Quantcast
Channel: News Of Sikkim, Sikkim Local News, Stories & Much More
Viewing all 107 articles
Browse latest View live

TBI Heritage: Acoustic Traditional – Preserving Indigenous Tales, Myths and Legends

$
0
0

India is estimated to have about 635 indigenous communities. Each of these groups of people have a unique identity, with their very own brand of culture, traditions and folklore. Unfortunately, most of this knowledge is passed on from generation to generation in the oral form, and in the face of dwindling tribal population, advent of modern education and widespread displacement in the name of development, most of this ancient wisdom is getting eroded. This is where a group of individuals calling themselves Acoustic Traditional are making an effort to preserve the precious heritage.

Dear Readers,

“Once upon a time…the kind king got married…together they slayed many demons…and then the king and the queen lived happily ever after…”

Do you relate to similar stories your Grandma would have narrated to you a few years back? I remember listening to fairy tales and mythological stories from my parents and grandparents before switching off to my dream world of imaginations. Then while I was growing I graduated from story listener to book reader and then to a story teller. I guess many of us share a similar upbringing. This time The Better India got a beautiful and extensive opportunity to know, interact and hear stories from Acoustic Traditional (AT).

The Acoustic Traditional Team and Volunteers

The Acoustic Traditional Team and Volunteers

It was during the year of 1999 in Nepal, when Mr. Salil Mukhia Kwoica and Ms. Barkha Henry thought about preserving the mountain folk music by documenting and transcribing them into sheet music (staff notations) in the hope that the music would be available for the generations to come. Mr. Salil Mukhia Kwoica says,

I was teaching music at one of the schools in Kathmandu those days and often found time to travel the country side to listen to some old folk tunes which I would send to Barkha (who was in Darjeeling). She would then transcribe it for an instrument (usually Guitar). However, the process of documentation quickly revealed a vast arena of study as we came across the stories, myths and legends on which the music was originally based. The realization that these stories, myths and legends were in fact the bed rock of the community’s identity, culture and heritage and that they were becoming extinct as they were passed down from one generation to another usually through ‘oral storytelling traditions’, led us to study this area and to include a wider community in our work.

There are many indigenous communities, where population is gradually reducing and the only way their history passes on is by oral narration usually from a Shaman to his successor (a Shaman is the head/priest of the community). However with urbanization, such history is becoming lost and remains untold to the younger generations. This is where AT has taken the initiative and works in the area of documenting the oral history, the community stories, and their way of life etc, through research and dissemination projects. Their flagship annual event “the Festival of Indigenous Storytellers” is one such initiative which brings together tribal storytellers from across the country in view of sharing their stories with the world.

A snapshot of the Festival of Indigenous Storytellers 2011

A snapshot of the Festival of Indigenous Storytellers 2011 - an annual event held by AT

These narrations are not just stories but have a lot of significance in day to day rituals and are a matter of anthropological study and research. Example: Mr. Salil Mukhia Kwoica, once narrated “For a particular period in the year, some communities worship the river and do not kill the fishes; it is not superstition but actually in this month, fishes swim upstream to reproduce and lay eggs and hence should not be killed.” All such practices are relevant and interwoven by AT. Currently, they have been traveling around Eastern Himalayas – Sikkim region and documenting folklore on Yeti and have come across many people who claim to have seen the Yeti. AT is working day and night, enjoying living with the community members and capturing their stories and planning to extend this research trip to Nepal and Bhutan.

It was an engrossing time discussing stories and obtaining views and opinions of Mr Salil Mukhia Kwoica, Ms Minket Lepcha and Ms Barkha Henry. Below is an excerpt of the interview by the group:

What geographies does Acoustic Traditional cover?

Acoustic looks at working especially with mountain and forest based communities – also those communities which are seemingly vanishing (in terms of population) and where the documentation of oral traditions is nonexistent. Our focus areas have been Eastern Himalayas and the Nilgiris.

But in terms of storyteller identification/participation, we have a national reach (Karnataka/ Tamil Nadu/ Andhra Pradesh/ West Bengal/ Manipur/ Nagaland/ Sikkim/ etc.)

How would you describe your work life? How would a day of yours be like?

Ms Minket Lepcha: “As a documentalist my day involves working around with interviews mostly with the community elders, especially the Shamans. The interviews usually imply gathering of information on the community’s oral mythology and folklore. This depends on the nature of the project, but usually these are the things that I document. My work is mostly based in tribal villages (in Dzongu at the moment) and starts early. I often have to walk long distances to meet up with the people, sometime it takes over a day just to reach a particular community by walk. I usually spend over a week’s time at the informant’s house just to get him/her comfortable with speaking. Since most of the Shamans are old it is difficult for them to recollect stories, myths etc. and many times I join them in their household chores trying to get the story out.

However, documenting in a community is an extensive task and the engagement with the community is for a very long time, sometimes even years as we have to understand them and how they function for them to be comfortable enough to share their stories with us.”

What are the fun aspects and the challenges involved?

It is always fun in the field as the terrain is scenic and at times spiritual. Interacting with the community, being invited to their ceremonies, rituals, sometimes being chased by children and old drunken storytellers is even more fun. At the end, we make up a family.

Acoustics Traditional holds frequent engagements in schools in the Sikkim-Darjeeling belt to sensitize the children about their rich culture

Acoustics Traditional holds frequent engagements in schools in the Sikkim-Darjeeling belt to sensitize the children about their rich cultural heritage

Accessibility to the villages has been a major concern because the weather changes drastically in the mountains in a short span of time causing landslides. In winters the snowfall is very heavy and that is the time when I have to postpone my scheduled visit to the villages. The other major challenge is to correctly interpret the storytellers because of the language barrier. Though a local translator is also accompanying, however a lot of ethnic words do not have an equal expression in English hence get dissolved in the process of translation.

Tell us something about the Lepcha community.

The Lepchas or the ‘Rongkup’ (being their original tribe name) are the aboriginal people of Sikkim and Darjeeling in the Eastern Himalayas. Their belief system is based on nature worship headed by a ‘Bongthing’ (Male Shaman) or a Mun (Female Shaman). They are also one of the oldest tribes in the region.

It is often quoted that the tribal communities are getting disconnected from the rest of the populace over the years. What is your take on that?

While this might be a popular notion and in many developmental ways true, there is this entire phenomenon of them being de-rooted from their own community structures due to persistent developmental attitudes that governments, educational institutions etc. bring in. Of course they remain marginalized in terms of their bigger picture but what remains true is the fact that their meaningful development can be asserted not by coercive mainstreaming but by understanding them – the relevance of their amazing traditional knowledge, rituals, practices, oral history etc. In fact this is one priority area of Acoustic Traditional work – to bring out their relevance in their urban context.

Ms Barkha Henry’s take on the same: “But I think that disconnect with their own rich traditional base is more critical to take note of. In this regard, we are losing account of mankind’s primitive history and social/ spiritual development; Anthropologically this is a very big loss.

AT travels to remote areas and interacts with the communities

AT travels to remote areas and interacts with the communities, sometimes staying for a week in their homes and helping with chores, in order to understand their culture and record their stories.

It may be surprising to note but the whole notion of mainstreaming them is so intrusive and devastating, that it is making them quite disabled. We need to understand that tribal communities bring in their own “scientific heritage” and knowledge systems. Removing that completely from them and giving them a “new” education has hardly helped anything. In fact, in terms of sustainability and conservation, we still find that their mechanisms are far more effective than what most modern means offer.

As such, the context of integrating them organically is far more critical than merely mainstreaming them using mainstream ideas. I feel that first the general populace needs to understand them.”

Thank you so much for taking time to respond. Is there anything more you would like to share with our readers?

Ms Minket: “While I was listening and documenting stories – which are simple and yet so wise – it made me realize the importance that these stories held for the community. It was these stories that bound them together. The fact that I belonged to the same community and was coming closer to myself through these stories gave me a whole new experience and understanding of the lingering question of ‘why they do things the way they do?’ which I had in my mind. Most of the stories, when studied closely, had a reason to co-exist harmoniously as per my understanding.”

AT - Big Foot Campaign

The Big Foot Campaign was run by AT in 2012 in order to raise awareness about the dying myths and legends of our tribes

When we asked the organization about the external support structure, Mr. Salil Mukhia Kwoica shared with us that they greatly valued individual support, where school children and working professionals are involved, and all of them together arrange funds by creating activities (story telling sessions, workshops etc), documenting and publishing stories. They organized a “Big Foot Campaign” in Darjeeling where students actively participated and roamed around in big shoes and the campaign was a huge success. They also receive some amount of Government support.

They are organizing their annual event – A Festival of Indigenous Storytellers, Confluence – III, on a big scale in the month of December. Click here to know more about the event.

All Photos: Courtesy Acoustic Traditional

Malavika Tewari is an MBA graduate from SP Jain School of Global Management and is working in the field of Supply chain and Logistics. She is a graduate from NIFT and has worked for 3 years in Apparel Export house. She has great fervor for reading and always looks out for opportunities to write.

Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction: Appreciate, Encourage and Empower the Female Voice

$
0
0

The social role assigned to women as caregivers and nurturers naturally extend to disaster risk management, to secure life and the continuity of livelihoods, and to maintain the life support systems, in times of disasters. It would therefore be imprudent to understate the role women play in tackling emergency situations and in building resilience within their families and communities when a disaster strikes. Incontrovertibly, the societal position of women as agents of change needs to be stepped up.

Natural disasters devastate the lives and livelihoods of millions of people and cause substantial loss to the economy. Around 200 million young people worldwide are affected each year by reported disasters and thousands of them are killed and injured. A proper disaster risk management framework would enable the affected population, especially women, in taking immediate and correct steps in emergency situations.

Women need to be prepared and empowered to tackle precarious situations and save lives during natural disasters like the recent floods in Bihar.

Women need to be prepared and empowered to tackle precarious situations and save lives during natural disasters like floods. (Source: http://www.knowledge.allianz.com)

In view of the transformational efforts by women in disaster prone areas, the UN General Assembly chose this year’s theme for the International Day for Disaster Reduction, celebrated world over on 13th October, as ‘Women and Girls: the [in]Visible Force of Resilience’. A wide range of events including tsunami drills and seismic risk discussions, gender-based violence workshops, community development work, poster and essay contests, panel discussions, gender awareness campaigns and education seminars were organised world over to celebrate the day. Women were given special awards and recognition for their exemplary work in disaster risk reduction and building resilience in their respective communities. United Nations has urged women and girls to be at the forefront of risk mitigation and disaster management. UN has also encouraged women to take up key leadership roles in disaster risk reduction initiatives and programs.

