Darjeeling Forum

[maple]

Gorkhali Celebrity




HE FINDS cricket unattractive and loves Mike Tyson because of the sport he plays. “I just love him and the way he boxed,” he says rather coyly. “That’s the reason why I have donned the gloves.” And cricket? “It has never fascinated me.” Shiva Thapa has no time to regret. At age 15, he is enjoying life and pursuing his passion. Thapa is just back from

his first successful international competition in Azerbaijan. Out of the five boxers who participated in the event, Thapa go to India a historic gold while Devendra Singh won a bronze in the 48kg category. Thapa’s gold came in the 50kg category against Azerbaijan’s Gurbanzade Saikhan during the Hyder Aliyev International Tournament in Baku. “It’s been a great experience,” said Thapa, who is now training at Pune’s Army Sports Institute.

Before his induction into the institute, Thapa learnt to trade punches at the Sports Authority of India centre in Guwahati under coach Amar Deka. While representing the state, he won his first title in the Sub-Junior Nationals three years ago.

“It’s here where they selected me for the boys scouts programme,” said Thapa. For Davendro, staying away from his family has been a pain but he has over come it while training at ASI, Pune. “You have to do this for a living,” he says with a smile. Learning his craft with Ibomcha Singh in Imphal, he was selected to the boys scouts programme four years ago. His dexterity in the ring invited praise from coach Mahender Singh-Bhaka, who accompanied the team for the event. “I am very pleased not only with Thapa but also with the other boxers’ performances,” said Dhaka.

“They are our future.” Muralidharan Raja, secretary of the Indian Boxing Federation (IABF), also said the boxers were India’s medal hopes for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. “Our immediate focus is on the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune this year. We will train and build them up for the next Commonwealth Games. By then, most of the junior boys will be ready to replace the seniors,” he said.

The other participants in the Baku meet were world cadet champion in the 48kg category; Vikas Yadav, who competed in the 57kg category in this event, Vikas Khatri (52kg) and Anil K Kumar (60kg). [Hindustan Times]
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[Swaroop1951]

maple bhai > thanks for sharing this wonderful news with us. Well done to young Shiva.
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Love the people who treat you right. Forgive the ones who don't.'
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

[Yam]

I'm proud of him two times more than others

Because he is a Gorkha and from my home state Assam

[Swaroop1951]

[sani]

Three chers to Thapa, Hip Hip Hurray......Thanks maple chora

[maple]

Kumar Subba, the Darjeeling based veteran singer of Nepali Adhunik has arrived in Kathmandu to prepare for his Paleti concert scheduled for the 30th of May, Friday.

Subba is still remembered for his four decade old evergreen songs like "hey phool chundera lane ho…", "Sarangi ko taar le…" and "Deurali ka thiti ho…" and more.

Though a bit away from lime-light, Kumar Subba has been privately living with music all these years and still has the same charm in his singing. Earlier, he had performed for Paleti in May 2006, when he was accompanied by composer – Karma Yonzon.

This time Kumar Subba is accompanied by Darjeeling based musician Chandan Lomjel and they have started their rehearsals for the coming Paleti Show.

"I am fortunate that I have been able to work with veteran lyricists and composers. I always had an unfulfilled dream to preserve all these creation. I am indebted towards Paleti for making it possible. I am extremely happy and honoured to be back at Paleti," said Kumar.
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[maple]

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[maple]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT5uq6ceX_k

XI Gorkha Regiment
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[maple]

Syria’s Ali Dyeb looks on as India’s Sunil Chettri, right tries to control the ball in the final of the Nehru Cup soccer tournament in New Delhi, India. India defeated Syria 1-0 to win the cup.



India’s Sunil Chettri tries to restrain Syria’s Zeen Alabeden Al Fandi in the final of the Nehru Cup soccer tournament in New Delhi, India. India defeated Syria 1-0 to win the cup.


Sunil Chetri (born August 3, 1984) is an Indian professional football player. He plays in the Forward position and is known for his high work rate, ball control and shooting. Chetri has played for Mohun Bagan, JCT FC. He was selected the AIFF Player of the Year 2007 for his excellent performances for his club and country.

He has played for 2 major clubs in India Mohun Bagan and JCT FC and has impressed in both his stints. He is know for his ball control, shooting and high work rate and is touted as the next Baichung Bhutia. His most notable performance was against Sao Paulo FC for JCT FC in the Super Soccer series in 2007. At the end of the 11th NFL, Chetri was awarded the league’s best player award as well as the league best forward. He scored a total of 12 goals in the 11th NFL.

He has represented his national team India a number of times. One of his best performances was perhaps against Cambodia in August 2007, in which he scored 2 excellent goals.He was selected the Indian player of 2007 and found his way in NDTV’s list of india’s biggest sporting moments of 2007 at number 3.
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[sani]

गुड.."वकाब"...नेपालिज,
मेपल फेरि पनि धनिया-भात

Heard Sunil Chhetri is from Ksg?? satya ki asatya?

