DARJEELING TEA: Low rainfall may hit tea production in Darjeeling, Terai

FROM ECONOMIC TIMES

SILIGURI: Low rainfall in November last year is likely to affect the production of Darjeeling tea as well as teas produced in Dooars and Terai

in the current tea growing season. This may affect exports of premium first flush Darjeeling tea, which is a major revenue earner for Darjeeling tea estates.

“The situation is alarming without proper sign of new leaves in bushes. Artificial dripping and higher pesticide requirement has increased production cost to nearly Rs 7 per kg of made tea in Dooars and Terai foothills,” said NK Basu, principal advisor of Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA).

The situation is equally bad in Darjeeling. “Pests are not a major concern in the hills now. But low rainfall will drastically pull down quality and quantity of first flush harvest,” said Sanjay Bansal, chairman, Darjeeling Tea Association. According to meteorological department records, the region receives around 3,000 mm annual average rainfall.

Of this, 7% takes place during the period November-April. This initiates growth of new generation high quality green leaf in tea bushes. But, there was no rainfall at all since November 2008 till date. Around 20% of the entire annual tea production in the Dooars of 145 million kg comes from first flush. On the other hand, out of 9 million kg annual production of Darjeeling tea, nearly 18% constitutes first flush tea, Mr Bansal added.

SIKKIM: Patel streeses on air connectivity to smaller and remote towns

FROM SINDH TODAY

Pakyong (Sikkim), Feb 28 (ANI): Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has acknowledged the need for better air connectivity to ensure economic development of remote areas like Sikkim.

Addressing a gathering after performing the Bhumi Pujan for proposed airport at Pakyong near Gangtok in Sikkim on Saturday, he said that air connectivity would facilitate transportation of tourist as well as agricultural and horticultural products of hill states to national and international markets.

Patel assured that priority is being accorded to providing air connectivity to smaller and remote towns

Sikkim Governor B.P. Singh and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling were also present on the occasion.

The proposed airport is likely to be constructed within two years at a cost of around 310 crore rupees.

The new airport would have the capacity to handle two ATR 72 type aircraft at a time each having capacity of 50 passengers.

KOLKATA: Morcha-BJP meetings fuel speculations

FROM INDIAN EXPRESS

Kolkata: With the Lok Sabha elections round the corner, top leaders of the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) are camping in Delhi since Tuesday and holding meetings with senior BJP leaders.

The Morcha leaders are, however, tightlipped about the political purpose of the meeting and instead say that it is all about “gathering support for their cause of a separate Hill state”.

Amid this, the state unit of BJP says the party is totally against the division of West Bengal. “We have never supported the creation of a separate Gorkhaland state. We have not received any word from our leadership in Delhi about supporting the Morcha cause. As far as we know, the GJM leaders are in Delhi meeting our senior leaders,” said Rahul Sinha, state BJP secretary.

The BJP has already announced its candidate for Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency. A former IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, Dawa Sherpa, is considered a newcomer to politics. He told The Indian Express that he had taken voluntary retirement from the service only to contest the elections on a BJP ticket.

“I have always felt drawn towards the BJP and have closely interacted with several leaders in UP during my long stint as an IPS officer,” Sherpa said, but declined to comment on getting the Morcha’s support for his campaign.

Sinha, too, said there was no specific thrust on getting the Morcha to support Sherpa’s election campaign. “This is election time, and we would like to get the support of everyone in every constituency where our candidates are fielded. That doesn’t mean we support creation of Gorkhaland,” Sinha said.

Since Tuesday, Morcha’s president Bimal Gurung and other leaders of his outfit have met BJP leaders like L K Advani and Rajnath Singh.

“As of now, we are only talking about the issue of Gorkhaland with the BJP leaders. The time has not yet come to talk about the elections. We have not deliberated as yet on whether to support BJP’s candidate Sherpa,” said Roshan Giri, general secretary of the GJM.

In Darjeeling, sources close to the CPM said the GJM is seeking the BJP’s support as they hope that BJP-led NDA would come back to power at the Centre.

“In the 2004 polls, the GNLF had supported the Congress. Now, the GJM has taken over and feels that the Congress hasn’t really helped their cause. The GJM is trying to seek assurance from the BJP on the statehood demand. In fact, it was during the NDA regime that larger states were divided to form new, smaller states,” sources said.

DARJEELING TEA: Darjeeling – does the champagne of brews really need a new name?

Tea estates face shutdown unless they brand packaging as ‘flavour of Gorkhaland’

FROM THE INDEPENDENT

By Andrew Buncombe in Delhi

Pickers at work on the Soureni Tea Garden in Darjeeling. Political action to enforce the rebranding of the local tea may start on 7 March. DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP/GETTY

The tea of Darjeeling is famous around the world. The so-called champagne of brews, the regional variety is prized for its light, delicate taste and soothing aroma.