Globally, women need to be given greater space in the government’s disaster risk reduction programs and development plans for the hazard zones. Involving women as active participants in all aspects of disaster program planning and implementation would mean in true sense harnessing the hidden capability and realising women as a collective force of resilience. Educating and training women and girls in the areas of environmental and natural resource management; governance; and urban and land use planning and social and economic planning – the key drivers of disaster risk – can enable and empower them to bring sustainable development in their region and develop an implementable disaster response mechanism for their community. In this regard, UNESCO’s Global Partnership on Women and Girls’ Education has been training young women in disaster-prone countries such as Haiti, Myanmar, Pakistan and Indonesia on how to reduce their vulnerability to disasters and increase their resilience.

Disaster Management and Women: The Indian Context

In India, UNDP’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) project has been able to mobilize volunteers through the initiative. This sense of civic involvement proved to be an invaluable help during the recent floods in Bihar. Kiran Devi, a 35 year old, frail and shy woman, and a homemaker with two children, displayed the woman power and resilience when the floods devastated the homes in Duwania Chowk (Supaul district) in Bihar. She was one of the community volunteers who made a difference by preparing food for at least 2000 people whose homes and lives were washed away by the flood. Kiran made her way through 4 feet of water and also carried food for people in camps about 3 kilometres away from her home. In addition, she provided first aid relief to the injured in the floods – thanks to the UNDP first aid training she received in 2007.

Kiran Devi, a community volunteer in supaul, Bihar

Kiran Devi, a community volunteer in supaul, Bihar (Source: UNDP India)

The women of Villupuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu have another such fascinating story to tell. Every year when it rains heavily during the second part of the monsoon in November and December, the major inter-state Thenpennai River and its small tributary, the Malattaru, turn into demons, devouring rice fields and neighbourhoods. Planning ahead of the next round of heavy rains, village women take the lead in preparing communities for the hazards that lie ahead. They learn and teach swimming and rescue, store life jackets and makeshift rafts, and provide training on how to protect the community from the looming floods from both physical and human damage. The initiative is an offshoot of a micro-credit programme that a local NGO, Kalvi Kendra, has promoted through women’s self help groups.

A similar feat was shown by educated Indian women at the critical time when earthquake hit Sikkim in 2011. This time it was two superwomen in Indian Air Force (IAF), 26-year-old Arunima Vidhate and 25-year-old PP Ranade, who were two among the 18-member helicopter pilots. Vidhate, a girl from Pune, has been appointed at the Bagdogra airport was one of the first person who conducted a minute survey at the tremor-ridden region, especially the North-Sikkim, the worst affected area of the earthquake. She noticed during the aerial recee numerous landslides and how areas were cut off because of that. This helped the team of pilots in providing timely relief work, air-dropping food packets, medicines and other relief material for the affected people.

Local self help group members in Rangareddy Palayam village draw a local map on the main street, marking disaster-prone spots as part of a risk assessment exercise. Source: Trust.org

Local self help group members in Rangareddy Palayam village draw a local map on the main street, marking disaster-prone spots as part of a risk assessment exercise. (Source: Trust.org)

Recently, Nagaland State Disaster Response Force (NSDRF) trained a women’s team, equipped to respond to any kind of disaster. Ninety one jawans of 15 India Reserve Battalion’s (IRB) mahila unit recently underwent training at the Central Training Institute at Toluvi, under the guidance of National Disaster Response Force, Guwahati. Similarly, the community disaster resilience Fund (CDRF) pilot organized by the National Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction (NADRR) in 2008 led to channelling of funds directly to communities in 88 villages of 11 multi-hazard prone districts of eight Indian states with the objective to address their own resilience building priorities through community and women-led initiatives.

Factors affecting the resilience of women

  • Division of labor
  • Visibility levels
  • Human development factors (nutrition pattern, literacy levels & health)
  • Recourse to legal protection (inheritance/
  • land rights)
  • Survival skills
  • Access to information
  • Supply of information
  • Access to resources (emergency aid/ loans/
  • insurance)
  • Influence over decision-making processes

(Source: Adapted from WBI Distance Learning: Gender Aspects of Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction)

 
Members of a women’s self-help group participates in a community-based disaster risk management training in India.

Members of a women’s self-help group participates in a community-based disaster risk management training in India.

Oxfam India, an NGO, recently conducted a project on Women’s Empowerment and Disaster Mitigation in East UP and North Bihar. Among its various achievements related to community development, the project succeeded in developing a reliable and sustainable Community Based Flood Preparedness and Mitigation System that combines disaster management and livelihoods. Besides, over 7000 women have been covered under the Rights Based Education Programme that combined building basic literacy skills with awareness on rights and entitlements.

After the tsunami disaster when cyclone Thane hit Tamil Nadu coast in 2011, a large number of self help groups of women were actively involved in relief and rehabilitation process. They were also active after Nisha Cyclone in 2006. Subsequently these groups have undergone several training programmes on disaster risk reduction offered by Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS International), a global network of women-led grassroots organizations and Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), an organisation directed primarily at women and their integration in the development process. These trained women’s groups came together and formed a Federation to work and offer their knowledge on disaster preparedness and risk reduction on a sustained basis. There are two such Women’s Federations; one in Cuddalore and another at Nagapattinam.

Though many NGOs and state bodies are working towards gender inclusion in disaster response training and disaster management, the reach is still limited. Not every woman in every disaster prone village is getting trained. It has therefore become imperative for disaster management NGOs and the government bodies to scale up and promote the role of women in disaster preparedness and recognise their competency in crisis management. Even though women have not received enough support till date, they continue to play a critical role in all aspects of emergency management in the disaster affected areas – from front-line recovery and supply issues to long-term community development to shape future resilience.

Women are taught the basics of risk management so that they are not completely at the mercy of natural elements

Women are taught the basics of risk management so that they are not completely at the mercy of natural elements (Source: Self-Employed Women's Association, SEWA)

Gender equality is an essential element in building resilience to disasters. Time has come to witness more women as volunteers for disaster recovery initiatives and re-building efforts at the community level, as disaster risk managers at the program planning and national policy development level and as key decision makers in the government and international disaster management organisations. The key messages of IDDR 2012 very well point to the key actions that the authorities and the disaster management groups need to take –

  • Empower women & girls for a safer tomorrow
  • Women & girls are powerful agents of change
  • A resilient community is a gender-sensitive community

Don’t ignore the female voice. Appreciate it, Encourage it and Empower it.

For more on IDDR visit: http://www.unisdr.org/2012/iddr/resources.html and http://www.unisdr.org/2012/iddr/

 

Kanchana is an expert in marketing communications with experience in diverse industries and organizations like Bank of America, Business Standard and Risk Management Solutions Inc. She has been a leading participant in several business forums both in India and abroad. Kanchana is also an avid writer and is a regular contributor to various web media on topics of varied interest.

TBI Travel: Six Days In Spectacular Sikkim

$
0
0

Seema Somshekar recently traveled to Sikkim on a holiday and couldn’t help but pen down her experiences and share with all! The place exceeded her expectations and left her in awe of its natural beauty. All that she saw and felt there affirmed that Lonely Planet was spot on when it picked Sikkim as The Best Travel Destination of 2014!

Nestled in the Himalayan Mountains, my latest place of discovery is Sikkim, a pristine paradise located in North-Eastern India. Over the last few years, Sikkim is being promoted as one of the top tourist destinations in the country owing to its culture, breathtaking scenery and biodiversity. The state promotes eco-tourism in an effort to help local communities and protect its beautiful environment. Sikkim’s homestay program is also supported by UNESCO. Thanks to good planning and promotions and its inherent natural beauty, Sikkim has also been chosen by Lonely Planet as their Number One Destination for 2014 and a worthy choice too, as I discovered.

Autumn Colours in the Mountains

Autumn Colours in the Mountains

Bagdogra-Gangtok
Bagdogra is the closest airport and is serviced by most major domestic airlines. It is a five hour drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok. A good part of the first day saw us shuttling between airports and spending time on the road from Bagdogra to Gangtok, but the excitement of reaching our destination overcame the fatigue of travel. We reached Gangtok late in the evening and settled for the night at Mintokling guest house, a cozy spot in the heart of Gangtok.

Small Cabins at Yumthang

Small Cabins at Yumthang

Tsogmo Lake, Nathula Pass, Baba Mandir
It is a 54 km drive from Gangtok to Nathula Pass. The road to Nathula follows the ancient Silk Route and passes along Lake Tsogmo, a beautiful glacial lake on the north side. Make sure you stop here and enjoy the scenery against the backdrop of mountains and colorful prayer flags. For those who want to do more, there is also the option of taking a yak ride. A little ahead you also get a view of the twin lakes, lying side by side reflecting a dark green shade of water.

The Twin Lakes

The Twin Lakes

At Nathula, a short trek takes you to the very top, the point of Indo-China border. As you stand there taking in the view, with the strong, cold wind hitting your face, you are also made aware of the incredible assiduity of our soldiers who achieve great feats under the most challenging conditions. Throughout your journey here, you are aware of the military presence in the area, but the war memorial at Nathula Pass serves as a reminder of their courage and their sacrifices. On your way back to Gangtok, stop by the Baba Mandir that is dedicated to an Indian Army soldier whose spirit is said to protect soldiers serving in this high altitude terrain.

Entertaining signboards along the way

Entertaining signboards along the way

The weather will leave you craving for some hot and comforting soul food. Make your way to the market place near Tsogmo lake and indulge in some momos and the eternal mountain favourite, hot and tasty Maggie. After downing a bowl of this, you will definitely feel better equipped to brave the cold.

Gangtok-Lachen
Prepare yourself for an early start and a long journey and I suggest you promptly fortify yourself with a good breakfast for this. As you will need to cover a distance of 130 kms, you are bound to spend most of the day in the interiors of your car. But do not fret because throughout the journey, your eyes will be treated to some of the most beautiful sights that nature has to offer.

Thangu

Thangu

Make regular stops en route not only to exercise those weary limbs, but also to enjoy the magnificent views of waterfalls and lush green vegetation. The Seven Sisters waterfalls should be your first stop. After this proceed to the Phodong Monastery, which situated in a sleepy town, is one of the most picturesque monasteries. The whole surrounding exudes calmness and the serenity of nature only enhances the feeling of tranquility.

Phodong Monastery

Phodong Monastery

As you progress on your journey through the treacherous terrain, try to capture the stunning sights through your lenses. The myriad fall colours reflect magically through the changing light, making the landscape seem even more dramatic. Stop at the bed of the river Teesta. The flowing river, situated among the mountains and trees, with its sweet, cold water is an absolute splendor.