[maple]

[maple]

http://www.indianetzone.com/9/sunil_chetri.htm

Sunil Chettri, Indian Football Player
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[maple]

THE WIZARD OF DARJ - By Riddhi Tamang

An ARTIST at work, A MAGICIAN on stage, the WIZARD of DARJ that was what SURAIN PAKHRIN was on the football field. Like an artist who glides his brush on the canvas Surain alias JOJO used to slide past the toughest of defenses. The deft touches and strokes of his footwork and body movement was a sight to watch. His speed with and without the ball made the fastest of opponents look like turtles. He had the rare gift of power in both the feet as he was versatile with either one. His lethal free kicks mesmerised the spectators but left the goalkeepers guessing whether it was going to be an in swinging or an out swinging swerve. It took more than one player to cover him because if he got the ball in the D box he was dangerous. A very good attempt if not a goal for sure it would be. That was JOJO a complete player for you.

I still remember when I was a kid my late father who was a prominent member of the DDSA {Darjeeling District Sports Association, the governing body of the football Association of Darjeeling} pointing out at a ginger haired teenager playing for St Josephs College and saying "watch that player, he is going to be a star in the future” I later realised it was none other than JOJO.

A football fanatic that I was I did play elementary level of football and had the greatest privilege of playing one match against JOJO. He made us rock and roll and look like a pack of jokers. That must have been the only time I had a smile on my face on being made a fool of. I was so much in awe of his game that half the time I was just admiring his skills. I don’t blame myself for doing so because thats what he made all his opponents do.

I had the opportunity of seeing JOJO play in a lot of venues and places like the NP ground, Rangbull ground, in Gangtok, Siliguri, and Kathmandu. Each performance was better than the previous one. But the one that stands out like a sore thumb was Singamari Lions versus Ghoom Jorebunglow. When JOJO was playing for Singamari and Ghoom Jorebunglow had brought players from Calcutta including Narendra Gurung and Pem Dorji {members of the Indian National team} Pem Dorji was probably the best defense in the country then and must have been brought to mark JOJO, but it was JOJO who had the last laugh. The best moment of the match was the tussle between Narendra Gurung and JOJO, where he outdid Narendra.

The top forwards in the Indian League then were Krishanu Dey,Kartik Seth, Sudip Chatterjee, Xavier Pias, Krishanendu, Narendra Gurung and Narendra Thapa, from the many. Gamewise JOJO was no less than them if not better. Seeing his performance a lot of teams were interested in signing him. Though Air India wanted him badly it was the Calcutta League that lured him and he opted for Aryans Football Club, but due to family problems he had to return prematurely. Looking at the football scenario of India then if JOJO had opted for Air India and played a few years in the Mumbai league, he would have played in the Santosh trophy for Maharashtra and his next step would have been the Indian National team for sure.

I watch the current Indian team playing these days, but fail to see even one complete player of the caliber of JOJO. As a matter of fact when I watch the European League and see the performance of some players I get reminded of JOJO. If only he had the coaching and the facilities the sky would have been the limit for him

Even today when I bump into JOJO the first thing that comes to my mind is IF ONLY.......These days JOJO is coaching the Ghoom Jorebunglow Academy youngsters trying to unearth a Diamond amongst pebbles like himself. The younger generation may not have seen JOJO play. But if they are lucky enough to watch the Veterans matches these days, they will get to see a glimpse of the WIZARD of DARJ. I will leave it upto them to wonder what he was during his prime.

I would like to add here that lesser players than JOJO became far more successful than him. Khare Basnet got to play for Mohun Bagan and today is the Director of the Football Association of Bhutan. I am certain if we had a separate state then, JOJO would have played Santosh trophy for Gorkhaland and gone on to be a star of the Indian team. A pity it DiD not happen

However a perfect ending to his Illustrious career and justice to his foot-balling talent would be to see JOJO as Head Coach or Director of the Football Association of GORKHALAND in the near future.
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[maple]

Source : beacon

New Delhi, June 24:

India’s coach Bob Houghton feels it’s high time Indian soccer finds a replacement for Baichung Bhutia. And he knows there is just one player who has the same aura to replace Bhutia once he retires. “In a couple of years you would lose Baichung as he is already 32. The biggest question is finding a replacement for Bhutia. Fortunately, there is one player in Sunil Chettri. I don’t see anybody else other than him.”

According to Houghton, “India have only 70 players playing professional football and it is a depressing scene that we have just one player who can be the rightful owner to take Bhutia’s place,” Houghton told The Indian Express.

The coach further added that if India are looking to compete at that level they need to have strong bench strength. “You don’t produce big players out of fresh air. If you take the 30 players that attended the camp in Goa and divide them into two sets, half of them are short in stature, around 170-172 cm and the younger half is 177-178cms. We have to induct taller players into the ranks and that’s going to take some time,” he said.

The national coach was of the view that it was high time Indian soccer improved itself. “What gives us the divine right to be better than Malaysia or Pakistan? Do we have better coaches, better clubs, better doctors, better physio’s, better nutrition, what do we have that gives us the divine right to be better than Malaysia or any other SAFF nation?” he said.

