here is to inculcate the idea of higher education and greater aspirations amongst the students, parents and the teachers right since the early years of one’s schooling.
Regs
May 15, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I agree 100% with Gorkhey Jeep.Is english the only criteria? By the way syllabus of the school is changed by the body not by an individual. Do you know once the education standard of West Bengal was rated high in the country. If we donot have IAS or good civil servant it is not the fault of our education system. The education system as well as the syllabus of West bengal is in par with ICSE or CBSE.
But the real issue which I see in the hills is lack of opportunity, lack of information (How many youths/ students go to cybercafe to gather information?), parents are ignorant about the outside world (I am talking about the rural parents),even parents from the urban setting (Darjeeling town, Kalimpong, Kurseong)do not know much about the various aspects of the education. The economic conditions of more than 75% of the households are not good as they have to think twice to send their children to the better schools,The good children (academically)are not exposed to the outside territory nor they have greater dreams.
Those who are prudent and wealthy enough they send their wards to Kolkata, Bangalore Delhi etc. How many of them has come back to the hills and has served?
English may not be the only criteria for the growth. I also studied in the Nepali medium school and in remote place (St George’s High School Pedong) who has given birth to IAS, WBCS, politician etc.and are all the Bengali, behari, Upaids civil servants studied in english medium school? Probably not.
May 15, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Addendum:After reading barun’s comments:
Now a days children have lost the power to dream. I once I asked my 10 year old daughter about her dream, her prompt reply was I want to be come Miss universe.It is a good dream but how? Am I preparing her to be so? I am not because I do not have the capability. Hope one day my daughter can become miss universe.
May 15, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I think there must be a permanent residential career counselor in every school. The only ‘career counselors’ we have are seen at institutes offering computer courses where their only job is ‘forcibly suggest’ to the students that their courses are best in the world.
In the west, it is the job of the resident career or student counselor to help chart the career of the students. He or she is also a student psychologist. I think we must strongly campaign for a student counselor in every school in Darjeeling Hills.
Regs
May 15, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Dear Jyoti,
Here our topic is about to spread the subjects,good college,good teachers and etc..I dont want to blame the medium of Instruction,either it may be nepali or english or others but the important is who is teaching you ?what is his/her Capabilities to teach you ?,it is Important.One example I can give you of teacher.I have seen many teachers in Kurseong they were thrown from the school after they managed and passed Madhyamik Pariksha(they passed but not by thier efforts they passed by cheating and luck)Similarly they passed Higher Secondry examination like this they passed Graduation,they got the job as a Teacher in Primary school.Now I want to ask you what kind of education will be spread to the student by such teachers???.Another example Some teachers are from Nepali medium school and they got the job in English medium School,If you have any doubts and you go to such teacher what will be thier answer do you know.
Answer will I have never studied these all things in Nepali Medium so I cant help you If you want in English then I can help you.Why I am saying like this because it happened in my life I got same answer from one teacher of Pushparani School.The fact is that my father knows him very well he is from Nepali medium school, now he forget everything whatever he learnt in Nepali medium.When I was studying in Pushparani School everybody used to passed the comments about school(it is not good school,all the student are loafer,gunda,Badmash)even people used to say me Pushparani ko Gunda.Any how I completed My Madhyamik pariksha,after that I got addmission in Higher secondry (Science)
I was very much intereted to take mathematics as special subject in B.Sc,but there was no Mathematics Honours in Kurseong college and our financial condition was not so good so that I can go somewhere and get admission in good college,Even my parents couldnot afford my education expense in Darjeeling or Siliguri.