Due to early sunset and fog, the visibility in the region is poor after four. Therefore, although you might find it difficult to tear yourself away from these stunning spots, make sure you time them accordingly, so that you reach your destination on time.

River Teesta

River Teesta

Lachen-Thangu(13000ft)- Gurudongmar(18000ft)- Lachen-Lachung (8800ft)
An early morning drive via Thangu, a small summer village, will take you to the beautiful Gurudongmar Lake. The journey lined with snow-capped mountains, little houses, gushing waterfalls and colourful prayer flags will have your eyes peeled to the window shield. The sunlight is beautifully reflected on the snow causing it to glisten like diamonds. In her pristine form, nature here is truly sparkling at her best. A trek to the highest point gives you a breathtaking view of Lake Gurudongmar in all its glory. The blue water set against the snow-capped mountains and clear blue sky make a perfect postcard picture and the experience itself is one that will render you speechless.

The pristine Lake Gurudongmar lined with prayer flags on one side

The pristine Lake Gurudongmar lined with prayer flags on one side

On your way down, stop at the Chopta valley which offers a panoramic view of the crisscross, meandering rivers which comprise of different hues of beautiful blue. You will also witness the Border Road Organisation (BRO) working in tandem with the Army and doing a commendable job of building good roads and maintaining existing ones.

Lachung-Yumthang
The road to Yumthang runs along the valley with snow-capped mountains rising high on either side. During spring the journey is lit up with flaming rhododendrons and other mountain flowers. During winter, the valley is covered in a thick blanket of soft snow giving the surroundings a fairy-tale look. A walk in the Yumthang valley with the soft snow under your feet and fresh snow falling on your face is a truly magical experience you ought not to miss.

Yumthang

Yumthang

Gangtok
After a memorable few days with nature, it’s back to city life. On a clear day, you can get a good view of the mighty Mt. Khangchendzonga from many spots in Gangtok. We were lucky to glimpse it through our window at Mintokling guest house. After enjoying this magnificent sight, set about the city visiting the Rumtek Monastry, Enchey Monastry and Namgyal Institute of Technology. Since Buddhism is widely practiced in the region, these places help understand the religion and its philosophies.

To visit the local hot spots and soak in the local scene, M.G. Road is a good place to start. M.G. Road stretches over a kilometer and is for pedestrians only. It is vibrant with little shops and eateries and is a perfect place for a stroll in the evening. Most places close by 7 and only a handful of coffee shops and lounge bars are open beyond eight. Indulge in some retail therapy here, and if the shopping has tired you, head to The Coffee Shop for a cooler and snacks. Their thin crust pizzas are good, so are the home-made fries and Oreo shake.

Coulourful lights at The Coffee Shop

Coulourful lights at The Coffee Shop

If you want to experience the night life, steer towards one of the most popular haunts of the city, Café Live and Loud. On weekdays there are no bands performing, but the place itself is lively and offers a chance to indulge in some local food and drinks. Thungba, a local drink made of fermented millet is served here and so are the local dishes like Thukpa and Momos. If you want to sip on something light, try the local Dansberg beer. After calling it a night, you’ll realize that six days have whizzed past and it’s time to return to everyday life.

Chances are, like me, you will come back with many fond memories and unforgettable experiences that will reaffirm your belief in the joy of travel. The discovery of new places, the experience of meeting new people who are warm and welcoming, witnessing nature’s magnificent creations in all its pomp and glory is an experience both educational and enjoyable. Don’t take my word for it, for words hardly do it justice. Take a trip to Sikkim and experience the magic for yourself.

Snow-capped mountains everywhere!

Snow-capped mountains everywhere!

Tips for prospective travelers
• Due to early sunset, it is better to get an early start so that you can visit as many places as possible.
• Although the distance between the above mentioned places is not very long, the harsh terrain causes the travel time to increase considerably, so plan your trip accordingly.
• Make sure you obtain permits to visit places like Nathula Pass and Lake Gurudongmar in advance and carry necessary documents to establish your identification.
• Carry plenty of warm clothes.
• Best time to travel would be between March-June and September –December.
• Most importantly, don’t forget to have a good time.

All photographs by: Seema Somshekar

As a digital media professional, Seema has worked with India’s leading television network for over 6 years. In addition to that she also utilizes the medium to share information about topics she is passionate about such as developmental issues, current affairs, books and travel. Through her articles, she endeavors to increase awareness among people, in the hope of enabling them to develop a comprehensive perspective.

A Story Of Resurgence – How Doling Lake Was Revived By The Government Of Sikkim

$
0
0

This video by Usha Dewani features an initiative by the Government of Sikkim on reviving the Doling lake in Rabongla, South Sikkim.

In an unique attempt by the Government of Sikkim, the lake that was once seasonal, now has water throughout the year.

Background

Rabongla is a small town situated at an elevation of 7000 feet in the south Sikkim district of the state, and is a major tourist attraction. The town is dotted with innumerable monasteries, and is known for its orchids and cardamom plantations, and its vicinity to the Kanchenjunga.

Lately, the resurrection of Doling lake has added a new avenue to the list of tourist getaways of Rabongla. Perched on a mountain, in the Barfung village, 4 km away from the town is the Doling lake named after the Doling monastery, near which it is situated.

Doling monastery, Sikkim

Young monks at Doling

The need

Amidst steep river gorges and high mountains, the state of Sikkim in the Eastern Himalayas sits at an altitude ranging from 800 to 28208 ft., with the climate ranging from tropical to alpine. Not only is the state rich in diverse flora and fauna, but is also adorned with countless lakes, streams and rivers. The average slope being 45 degrees, only 10 % of the land is available for cultivation. People here follow mixed farming system integrating agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry.

Lakes, streams and springs have remained the principal sources of water for rural households. However, climate change has brought in its wake, far-reaching changes to all natural resources, more so to these water sources. Springs and lakes have pronounced a decrease in their discharge over the years and at many places have dwindled altogether. As such, drinking water, spells the most significant challenge for the rural population in recent times.

Sikkim

Most of the rural population in Sikkim depends on springs, streams and lakes for water. However, climate change in its wake, has caused deteriorating water discharge from these water sources. Some of these have disappeared altogether.

With a view to ensure water security to rural households, the Rural Management and Development Department, Government of Sikkim with technical support from various organisations has undertaken a multitude of activities to revive dying springs and lakes in the state. Lakes, traditionally having played an important role in groundwater recharge, are seen as critical to ensure sustainability of the mountain ecosystem and their revival is therefore, imperative.

And then it came alive…

One such initiative has made the revival of Doling lake possible. The lake was seasonal and saw water only during the rainy season. Some people also say that the lake once had water in plenty all around the year. In 2008, Block Administrative Centre (BAC), Rabongla with the help of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), diverted a nearby stream located in the middle of a forest, through a pipe, into the Doling lake.

Dling lake revival

In 2008, with support from NREGA, Block Administrative Centre- Rabongla undertook the task of refilling the lake by diverting a nearby unused stream.

“This stream was not being used by the people owing to its difficult location, so we channelized the water and filled up this dried-up lake”, explained Udaya Chamling, Field Facilitator BAC- Rabongla. Though the initiative was undertaken with two objectives, first to beautify the place adjacent to the Doling monastery and give a boost to tourism, and second to supply water from the lake to nearby areas where water is scarce; the latter purpose has not yet been achieved.

Since the water of the stream never dries up, Doling lake today, has become perennial and lasts throughout the year. With fluttering flags bordering the majestic lake, Doling is emerging as an added retreat to those visiting the nearby monastery.

The lake adds immense beauty to the area surrounding the Doling monastery and in future the lake could also be used to supply water to nearby water scarce areas.

The lake adds immense beauty to the area surrounding the Doling monastery and in future the lake could also be used to supply water to nearby water scarce areas.

View photos of the revival of Doling lake on Flickr.

This article was posted by Usha Dewani for India Water Portal (IWP) and republished here in partnership with IWP.

Meet Sikkim’s First Female IPS Officer

$
0
0

When Aparajita Rai faced troubles after her father’s death, she decided to become a public servant and make sure that people’s problems are heard and responded to. After many years of hard work and dedication, she created history by becoming Sikkim’s first female IPS officer. Read about her difficult journey to success.

Aparajita Rai has created history by becoming the first woman IPS officer of Sikkim. The 28-year old girl was allocated IPS cadre after getting 358th rank in UPSC 2012 Examinations. She had cracked UPSC in 2011 too and became the first Sikkimese to get such a high rank in these exams.

Currently posted in Hoogly, West Bengal, Rai won many awards which proved her ability. Her major achievements involve 1958 Batch IPS Officers’ Trophy for the best Lady Outdoor Probationer, Shri Umesh Chandra Trophy for Field Combat, The 55th Batch of Senior Course Officers Trophy for Best Turn Out and West Bengal Govt Trophy for Bengali.

Aparajita Rai

Aparajita Rai

Born in aneducated family, Rai lost her father who was a divisional forest officer at a tender age of eight. After his death, all the responsibilities came on Rai and her mother who was a graduate school teacher. It was during that tough time that Rai witnessed the insensitive attitude of government officials towards people and she decided that she will become a part of this system and will be responsive to people’s problems.

“Anyone who comes to me should not face the same harassment or agony which people generally encounter in government offices,” Rai says.

Always a brilliant student, Rai’s talent shone even when she was in school. She was a state topper and scored 95 percent in ISC exams, receiving the Best Girl All Rounder Shrimati Ratna Pradhan Memorial Trophy in Tashi Namgyal Academy.

She later on completed her BA LLB and proved herself again by winning a gold medal from National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata in both Jurisprudence and Public Administration. She secured 768th rank out of 920 in her first attempt itself of CSE in 2010.

Keen on learning new things, Rai spends her free time learning guitar and doing aerobics. An empathetic person, Rai has always felt the need to give back to society and wants more students from Sikkim to take up this profession.

“There is no awareness about Civil Services. Majority of us think that the best we can get is a government job. Many young guys from Sikkim don’t want to go out and compete. It is only when you sharpen your edges, you will be sharp,” she says.