But estate owners in Darjeeling are under pressure to rebrand their famed tea or face a possible shutdown of production. A separatist movement wishing to create a state for ethnic Gorkhas (or Gurkhas) has demanded that the estates print on their packing the words: “The flavour of Gorkhaland.”

If the estates do not go along with the potentially costly rebranding by the deadline of 7 March, they could find themselves effectively shut down by a series of strikes, similar to those which halted production last summer and forced countless tourists to flee.

The demand to use the word Gorkhaland has been made by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), a political group that wishes to create a separate state – but not a separate nation – in the north of what is currently West Bengal. The GJM says that Gorkhas have long suffered discrimination by the local authorities, based in Kolkata.

“The idea is to highlight the movement – the democratic movement of Gorkhaland,” said Roshan Giri, the GJM’s general secretary. “Darjeeling tea is famous around the world so that name would stay but it would have the words ‘flavour of Gorkhaland’.”

Mr Giri said the request had been made to the region’s estate owners and that if they declined they would be “educated in a democratic way”. His organisation has scheduled 7 March for the stepping-up of a “non-co-operation” campaign in which local residents are being urged to refuse to pay local taxes and electricity bills. Last year, a series of strikes by the GJM brought the region to a standstill. While the tea estates were technically not included in the action, the lack of food and fuel had a drastic impact at a crucial time in the growing season.

INDIAN IDOL 4: A winner already?

FROM NDTV MUSIC

Soldier boy Kapil feels that though ‘a background in classical music always helps one become a better singer, he is happy that people have found him naturally melodious’.

Kapil feels all three judges have been supportive throughout. “Even when they have scolded me or criticised my singing, it’s was for my own good and I have always done better in the next round. In fact I owe a large part of my success to them,” adds the humble fauji.

His relationship with the other contestants has been great.

“They have always been supportive and given me so much love. In fact some of them told me that they wouldn’t mind at all if I won. That makes me feel like a winner already,” says Kapil.

INDIAN IDOL 4: Behind the scenes action

FROM NDTV MUSIC

“We are all preparing very hard for the show. Everyone will be there, from past Indian Idol winners to celebrity judges and a number of prominent guests. We have to put on a spectacular performance for them. So we are practicing really hard. This is my last chance to impress the public and I am putting my heart and soul into it,” says Kapil.

Between Kapil and Torsha, Sourabhee finds Kapil her closest competitor.

The Agartala sensation is leaving no stone unturned for the gala round. “I’m preparing hard for the finals. There’s a little problem with my throat, so I’m taking all the precautions so that it doesn’t give up on the final day. I’m feeling scared and happy at the same time,” asserts Sourabhee.

INDIAN IDOL 4: Kapil conection

FROM NDTV MUSIC

All those who’ve been following Indian Idol would be familiar with the connection and chemistry that is apparent between soldier boy Kapil Thapa and stylish Sourabhee.

On being quizzed upon this connection, Sourabhee confirmed that the two are actually very close, that the rumour mill is right and the two do share a deep relationship. They ‘are more than just friends.’

But since they are both on the threshold of a celebrity career, they would like to go easy and ‘concentrate on their singing’.

However, Sourabhee insists that they’ll stay in touch and would do shows together. Beyond this, ‘what can I say’ says Sourabhee.

INDIAN IDOL 4: COOL KAPIL

FROM NDTV MUSIC

While the Singing Soldier from Dehradun understands everyone’s anxiousness to see a girl win the Indian Idol title, he certainly isn’t going to make things easy for his co-finalists Sourabhee and Torsha.

“This is for the first time that two girls have made it to the finals and expectations are bound to be sky-high. But at this point I don’t think we should get involved in the debate about a girl or a boy winning Indian Idol. Merit alone must decide the winner. All the three finalists are very talented and while it is up to the people of India to decide who they like they best, I am ‘khatre ki ghanti’ (a danger) for the girls this time!” says Kapil Thapa.

Though being a soldier, Kapil is used to waging war, but for him ‘the war was already over with the galas’.

SPORTS WATCH: One on song, other unsung

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Calcutta: Sunil Chetri is smiling these days and he has every reason to. The goal-drought is over for good and the India international is back on the scoresheet – his tally of seven goals is the highest by an Indian in the ongoing I-League. “It feels great to be back among goals,” he said at a news conference.

Chetri said they are not living in a fool’s paradise to be underestimating Mohammedan Sporting. “They have players who have the quality and the character to trouble any team. Don’t go by what the league table says.”

While Chetri was talking to the media, M. Suresh was patiently waiting for him to finish. “He wants a drop,” the East Bengal skipper said. Suresh said he was not bitter about the fact that his performance against Mohun Bagan last Sunday has gone unnoticed.