So I decided to work and study myself, I have to work and should give some financial support to my father and younger sister because she was studying in school.I left kurseong and came to Nashik which is nearby to Mumbai there I got the admission in B.Sc.When I took admission in Nashik my father was doing private job ,there I used to stay with my father,We faced so many problems after that we called my mum in Nashik,She came to Nashik where as my sister was studying in Holy cross Institute Kurseong.I completed my B.Sc (Mathematics) by taking tutions at home this was my part time job,similarly I completed my M.Sc (Mathematics) from University of Pune after completing M.Sc (Mathematics) I went to kurseong in search of job but my bad luck I couldnt get the job.After that I got the job in Pakim Paletine College,Pakyong,Sikkim as a lecturer,I worked their for few days after that I got an opportunity to come in Dubai so I came here and now I am here earning a good salary which is sufficient for me and my family member,After completing my sister H.S we brought her in Nashik,She took admission in Law college,She also completed her B.S.L degree and LLb,my sister also has given too much efforts to achieve these degrees.For her college tution fees she used to worke with private firm during her summer vaction (after the university exams are over ).
Actually my english is not good that is why I can express my feelings properly.If I could tell you my stories in Nepali then definitely your eyes will be full of tears.we have given so many sacrifices to get the degrees.Just because of that degree I am here in Dubai even my sister is in Dubai we both are working now.We have given so many sacrifices but we mean it and done it.In Darjeeling there are so many Students who cannot afford their education expense specially otside for such student we have to provide good subjects,good teacher,good College so that every body should not suffered like me and my sister.
Very soon I am going to write my story infact my biography in the form of short book with the help of Mr.Barun you will find how struggle we have done in future.
Thank you
May 15, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Ichamani…Blaring xample is u itself….If there is will there is a way…despite ur education in rani school and teacher such as pdder u are now earning gud money…thats wat matters in the end…So wats the lesson that u cud give us..Was it podder that stunted ur growth,nepali education..or is it ur will that got u thru hardships in life….i do not beliv in the nonsense of gud infrastructure..etc..for that matter even gorkhaland…identity crap and all..if they call me north eastern..what the hell is bothering me..??..i dont give a fck whether they call me indian,chinese,japenese…i just carry on working..earn gud money for myself and luk after my parents…..Moreover if all the students were to stop cribbing and read themselves after school and think of pursuing their individual goals no one is going to stop them…from achieving it…my advise..stop wasting time in bandhs and sabhas..showing strngth an all..its gettn u knowehere..whole community focusses on achieving their goals and what we have is -
May 15, 2008 at 9:15 pm
is ur guess…:)..
May 15, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Dear ichamani chettri, i am really touched by u life story. Even i am a strong supporter of development of our education standard so that even we can produce IAS,IPS,IFS etc.
But i beg to differ when u gave ur personal example by seeing some teacher’s that the teacher, when he was a student passed exam by cheating or by luck.
I want to ask u the example u gave of teacher was meant for some teacher or to all teacher. If you answer is u gave example of some teacher then why we are facing problem of finding or making ias,ips officals as there are so many schools which deliver very good education and results. So i must say ur blame only on teachers is totally wrong.
I must say for the development of education only teacher cannot be responsible, infact our system, partents and students are also to be blamed.
May 15, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Bimal Gurung as teacher…hmmm… Oh My Sweet Lord!
Am sorry the fault does not only lie with the teachers I am amazed at the amount of reading that kids do these days…zilch! What do they know of the outside world? Duh! To compete effectively you need to be aware…aankhe kholo…accha bolo…sometimes I feel depressed looking at the kids of today…they have it too easy..every thing parents are catering for…hence no drive to learn…reach out and extend one’s self…my nephews studying in Darj…don’t know the PIN CODE!!! They go about asking what is PIN CODE! What do you do with kids who are sooooo unaware of their surroundings and only think talk football/basketball/carrom & the GUITAR…Hello wake up and really smell the coffeeeee!
May 15, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Since a discussion of teacher have been raised . I want ask how many of you know that in dghc area Ad-hoc are being terminated from their job. These Ad-hoc teachers, some working for more 15 years of their life at less than quarter of the permanent teacher salary are now about to get terminated.
The only mistake these Ad-hoc teacher did was, all these days during these years they hoped one day they may get appointed as pemanent teacher but wht they got was order of termination.