Had she not been an IPS officer, she would have fulfilled her dad’s dream of becoming a corporate lawyer. People like Rai are an inspiration to all of us and give us a hope for country’s brighter future. We congratulate the young girl and hope for bigger achievements.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia)

How Sikkim Beat Himalayan Odds to Become India’s First Organic State

$
0
0

Prime Minister Modi recently announced that Sikkim has become the first Organic State of India. The journey wasn’t easy, the questions were hard and the challenges looked insurmountable. But today, the demand for Sikkim’s organic produce has soared and farmers in the state are already earning 20% more than they did earlier. "Hum Log ab khusi khusi se kaam karte hain. Ham sab gaao waale milke kaam karte hain. Sab bahut active ho gaye hain organic mission ke baad.” (We villagers work happily now, in a spirit of togetherness. Everyone’s become very active after the organic mission was announced)Norkit, an organic farmer, Sikkim. Up in the Himalayas, there’s an organic spirit that is running high. Farmers are happy, youngsters are becoming entrepreneurs, tourists are flocking and business is flowing in from all over the country to the state of Sikkim. This upsurge is the result of a Himalayan task that Sikkim believed it could achieve – that of transforming itself into a fully organic state. The state still awaits its first airport, does not have a Doordarshan Kendra, has a GDP that is the third smallest in the country – but Sikkim has taken on a bold mission.

In 2003, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling, made a momentous declaration. He said Sikkim would shun chemical pesticides and fertilizers and return to natural methods of farming.

sikkim 1 There were protests, dissent and resistance. People asked, “How could a state that does not produce enough for itself turn to organic methods?” There were worries that production would fall and there would be costs involved -- the farmers were barely sustaining themselves. “But we were convinced, if we went organic, there will be a value addition that we can offer to both farmers and the consumers of our products. We have a terrain that cannot make us self-sufficient in food production. So we decided to focus on what we can grow in Sikkim and give them the value of being organic”, says Khorlo Bhutia, Secretary of the State for Agriculture, and Chief Executive Officer of Sikkim’s organic success. “Whatever we produce will be chemical free. Organic produce carries a premium demand, which can fetch good revenue for the farmers. We will have clean air, water and soil and we will do immense good for the biodiversity that Sikkim is blessed with. Also, the Himalayas are the source of water and when we have a clean land at the source, the rest of the country will greatly benefit.” With this conviction, the mission was on. A Himalayan change in motion Rough mountainous terrain, severe weather and 77,000 hectares that are scattered into small pockets of land holdings – that’s the canvas that Sikkim had to paint organic. Making the most of these small land holdings, which are unlike the vast lands of agrarian states like Punjab and Haryana, was a challenge. The biggest advantage was that Sikkim was never an extensive user of chemical methods of farming like these states. So the reversal, though immensely difficult, had a pedestal to begin with.

Initially, the government cut the subsidies on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. But it eventually banned their use.

Sikkim 2 The Sikkim Organic Mission, which was carrying the baton of change, went out and out spreading awareness on the ‘why’, ‘what’, and ‘how’ of the mission. It provided seeds and manure, trained the farmers in organic methods, and even sent some farmers outside the state to get advanced training. The farmers slowly began to embrace the change. “One of the most heartening aspects of the whole endeavour was that our farmers were ready to listen,” says Binita Chamling, a young entrepreneur who returned from London to be a part of Sikkim’s change. Binita’s start up, Organic Sikkim, reaches farmers like Norkit and finds markets for their produce. Norkit says earlier she was producing just what was enough for her family because she did not know how to sell, where to sell. She was not earning anything from the land. Entrepreneurs like Binita are eliminating the middlemen and dealing directly with the farmers to sell their produce to the rest of the country and the world. Norkit says she and her friends in the village are now cultivating together and producing in large quantities. The start-ups are buying directly from the farmers and Norkit is happy that she is able to sell and earn good money. The farmers fought against plant diseases with pesticides made from locally available plant materials. They won over the Rhizome Rot Disease that plagued Sikkim’s most important cash crop, ginger. They rejuvenated Sikkim’s very own Mandarin orange orchards which were failing. While the farmers tilled the land, the government made the infrastructure robust. Khorlo Bhutia says “We started building the entire infrastructure that was needed for this massive change. Bio fertilizer production units, seed processing units, automated green houses, soil testing labs, mobile soil testing labs, cold storage units and food processing units – all that was needed to complete the organic cycle started springing up in Sikkim.” The fruits of a great endeavour Sikkim’s 13 year penance became fruitful by the end of 2015. And on January 18, 2016, Prime Minister Modi declared Sikkim as the first organic state in India. Khorlo Bhutia says, “We are proud to have achieved this feat spending just Rs. 55 crores (as of November 2015).” The state is now in an ecstatic mood. The demand for Sikkim’s organic produce has soared and the farmers are now earning 20% more. New jobs have been created and one also gets to see a new breed of entrepreneurs springing up. Sikkim is now host to a new vogue – organic tourism. Going forward, the state has to tackle the challenges of logistics and supply. It has to set up food processing units and find ways to manage perishable goods. But for sure Sikkim’s Himalayan determination will carry them through all these challenges. Having shown the country that development can mean being close to nature as well, this small state is inspiring the whole nation to go back to its roots.  States like Kerala, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh are already working towards becoming organic. Sikkim is calling Aren’t we enthralled by the idea of getting rid of waxed, bloated and chemically loaded food? As Prime Minister Modi put it, Sikkim is indeed a sukh sthaan (happy place). If you are an entrepreneur, the Sikkim government is inviting you to engage in contract farming in the state, says Khorlo Bhutia. And Norkit says, “Aap Sikkim aa jaao, main aapko thoda organic farming sikha dungi.” (Come to Sikkim and I will teach you organic farming).
Featured background image source: http://www.ruralmarketing.in/

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).

About the author: Ranjini Sivaswamy is a freelance writer and one of the first team members of The Better India. She comes from a mass communication background and is currently a consultant with IIM Bangalore.

Travel Tales: These 7 Offbeat Destinations Are Sikkim’s Best Kept Travel Secrets

$
0
0

One of the Himalaya’s best-kept travel secrets, the tiny state of Sikkim is an epitome of serenity. With its lofty snow clad peaks, emerald slopes and quaint villages dotted with multi-hued prayer flags, this traveller's paradise has many hidden destinations waiting to be explored.

Interestingly, the Lepcha word for Sikkim is Nye-mae-el which roughly translates to paradise !

ns - Copy So if you like to scout around uncharted terrain, pack your bags and travel to these seven offbeat destinations in Sikkim.

Away from the chaos of cities, a vacation at these sublime destinations is the perfect way to break free of travel’s predicable stops and well-traveled routes.

1. Yumthang Valley

Yumthang-valley-with-Flowers - Copy
Photo Source
Perched 3500 metres above sea-level, Yumthang Valley is a pristine alpine valley blessed with a wealth of natural treasures, including the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary . Glistening wildflowers spill across the spectacular meadows in this valley that that also offers a stunning view of the towering peaks of Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. Lachung is the nearest inhabited town to the Yumthang valley.

2. Rawangla

18586309418_c89d8c983b_b
Photo Source
Set amidst the hills of Meanam and Tendong, the little town of Rawangla is a visual treat. Enjoy a refreshing sip of the mellow and aromatic Temi tea at Sikkim's only tea garden in the village of Temi. One of Sikkim's most significant monasteries, the Ralong Monastery, also lies in Rawangla. The aura of tranquility that surrounds the Rawangla's stunningly grandiose golden statue of Buddha stays in one's mind for a long, long time.
You May Also LikeHimalayan Hideaway: Why Tirthan Valley Is Himachal’s Best Kept Secret

3. Tsomgo Lake

Tsongmo_Lake_or_Changu_Lake_-_East_Sikkim
Photo Source
Nestled in a valley at a height of 12,400 ft, Tsomgo Lake makes an etherally beautiful picture against the backdrop of stark, snow capped mountains. Revered by the Sikkimese as sacred, it is believed that in olden times, Buddhist monks would study the colour of the water of the Tsomgo lake to forecast the future. Today, one can savour piping hot tea and momos in the freezing surroundings of the lake before enjoying a lakeside ride on a friendly colourfully festooned yak.

4. Barsey

Hee Barsey - Copy
Photo Source
Located in West Sikkim, Barsey is known for its vibrant and colourful Rhododendron Sanctuary. Trekking through this sanctuary (teeming with wildlife such as the rare Red Panda) to the Guras Kunj trekker's hut is an exhilarating experience. Soak up the warm rays of the sun at this picturesque hut while you enjoy a panoramic view of the rugged Singalila range.

5. Gyalshing

stock-photo-27669231 - Copy
Photo Source
Gyalshing (meaning the King’s Garden) is believed to have once been the royal gardens attached to the Palace at Rabdentse, Sikkim’s capital till the late 18th century. Today, it is a bustling town with a century old local market, and Pemayangste, Sikkim’s premier monastery. Right opposite the Gyalshing bazaar lies the holiest wall in Sikkim, the Mendang, built by King Chogyal Chador Namgyal. Also nearby is the serene Khecheoplari Lake that is revered and treasured by the locals as a wish fulfilling lake.

6. KalukIMG_6914 - Copy

Photo Source
Located in West Sikkim, Kaluk is a quaint Himalayan hamlet with abundant natural beauty. Take a local hike  to Rinchenpong nearby where clouds hovering over the forested mountain ranges and the gorgeous village monastery gives a surreal feel to the ambiance. However, it is the looming presence of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, that casts a mystical spell on every visitor to Rinchenpong.

7. Sumbuk

dsc_0136b
Photo Source
Located in one of the most untouched parts of South Sikkim, Sumbuk is birdwatcher's paradise. The banks of the gurgling Rangit River, numerous gladiolas farms, age-old temples and a unique peacock breeding forest make Sumbuk a very different type of destination. Try picking wild strawberries at Tamley Chaur, located in the upper tracts of Phooldara (Hill of Flowers), walk along the Tarey Bhir ( a 10000 feet long ridge pathway ) at Sadam village or visit the verdant Kitam Bird Sanctuary that is home to more than 200 species of birds.
Also ReadLaitlum Canyons: Take a Trip into the Heart of Meghalaya’s Natural Wonder

Like this story? Have something to share? Email: contact@thebetterindia.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia). To get positive news on WhatsApp, just send 'Start' to 090 2900 3600 via WhatsApp.

This 74-Year-Old Former Civil Servant Has Been Providing a Home to Sikkim’s Orphans for Decades

$
0
0

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' " - Martin Luther King Jr.
Situated nearly 5 km away from Sikkim's capital city of Gangtok, Lepcha Cottage in Chanmari is home to over a hundred Lepcha orphans. For these little ones, this cottage is the garden in which their dreams and aspirations bloom, thanks to the tireless efforts of a 74-year-old lady who has made the house a home for them.

A former civil servant, retired teacher, social activist and Padma Shri recipient, Keepu Tsering Lepcha has devoted her life to the upliftment of her Lepcha community, a tribe indigenous to the Himalayan region of Sikkim.