“It’s a part of a defender’s life. No pat after a good match, but brickbats for one blunder.”

Suresh, whose career has been blighted by a series of injuries, said he owed a lot to his coach. “I put on weight after suffering that injury during the first-leg match against Mohun Bagan. (Bhowmick) Sir helped me in regaining my fitness.”

Not bitter about the barbs from the fans when he was sitting out with a muscle tear last season, Suresh said he wanted a little understanding from the club officials. “They don’t understand that after an injury you need time to recover.”

ESSAY: Soviet Russia 35 years ago

 

#% aif{cufl8M k”jf{u|xL ;f]leot?;

                                        –bL3{/fh k|;fO{ 

cfheGbf #% aif{ cufl8 ;f]leot ?;sf] e|d0f u/]sf] a]nfsf] s’/f xf] . ljZj b’O{ w”/Ldf ljeflht lyof] . ;fDojfb\ / ;+;bjfbsf] cfk;L tfgftfg\n] ljZj hgdfg;nfO{ u|l;t kf/]sf] lyof] . ;fDojfbsf] g]t[Tj ;f]leot ?; / ;+;bjfbsf] g]t[Tj cd]l/sfn] lnPsf] lyof] . Plzofsf ;a} b]zx?df oL b’O{ dxfzlQm /fi6«x?sf] 7″nf] k|efj k/]sf] lyof], To;df g]kfn klg c5′tf] lyPg . pQ/tkm{ dfcf]T;]t’Ësf] g]t[Tjdf p3|–;fDojfb / blIf0ftkm{ hjxf/nfn g]x?sf] g]t[Tjdf ;+;bjfbsf] xf]8afhL r/dr’nLdf k’u]sf] lyof] . ;fDojfb / ;+;bjfbsf] le8Gtsf] 8/n] cyf{t Pstkm{ dfcf]T;]t’Ë / csf]{tkm{ hjxf/nfn g]x?sf] a9\bf] k|efjsf] Rofkf]df g]kfn h:tf] zflGtlk|o ;fgf] /fi6« klg kg]{ ePsfn] To;}sf] kL/n] b’a} 7″nf l5d]sL /fi6«x?sf] df/af6 aRg g]kfnn] t7:t gLlt cjnDjg ug’{kg]{ cj:yf lyof] . g]kfndf k~rfotL Joj:yf cgt/ut c;+nUg k//fi6« gLlt cjnDjg u/]/ ljZj ;d”bfodf k|lti7f hdfpg ;s]sf] lyof] . To;a]nfdf g]kfndf /fhgLlts bnx?df k|ltjGw lyof] . tyflk leqleq} ;fDojfb\ / ;+;bjfbsf ;dy{s /fhgLlts bnx?sf ;+u7gx? ljsl;t eO/x]sf lyP . b’O{ 7″nf /fi6«x?sf] jLrdf cjl:yt g]kfn h:tf] e”kl/j]li6t b]zn] u”6lg/k]If gLltsf] cfwf/df cfkm\gf] ;’/Iff ;’b[9 ug{ / ljZjsf ;fDojfbL / ;+;bjfbL b]zx?af6 b’O{kIf / ax’kIf ;xof]usf] cfwf/df g]kfnsf] rf}tkmL{ ljsf;df 7″nf] of]ubfg k’¥ofpg] sfd klg gePsf] xf]Og .

      @)@* ;fndf /fhf dx]Gb|sf] b]xj;fg kl5 /fhf jL/]Gb|n] klg /fhf dx]Gb|s} af6f] cjnDjg\ ul/of] . @)#);fn sflt{sdf ;f]leot ?;df cfof]lht !#%/fi6«x?sf] k|ltlglwTj ePsf] ljZj zflGt ;Dd]ngdf efu lng dnfO{ klg df}sf ldNof] . >L dft[sfk|;fb sf]O/fnfsf] g]t[Tjdf 8f= gfu]Zj/k|;fb l;+x,s]zjrGb| uf}td, x]dGt lj=;L=;’/]Gb|dfg hf]zL nufot xfd|f] bzhgfsf] ;d”x lyof] . ljZj zflGt ;Dd]ngdf d}n] klg af]Ng] df}sf kfPF . æljZjdf zflGt sfod ul/g] xf] eg] ;+o’Qm /fi6|\ ;+3 zlQmzfnL x’g’ kb{5ÆeGb} ;/;tL{ efif0f u/]sf] lyPF . Tof] efif0f ;f]leot ?;sf sDo”lgi6x?nfO{ dg k/]g5 . æ;+o’Qm /fi6| ;+3 zlQmzfnL x’g'k5{Æ eGg] s’/f ;f]leot ?;sf] gLltsf] k|lts”n x’g uPsf] s’/f dnfO{ yfxf ePg . t/ ToxL af]n]sf] sf/0fn] %lbg cufl8g}+ d}n] g]kfn kms{g’ kg]{ xjfO{hxfhsf] l6s6 tof/ ePsf] va/ kfPF . To;a]nf d:sf]sf kqklqsfdf 5flkPsf d}n] af]n]sf] s’/f cem;Dd d;Fu ;’/lIft 5 . t/ To;s’/fn] dnfO{ lwSsf/ nfUof] ;f]leot ?;sf] Jojxf/ b]v]/ . ;f]leot ?;sf] nflu d}n] cd]l/sg nledf nfu]/ af]n]sf] 7x¥of] . cGofodf ;fDojfb / ;+;bjfbsf] le8Gtsf] lzsf/ d x’g k’u] . ;fx|} ckdflgt eP/ ?;af6 g]kfn kms]{ klg b’Mv eg] dnfO{ nfu]g lsgeg] d}n] 7Ls af]n]sf] lyPF .

