Sikkim - The Purbottar

24 May

Indigenous sentiments hurt as Sacred Peak in Sikkim climbed by army

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has sharply criticised the Indian Army’s recent expedition to Mount Khangchen Dzongna, a peak regarded as sacred by the indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha communities. The group said the climb violates long-standing religious sentiments and state directives that prohibit expeditions on the holy mountain. Mount Khangchen Dzongna is not only Sikkim’s highest peak but is considered a Guardian Deity by local communities. In recognition of its spiritual significance, the Sikkim government has imposed an official ban on climbing the mountain. SIBLAC expressed deep anguish over the army’s actions and called for accountability from the…

24 May

The state’s fiery “Dalle Khursani” is cultivated by Sikkim’s Dzongu admin center

Banasree SarkarSikkim

On land that had long been left bare, the Block Administrative Centre (BAC) in Dzongu, Sikkim, has started growing "Dalle Khursani," the state's well-known fiery chili. Under the direction of Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, the project is a component of a larger initiative to promote organic farming and enhance food security. Adjacent to the BAC office in Dzongu, the area had lain fallow for many years. Now that Dalle Khursani has been planted, it is being turned into a verdant and useful area. Sikkim is proud to be the first entirely organic state in the world, a distinction…

23 May

Sikkim’s 50-year journey celebrated as national milestone

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee is a moment of national pride, not just a state celebration, said Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang while addressing the India Today State of the States Conclave: Sikkim @50 – The Glorious Journey & The Illustrious Road Ahead on Wednesday. Marking 50 years since Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975, Tamang called it a “historic milestone for the entire nation.” He announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the state on May 29 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations. “From a small kingdom to becoming a shining example of progress in the Indian Union, Sikkim…

22 May

Tribeny Rai’s debut film ‘Shape of Momo’ unveiled at Cannes 2025

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature Shape of Momo was among five Asian films-in-progress showcased at the prestigious “HAF Goes to Cannes” segment of the 2025 Marché du Film, the official film market of the Cannes Film Festival. The Nepali-language film from East Sikkim was pitched to an international audience comprising distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers. Rai, along with producer Kislay and lead actor Gaumaya Gurung, unveiled the film’s official poster at the Bharat Pavilion. Curated by the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the initiative provides a global platform for emerging Asian filmmakers. The selected teams each presented…

21 May

Former Sikkim Parliamentarians call on Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhawan

Mohini BarmanSikkim

A delegation of former Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sikkim, comprising representatives of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, at Raj Bhawan. The meeting served as a platform for a warm and reflective interaction, where the former parliamentarians engaged in insightful discussions with Governor Mathur. The dialogue touched upon their experiences in the Indian Parliament and the developmental journey of Sikkim over the years. The gathering took a nostalgic turn as the former MPs shared memories of their respective tenures, recounting the challenges and accomplishments that marked…

21 May

Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga reserve hosts Nepal’s high-level conservation delegation

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A high-level delegation from Nepal began a three-day knowledge exchange visit to Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) on Monday to learn from the state’s acclaimed conservation efforts. The visit, spanning from May 20 to 22, was facilitated by UNESCO’s Regional Office in New Delhi and Nepal-based NGO Smrida Pahad in coordination with Sikkim’s Forest Department. The Nepalese team aims to replicate the success of KBR, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 and a Biosphere Reserve in 2018, for its own Khangchendzonga Conservation Area. The delegates are studying Sikkim’s advanced park management techniques, including camera traps, real-time…

20 May

19 including 2 women candidates held in Sikkim for cheating during NVS recruitment exam

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Police detained 19 candidates for allegedly using sophisticated electronic communication devices to cheat during the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Non-Teaching Recruitment Examination. The incident occurred on Sunday at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School in Gangtok. According to officials, 17 men and 2 women were apprehended at the examination venue after they were found in possession of discreet communication gadgets aimed at facilitating cheating. The devices were reportedly used to seek outside assistance during the examination. All 17 male candidates have been formally arrested, and an FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the…

19 May

PM Modi is thanked by BJP Sikkim for commemorating the Rs 50 commemorative coin

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed its sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for commemorating the golden jubilee of Sikkim's membership in the Indian Union (1975–2025) with a commemorative silver coin worth Rs 50. "The coin's issuance is much more than a symbolic gesture—it is a reaffirmation of Sikkim's unique cultural identity and its proud journey as an inseparable part of India," said BJP Sikkim, which described the move as a historic homage. Such commemorative mementos, the party stressed, reinforce the sense of unity and diversity in the country and…

17 May

Governor, CM lead Sikkim’s 50th statehood day festivities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim marked 50 years of statehood with a vibrant celebration at Paljor Stadium, commemorating five decades of remarkable progress and envisioning a bright future. The event was graced by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and other dignitaries. The day began with a ceremonial parade featuring contingents from the Sikkim Armed Police, Infantry Regiments, and Forest and Home Guards. The Governor and Chief Minister received full honors amid enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Key highlights included the lighting of butter lamps and offerings to the portrait of revered leader L.D. Kazi, symbolizing respect for Sikkim’s heritage. The…

16 May

Sikkim marks 50 years in Indian Union

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim marked a historic milestone on Thursday as it celebrated 50 years of statehood, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang paying tribute to the state’s journey from a tranquil Himalayan kingdom to a vibrant and progressive state within the Indian Union. Addressing a large gathering at Manan Kendra in Gangtok, CM Tamang delivered a rousing speech, reaffirming his government’s commitment to progress, inclusivity, and preservation of Sikkim’s distinct identity.“We inherited a legacy, now we build a future,” said Tamang. He lauded the people of Sikkim for their resilience and unity over the past five decades and pledged that the next…