[caption id="attachment_69606" align="aligncenter" width="630"]13-b-1 Keepu Lepcha (right) receiving the Real Heroes Award in 2012[/caption]
Photo Source
Keepu Tsering was born in 1942 into a Lepcha family of Sikkim. Her father was a government official whose job took him to the state's remotest areas, so she grew up hearing her father talk about the need to do something for the community. After completing her primary and secondary education in Gangtok, Keepu pursued her post graduation in Kolkata. After completing her master's degree, Keepu became a teacher at the Enchey Senior Secondary School in Gangtok. She soon moved to a government school that had mainly been established to help Tibetan refugee children. She volunteered to stay with the girls at the hostel and developed an excellent rapport with the school’s children, many of whom had lost their parents while fleeing Tibet. Moving later to government service, she became the assistant director of education in Sikkim, a post she held till 1994. During these years, Keepu contributed in bringing out text books for primary classes and short term training programmes for teachers in local languages. In 1994, Keepu joined the Sikkim Civil Service and quickly rose in ranks to the position of a joint secretary. For the next 28 years, she served as project director in the Rural Development Agency, dealing with projects for people living below the poverty line.

In 1989, Keepu embarked on a parallel role as a mentor for children of her community, by taking in 20 Lepcha children to live with her in her six-roomed home, Lepcha Cottage.

[caption id="attachment_69607" align="aligncenter" width="600"]31 Lepcha Cottage[/caption]
Photo Source
Her decision was driven by the need to help the peace-loving community, whose members were finding it hard to keep pace with an increasingly competitive society. Both in and out of office, Keepu focused on the education and empowerment of orphans, girls, women, and the elderly, as well as on the rejuvenation of Lepcha culture and language. She also helped members of the tribe get access to modern health care facilities. In 1997, Keepu started the Human Development Foundation of Sikkim, with help from Swiss tourist, Max Melliger and other a Sikkimese couple, Wendy and Loday Chungyalpa. The organization's main aim was to cater to the needs of underprivileged children in Sikkim through education.

A children’s village that would provide food, education and accommodation for needy and destitute kids was developed at Chongey, the only piece of land Keepu possessed besides her small cottage at Chanmari.

[caption id="attachment_69608" align="aligncenter" width="595"]dirty-angels-8 Children being fed at the Lepcha Cottage[/caption]
Photo Source
'Children of Sikkim Foundation', an NGO in Sikkim, helped her by seeking sponsors for the project. Thus, in 2011, the Padma Odzer Choeling school finally became operational, catering to the educational needs of the children, both of Lepcha cottage and of the surrounding areas. Talking about the challenges she faced in her journey, the soft-spoken lady says that the two major difficulties she faced were the widespread ignorance about healthcare among members of the tribe, particularly with regard to children, and the prevalence of alcoholism, which has destroyed many families. As a result, most of the children, who are first generation learners in their family, lack support at home for getting an education in the first place. However, undeterred by these challenges, Keepu and her sister pooled all the money they earned through their jobs to keep the school running in an effort to educate and uplift this tiny tribe.

Their efforts have led to significant improvements in the children’s healthcare and basic education. Having grown from strength to strength, the school is today a sprawling complex with over 300 children who are given free education.

[caption id="attachment_69624" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]1 Padma Odzer Choeling School[/caption]
Photo Source
Special emphasis is also laid on cultural studies of Sikkim. Apart from academic guidance, Keepu and other teachers also help the children deal with other aspects of their lives such as hygiene, vocational skills, first aid and more.
“We concentrate on making a real difference to these childrens' lives,” Keepu says with a smile.
There have been times when Keepu has travelled through the interiors of Sikkim, looking for children who were being deprived of education. It is why she derives immense pleasure from the fact that her students today serve as role models for other children of the tribe. Another thing that is a subject of pride and much happiness for Keepu is her students' consistent good performance in board exams. However, when asked what she treasures most about her work, Keepu says it's the undying love of these children who call her Nikun or grandmother. Keepu speaks six languages - English, Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, Lepcha and Bhutia - and is a spinster by choice. Today, she no longer finds herself a lone crusader, fighting to provide orphans with a home, love, values and quality education. A group of five supporting staff help look after the over hundred children who stay at the Lepcha Cottage today.

The cottage has a playroom filled with cuddly toys and games, a TV room, large gardens blooming with a variety of colourful flowers, and even a couple of residential dogs and a cat!

[caption id="attachment_69622" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]1 Children at the Lepcha Cottage[/caption]
Photo Source
Keepu Lepcha was one of the 1000 Global Women for Peace who had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. The same year, Sikkim Intellectuals Conference on Humanism, Nationalism and Peace also awarded her the title, Jewel of Sikkim, for her exemplary service to the state. Two years later, she received the Best Social Service Award from the Government of Sikkim and in 2009, he Government of India awarded her the civilian honour of the Padma Shri. She also received the Real Heroes Award of the Reliance Foundation in 2012 and the CNN-IBN Senior Citizen Award in 2013 for her services to the Lepcha community. Here's is all you need to know about the Human Development Foundation of Sikkim. You can also help by donating or sponsoring a child. Contact Details: Lepcha Cottage: +91 - 3592 - 226014 Ms. Keepu Lepcha: +91 -  9832080150 Address: Human Development Foundation of Sikkim Children’s Village G.R.B.A. Road, Chongey Tar Gangtok, Sikkim- 737103
Also ReadMY STORY: I Volunteered at a Small School in Sikkim Run by 7 Teachers for Free. It Changed My Life!

Like this story? Have something to share? Email: contact@thebetterindia.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia). NEW! Click here to get positive news on Whatsapp.


The Inspiring Story of How Sikkim Became India’s Cleanest State

$
0
0

In Sikkim's Basilakha village, residents proudly escort visitors to their toilets, before posing happily for a photoshoot with a lavatory in the background. Basilakha is not an exception.

In this small north-eastern state, people have a sense of pride that their home state is India's first open-defecation free state.

[caption id="attachment_70440" align="aligncenter" width="630"]sikkim-1 People in Sikkim[/caption]
Photo Source
This record was reiterated in the recently conducted Swachhta (cleanliness) survey undertaken by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) on the condition of sanitation in Indian states. According to the report, all four of Sikkim's districts rank among top ten districts in cleanliness and sanitation. About 98.2% households in Sikkim are equipped with clean toilets and 100% of the state's population use the community or household toilet. Sikkim began its cleanliness drive over a decade before Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission. It was 13 years ago in 2003 when the Pawan Chamling-led government launched its total sanitation campaign for the state. The state government began by sensitizing people to adopt a holistic approach that would improve hygiene and sanitation, protect the environment and accelerate overall development in the state. Next, it constructed 98,043 household latrines, surpassing its own target of 87,014. Of these, 61,493 latrines were built for below poverty line (BPL) families.

There was also a conscious effort to install public filters for drinking water, build more public toilets and introduce a better drainage system in the major cities like Gangtok and Namchi.

[caption id="attachment_70438" align="alignnone" width="1024"]mahatma-gandhi-road-gangtok M G Marg, Gangtok[/caption]
Photo Source
As many as 1,772 schools were covered under the total sanitation campaign. This was done under the central government's Nirmal Bharat sanitation drive.The government also got local panchayats involved to sensitise people, particularly about hygiene and the fact that Sikkim needed to maintain a clean and green image as a tourism state.
Next, the Sikkim state government made it mandatory to have functional sanitary toilets at home for candidates filing nominations for contesting panchayat elections. A functional sanitary toilet in the household was also made mandatory for availing any kind of benefit and grants from the government.

The campaign also included door-to-door campaigning and working with school children to convince families about the health benefits of using toilets.

  [caption id="attachment_70443" align="aligncenter" width="1191"]On the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, (who was an Indian Philosopher, Economist, Sociologist, and Political Scientist) National Sanitation Awareness Campaign under Swachh Bharat Mission organized by Rural Management and Development Department (RMDD) got underway at Titanic Park in Sikkim on 25-09-15. Pix by UB Photos National Sanitation Awareness Campaign organized at Geyzing[/caption]
Photo Source
The first acknowledgement of the campaign's success came in 2008, when Sikkim was declared a ‘Nirmal Rajya’, a national award for sanitation and cleanliness. For the Sikkim government, the next endeavor was to focus on sustainability and qualitative improvement with special focus on school sanitation and solid-liquid waste management.


Under the School Sanitation & Hygiene Education programme of TSC, the special sanitation needs of women and adolescent school girls were addressed by making a gender sensitive school sanitation programme. This was done by introducing sanitary napkin dispensers and disposers on a pilot basis in  schools, covering two schools per district. In these schools, every adolescent girl child could get a sanitary napkin by inserting a Rs 2 coin into the vending machine. Simultaneously, the used napkins could be incinerated in the disposer installed in the toilets of these schools. Furthermore, handbooks on waste management and hygiene management for adolescent girls' have also been introduced in schools.

With these pilot projects eliciting an encouraging response, more schools are being covered with such facilities in the next phase.

swachhata
Photo Source
Sikkim's cleanliness model has evolved over the decade to ensure that the people abide by rules. There is a strictly enforced, legal penalty for every violation - for using plastics, for smoking in public places, for urinating in the open and for littering. Breaking rules fetches stiff fines. Smoking in public place, for example, could cost the offender a fine of Rs 200, whereas urinating in public places has a fine of Rs 500. Along with the ban on plastics, these rules have been enforced in the state for over a decade now.
However, the government knows that there is more to be done. While plastic packets are now rarely spotted, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) water bottles are still sometimes thrown by tourists. To address this issue, the government is contemplating a complete ban on such water bottles. This will compel locals as well as tourist to use the RO or filter water made available in designated public places, hotels and restaurants. Once executed, it will be another first in India.
In 2016, Sikkim also became the first Organic State of India, having shunned chemical pesticides and fertilizers for 13 years to return to natural methods of farming.

While Sikkim has clearly emerged as the cleanest state, it also has the possibility of soon emerging as the first state in India with zero poverty - only 8 % of the state's families live below the poverty line.