      t/ ;f]leot ?; olQ k”jf{u|xL /x]5 ls dnfO{ ToxfF eGy]–æ Psk6s Pp6f OlG8og\n] ljZjljBfnosf ;fyLx?nfO{ af]8{df n]v]/ – æ:jl:ts lrGx gfhLx?sf] lrGx xf], /l;ogx?nfO{ of] k6Ss} dg kb}{g . /l;ogx?n] oxfF s;}nfO{ :jl:ts lrGx nufPsf] e]6] eg] dfl/lbG5g\ klgÆeg]/ Anfsaf]8{df n]v]sf] s’/f d]6\g lal;{P5g\ . kl5 æof] s:n] n]v]sf] <Æ eg]/ w’FOkQfn vf]h]/ To; OlG8og ljBfyL{\nfO{ 7″nf] wDsLsf;fy @$ 306f leqdf ?;af6 8f8f] s6fO{ lbP5g\  . dnfO{ klg /l;ogx?n] To:t} Jojxf/ u/] h:nfO{ cltg}+ ;+s’lrt / t’R5 Jojxf/ dflgG5 . o:tf] dxfzlQm /fi6«sf]?kdf k|l;4tf sdfPsf] ;f]leot ?; h:tf] 7fpFdf ;fgf] s’/fdf klg k|ltzf]w /fv]sf] b]Vbf–æ ;f]leot ?;nfO{ s]t’sf] bzfn] ;tfP5 cj ?;df 7″nf] kl/jt{g x’G5Æ eGg] 7Ffg]sf] lyPF . !%aif{ k5fl8 eof] To:t} . Tof]a]nf a]|Hg]esf] zf;g lyof] . To; cufl8 v’|:r]asf] kfnfdf :6fnLg;Fu dtleGgtf /fVg] ;a} ;fDojfbL g]tfx? klg dfl/Pdf lyP . :6fnLgnfO{ ?;sf] xTof/f xf] eg]/ :6fnLgsf] nf;nfO{ d:sf] zx/df l3;f/]/ 3′dfOP5 . xfdLx?n] n]gLgsf] ddL x]/]kl5 :6fnLgsf] klg ;dfwL x]g{ vf]Hbf To:tf] s]xL kfOPg . :6fnLg ?;sf] lgdf{tf dflgG5g\ t/ :6fnLgsf] sxL+ zfnLs e]l6Pg, :6fnLg ;+aGwL s’g} k’:ts e]l6Pg . To;n] d]/f] dgdf rL;f] kl;;s]sf] lyof] . kbsf] nflu cfkm\g} ;fyLnfO{ klg uf]nL 7f]s]/ df/L lbg, sDo”lgi6x?sf] jLrd}+ klg s:tf] k|ltzf]w x’Fbf]/x]5 <

BJP talking to GJM for poll alliance

FROM THE HINDU

New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Friday said it is in talks with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), agitating for a separate Gorkhaland to be carved out of West Bengal, for a possible alliance for Lok Sabha elections.

“GJM chief Bimal Gurung met me yesterday. Senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, S S Ahluwalia and Ramlal Aggarwal were also present. We are discussing the various demands of GJM and the common ground between the two parties,” BJP chief Rajnath Singh told reporters here on Friday.

Gurung has submitted the demand his party has made during the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland in West Bengal for the past few months.

Asked if the GJM demand was acceptable to BJP, Singh said “BJP has always been in favour of small states. We have had this stand since the Jan Sangh days.”

Gurung had attended the dinner party hosted by Leader of the Opposition and BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate L K Advani for NDA leaders on Wednesday, triggering speculation that he was moving close to the BJP-led camp.