Please i request u all read readers not be on the wrong notion that these Ad-hoc teacher are under qualified or have passed their exams by cheating or by luck as said by ichamani chettri, because some are M. A, some are M.Phil some even P.hd. some are gold medalist in M.A.
May 15, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Why is a gold medalist still sticking to a non-permanent job??? Why does he/she not venture out of Darj??????
May 15, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Another thing if a person is a gold meadalist does not mean he/she is a good teacher…most such genius do not know how to demystify complex subjects to children…n they live in their own world or teach only the few kids that seem to be good at studies…they are not bothered if majority of the class is totally clueless about what is being taught! Subjects need to be made interesting so that kids grasp the fundamentals…sadly very few TEACHERS are in the profession because they love to teach…
May 15, 2008 at 11:17 pm
true but if a person choose teaching as a profession then than person must be liking that job. Any way how do u define a good teacher. Obviously qualification come
May 15, 2008 at 11:25 pm
and if every one move out of darjeeling then who will come for the development of our community. our education system which we consider the backbone of the development of our community. Does anyone want people from other community who does not know our language properly to teach our children??
May 15, 2008 at 11:37 pm
why we are discussing about need of IPS,IAS,IFS from our community? Probably it is for the development of our community . Dont we feel proud when find a gorkha getting gorjd medal in M.A and that also from N.B.U. and devoting their life for the development of our community in some way.
May 16, 2008 at 3:46 am
I know one teacher who did all to ruin my life… Mr. Anil Sunam of St. Robert’s H.S, this jerk teaches Maths.. this guy was such a jerk that he nearly succeeded in ruining my life.. thanks to strong family support I survived.. but what about many other s like me?? he’d fail those whom he didn’t like and keep on carrying a grudge from class 5 to class 12…
So the point being… this guy may be a good teacher and all but he is not a good human being.. hence, I guess… we need teachers who will feel for the students and mae it possible for the students to dare and see visions.. and just come to teach as a means of living…
May 16, 2008 at 3:53 am
Hahahaha.. GOLD MEDALIST???
Ok I’ll tell U a story about Gold Medalists from NBU.. and I swear this is true story…
One candidate exceedingly good in her studies.. other one exceedingly easy going… Good student worked her best.. Easy student slept around (I swear the facts can be verified…
Easy student Topped the University and received Gold Medal (in Pol Sc), Good student came in second..
Good student cleared NET (National Eligibility Test for Lectureship)at one go and joined a good college in Darjeeling… the easy going student is still working as a part-time lecturer…
Now.. you all tell me.. does a Gold Medal matter??? Yes it does.. if it is earned by hard work and sincerity..
Trust me, I have studied in NBU myself and here we don’t learn… we just hang on…
Our only draw back is that we don’t have a University of our own.. the teachers at NBU are all CPI(M) appointees n all party cadres.. and if U don’t believe me come check it out yourself… these people go for CPI(M) rally even if they are in the middle of taking classes…
May 16, 2008 at 8:42 am
Sabina i wanted to asks whether the gold medalist is a gorkha or not. Coz i gave an example of an gorkha from kurseong and an Ad-hoc teacher. I am suprised because i was giving an example that all teacher are not under educated but some are even gold medalist and have not passed their exam by cheating or by luck.
I think it is not always right to blame a teacher and personally feel that even parent have to be little strict to their ward.
Sabina i am really upset when you said that during ur period in N.B.U u spend ur time hanging around rathering than utilizing ur time in getting coaching class for wbcse or ias or ips. You told we need a university of our own, my question is who will teach in the university because u doubt even when our gorkha gets gold medal .
I am afraid to mention my experience because i think people have lost their sense of appreciation, even though i would like to mention.
