Dumped, Charred and Still Standing Tall - The Journey of JC White
Courtesy : MIDWEEK 11-17 Oct, 2006 Gangtok
From our archives
Response that is trickling down to us to our letter dated 22 April 2004 inviting views on
Expectation from the Newa: in Sikkim / Your Role in achieving this expectation:
To enlighten the present and future generation on the rituals and history of the Newars (Beside others.)
Shall try to answer any kind of query in future, if knowledgeable.
Late Daya Prasad Pradhan (83years-21 December 1921) Matriculation 1941 10 09 2004 Retired Government Officer, reading and writing. Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim. ----- In Sikkim “Newar” which are generally known as “Pradhan” are disjointed entities in their own society.
Notwithstanding there were and are numerous Pradhan renowned and illustrious administrators, technocrats, intellectuals, writers, journalists, sports persons and captain of Business in Sikkim who played historical role of socio-economic upliftment and advancement of education, preservation of cultural heritage but they are always overlooked and sidelined in Sikkim as a non-entity.
The “ego” problem always pervades the Pradhan society in Sikkim, which is main obstacle to create unity amongst Pradhan society of Sikkim.
A glaring example Sikkim Newa Guthi-Sikkim Newa Sangathan, Newa Guthi and Sangathan are unable to unite Pradhans of Sikkim as because these Guthi and Sangthan are affected with the virus of selfishness, factionalism and nepotism.
And to bring all Pradhans of Sikkim in one platform; all the so-called Sikkim Newa social leaders must be discarded to enable other Pradhan intellectuals to lead Pradhans of Sikkim in the desired destinations without fear and favour.
And Newa Guthi and Sangathan must not be allowed to utilize to reap harvest directly or indirectly for personal benefit by certain Newa social leaders in the Name of Newa or Pradhans of Sikkim.
…at the cost of we the Newa: of Sikkim?
A concept to organize a platform to bring all Newars of Sikkim as Linguistic Community.
Sailesh Pradhan (64years-31 March 1940) M.A. 26 June 2004 First Post Graduate President of Gram Panchayat in Sikkim 1972-1985Sumbuk House, South Sikkim. ----- Our reply :
The Newa: in Sikkimko laagi pratyuttarko sarahanasaath dhanyavad gyapan gardachhaun. Khubai kamle sahas rasamarthanma jawaf diyeka chhan. Hamro dhyeya Free Fair and Frank drishtikon dinechha.”(We acknowledge with appreciation and thank you for the response to The Newa: in Sikkim. Very few have replied us with courage and support. Our aim is to give Free Fair and Frank point of view). ----- BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONGST HUMANS IRRESPECTIVE OF CLASS IN THE SOCIETY. Co-operative attitude among Newa: Broader view of life in the present context. Express the above views whenever and wherever possible whether it is immediately accepted or not. To sow the good seed in proper time is the only aim.
Dr.Shanti Chettri (Pradhan - 56 years -January 1948 ), Ph.D. in Arts 16 May 2004 Litterateur and Retired Joint Director of Education Hobbies – Reading, writing and social work.Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim ----- Of the other tribes, the Newars, though small in number, were reputedly enterprising and influential. V.H.Coelho Political Officer in Sikkim in Sikkim and Bhutan ( ICCR 1970 p 19)