INDIAN IDOL 4: Girls to the fore

FROM SCREEN INDIA.COM

Singing talent hunts based on public voting have generally been male bastions, thanks to the alleged gender bias against girls. Be it Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa or Star Voice Of India, boys have scored over girls over the last few seasons. However, two months ago Saptaparna finished second on Star Voice Of India. Whether it was the first sign of gender bias getting corrected is anybody’s guess, but when Vaishali Made won the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa title a few weeks ago, it became obvious that girls were finally getting due recognition for their talent.

Like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa which had three finalists – two girls and one boy – Indian Idol 4 also has two girls and a boy – Sourabhee Debbarma, Torsha Sarkar and Kapil Thapa – in the finale. But the all-important question is: For the first time ever will the title of Indian Idol go to a girl? “I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a girl this time,” says Sonu Niigaam who was a judge on the show’s first two seasons and a mentor this time for a brief period. “I don’t think girls are voted out because of lack of talent but more because of a gender bias. I think the girls and aunties vote for boys whereas boys don’t seem to vote in enough numbers for girls.”

According to Indian Idol judge Kailash Kher, as far as singing is concerned girls were more talented than boys on Indian Idol 4. “In fact, girls impressed me more than the boys. But I was surprised to see so many girls going out in the piano and gala rounds. When the first three eliminations in the gala were girls I thought the finale would be an all boys’ show. But thankfully we have two very talented girls in the finale. If gender bias doesn’t creep in then we might have a girl winning the title this time,” he feels. All through the competition, Sonali Bendre has been rooting for girls. “I am all for a female Indian Idol. Some talented girls like Ananya, Bhavya and Shini were voted out early but Sourabhee and Torsha are deserving candidates for the Idol title,” she adds.

Torsha was not confident of getting through the auditions but once she got the green card and cruised through the theatre and piano rounds, she was confident of making it to the top five. “But it’s a dream to be in the top three. I have worked very hard for it. The show has changed my personality completely. The grooming and training has been of immense help,” she says, adding, “The competition was very tough. I don’t know what will happen because a lot will depend on public support.” Kapil, an army orchestra singer and soldier who has had a smooth journey till the piano round but didn’t impress the judges to the extent others did hopes to win the finale. “Indian Idol is not just about good singing but also other attributes like looks, attitude, confidence and performance. I think I have a fair chance of winning,” he says.

PHOTO FEATURE: Trek from Sandakphu to Phalut

Trek from Sandakphu to Phalut: This is the longest leg of the Singalila trek (21km) but also by far the most scenic and rewarding one. Photo by Christina Groth-Biswas. Click on the image to enlarge.

 FOR BEST RATES ON TREKKING IN SANDAKPHU AND PHALUT CALL NOW AT 91-99322-60769 OR email: hotstimulatincafe1@yahoo.com

PHOTO FEATURE: Heaven on Earth! Singalila National Park and Sandakphu Peak

Singalila National Park, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Unfortunately, the Rhododendron trees were not blossoming, hard to imagine how it looks in spring.... Photo by Christina Groth-Biswas. Click on the image to enlarge

Last tea break before another steep climb up to Sandakphu. Photo by Christina Groth-Biswas. Click on the image to enlarge.

SPORTSWATCH: (Bhaichung) Having a ball!

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

‘I scored a few goals.. and I was back in favour. People want results!’ The captain of the Indian football team is on a different field. And this time he’s going to need more than the quicksilver dribbles, 100-metre dashes, lightning strikes or even a goal or two. He’s not worried. He’s working on new moves. As Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 3 goes on the air tonight, here’s Baichung Bhutia getting into step with Roshmila Bhattacharya…

Can you dance as well as you play?
(Chuckles) I can’t dance. The only dancing I’ve done is at nightclubs and it was wild. When I was growing up, I was impressed with Disco Dancer Mithun (Chakraborty) and Rishi Kapoor. As I grew older, my interest in Bollywood jhatkas waned.

So why did you agree to a show like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa?
I had a dream.. to perform at least once on a public platform. It’s difficult, I know. I am a reserved guy and while I can play football in front of a crowd of thousands, it’s hard to groove in front of a select few in a studio. May be with time, it will get easier. At least now I’m learning about rhythm, listening to lyrics, trying to match expression with words and moves.

What’s your wife Madhuri’s reaction to Disco Dancer Baichung?
When the offer came along she was like, “If you want to do it, it’s fine. But it’s not as if you have to do it.” My first reaction too was, “Let’s see.” I took my time before agreeing to do the show.

So will we see your baliye and you as one of the jodis of Nach Baliye Season 5?

(Decisively) That’s not going to happen.