Sabina u laugh when i mention about a gorkha getting a gold medal fro NBU, but i am a person who was denied admission in nbu for my masters as i scored less marks compared to the student from the plains in geography honours( even i score second highest from my college in my subject) i had to go to far away fro home to complete my masters even when my family economy condition was not good. I completed my master with first class and in 2005 appeared my first NET exam from NBU, the same university that did not admitted me for my masters and i got qualified. When i appeared for college service commission in kolkatta in 2007 i was shocked with the some question. As i was asked whether i know bengali language to read and write. Even after answering all question related to my subject i was not selected.
It may look small regarding the experience i mention above but like to tell u that i even have passed the written school service commission in 2006 but failed in viva as i had no idea about the question that was asked to me regarding a bengali poem.
May 16, 2008 at 9:01 am
Jiwan… Pyaro Jiwan.. full of life…. the very reason why we are demanding Gorkhaland is because till date we are a part of WB and they will want to now if we know Bengali or not… I don’t blame them….
The person I mentioned is a Gorkhali… and for your information.. she is still teaching in the best hill college… find out from her students as well they will tell you how bad she is…
By the way, I didn’t hang on because of my choice… but because of the system that’s prevalent there.. trust me you are lucky not to have studied in NBU.. what they have is a bunch of notes passed on for generations and bunch of questions passed along the same line… so what we practically did was xerox the notes.. look of the previous questions and got 1st class.. by the way… I am a 1st class 1st myself and NET qualified(received gold medal from the governor for scoring above 70% and standing 1st in the class)in History…
Ok.. here’s the bottom line,.. Bro.. U didn’t need NBU to clear NET.. but the gold medalist from NBU has not cleared NET as of yet… so U see how bad it is down there…
Anyway… Sorry for all my friends who are gold medalists from NBU.. no offense… however… we are better off than average Bengali… had it not been for NBU.. we’d be all that we wish for.. Professors… Lecturers…IAS… IPS… IES.. what not???
May 16, 2008 at 9:07 am
Now i am teaching in a school hoping that one day sun will shine for our community and our coming generation wont have to suffer like we did.
I could have gone to some other place or even in sikkim for my job. But i do not want to go to other place as i want to serve my people from my place even when i am being paid very less.
If i could utilise my life for the development of my community then i will die happily.
May 16, 2008 at 9:23 am
Same here Jiwan… Jia Gorkha.. Jia Gorkahalad
May 16, 2008 at 9:32 am
The Himachal Pradesh govt had offered to include Nepali language in the syllabus but there were no teachers available. The Gorkha community in Bhagsu needs teachers for teaching Nepali. Interested teachers pl write to Mr Kishen Kapoor, Minister of Transport and Town Planning, VPO Khanyara, Dharamshala, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh with copy to Mr Pritam Singh Thapa, ‘Thapa Hut’, Ramnagar, Dharamshala, Dist Kangra, HP 176215. Teachers from Darjeeling should initiate the linking process between Gorkhas of India. Not politicians.
May 16, 2008 at 9:51 am
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050604/asp/weekend/story_4805105.asp. Pl read this link to get an idea of Dharamshala. If you cannot just kindly key in Jyoti Thapa Mani in Google search . Thank you. Bhagsu and darjeeling should establish cultural and educational links
May 16, 2008 at 10:37 am
Well thought comments. I agree that we must know Nepali (read/write) and teach our children. My point was that if you are not able to converse, read and write english properly, that’s a big drawback. There are so many examples. It’s one thing to get sentimental, but in practical life, it does not help. I have seen so many brilliant people who have wasted their lives because of their inability to speak/write/converse in english.
May 16, 2008 at 2:21 pm
the bottom line is..
gorlkhaland will be better future for everything in darjeeling district..be it in education,employment,roads,water problem,and there r many problem which we all know..gorkhaland is a dream..if is true..mothers of darjeeling can dream that their son/daugther can do something in life
and about english and nepali language..english is important in india whether u know or not and nepali is our language be pride of that whether it help you or not….
