Sikkim - The Purbottar

31 Aug

Former footballer Nirmal Chettri urges collaboration for Sikkim’s football growth

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) motto, “Indian Football, Forward Together,” symbolizes a vision of collective advancement and unity in football's development across India. However, in Sikkim, this vision seems increasingly distant. Despite the earnest efforts to nurture local talent and advance the sport, the local football association often acts as a stumbling block rather than a supportive partner. Football Development Private Limited, supported by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, launched the Sikkim Premier League with the aim of genuinely developing football in the region. This initiative reflects our dedication to advancing the sport despite facing significant obstacles.…

30 Aug

Youth arrested in Sikkim’s Jorethang over viral molestation video

Sonakshi SarkarCrime, Sikkim

On August 29, Sikkim police arrested 19-year-old Sagar Thapa in connection with a disturbing video of an elderly woman being molested, which had gone viral on social media. The video, depicting the molestation of a 61-year-old deaf and mute woman, was recorded on August 26, 2024. It was allegedly captured by a juvenile using a mobile phone belonging to another minor and later uploaded to Instagram by Thapa, leading to widespread outrage and condemnation. The incident was reported to authorities through a formal complaint on August 28, 2024, resulting in the registration of Jorethang PS Case FIR No. 28 of…

30 Aug

Karzang Lepcha urges immediate action for wildlife-affected farmers

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Farmers in Melli Aching village, part of the Yuksom-Tashiding Constituency in Sikkim, are facing significant livestock losses due to increasing wildlife interference. Despite repeated appeals to the wildlife department, villagers report inadequate measures and lack of compensation for their losses. Karzang Lepcha, a resident of Melli Aching, highlighted the issue in a letter to the Sikkim Press Club and the Journalists Union of Sikkim. Lepcha noted that wild animal attacks, which have become a recurring problem, resulted in the loss of three goats just this August."We have provided evidence of these attacks, yet the wildlife department has not taken action,"…

29 Aug

Sikkim’s Salman charms internet with hilarious horse mimicry

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A heartwarming video from Sikkim is spreading joy across the internet, showcasing the remarkable mimicking talent of a young student named Salman. The clip, shared by his teacher, has gone viral on Instagram, capturing the delightful moment when Salman showcased his unique skill in his classroom. Initially a shy student, Salman overcame his hesitation when invited to demonstrate his talent. His performance involved mimicking a horse, complete with realistic sounds and movements, which left his classmates in fits of laughter and applause. The video highlights the simple yet profound joy that can be found in everyday moments. One viewer commented,…

27 Aug

Sikkim invites PM Modi for Golden Jubilee Statehood Day celebration

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the Chief Guest at the state’s Golden Jubilee Statehood Day celebration on May 16, 2025. This milestone event will mark 50 years since Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975, officially making it the 22nd member of the Indian Union. During his meeting with PM Modi, CM Tamang extended his best wishes to the Prime Minister on Janmashtami, reflecting the positive and meaningful nature of their discussions. The meeting addressed a range of state-related issues and explored preparations for the upcoming celebration. The year-long event, themed…

26 Aug

Sikkim CM Tamang Requests Scindia’s Assistance for Healthcare Improvements

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang met with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on August 25 to address key healthcare needs in the state. The meeting, held at Scindia's official residence, centered on improving medical facilities and services in Sikkim. During the discussion, Chief Minister Tamang congratulated Scindia on his recent appointment, acknowledging his influence on regional development. Tamang presented a memorandum outlining requests for financial support to upgrade hospitals in Mangan and Namchi districts and to establish a new medical college in Gangtok. Scindia responded positively, expressing his commitment to supporting these crucial healthcare initiatives. He assured Tamang of his…

24 Aug

Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang gains highest popularity

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has been named the most popular Chief Minister in his home state, according to the latest Mood of the Nation survey by India Today. Conducted by CVoter, the survey highlights a substantial rise in CM Tamang's approval ratings, with 55.7% of Sikkim residents expressing satisfaction with his leadership as of August 2024. This marks a significant improvement from 26% in February 2024 and 32.5% in August 2023. On a national scale, CM Tamang has achieved an outstanding ranking among 30 incumbent Chief Ministers. The survey, which took place from July 15 to August 10,…

23 Aug

New Strategy to combat cardamom decline unveiled in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim, organized a stakeholder consultation workshop at Vigyan Bhawan, Deorali, focused on developing disease-tolerant large cardamom varieties. The event, chaired by Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, aimed to gather feedback on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for revitalizing large cardamom production in the state. Minister Lepcha emphasized the significant decline in large cardamom production and its adverse impact on the village economy. He highlighted the importance of large cardamom as a niche, high-value crop for Sikkim and praised the collaboration between the Horticulture Department, ICAR, Spices Board, and Sikkim University in addressing this…

19 Aug

Empowering Pashusakhis: A-HELP training programme transforms animal husbandry in Sikkim

editorSikkim

In a significant advancement for animal husbandry in Sikkim, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the state’s Animal Husbandry Department, has successfully launched the A-HELP training programme. This comprehensive 16-day initiative, conducted at the Sokeythang Training Centre, aims to empower Pashusakhis—community-based animal health workers—with crucial skills and knowledge to support livestock farmers across the state. The training, which ran from July 31 to August 16, 2024, involved 25 dedicated Pashusakhis from the Sikkim Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM). Participants engaged in extensive orientation sessions, practical demonstrations, and hands-on practices covering…

17 Aug

Governor Om Prakash Mathur visits Nathula and Baba Mandir on first tour of Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Om Prakash Mathur, the Hon'ble Governor of Sikkim, undertook his inaugural tour of the state today, visiting Nathula Pass and Baba Mandir. This visit marks his first official engagement since taking the oath of office. Upon arriving at Nathula Pass, located at an elevation of 14,140 feet, Governor Mathur was greeted warmly by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Amit Kapthiyal of the 17 Mountain Division, along with other army officials. During his visit, the Governor interacted with the stationed army personnel, expressing deep appreciation for their unwavering dedication under harsh conditions. “It fills me with immense pride to witness our soldiers…