Okay, how about judging a reality show next?
Not if it has anything to do with singing and dancing. It wouldn’t be fair because I’m not qualified to judge someone on something I know little about. But if it has to do with sport, may be. Olympic bronze medallist, Vijendra Singh who was one of the participants dropped out of Jhalak.. because he didn’t want his fans thinking he was getting diverted from boxing. I don’t think that’s a problem I need to worry about as long as my match schedules don’t get disturbed and I get to train three hours a day. My choreographer comes to Kolkata to rehearse.. our practice sessions are fun.

How many hours of practice do you get in a day?
Two to three hours.

And it’s enough?
Yup, it’s not as if I’m going to be making a career in dancing.

What if you win.. become the dancing king?
I don’t think that’s likely. Right now I don’t even know how many episodes I’ll last before I’m voted out. I’m not counting. I’m doing Jhalak.. purely for the experience.

Will it spark off an interest in football?
I hope so. Such shows do make an impact.

What ails Indian football today?
Lack of infrastructure.. the system. Government interest is lacking in most sports.

What does Portugal’s Christiano Ronaldo have that Baichung Bhutia doesn’t?
That’s an unfair comparison. Even the top football playing countries like France, Italy and Holland don’t have a Christiano Ronaldo. You get a player like him only once in decades.. there are not enough Ronaldos to go around.

FOOD: Mo Mo Mania to tease your taste buds

FROM MY REPUBLICA.COM

KATHMANDU: The Bakery Cafe is all set to tease your taste buds with their annual affair the Mo Mo Mania in Kathmandu on Saturday.

What started as an event to popularize the mo mo eating culture in open restaurants 12-years ago, has turned into a serious affair for foodies and mo mo fanatics.

The organizers, Bakery Cafe of the Nanglos conglomerate is the first food chain in Nepal and introduced the concept of eating out in Nepal since 1991 and has been one of the favorite hunts for youngsters, young executives and families.

The Cafe also takes credit for pioneering the mo mo eating culture in Nepal. The Chinese-dumpling-like food was introduced to Nepal by Newar traders who used to visit Tibet.

For most of its time, mo mo remained a home affair, and was a special cuisine during celebrations and festivals. The Bakery cafe popularized it to the eating out culture. This year, the Mo Mo Mania took place in their Tansen, Palpa and Butwal outlets last week. In Kathmandu, it will feature 22 varieties of mo mos. Apart from regular variety, they are introducing new tastes like Rajmah momo, Gajar Haluwa mo mo, and happy veggie mo mo.

The Mania holds special regards as a place to eat what the organizers are calling “non-traditional creative momos”. Nayantara Gurung Kakshapati, one of the organizers, said that the specialty momos are “just for fun”. “Special mo mos like Monton, a mix of mutton mo mo and wanton, is for the chef to have fun. But they could be introduced to market,” she told Republica.

SIKKIM: Citizens’ Bank adjudged by IAF as “best performing” Urban Co-operative Bank

FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

Citizens' Bank Chairman, P K Pradhan (Lef) holding a press meet at Press Club of Sikkim, Gangtok. Mr. PK Pradhan. Photo by Sikkim Reporter

Gangtok: Citizens’ Bank bags the prestigious “Best Performing Urban Co-operative Bank Award 2007-08″ by Indian Achievers’ Forum (IAF) in Association with India-Thai Chambers of Commerce, Thailand. The award function will be held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 23rd March. This was informed in a press meet at Press Club of Sikkim on Tursday by Citizens’ Bank Chairman, Mr. PK Pradhan.

Mr. Pradhan said, Citizens’ Bank was established 21st March 2003 and inaugurated by the Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling. The bank has developed within a very short time and now given the prestigious award by IAF which is an apex body which promotes and encourages commendable achievements globally. The Forum strives to promote society-centric business practice and sustainable developments in economic as well as social front in India.

Banking Industry plays a vital role in the development of Indian economy. This sector is fast changing and it has been globalized and liberalized to a great extent, said Mr. NK Pradhan, Regional Manager of Citizens’ Bank. He said, “IFA has been encouraging and motivating the banking sector and, accordingly, a transparent and objective competition is held to select the best performing bank for award. IFA invited nomination along with Evaluation Sheet and Chartered Accountant Certificate from 2300 banks from all over the country”.

SIKKIM: ‘My quest for democracy will never stop’

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK: In a long political history starting from the ‘movement for democracy’ in Sikkim in the early 70’s, sixty two year old Nar Bahadur Khatiwada has shifted gears aiming towards the Lok Sabha seat from the Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP).

The veteran politician was on Thursday announced as SGPP’s party MP candidate for the lone Lok Shaba seat in the forthcoming General Elections.

Mr. Khatiwada’s political history records that he had been elected the Sikkim Assembly on two occasions, 1974 and 1979. He had also in the 1999 General Elections unsuccessfully contested from the Darjeeling constituency of West Bengal from Congress (I).