May 16, 2008 at 11:11 pm
The whole point is stop dreaming…take action…take charge of your lives…if things are not working DEMAND that from the local authorities. Aren’t you guys in Darj paying taxes? I have done my graduation from a ekdum “naathe” university - Garhwal…but that did not stop me from seeking an opportunity to work in Delhi with the best companies…
Do remember language skills are important…we cannot hope to make a difference if we can’t speak either English or Hindi…this is India we are Indians we need to be able to speak to one another and inform them about ourselves. This frog in the well attitude of ours will get us nowhere…come on guys don’t just ask to be accepted also accept in return…then see how many opportunities come your way…Funny thing is we all enjoy Hindi movies sing Hindi songs with great aplomb and then when it comes to speaking Hindi we are like we come from some other continent…Speaking well stands every one in good stead…our mental barriers against other fellow Indians has to break…then we can speak to the rest of the country and we don’t have to keep asking a Bengali to interpret for us what we want with and from the government.
Three four generations of us have grown up in Free India…if not now when will we learn Hindi/English…when will we learn to communicate with other communities…this us v/s them attitude can’t be doing us much good no?
May 16, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Aardee, don’t use that Frog in the Well phrase to denote Gorkha youths in the hills, we have been far more exposed to education, western culture, English, Hindi and other languages then you have. Do you even know what we are talking about. Just because you got a god job after studying in a Naathe University in Garhwal, doesn’t mean that we have all lost aspirations. We have been fighting for our aspirations and our dreams for one hundred years. What have you been doing in Garhwal? We say that Gorkhas from all over the world must unite and I say we first learn to understand each other first. Gorkhas themselves. Gorkhas from Assam, from Garhwal, Darjeeling Hills and heck even from Hampton or New York. The arrogance with which Aardee pounces around in this site as if she is the one who can do it all, knows it all will not work. I am also much amused by Aardees inability to accept the good work done by the others vis-a-vis National Geographic and to later declare it to all and thank all who helped her. Damn you are an arrogant and a proud full. You might be the President of Aardiland just try to be humble….Remember true wisdom teaches humility!
By the way I don’t give a damn about what others say!
[You are warned for making personal remarks! Moderator]
May 17, 2008 at 4:09 am
Cheers…its gud timepass readn comments from foolish people..site is gr8..
May 17, 2008 at 9:37 am
Including you RUBIN
May 17, 2008 at 10:48 am
Bhandari just because Ardee has the guts to give her/his own example to say something you have no business throwing it back. Tell us more about yourself first. About ‘what are you doing in garhwal?’What do you know? Have you been there? Do not forgot that Gorkha history in India began with the conquest of Kumaon, Garhwal, Himachal Pradesh and the Terai. You’ll are making the present history (definitely not 100 years ago) and we are supporting the movement, but not for individuals like you. I have earlier mentioned that you Bhandari, in particular are a total divider of society material. The biggest threat to the movement is disapproval of Gorkhas from elsewhere, which is intact now. This anti-garhwal or any other anti-Gorkha habitat attitude will ruin the movement. We are all in it together in the name of The Gorkha.
May 17, 2008 at 10:56 am
I don’t find anything offensive in what Aardee says, I’m surprised to see that Amit Bhandari has truly jumped the gun. What was so offensive in what Aardee has said? Come on Darjeelinges,with this kind of attitude you don’t get the support of us, non Darjeelinge Gorkhas. She did a good job vis-a-vis National Geographic Channel. We do need agressive people like Aardee around us. Let us try to appreciate with each other instead of trying to pull down.
If you don’t give a damn to what others say, then so be it, but what the hell?
May 17, 2008 at 11:24 am
Bhandari…point taken…humility is good in small doses…I am as passionate about who we are what we are and why we are the way we are…and I am ready to stick my neck out for it.