[caption id="attachment_70445" align="aligncenter" width="1479"]west-sikkim1 Community Sanitation Campaign in West Sikkim[/caption]
Photo Source
Speaking about the state's 13 year old cleanliness campaign to Economic Times, Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling says,
"When I see the Swachh Bharat campaign in such a big way across the country, I feel vindicated that I did something right back in 2003."
Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, Prem Das Rai adds,
"Sikkim has clean food, clean air, and clean water. We are also a fully organic state. So, there is clean living. Because there is clean living, people in Sikkim are healthy and happy."
While the government's efforts in helping Sikkim achieve these remarkable targets is commendable, the commitment and self-imposed discipline of the Sikkimese people also needs to be appreciated.
In a school in West Sikkim, innovative children are showing their communities how to manage waste by recycling plastics into useful items of daily life. Here is a glimpse of this great initiative.
[embedvideo id="hYG8_3CAEnA" website="youtube"]
Also ReadHow Kerala is Getting Ready to Become an ‘Open Defecation Free’ State by November 1

Like this story? Have something to share? Email: contact@thebetterindia.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia). NEW! Log into www.gettbi.com to get positive news on Whatsapp.

 

TBI Blogs: One Year on, Sikkim Proves Why the Rest of India Must Adopt Organic Practices for a Bright Future

$
0
0

The movement for organic food and an organic lifestyle has slowly picked up pace in India over the last few years. Ashmeet Kapoor, CEO, I Say Organic, discusses India’s organic future, and the rise of organic farming in Sikkim. In one of my favourite movies, Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox goes back in time to fix the lives of his parents and ensure his own existence. Some time ago, social media was abuzz with the news of Sikkim becoming India’s first fully organic state. Sikkim’s achievement reminds me of our own organic practices that we abandoned, and how going back to them is the only way to ensure our own existence going forward. Over 75,000 hectares of agricultural land in Sikkim is now free of pesticides and chemicals, and healthy, allowed to rejuvenate, and helping people eat and be healthier. This is extremely positive news that sets a great example for the rest of India. Every bit of credit goes to the progressive Sikkim State Government for thinking beyond immediate benefits and profits, and considering the greater good for both its people and its lands. I cannot stress enough of my admiration of them for looking to sustainability from a long-term point of view. It is especially encouraging that the state has managed this feat in less than a decade. It shows that with the right policies and incentives, going organic and healthy is a very achievable feat. Of course, it is also due to being a hill state, like others in North and South India, chemical agriculture is not as prevalent in Sikkim as flatter areas.

Whether due to their remote locations, climate, water supply, or lack of corporate chemical presence, India’s hilly states have a starter’s advantage in going completely organic.

[caption id="attachment_82607" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Fantastic Work for the Future Sikkim, and its organic advantage.[/caption] While the rate of land converting to organic is only going up, the rate of naysayers declaiming the efficacy of organic farming hasn’t gone down. Going organic doesn’t mean that productivity goes down, as proponents of chemical agriculture claim. Context is extremely important while reading data. For example, with chemicals, a farmer could produce, say, 20 kg. of wheat. After switching to organic, he might produce 10 kg. of wheat, which is what the pesticide lobby harps about. But they ignore the fact that the farmer has diversified their crop and now also produces 10 kg. of lentils as well as 10 kg. of fruits & vegetables, because these cropping patterns and rotations are a central theme in organic farming. Principles we learnt in school, like nitrogen fixing, form the basis of organic farming philosophy—it’s not how much you grow, it’s how you grow things. Organic farming nourishes the soil and balances its health, while growing different crops for varied human consumption. What’s more, what the naysayers never discuss is that the insects and so-called “pests” that attack different crops find it difficult to roost at organic farms due to the constant rotation.

In fact, pests gravitate to farms that produce the same crop in abundance, which leads to an increased need for using pesticides and chemicals.

[caption id="attachment_82654" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Back to the Organic Future I Say Organic and its role in the organic farming community[/caption] Can our entire country go organic? Yes. If a few states can do it, then why not all of us? Studies show that incomes and profitability of farmers choosing this ancient tradition have improved, and we really need to get back to the future. On a micro level, we might not even need studies. Communities and farmer networks do, and will, notice the difference in output, overall farm health, and the prospects of farmers and their families, and the change will begin for organic farming as well as health and wellness industries. Climate change due to non-organic farming is a huge obstacle. Pollution due to pesticides, soil-erosion, and over-irrigation because of non-seasonal growing are all factors that are contributing to changes of carbon dioxide and ozone in the soil, water, and air, and thus the fluctuation of weather patterns all over the world. Many firms and new entrepreneurs prioritise short-term gains, thus not supporting farmers in going the distance towards completely organic farming. These firms are fast becoming an obstacle on their own, as they are convincing farmers to stay chemical, as well as preventing conversions. High-level government intervention is also an absolute necessity, without which change will still happen, but slower. India will go organic in 30–50 years even if the government doesn’t start promoting it very aggressively in the near future. This is because, by then, there will be no other option. As things stand, we cannot continue using chemicals without an end-date.

However, isn’t it better to start moving towards the future before a crisis hits?

[caption id="attachment_82605" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Call all of India have an organic future India is seeing a huge change in its farming techniques[/caption] New forms of farming like hydroponics and aquaculture could go mainstream in a few decades. Take robotic farming, a topic that sounds like science fiction. How far a reality is it, given that we’re seeing driver-less cars on the road? In a few decades, farming will be completely different, and not necessarily even human. Even in this very futuristic and “out of a sci-fi movie” vision of the future, we are certain there is no place for chemicals. It’s simply a model of agriculture that’s had its run and is now outdated. There is an urgent need for the government to shift focus. While complete shutting down of chemical industries is not possible overnight, the ratio of large chemical deals and token PR deals has to be flipped. I Say Organic already sources from organic farms across India. Uttarakhand is a viable, promising next destination for us where we have already made significant inroads. We’re investigating options that will allow us to expand our product range, quality, and overall supply, while keeping our strict, self-imposed standards in place. We’re also looking at Himachal Pradesh, whose government has a very aggressive organic policy.

In the years to come, I Say Organic envisions being actively involved in farmer conversions across India—through measures like demo farms to showcase growing techniques—and thus help our country go organic in every way possible.

[caption id="attachment_82610" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Obstacles for an organic future An illustration, fighting towards the water scarcity issue[/caption] We have so far worked independently of the government, because there is no programme that we have come across that incentivizes or offers support to organizations working on market linkages for organic farmers. We have built our network of organic farmers largely through referrals, and have found that is the best way to find farmers who are eager to gain access to markets that understand and appreciate the value of organic produce. This way, I Say Organic helps farmers willing to fight the good fight make a reasonably profitable living, encouraging their families to carry on their legacy and influencing others to join the organic movement. Continued partnership and support from firms like us as well as the end-consumer ensures that farmers do not revert to chemical use for financial reasons—finally more to our benefit. Having said that, as the industry develops and the impact of organic farming gets demonstrated on a larger scale, we hope that the government will also significantly ramp up its initiatives to promote organic. I Say Organic aims to continue being credible, offering great prices, service, and authenticity. We’d like to ensure that both consumers and farmers are much better off with our products, by the simple method of going back to the future. Join the organic movement by helping I Say Organic make organic farming and produce more prevalent. Find out more here.
Featured Image Source: By soumyajit pramanick (step farming in Sikkim) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

Sikhs in California Open Their Hearts and Gurdwaras to Residents Displaced by Floods

$
0
0

Here's a Valentine's Day story sure to warm everyone's heart - in a show of love and compassion, gurdwaras across Northern California threw their doors open to aid and house nearby residents displaced due to spillways caused by the Oroville Dam. Due to erosion in the spillway in Lake Oroville, a number of smaller towns could likely be flooded with water, so Sikhs in the region got to working towards a solution. They decided to house evacuees in any of the gurdwaras falling within 100 km. Jaswant Singh, president of the Yuba City Gurdwara, was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying, “We have decided to accommodate as many people evacuated from the flood-affected areas as possible." In order to help spread the word, the gurdwaras also made announcements on local radio stations. The Yuba City Gurdwara is currently providing aid to 20 families that reached their doorstep by Sunday night. Gurdwaras in Sacramento, Fresno and Turlock have also chipped in. In fact, at one point, one gurdwara in Sacramento was helping as many as 250 people.

No one was turned away in their hour of need, and members of the temple even handed out Valentine's Day cards to everyone who had been displaced in this tragedy.

Photo source: Twitter
The story about gurdwaras extending a helping hand has gone viral in America, with thousands of people hailing the work done by the members, many of whom are of Indian origin.
You may also like: TBI Blogs: Tracing the History of the Thriving Sikh Community in Afghanistan and Georgia

Given that the US is in the midst of a global controversy regarding a travel ban that prevents people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering, many US citizens have chosen to highlight this altruistic move to stress that immigrants add to the rich tapestry of any nation.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

A Young Man From Sikkim Is Aiming to Transform Travel & Fight Trafficking in the Northeast!

$
0
0
The best part about the service is that not only do you get a luxurious and comfortable ride, you also get the services of a travel guide as well!

How the Teesta River in Sikkim Helped a Couple Cope With the Grief of Losing Their Only Child

$
0
0
Utpal and Samita embarked on a life-changing journey that took them across two states and a different country, in search of the river and their daughter

Sikkim Farmers Are Earning 8 Times More by Growing These Exotic Foods. Thanks to Two Brothers

$
0
0
Shoten Group is an enterprise that helps farmers grow two distinct crops—yacons (ground apple) and shiitake mushrooms.

Exploring the Charms of Sikkim: A Guide to Unlocking the Lesser-Known Secrets of the State

$
0
0
T he mountains up in the North East have this uncanny quality of being able to hide the most exquisite vistas in plain sight. Follow the road-signs and make your way along the winding roads and you are sure to reach a viewpoint that boasts panoramic vistas or a monastery that houses years of ancient […]

Bamboo Shoots, Herbal Tea & a Love Story: This Organic Retreat in Sikkim Has It All!

$
0
0
Almost 20 years ago, when a young Swiss student made her way to the Tibetan Buddhism Centre in San Francisco, little did she know that her life was going to be altered forever. Helen Kamph, then in her mid-twenties, had already spent a year volunteering at SEMCOL in Ladakh while falling in love with India […]

Travel Tales: These 7 Offbeat Destinations Are Sikkim’s Best Kept Travel Secrets

$
0
0

One of the Himalaya’s best-kept travel secrets, the tiny state of Sikkim is an epitome of serenity. With its lofty snow clad peaks, emerald slopes and quaint villages dotted with multi-hued prayer flags, this traveller’s paradise has many hidden destinations waiting to be explored.

Interestingly, the Lepcha word for Sikkim is Nye-mae-el which roughly translates to paradise !

ns - Copy

So if you like to scout around uncharted terrain, pack your bags and travel to these seven offbeat destinations in Sikkim.

Away from the chaos of cities, a vacation at these sublime destinations is the perfect way to break free of travel’s predicable stops and well-traveled routes.

