Sikkim

17/03/2026

Forward looking discussions

09/12/2025

𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐦’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬: 𝐀 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The recent controversy surrounding the SI recruitment in Sikkim has done more than spark public outrage, it has exposed a deeper sickness within the state’s governance ecosystem. When a list of selected candidates began circulating on social media, what stood out was not their merit but their proximity to political power. The patterns were too precise to dismiss, too familiar to ignore. Young people across the state reacted with shock, frustration, and disbelief, yet the Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) offered no meaningful explanation. The silence did not just reflect institutional failure; it revealed a deliberate strategy of avoidance rooted in the psychology of power.

What followed next made the episode even more suspicious. At the peak of public anger, SPSC suddenly released a flurry of notifications: pending posts were revived, new advertisements were issued, and extensions were granted for older vacancies. To many observers, this did not appear to be a routine administrative action. Instead, it seemed like a calculated political manoeuvre—an attempt to pacify the agitated public by offering them fresh opportunities. It was a classic tactic: when people question the system, give them a new set of dreams to chase. Distract the protestors with hope, dilute their anger with anticipation, and divide their unity with competing priorities. In a state where government jobs remain one of the few pathways to stable livelihood, such tactics almost always work.

When the head of a recruitment body is himself entangled in allegations of nepotism, the entire structure under him loses moral authority. This is not a mere administrative error; it signals a collapse of institutional integrity. It exposes a recruitment ecosystem that bends under political pressure and protects its own.

At its core, this crisis reveals a disturbing psychological pattern, both of those in power and of those affected by it. Those in authority rely on silence, not dialogue, as their primary defence. Silence buys time. Silence avoids accountability. Silence allows controversy to decay naturally until the next crisis replaces it. Meanwhile, the public navigates a different psychological trap: the conflict between frustration and hope. On one hand, people are angry; on the other, they desperately want to believe that the next exam might be fair. This internal conflict becomes the perfect environment for political manipulation. A society that relies so heavily on government employment cannot afford to remain angry for long; survival forces it to hope. And hope, when weaponized by power, becomes a sedative.

The most tragic dimension of this entire episode is the normalisation of nepotism. In a small state where everybody knows everybody, people often dismiss wrongdoing with the familiar phrase, “Yeta ta estai hunchha”—this is how things work here and paila pani estai thiyo. In centre politics,they have "Nehru" to balme for everything, and in sikkim, we have "pachis (25) years" to blame, as they "paila pachis barsa Kay heeris". Hajur, hami janmay koi thiya na, is our honest answer. What should be shocking slowly becomes acceptable. Wrong choices become the norm. Institutional decay becomes routine. Over time, the public loses its sense of outrage, and a dangerous numbness settles in. This numbness is what allows powerful people to act without fear, institutions to operate without reform, and injustice to continue without consequence.

What the people fail to fully realise is that compromised recruitment has long-term consequences far beyond the selection lists. A wrongly chosen SI will shape law enforcement for decades. A compromised AE will influence critical infrastructure decisions involving crores of rupees. Wrong selections do not remain confined to exam halls—they seep into everyday governance, public safety, financial decisions, and the entire administrative culture. When merit is replaced by connections, incompetence becomes institutionalised. And an institution that loses integrity rarely regains it.

The SI controversy, the AE selection, and the recent university episode all point to one unsettling conclusion: a pattern of institutional weakening is underway. It is slow, subtle, and often invisible until the damage becomes irreversible. If people do not recognise this pattern now, they risk living under a system where fairness becomes an exception, not an expectation. Where silence replaces accountability. Where protest becomes futile. Where the price of speaking up becomes too high, and the cost of remaining silent becomes even higher.

Sikkim stands at a critical moment. This is not simply about one recruitment list or one institution. It is about what kind of society people want to build. A society where power is questioned, or one where power decides who gets the right to question. A society where institutions serve the people, or a society where people serve the interests of a few. The answer will not be determined by the government or the commission—it will be determined by the courage of the public, the persistence of youth, and the collective refusal to accept silence as a substitute for truth.

13/05/2025

Samsong Tamang is back home — but hardly anyone seems to know.

"Hami haray ko herai."

No headlines. No press glare. No questions at Rangpo by reporter while he left Sikkim. No reporter knew when he crossed Sikkim. No media outlet reported when he crossed Rangpo. No updates from those who once screamed for justice or condemned him outright.
"Hami haray ko herai."

Where are the questions now?
Where is the curiosity?
Where is the accountability?

"Hami haray ko herai."

When those we elect, those we trust, and those we rely on for truth stay silent — we are left only with quiet observation and reflection.

"Hami haray ko herai."

13/05/2025

50 Years of Democracy, and All We Learned Was Silence

Half a century.

That’s how long it’s been since Sikkim joined the world’s largest democracy.
Fifty years to find our voice—and we still chose silence.

Sikkimese youth was beaten.
Not for stealing.
Not for inciting hate.
But for daring to speak.

And what did we do?
We watched.
We nodded in agreement behind closed doors.
We scrolled past his pain.
We whispered in kitchens, in corridors, and corners.
But outside? We zipped our lips.

Because silence is safe.
Silence doesn’t get dragged to the police station.
Silence doesn’t bleed.
Silence is the new morality—we wear it like a badge of wisdom.

We’ve normalized moral corruption.
We’ve convinced ourselves that peace means avoiding conflict, not confronting injustice.
That if it doesn’t affect me, it doesn’t exist.
Not my friend. Not my family. Not my fight.
Yet.

But remember this:
When you’re next—when your truth is silenced, when your rights are torn apart—
we might just stay silent too.
Because you taught us how.