And you can bet your last rupee I will “pounce” around this site…u have a problem…speak to Barun…
I am a minority in Garhwal and in Delhi but neither my family or I have never accepted 2nd hand treatment and have stood my ground…I have conviction of my action… and I thank my parents and my good fortune and friends from all communities…who have encouraged me all the way. Thank God for good schools and good teachers and yes I am definitely proud I made it on my own in Delhi…
BTW on the Nat Geo Lufthansa HT apology I have done my bit -
Do check who brought the matter to light?
mustered enough support from friends and colleagues of other communities to write in and demand the apology, after explaining to them the significance of the Khukri and the Gorkhas…
have personally sent couriered letters to the Army Navy HQ/British Embassy/German Embassy/Advertising Counil of India/Press Council.
Spoke to friends in the media yesterday to tell them to see the apology in print…
Now do tell us what you Mr Bhandari in your personal capacity did to bring up the matter?
Dunno about you, but, I shall always stand up for due respect to all Gorkhas everywhere not just in Darj…
May 17, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Aardee
1. You are not passionate, you are an arrogant fool! In your mind it is always “I did it…I started it…I am the greatest…I am the most dedicated..I am”
2. I don’t have to write to Dear Barun, within a few days everyone will know what you really are - an arrogant opportunist. A scavenger of ideas and opportunities.
3. You might be the minority in Garhwal, Delhi, India, Asia, Earth heck the entire universe who gives a damn…. Wow you made it to Delhi and became the President of India…Thank God for the good schools and the ‘Naathe University’ that you passed out from.
4. Good job on the Nat Geo thing….by the way I have a bullet still lodged 1 inch from my spine… a gift of the CPRF during Gorkhaland Agitation. I love my home, my work and everything! I still am fighting for Gorkhaland. I will be humoured if you leave everything and come and fight for Gorkhaland, at the ground where it really matters. Don’t give me examples of what your ancestors did….
5. No, you did not bring the issue to the light? It was Jyoti Thapa (I am sorry to put you in between, but that is the fact). You followed…scavenging the idea others set laid down for you.
6. I STAND FOR GORKHAS NOT JUST IN DARJEELING BUT ALL OVER THE WORLD AND THAT INCLUDES GARHWAL, ASSAM AND THE REST. I AM NOT AGAINST ANY GORKHA WHO DO NOT BELONG TO DARJEELING HILLS. I AM SIMPLY AGAINST ARROGANT HALF COOKED UP FOOLS LIKE YOU SNATCH AWAY THE TROPHIES OF BATTLES WON BY OTHERS SACRIFICING THEIR LIFE, THEIR FAMILY AND THEIR HOMES. I CAN SMELL THE LIKES OF YOU, LIKE I CAN SMELL OPPORTUNISTS IN DARJEELING HILLS.
May 17, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Life is a constant struggle of daily activity for non Darjeeling Gorkhas to prevent themselves from being pushed under the carpet. Nepal politics and the Gorkhaland movement have thrown the Gorkhas evrywhere under suspicion. But we are not complaining. On the contrary pushing ourselves more forward to be accepted fully as Indian Gorkhas and that we all support the formation of Gorkhaland at the risk of being at the mercy of the secret eliminating ways of govt functioning. Whether we like it or not the Gorkha Regiments Gorkha servicemen are our main backbone. Recently I visted the 14 Gorkha Training Cnetre in subathu and was very happy to know that in the whole centre the Darjeeling Gorkhas were the best footballers. I used to be the only one to sit and watch them practice every day. I for myself have been actively documenting and creating awareness of the Gorkha heritage, whether it required climbing up mt sides where only goats could clamber. Had some successes and some failures too. Pl do not think I am boasting, but i got the ASI Delhi directors in preventing the delibrate destruction of some ancient Gorkha heritage monuments much to the annoyance of local non-Gorkhalis who threatened to file a FIR against me. We are all doing work in different ways for the Gorkha to emerge in India. Do you want to hear about we are all doing or let us keep it only for Gorkhaland area? Somebody once told me that in Darjeeling it is said that the Darjeeling Gorkhas are clever and the Bhagsu ones are kondays. I did not know what it meant, but i believe it means latays. No problem i take it as a compliment.