1. Yumthang Valley

Yumthang-valley-with-Flowers - Copy

Photo Source

Perched 3500 metres above sea-level, Yumthang Valley is a pristine alpine valley blessed with a wealth of natural treasures, including the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary . Glistening wildflowers spill across the spectacular meadows in this valley that that also offers a stunning view of the towering peaks of Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. Lachung is the nearest inhabited town to the Yumthang valley.

2. Rawangla

18586309418_c89d8c983b_b

Photo Source

Set amidst the hills of Meanam and Tendong, the little town of Rawangla is a visual treat. Enjoy a refreshing sip of the mellow and aromatic Temi tea at Sikkim’s only tea garden in the village of Temi. One of Sikkim’s most significant monasteries, the Ralong Monastery, also lies in Rawangla. The aura of tranquility that surrounds the Rawangla’s stunningly grandiose golden statue of Buddha stays in one’s mind for a long, long time.


You May Also LikeHimalayan Hideaway: Why Tirthan Valley Is Himachal’s Best Kept Secret


3. Tsomgo Lake

Tsongmo_Lake_or_Changu_Lake_-_East_Sikkim

Photo Source

Nestled in a valley at a height of 12,400 ft, Tsomgo Lake makes an etherally beautiful picture against the backdrop of stark, snow capped mountains. Revered by the Sikkimese as sacred, it is believed that in olden times, Buddhist monks would study the colour of the water of the Tsomgo lake to forecast the future. Today, one can savour piping hot tea and momos in the freezing surroundings of the lake before enjoying a lakeside ride on a friendly colourfully festooned yak.

4. Barsey

Hee Barsey - Copy

Photo Source

Located in West Sikkim, Barsey is known for its vibrant and colourful Rhododendron Sanctuary. Trekking through this sanctuary (teeming with wildlife such as the rare Red Panda) to the Guras Kunj trekker’s hut is an exhilarating experience. Soak up the warm rays of the sun at this picturesque hut while you enjoy a panoramic view of the rugged Singalila range.

5. Gyalshing

stock-photo-27669231 - Copy

Photo Source

Gyalshing (meaning the King’s Garden) is believed to have once been the royal gardens attached to the Palace at Rabdentse, Sikkim’s capital till the late 18th century. Today, it is a bustling town with a century old local market, and Pemayangste, Sikkim’s premier monastery. Right opposite the Gyalshing bazaar lies the holiest wall in Sikkim, the Mendang, built by King Chogyal Chador Namgyal. Also nearby is the serene Khecheoplari Lake that is revered and treasured by the locals as a wish fulfilling lake.

6. KalukIMG_6914 - Copy

Photo Source

Located in West Sikkim, Kaluk is a quaint Himalayan hamlet with abundant natural beauty. Take a local hike  to Rinchenpong nearby where clouds hovering over the forested mountain ranges and the gorgeous village monastery gives a surreal feel to the ambiance. However, it is the looming presence of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, that casts a mystical spell on every visitor to Rinchenpong.

7. Sumbuk

dsc_0136b

Photo Source

Located in one of the most untouched parts of South Sikkim, Sumbuk is birdwatcher’s paradise. The banks of the gurgling Rangit River, numerous gladiolas farms, age-old temples and a unique peacock breeding forest make Sumbuk a very different type of destination. Try picking wild strawberries at Tamley Chaur, located in the upper tracts of Phooldara (Hill of Flowers), walk along the Tarey Bhir ( a 10000 feet long ridge pathway ) at Sadam village or visit the verdant Kitam Bird Sanctuary that is home to more than 200 species of birds.


Also ReadLaitlum Canyons: Take a Trip into the Heart of Meghalaya’s Natural Wonder


Like this story? Have something to share? Email: contact@thebetterindia.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia). To get positive news on WhatsApp, just send ‘Start’ to 090 2900 3600 via WhatsApp.

This 74-Year-Old Former Civil Servant Has Been Providing a Home to Sikkim’s Orphans for Decades

$
0
0

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Situated nearly 5 km away from Sikkim’s capital city of Gangtok, Lepcha Cottage in Chanmari is home to over a hundred Lepcha orphans. For these little ones, this cottage is the garden in which their dreams and aspirations bloom, thanks to the tireless efforts of a 74-year-old lady who has made the house a home for them.

A former civil servant, retired teacher, social activist and Padma Shri recipient, Keepu Tsering Lepcha has devoted her life to the upliftment of her Lepcha community, a tribe indigenous to the Himalayan region of Sikkim.

13-b-1
Keepu Lepcha (right) receiving the Real Heroes Award in 2012
Photo Source

Keepu Tsering was born in 1942 into a Lepcha family of Sikkim. Her father was a government official whose job took him to the state’s remotest areas, so she grew up hearing her father talk about the need to do something for the community. After completing her primary and secondary education in Gangtok, Keepu pursued her post graduation in Kolkata.

After completing her master’s degree, Keepu became a teacher at the Enchey Senior Secondary School in Gangtok. She soon moved to a government school that had mainly been established to help Tibetan refugee children. She volunteered to stay with the girls at the hostel and developed an excellent rapport with the school’s children, many of whom had lost their parents while fleeing Tibet.

Moving later to government service, she became the assistant director of education in Sikkim, a post she held till 1994. During these years, Keepu contributed in bringing out text books for primary classes and short term training programmes for teachers in local languages.

In 1994, Keepu joined the Sikkim Civil Service and quickly rose in ranks to the position of a joint secretary. For the next 28 years, she served as project director in the Rural Development Agency, dealing with projects for people living below the poverty line.

In 1989, Keepu embarked on a parallel role as a mentor for children of her community, by taking in 20 Lepcha children to live with her in her six-roomed home, Lepcha Cottage.

31
Lepcha Cottage
Photo Source

Her decision was driven by the need to help the peace-loving community, whose members were finding it hard to keep pace with an increasingly competitive society.

Both in and out of office, Keepu focused on the education and empowerment of orphans, girls, women, and the elderly, as well as on the rejuvenation of Lepcha culture and language. She also helped members of the tribe get access to modern health care facilities.

In 1997, Keepu started the Human Development Foundation of Sikkim, with help from Swiss tourist, Max Melliger and other a Sikkimese couple, Wendy and Loday Chungyalpa. The organization’s main aim was to cater to the needs of underprivileged children in Sikkim through education.

A children’s village that would provide food, education and accommodation for needy and destitute kids was developed at Chongey, the only piece of land Keepu possessed besides her small cottage at Chanmari.

dirty-angels-8
Children being fed at the Lepcha Cottage
Photo Source

‘Children of Sikkim Foundation’, an NGO in Sikkim, helped her by seeking sponsors for the project. Thus, in 2011, the Padma Odzer Choeling school finally became operational, catering to the educational needs of the children, both of Lepcha cottage and of the surrounding areas.

Talking about the challenges she faced in her journey, the soft-spoken lady says that the two major difficulties she faced were the widespread ignorance about healthcare among members of the tribe, particularly with regard to children, and the prevalence of alcoholism, which has destroyed many families. As a result, most of the children, who are first generation learners in their family, lack support at home for getting an education in the first place. However, undeterred by these challenges, Keepu and her sister pooled all the money they earned through their jobs to keep the school running in an effort to educate and uplift this tiny tribe.

Their efforts have led to significant improvements in the children’s healthcare and basic education. Having grown from strength to strength, the school is today a sprawling complex with over 300 children who are given free education.

1
Padma Odzer Choeling School
Photo Source

Special emphasis is also laid on cultural studies of Sikkim. Apart from academic guidance, Keepu and other teachers also help the children deal with other aspects of their lives such as hygiene, vocational skills, first aid and more.

“We concentrate on making a real difference to these childrens’ lives,” Keepu says with a smile.

There have been times when Keepu has travelled through the interiors of Sikkim, looking for children who were being deprived of education. It is why she derives immense pleasure from the fact that her students today serve as role models for other children of the tribe. Another thing that is a subject of pride and much happiness for Keepu is her students’ consistent good performance in board exams. However, when asked what she treasures most about her work, Keepu says it’s the undying love of these children who call her Nikun or grandmother.

Keepu speaks six languages – English, Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, Lepcha and Bhutia – and is a spinster by choice. Today, she no longer finds herself a lone crusader, fighting to provide orphans with a home, love, values and quality education. A group of five supporting staff help look after the over hundred children who stay at the Lepcha Cottage today.

The cottage has a playroom filled with cuddly toys and games, a TV room, large gardens blooming with a variety of colourful flowers, and even a couple of residential dogs and a cat!

1
Children at the Lepcha Cottage
Photo Source

Keepu Lepcha was one of the 1000 Global Women for Peace who had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. The same year, Sikkim Intellectuals Conference on Humanism, Nationalism and Peace also awarded her the title, Jewel of Sikkim, for her exemplary service to the state.

Two years later, she received the Best Social Service Award from the Government of Sikkim and in 2009, he Government of India awarded her the civilian honour of the Padma Shri. She also received the Real Heroes Award of the Reliance Foundation in 2012 and the CNN-IBN Senior Citizen Award in 2013 for her services to the Lepcha community.

Here’s is all you need to know about the Human Development Foundation of Sikkim. You can also help by donating or sponsoring a child.

Contact Details:

Lepcha Cottage: +91 – 3592 – 226014
Ms. Keepu Lepcha: +91 –  9832080150

Address:

Human Development Foundation of Sikkim
Children’s Village
G.R.B.A. Road, Chongey Tar
Gangtok, Sikkim- 737103


Also ReadMY STORY: I Volunteered at a Small School in Sikkim Run by 7 Teachers for Free. It Changed My Life!


Like this story? Have something to share? Email: contact@thebetterindia.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).
NEW! Click here to get positive news on Whatsapp.

The Inspiring Story of How Sikkim Became India’s Cleanest State

$
0
0

In Sikkim’s Basilakha village, residents proudly escort visitors to their toilets, before posing happily for a photoshoot with a lavatory in the background. Basilakha is not an exception.

In this small north-eastern state, people have a sense of pride that their home state is India’s first open-defecation free state.

sikkim-1
People in Sikkim
Photo Source

This record was reiterated in the recently conducted Swachhta (cleanliness) survey undertaken by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) on the condition of sanitation in Indian states. According to the report, all four of Sikkim’s districts rank among top ten districts in cleanliness and sanitation. About 98.2% households in Sikkim are equipped with clean toilets and 100% of the state’s population use the community or household toilet.

Sikkim began its cleanliness drive over a decade before Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission. It was 13 years ago in 2003 when the Pawan Chamling-led government launched its total sanitation campaign for the state.