Having done stints in various political outfits and different political avatars, Mr. Khatiwada believes that ‘SGPP is the last stop for credible politicians’.
Excerpts from his interaction with the press are presented below.

On him declared as an MP candidate

However difficult it may be, I will work for democracy and the interests of the entire Gorkha community. There can be a Gorkha government in Sikkim as SGPP has duties to fulfill towards the Gorkha candidate. Gorkhaland is also a main agenda of the party. I will prove myself in the Parliament.I have not stopped my quest for democracy.

On his political ringtone

Khatiwada: I have fought for democracy in Sikkim and have made big personal sacrifices during the struggle to bring democracy. However, the vestiges of the monarchy still exist in Sikkim with undemocratic activities and system which has to be removed.

On his political history

In my 36 years of political career, I was leading the opposition in the Sikkim Assembly for 12 years. I won the 1974 elections as an independent candidate and also won the second time in 1979 as a candidate from Sikkim Prajatantrik Congress.

SIKKIM: Athup Lepcha appeals all to support ACT

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK: Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) president Athup Lepcha today appealed all the organizations in Sikkim to come forward to save Dzongu from the proposed mega power projects.

“Dzongu is protected under Article 371 F. I appeal all to save Dzongu and not allow Article 371 F to be trampled upon”, said Mr. Lepcha while speaking to media today.

The ACT president reminded that the body’s relay hunger strike protest has crossed 615 days and several organizations, both political and non political, have come forward to support the cause.

Mr. Lepcha also slammed the Dzongu MLA Sonam Gyatso Lepcha over not being honest towards the aspirations of the people of his constituency.

 

SIKKIM: SNPP appeals SIBLAC to organize a hunger strike at Kabi Longtsok

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK: Sikkim National Peoples Party (SNPP) president Biraj Adikhari today said that supported the 12 hour hunger strike protest by ASESEUA for protection of Article 371 F and Dzongu here at BL House.

Speaking to media, the SNPP president said that his party is continuing its own hunger strike protest. We have recently completed a week long hunger strike protest at Mangan and will resume it at Ranipool soon, he said.

“Dzongu is the most protect area of Sikkim. If it is destroyed, then the soul of Sikkim will die”, said Mr. Adikhari.

The SNPP president also appealed Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) to organize a hunger strike protest for the Dzongu Lepchas at the historic location of Kabi Longtsok.

“Kabi Longtsok is the historical place where the blood brotherhood treaty had taken between Lepchas and Bhutias 300 years ago. We appeal SIBLAC to organize a hunger strike at this place for the Lepchas of Dzongu. We will join as the Nepali brothers to strengthen the cause”, said Mr. Adikhari.

 

SIKKIM: 12 hr hunger strike by ASESEUA at BL House

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK: Three members of All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESEUA) today sat on a 12 hour hunger strike here at BL House premises to highlight its demands for ‘protection of Article 371 F’ and ‘immediate release of arrested ACT activists’.

TB Rai (president), Navin Kiran (vice president) and Hem Kumar Pradhan (general secretary) of ASESEUA began their hunger strike from 8 am and concluded at 8 pm at the BL House premises.

Speaking to media, Mr. Rai said that Article 371 F must be protected at any costs. He also said that there should an immediate release of the jailed ACT activists.

“The unlimited power projects coming to Sikkim will make Sikkim people landless. Hydel power is good but the projects should be of limited number. The present unlimited project companies will not serve any good to Sikkim as there is no such capacity in the rivers of Sikkim”, said Mr. Rai.

The ASESEUA president further said that the power projects in Dzongu, North Sikkim will encourage influx and put the Lepchas of Dzongu under threat.

The government says employment will be generated with this power projects but has there been such employment in the NHPC Teesta Stage V project, said Mr. Rai. Similar future awaits the Lepchas of Dzongu, he added.

Mr. Kiran made it clear that ASESEUA members do not belong to any political party. We are opposing the bad polices of the State government but we don’t belong to any political party, he said.

SIKKIM: Girl’s hostel of Engineering and Post Harvest Technology inaugurated

Agricultural education in the wake of globalisation and free trade policy is important: Somnath

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

State Agriculture Minister Somnath Poudyal. Photo by Sikkim Express

GANGTOK: State Agriculture Minister Somnath Poudyal today stressed the need for agricultural education in the wake of globalisation and free trade policy.

Inaugurating a girl’s hostel of the College of Engineering and Post Harvest Technology in Marchak, few kilometres from here, Mr Poudyal also said that the State Government was very positive to the idea of having a Central Agriculture University (CAU) in Sikkim. “The State Government is exploring the possibility of providing more land within the premises of the existing College for the proposed University, he added.

Stating competitiveness is the central theme and competence the catchword in free market, the minister said that the establishment of the College of Post Harvest Technology is a new milestone in the present context of agriculture development in Sikkim.