May 17, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Dear Jyoti, I have nothing against you. believe me. I am just against opportunist pseudo intellectuals from Darjeeling Hills to the rest of the Globe. And this has nothing to do with Darjeelingeys or non Darjeelinglingeys. In fact, such a word as Darjeelingeys should no longer exist. I like Barun’s concept of Global Gorkhas. But you must understand that I am wary of people who scavenge ideas and declares themselves to be the originator and pursuer of everything. It was you who first brought NGC issue to the public highlight and it were you guys who worked on it. Believe no everything done or achieved through this site will now be owned up by Aardee….
[I REALLY CAN'T FATHOM WHAT YOU ARE GETTING AT OR WHERE THIS WILL LEAD TO...I AM ALLOWING THIS AT THIS MOMENT...BUT NO PERSONAL ATTACKS OR YOU WILL BE BANNED| MODERATOR]
May 17, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Hey..!!!guys…!! mature up.It is not fight between Bhagshu or Assam or Darjeeling Neplese (I prefer to use Neplese rather than Gorkhas). One should I request respect the cultural, social aspect of each of the area please. I come from Darjeeling hills (Kalimpong). I have seen Neplese from other parts of India too. And to tell you the truth we all are different in our thoughts, behaviour and attitude. Not only the Neplese from different parts of India but within darjeeling hills people are different, Kalimpong , Kurseong, Mirik, Darjeeling all think in different ways and act differently. In the past few days I have been noticing that the comments in this blog are mostly written by Neplese residing outside Darjeeling Hills and it is very natural for the reader in Darjeeling Hills to react in the manner they are reacting because the thoughts posed herewith is like a sermon for the people residing here.Please do not forget what had happened in 80’s the scar is still there.In Delhi one could be very prudent and extrovert and smart which is a requisition and the same attitude shown in the hills they are nicknamed “Phurke”. My request, all are concerned about Gorkhaland and passionate about it and every body is contributing in his/er capability, some are emotionally attached (like I am) some are intellectually, some are politically. Lets keep the balance and resume moderation. After all we are Indian Nepali.
May 17, 2008 at 5:07 pm
We are all Gorkhas, Mukiaji, we are everywhere, scattered all over India to start with. And we will all respond. And if India is to consider the name Gorkhaland, it will seriously consider from the basis of India Gorkhas everywhere and also the permission of the Indian Gorkha Regimental chiefs. So pl be happy we are on this blog as we are happy to be here to share our viewpoints too. And Bhandari, I am sorry about your bullet.
May 17, 2008 at 5:19 pm
hats off!
brother,you are doing brilliant job.today i’m missing darj.badly after seeing photos,reading news in your webesite.keep it up.
May 17, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Aardee and I were at the forefront with banners protesting against the humiliation of Prashant Tamang at India Gate, Delhi, where no protests are allowed. When the cops descended, we started singing Jana Gana Mana and Sare Jahan se Accha and told them whats wrong in singing the national anthem at the India gate and got away with it. Our pictures and comments appeared on several New Delhi newspapers including MetroNow, TOI, HT, etc. Arrdee was responsible for spearheading the protests against that disc jockey Nitin in Delhi. The movement needs firebrands in Delhi, the capital, and you have it in Aardee and me. I was also told that when Gorkhaland is formed you guys (that is us) will come to enjoy the benefits from it, as if we are some bhooka-nangas. And all this by Darj-Kailimpong residents not Darjeelingers from USA. Whenever I have been insulted on this blog, I notice that only Gorkhey Jeep would come to defend me. Anyhow, this is a Gorkha movement, those people who have said offensive stuff will be exposed at the right time. Now they are playing the goodie-goodie advisory roles in the formation of Gorkhaland. Sorry my dear bandhus, these are facts and should be eradicated at the onset because we are all Indian Gorkhas.