Sikkim - The Purbottar

06 Aug

‘Shape of Momo’ to compete at 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai has earned a place on the global stage with her debut feature film, Shape of Momo (Nepali title: Chhora Jastai), being selected for the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain. The film will compete in the prestigious ‘New Directors’ category, a segment renowned for spotlighting the most promising emerging voices in world cinema.This selection marks a historic moment—not just for Rai as a first-time feature director, but also for Sikkim and the broader Indian Nepali-speaking community, whose stories are seldom represented at such prominent international film events. Set in Rai’s home villages of Nandok…

05 Aug

Heavy rain damages NH-10, road shut until August 6

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The lifeline highway connecting Sikkim to the rest of India—National Highway 10 (NH-10)—has been completely shut down for three days following landslides and severe road damage triggered by relentless monsoon rains. The highway will remain closed to all vehicular traffic from 8 PM on August 3 to 6 PM on August 6, as urgent repair work is undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The most alarming development occurred in West Bengal’s Kalimpong district, where a major crack was detected near a landslide-prone stretch between Coronation Bridge and Chitrey. Officials stated that the closure is essential…

04 Aug

PM Modi releases ₹2,000 aid to 32,190 farmers in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

More than 32,190 farmers in Sikkim have received financial support under the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The installment was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, as part of a nationwide disbursement of ₹20,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 9.53 crore eligible farmers.This direct financial transfer of ₹2,000 per farmer is part of the annual ₹6,000 assistance provided in three equal installments under the scheme. The money is meant to support basic farming needs such as purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs. In Sikkim, the number of farmers…

02 Aug

Flash floods worsen NH-10 condition, MP seeks Central help

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's lone Lok Sabha MP, Indra Hang Subba, met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on August 1, pressing for urgent flood control and restoration measures along National Highway-10, which connects Sikkim to the rest of India. Subba submitted a memorandum highlighting the highway’s vulnerability to monsoon-induced landslides and floods, particularly along the Teesta River stretch in Kalimpong, West Bengal. He flagged the recurring damage between Sevoke and Melli as life-threatening for commuters and locals. The October 2023 flash flood, which altered the Teesta's course and raised the riverbed, worsened the situation with silt and debris accumulation, he…

02 Aug

After 6+ Years, Red Panda Cubs Born In Sikkim Zoo

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

The birth of two red panda cubs at the Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok, Sikkim, has revitalized its red panda conservation efforts after a seven-year gap. Born on June 15 to parents Lucky-II and Mirak, the cubs mark the first litter for the pair. Park authorities officially announced the news on August 1, calling it a major achievement for the Red Panda Conservation Programme, which began in 1997. Director Sangay Gyatso explained that the programme had faced setbacks over the past seven years, including two outbreaks of canine distemper—a deadly viral disease affecting carnivores—that significantly reduced the captive red panda…

01 Aug

Sikkim Governor celebrates first anniversary with grand event

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The state of Sikkim celebrated the first anniversary of Governor Om Prakash Mathur’s tenure with a grand event titled Utkarsh Utsav, commemorating a year of service marked by development, inclusivity, and people-centric outreach. Reflecting on his journey as the 18th Governor of Sikkim, Mathur expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people and reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. “This year has been full of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connections,” he said, recalling his swearing-in at Raj Bhavan just a year ago. Over the past year, Governor Mathur traversed the state—from high-altitude Donkela Pass to festive events like Maghey Mela…

01 Aug

Raj Bhavan Holds ‘Utkarsh Utsav’

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

Raj Bhavan Sikkim hosted a special event, ‘Utkarsh Utsav,’ on Thursday to mark the completion of one year of Om Prakash Mathur's tenure as the 18th Governor of Sikkim. The celebration saw the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder, Speaker M.N. Sherpa, and other dignitaries. A key moment was the release of the book Jaise Mene Janna, featuring the Governor’s speeches over the year. Reflecting on his journey, Governor Mathur spoke about his travels across the state, including visits to border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme. He praised Sikkim’s people for their unity, sustainability…

31 Jul

Sikkim launches ‘Aama Samman Diwas’ to recognise mothers’ role

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Government of Sikkim has officially declared August 10 as “Aama Samman Diwas” (Mother’s Honour Day), to be observed annually in recognition of the immense contributions made by mothers to family, society, and the state. The announcement was made through a formal notification issued by Chief Secretary R. Telang, marking a unique initiative aimed at honouring motherhood in both spirit and practice. The notification described mothers as central figures in shaping the lives of future generations through compassion, empathy, and deeply rooted values. Their silent sacrifices, emotional labour, and selfless devotion to raising responsible citizens, the government stated, are vital…

31 Jul

Sikkim To Be Developed As Model State In Cancer Prevention

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

Cancer cases in Sikkim are rising at a concerning pace, prompting strong action from the state government. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Department of Science and Technology have been working together to address the issue. A detailed analysis of decade-long cancer data revealed distinct trends in cancer types, ethnicity, and geographic patterns. This data was shared with the Department of Health Research and Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, along with a request for targeted interventions. In response, an expert consultation on cancer prevention and control in Sikkim…

30 Jul

Heavy rain causes landslides and floods in Sikkim and Bengal

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Relentless monsoon rains have triggered widespread landslides and flooding across Sikkim and adjoining districts of West Bengal, disrupting vital road links and severely impacting connectivity. The swelling Teesta river overflowed its embankments near 29 Mile, submerging a significant portion of National Highway-10 (NH-10) — the lifeline that connects Sikkim with Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal.Officials confirmed that a massive landslide at Tarkhola in Kalimpong district halted traffic movement between Sevoke and Rangpo, further worsening the situation. Another major slide occurred at Bardang between Singtam and Rangpo, blocking NH-10 completely. Due to continuous rainfall since Sunday, restoration efforts have…