So thank you, silent citizen.
For teaching us to survive, but not to live.
For showing us how to walk with straight backs and shut mouths.
For becoming the perfect audience in a theatre of violence and power.

And when Sikkim’s story is retold,
may we remember the voices that broke,
and the mouths that stayed shut.

11/05/2025

In this explosive video, CAP President Ganesh Rai takes a no-holds-barred jab at Sikkim’s Education Minister Raju Basnett for his Finland study tour. Ganesh Rai boldly suggests that instead of copying Finland, Basnett should look to failed states like Somalia and Sudan to learn how not to ruin an education system.

In this explosive video, CAP President Ganesh Rai takes a no-holds-barred jab at Sikkim’s Education Minister Raju Basnett for his Finland study tour. Ganesh ...

27/03/2025

𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞? 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐦 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

It was supposed to be a dream trip to the highlands of North Sikkim. A traveler, eager to witness the untouched beauty of Lachung and beyond, had followed all the necessary procedures—permits arranged, documents checked, itinerary planned. But somewhere along the journey, a crucial formality slipped through—he missed a check-post stamp.

The reason? The official wasn’t present at the time, and there was no clear guidance on where to get the stamp. Unaware of the missing requirement, he continued toward Shiva Mandir Point, only to be stopped and asked to turn back. Frustration set in—not because the rule was unfair, but because there was no way for him to correct the mistake without making the long journey back. Instead of enjoying his trip, he left with a sour experience—one he would share with others, possibly discouraging future visitors.

This incident raises a critical question—shouldn’t our system be designed to assist travelers rather than create obstacles? Should we continue operating in a way that frustrates tourists, or should we adapt to global best practices and make Sikkim a truly welcoming destination?

𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦: 𝐀 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡

Tourism isn’t just about scenic spots; it’s about the overall experience. While rules and regulations are necessary, the way they are implemented defines how visitors perceive a place. In this case, the issue wasn’t the check-post requirement itself, but the lack of assistance in ensuring travelers were guided through the process seamlessly.

𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝒘𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉:

Officials Must Be Accessible and Proactive – Security personnel and check-post officials should actively engage with travelers, ensuring that all formalities are completed rather than expecting visitors to find them.

Clear and Well-Communicated Processes – Proper signage, digital notices, or even a simple mobile alert system could help tourists understand and complete necessary documentation effortlessly.

Hospitality Embedded in Enforcement – A welcoming attitude from officials ensures that while rules are upheld, visitors don’t feel like they are being policed but rather assisted.

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a tourism-friendly image. If we aspire to be a globally recognized destination, we must blend security with service, making visitors feel valued rather than burdened by bureaucratic inefficiencies.

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐦’𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞

Beyond fixing bureaucratic inefficiencies, Sikkim must also rethink how it markets itself. Tourism is no longer driven solely by brochures and government campaigns; it thrives in the digital age, where travel influencers and social media content creators shape global perceptions. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have turned destinations into viral sensations overnight.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

Travel influencers are modern-day storytellers. They showcase destinations through immersive visuals, engaging narratives, and real-time experiences. Unlike promotional campaigns, their content feels authentic and relatable, making it highly persuasive. Countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Maldives have leveraged influencers to attract millions of tourists, offering them incentives such as hosted stays, exclusive experiences, and simplified processes.

𝐒𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐦’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

While Sikkim boasts breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and an environmentally conscious tourism model, we lag behind in influencer engagement. Our bureaucratic red tape, stringent permits, and expectation that influencers must seek formal approvals create unnecessary barriers. Instead of recognizing their value as global brand ambassadors, we make their work difficult, leading them to promote other destinations instead.

𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Bali, Dubai, and the Maldives actively collaborate with influencers, providing special access, free stays, and hassle-free documentation.

Japan and Switzerland focus on creating influencer-friendly policies that ensure positive narratives spread worldwide.

Dubai and Thailand even have dedicated tourism bodies that partner with top creators to reach millions of potential visitors.

Sikkim, too, can embrace this model. Instead of treating travel influencers as ordinary tourists, we should recognize them as strategic partners in tourism promotion. Offering seamless access, simplified procedures, and active engagement can transform Sikkim into a sought-after global travel destination.

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬

Sikkim’s tourism future depends on how we balance security, hospitality, and modern marketing strategies. A small shift in approach—where tourists are guided rather than reprimanded and influencers are welcomed rather than restricted—can go a long way in making Sikkim not just a place of beauty but a benchmark for seamless and welcoming travel experiences.

If we truly wish to position Sikkim as a globally admired destination, we must evolve our systems to ensure that every visitor leaves not just with photographs but with unforgettable memories and a desire to return. It’s time for a tourism model that works for everyone—tourists, officials, and the people of Sikkim alike.

𝑽𝙞𝒅𝙚𝒐 𝑺𝙤𝒖𝙧𝒄𝙚:
(𝑵𝙤𝒎𝙖𝒅𝙞𝒄 𝑰𝙣𝒅𝙞𝒂𝙣 𝙔𝒐𝙪𝑻𝙪𝒃𝙚 𝘾𝒉𝙖𝒏𝙣𝒆𝙡: 17.5 lakh subscriber )

13/11/2024

Valley of Rice

13/11/2024

The lowland forests of Sikkim are home to some of the beautiful birds.

01/02/2023

Mulkharka lake is situated at an altitude of 7500 feet in North Bengal & Sikkim border. The trek route to Mulkarkha Lake is one of the most exciting and untouched trails of the Himalayan foothills. The most fascinating feature of this lake is the reflection of Mt. Kanchenjunga on its tranquil waters.

10/11/2022

Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple complex which is located in the upper reaches of Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, and maintained by the Indian army. It was established in 1952.[1]