At the same time, he expressed sadness over less research linkage in the agriculture development initiatives. “Research and education are two wheels to balance and take agriculture development further, he said. Mr Poudyal insisted for more research works and urged the institute to design hill specific machinery and farm implements to address the problems being faced by the farmers.

In the same vein, the state agriculture minister proudly informed about Sikkim’s good business of Rs 15 cores proffered in the last season by simply selling 15,000 metric ton of seasonal tomatoes.

The Vice Chancellor of CAU SN Puri said the present land is not enough to cater the infrastructure services of the college. “We would really appreciate if the state government could provide us with more land for the agriculture college infrastructure,” he said. The VC also congratulated the institute and its faculty for being acknowledged as one of the best performing colleges in the country. “We are in the process of making an ace agriculturist who would be in a high demand in the days to come,” he added. Mr Puri further informed that Rs 30 cores would be demanded in the 11th Five Year Plan for the up-gradation of the college.

SIKKIM: KN Uperti chewing over MP ticket proposal from Congress high command

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK: Former minister and still a Congressman, KN Uperti today said that he is ‘thinking over’ a proposal from the party high command to stand as the party’s candidate for the lone Lok Sabha seat from Sikkim in the forthcoming General Elections.

Speaking to SIKKIM EXPRESS over phone from Hyderabad, Mr. Uperti said that he had been offered the MP candidate proposal from the party high command during his recent trip to Delhi.

“I am still with Congress and I had given the proposal by the party to stand for the Lok Sabha seat from Sikkim. I am thinking over it”, said Mr. Upreti.

The seasoned politician was commenting on the speculations doing rounds in Gangtok that he had been offered the MP ticket from another political party here. I have never received such offer or any such communication from any other party, said Mr. Uperti.

Mr. Uperti who is also the chief coordinator of United Democratic Front (UDF) expressed his willingness to contest if there a ‘consensus’ among all the opposition parties in Sikkim.

 

SIKKIM: GM Rai to contest from Khamdong- Singtam seat

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK: After four years of focusing only in its single plank of ‘one man-one vote-one value’ in the State since 2004, Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP) today sounded its readiness to test the political waters in the State as the elections for the Eighth Assembly is round the corner.

The party president GM Rai himself led the SGPP’s challenge for the 2009 hustings by declaring himself as the party candidate from Khamdong- Singtam constituency.

“Singtam is my hometown and I will stand from this constituency”, said Mr. Rai in a press meet today.

Khamdong-Singtam constituency in East district has been declared as a general constituency by the new delimitation report.

Earlier in the 2004 elections, Singtam had been in the Central Pandam constituency. This constituency had seen a showdown between Mr. Rai, SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari and SDF candidate Somnath Poudyal. Mr. Poudyal had scored a thumping victory over his nearest rival Mr. Bhandari with an impressive victory margin of 3,455 votes.

Despite being obliterated in the 2004 elections, the SGPP president is determined to contest from the newly delimitated constituency of Khamdong-Singtam which has 14 blocks.

“We are in the process of selecting candidates for the rest of the 31 seats. We are going systematically. There already 25,000 families in Sikkim with our party cards and the day we reach 50,000 families, our party will form government”, said Mr. Rai.

SIKKIM: NB Khatiwada declared as SGPP’s MP candidate

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

G. M. Rai. and Nar Bahadur Khatiwada. Photo by Sikkim Express

GANGTOK: Noted advocate and the livewire of the 1973 democratic movement in Sikkim, Nar Bahadur Khatiwada was today formally presented by Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP) as its candidate for the sole Lok Sabha seat from Sikkim.

“SGPP has decided to put forward Mr. Khatiwada as the party candidate for the Lok Sabha seat from Sikkim as he is most able person to represent the aspirations of the entire Gorkha community of the country”, said the party president GM Rai today in a press meet here.

“It is the responsibility of every Gorkha of Sikkim to vote for Mr. Khatiwada”.
Mr. Khatiwada is also the legal advisor of SGPP.

This is first official declaration of a candidate for the Lok Sabha seat for the upcoming General Elections by any party in Sikkim.

While making the declaration for the MP seat, the SGPP president said that other party candidates for the 32 Assembly seats for the forthcoming Assembly elections will be declared in two phases soon.

The reason for choosing Mr. Khatiwada as the party’s candidate for the MP seat was straight and simple, said Mr. Rai.

“Mr. Khatiwada is not only a noted advocate but is a seasoned politician in the State right from playing the main role in the 1973 democratic movement to other various prominent political roles till today. His long experience coupled with his legal background will come handing in raising the issues of the Gorkha community of Sikkim and the rest of India effectively in the Parliament”, said Mr. Rai.