The state government began by sensitizing people to adopt a holistic approach that would improve hygiene and sanitation, protect the environment and accelerate overall development in the state. Next, it constructed 98,043 household latrines, surpassing its own target of 87,014. Of these, 61,493 latrines were built for below poverty line (BPL) families.

There was also a conscious effort to install public filters for drinking water, build more public toilets and introduce a better drainage system in the major cities like Gangtok and Namchi.

mahatma-gandhi-road-gangtok
M G Marg, Gangtok
Photo Source
As many as 1,772 schools were covered under the total sanitation campaign. This was done under the central government’s Nirmal Bharat sanitation drive.The government also got local panchayats involved to sensitise people, particularly about hygiene and the fact that Sikkim needed to maintain a clean and green image as a tourism state.
Next, the Sikkim state government made it mandatory to have functional sanitary toilets at home for candidates filing nominations for contesting panchayat elections. A functional sanitary toilet in the household was also made mandatory for availing any kind of benefit and grants from the government.

The campaign also included door-to-door campaigning and working with school children to convince families about the health benefits of using toilets.

 

On the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, (who was an Indian Philosopher, Economist, Sociologist, and Political Scientist) National Sanitation Awareness Campaign under Swachh Bharat Mission organized by Rural Management and Development Department (RMDD) got underway at Titanic Park in Sikkim on 25-09-15. Pix by UB Photos
National Sanitation Awareness Campaign organized at Geyzing
Photo Source
The first acknowledgement of the campaign’s success came in 2008, when Sikkim was declared a ‘Nirmal Rajya’, a national award for sanitation and cleanliness. For the Sikkim government, the next endeavor was to focus on sustainability and qualitative improvement with special focus on school sanitation and solid-liquid waste management.


Under the School Sanitation & Hygiene Education programme of TSC, the special sanitation needs of women and adolescent school girls were addressed by making a gender sensitive school sanitation programme. This was done by introducing sanitary napkin dispensers and disposers on a pilot basis in  schools, covering two schools per district. In these schools, every adolescent girl child could get a sanitary napkin by inserting a Rs 2 coin into the vending machine. Simultaneously, the used napkins could be incinerated in the disposer installed in the toilets of these schools. Furthermore, handbooks on waste management and hygiene management for adolescent girls’ have also been introduced in schools.

With these pilot projects eliciting an encouraging response, more schools are being covered with such facilities in the next phase.

swachhata

Photo Source
Sikkim’s cleanliness model has evolved over the decade to ensure that the people abide by rules. There is a strictly enforced, legal penalty for every violation – for using plastics, for smoking in public places, for urinating in the open and for littering. Breaking rules fetches stiff fines. Smoking in public place, for example, could cost the offender a fine of Rs 200, whereas urinating in public places has a fine of Rs 500. Along with the ban on plastics, these rules have been enforced in the state for over a decade now.
However, the government knows that there is more to be done. While plastic packets are now rarely spotted, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) water bottles are still sometimes thrown by tourists. To address this issue, the government is contemplating a complete ban on such water bottles. This will compel locals as well as tourist to use the RO or filter water made available in designated public places, hotels and restaurants. Once executed, it will be another first in India.
In 2016, Sikkim also became the first Organic State of India, having shunned chemical pesticides and fertilizers for 13 years to return to natural methods of farming.

While Sikkim has clearly emerged as the cleanest state, it also has the possibility of soon emerging as the first state in India with zero poverty – only 8 % of the state’s families live below the poverty line.

west-sikkim1
Community Sanitation Campaign in West Sikkim
Photo Source
Speaking about the state’s 13 year old cleanliness campaign to Economic Times, Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling says,
“When I see the Swachh Bharat campaign in such a big way across the country, I feel vindicated that I did something right back in 2003.”
Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, Prem Das Rai adds,
“Sikkim has clean food, clean air, and clean water. We are also a fully organic state. So, there is clean living. Because there is clean living, people in Sikkim are healthy and happy.”
While the government’s efforts in helping Sikkim achieve these remarkable targets is commendable, the commitment and self-imposed discipline of the Sikkimese people also needs to be appreciated.
In a school in West Sikkim, innovative children are showing their communities how to manage waste by recycling plastics into useful items of daily life. Here is a glimpse of this great initiative.

Also ReadHow Kerala is Getting Ready to Become an ‘Open Defecation Free’ State by November 1


Like this story? Have something to share? Email: contact@thebetterindia.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).
NEW! Log into www.gettbi.com to get positive news on Whatsapp.

 

TBI Blogs: One Year on, Sikkim Proves Why the Rest of India Must Adopt Organic Practices for a Bright Future

$
0
0

The movement for organic food and an organic lifestyle has slowly picked up pace in India over the last few years. Ashmeet Kapoor, CEO, I Say Organic, discusses India’s organic future, and the rise of organic farming in Sikkim.

In one of my favourite movies, Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox goes back in time to fix the lives of his parents and ensure his own existence.

Some time ago, social media was abuzz with the news of Sikkim becoming India’s first fully organic state. Sikkim’s achievement reminds me of our own organic practices that we abandoned, and how going back to them is the only way to ensure our own existence going forward.

Over 75,000 hectares of agricultural land in Sikkim is now free of pesticides and chemicals, and healthy, allowed to rejuvenate, and helping people eat and be healthier. This is extremely positive news that sets a great example for the rest of India. Every bit of credit goes to the progressive Sikkim State Government for thinking beyond immediate benefits and profits, and considering the greater good for both its people and its lands. I cannot stress enough of my admiration of them for looking to sustainability from a long-term point of view.

It is especially encouraging that the state has managed this feat in less than a decade. It shows that with the right policies and incentives, going organic and healthy is a very achievable feat.

Of course, it is also due to being a hill state, like others in North and South India, chemical agriculture is not as prevalent in Sikkim as flatter areas.

Whether due to their remote locations, climate, water supply, or lack of corporate chemical presence, India’s hilly states have a starter’s advantage in going completely organic.

Fantastic Work for the Future
Sikkim, and its organic advantage.

While the rate of land converting to organic is only going up, the rate of naysayers declaiming the efficacy of organic farming hasn’t gone down. Going organic doesn’t mean that productivity goes down, as proponents of chemical agriculture claim. Context is extremely important while reading data.

For example, with chemicals, a farmer could produce, say, 20 kg. of wheat. After switching to organic, he might produce 10 kg. of wheat, which is what the pesticide lobby harps about. But they ignore the fact that the farmer has diversified their crop and now also produces 10 kg. of lentils as well as 10 kg. of fruits & vegetables, because these cropping patterns and rotations are a central theme in organic farming.

Principles we learnt in school, like nitrogen fixing, form the basis of organic farming philosophy—it’s not how much you grow, it’s how you grow things. Organic farming nourishes the soil and balances its health, while growing different crops for varied human consumption.

What’s more, what the naysayers never discuss is that the insects and so-called “pests” that attack different crops find it difficult to roost at organic farms due to the constant rotation.

In fact, pests gravitate to farms that produce the same crop in abundance, which leads to an increased need for using pesticides and chemicals.

Back to the Organic Future
I Say Organic and its role in the organic farming community

Can our entire country go organic? Yes. If a few states can do it, then why not all of us? Studies show that incomes and profitability of farmers choosing this ancient tradition have improved, and we really need to get back to the future.

On a micro level, we might not even need studies. Communities and farmer networks do, and will, notice the difference in output, overall farm health, and the prospects of farmers and their families, and the change will begin for organic farming as well as health and wellness industries.

Climate change due to non-organic farming is a huge obstacle. Pollution due to pesticides, soil-erosion, and over-irrigation because of non-seasonal growing are all factors that are contributing to changes of carbon dioxide and ozone in the soil, water, and air, and thus the fluctuation of weather patterns all over the world.

Many firms and new entrepreneurs prioritise short-term gains, thus not supporting farmers in going the distance towards completely organic farming. These firms are fast becoming an obstacle on their own, as they are convincing farmers to stay chemical, as well as preventing conversions.

High-level government intervention is also an absolute necessity, without which change will still happen, but slower. India will go organic in 30–50 years even if the government doesn’t start promoting it very aggressively in the near future. This is because, by then, there will be no other option. As things stand, we cannot continue using chemicals without an end-date.

However, isn’t it better to start moving towards the future before a crisis hits?

Call all of India have an organic future
India is seeing a huge change in its farming techniques

New forms of farming like hydroponics and aquaculture could go mainstream in a few decades. Take robotic farming, a topic that sounds like science fiction. How far a reality is it, given that we’re seeing driver-less cars on the road? In a few decades, farming will be completely different, and not necessarily even human. Even in this very futuristic and “out of a sci-fi movie” vision of the future, we are certain there is no place for chemicals. It’s simply a model of agriculture that’s had its run and is now outdated.

There is an urgent need for the government to shift focus. While complete shutting down of chemical industries is not possible overnight, the ratio of large chemical deals and token PR deals has to be flipped.

I Say Organic already sources from organic farms across India. Uttarakhand is a viable, promising next destination for us where we have already made significant inroads. We’re investigating options that will allow us to expand our product range, quality, and overall supply, while keeping our strict, self-imposed standards in place. We’re also looking at Himachal Pradesh, whose government has a very aggressive organic policy.

In the years to come, I Say Organic envisions being actively involved in farmer conversions across India—through measures like demo farms to showcase growing techniques—and thus help our country go organic in every way possible.

Obstacles for an organic future
An illustration, fighting towards the water scarcity issue

We have so far worked independently of the government, because there is no programme that we have come across that incentivizes or offers support to organizations working on market linkages for organic farmers. We have built our network of organic farmers largely through referrals, and have found that is the best way to find farmers who are eager to gain access to markets that understand and appreciate the value of organic produce.

This way, I Say Organic helps farmers willing to fight the good fight make a reasonably profitable living, encouraging their families to carry on their legacy and influencing others to join the organic movement. Continued partnership and support from firms like us as well as the end-consumer ensures that farmers do not revert to chemical use for financial reasons—finally more to our benefit. Having said that, as the industry develops and the impact of organic farming gets demonstrated on a larger scale, we hope that the government will also significantly ramp up its initiatives to promote organic.

I Say Organic aims to continue being credible, offering great prices, service, and authenticity. We’d like to ensure that both consumers and farmers are much better off with our products, by the simple method of going back to the future.

Join the organic movement by helping I Say Organic make organic farming and produce more prevalent. Find out more here.

Featured Image Source: By soumyajit pramanick (step farming in Sikkim) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

Viewing all 107 articles
Browse latest View live