“We need to improve ourselves to move on and if we don’t we are going to be left behind as there are so many countries that are going in the right direction. If you look at the facilities that Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar have got now then you will realise what a challenge we have to keep up with them,” he said, adding that Indian football had changed in just one sphere and that is the way the game is played. “We now play more of an attacking game,” he said.

Source : Indian Express
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[Can_chha]

राम्रो! राम्रो!! धेरै राम्रो!!
अरु पनि जावस!! थुप्‍रै..थुप्‍रै..

[maple]

Rajeev Thapa
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[maple]

Source : www.beacononline.wordpress.com

By : JTM




“Thulo kadam rakhe chha, Jeetna ko laagi rakhe chha” is how Rajeev Thapa explains his determination to win the Lux Junoon Kuchh Karke Dikhana Hai Singing Contest on NDTV Imagine. “Haami Gorkhali haru seedha hunchha pheri pani mero koshish chha aaphno mehnat le public ko man jeetne ko” [ Inset: Rajiv Thapa performing at NDTV IMAGINE JUNOON. Photo by Jyoti Mani Thapa]


Rajeev is a singer from the Gorkha community of Himachal Pradesh. His parents, Late Shri Bodhraj Thapa and mother Mrs Chaman Devi Thapa hail from Bakloh, a HP Gorkha heritage town set up when the 4th Gorkha Rifles settled there in 1866. Centuries ago their ancestors hailed from Pokhara. The family currently live in village Mehla in District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.

It was while Rajeev was doing his graduation in Sociology from the Chamba College, that his music lecturer Pandit Vidyasagar ji, guided him to participate in the 1997-98 Shimla University Ghazal Competition. Rajeev won this competition to his utter surprise and of everybody else. His voice and diction acclaimed as flawless. Life has been a long struggle for this aspiring singer from a remote small village with no backing or mentor for a big-time singing career. A local cablevala and well-wisher Aameen from Mehla village has proved a great support for Rajeev. Since Sa Re Ga Ma days, Aameen has been posting ads for Rajeev free of cost on the local cable and had been a great support when Rajeev first when to Mumbai. “Nai ta hamiharulai kole pooschha” says Rajeev’s mother Chaman Devi, “Aameen ta mero thulo chhora jaiste chha”

In year 2005, Rajeev came to Delhi and received his first break. He was selected for the ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’ show where he did well to reach among the top 10 position.

This year has been quite traumatic yet eventfull for the family. Six months ago, Rajeev’s father passed away, just when his kid brother got selected into the 8th Gorkha Rifles. Rajeev then received his second break with the Lux Junoon show which is on air right now. Rajeev again has reached amongst the top 10. The show will go on till September. But every week there is elimination and the competition is tough because of the repertoire of music the show offers catering to different audience tastes.

The programme is divided into three categories-Sufi, Folk and Bollywood. Rajeev is from the folk side, whose mentor for the show is Ms Ila Arun. Ustaad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is the mentor of the Sufi side and Anand Raj the mentor for the Bollywood section.

“Stage ma nervousness ta hunchha tara yehi chha ki ramro sur ma gam ani public ko man jeetam” is Rajeev’s motto.

Being in the folk section Rajeev sings folk songs from in Indian languages. Besides soul-stirring songs from Chamba in Himachali dress, Rajeev has also sung two Nepali songs in previous episodes, ‘Hinchuli ma ghaam lagiyo ramailo’ and ‘Samjhana Birsana Salalalalalala’ in full colourful Gorkhali costume with backup dancers also dressed as Gorkhalis. His performance was animated by his wonderful Gorkhali dancing skills.

Explaining about his name on the show as Rajeev Chamba, he says “Ma jaba yahan pahile Sa Re ga Ma show ko laagi aako thiya taba sabihe le mala Chamba Chamba bulanthiyo. For the first time somebody from Chamba had come to Mumbai and they were all very intrigued. Tes pachhi Aadesh Srivastavaji le mala Rajeev Chamba bhano thaliyo and the name got stuck. But my name is Rajeev Thapa and I am from the Gorkha community.” Rajeev also adds proudly, “My brother Rahul Thapa, who is eleven years younger to me, is training at the 58 Gorkha Training Centre Shillong”

Rahul recently enthralled his seniors with a song and dance performance at Shillong at a show by the recruits in training. Music runs in the family. Sister Pooja has done her Phd in Music and is teaching as a lecturer in Baijar, Kullu. Both Rajeev’s late father and mum were music enthusiasts and fond of singing.

About Prashant Tamang, Rajeev enthuses, “Prashant Tamang la bheta ko chuina. Unle hamro Gorkhali ko bada naam roshan garnu bhayo. I am very keen to meet him”

“Malai sabai Gorkhali haru le please vote dino hos” is Rajeev’s earnest appeal

Every Friday and Saturday 8.30 PM watch out Rajeev Thapa and please vote for him
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[maple]

Source : www.beacononline.wordpress.com





Since Independence, India has witnessed three wars with Pakistan in Kashmir. The stories of gallant deeds and valour of our soldiers continue to haunt our minds. One such heroic tale is of late Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, MVC. But for his siege of Skardu in the Ladakh region of Kashmir for over six months, Ladakh might have been wiped out from the Indian map. Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa died in Dharamsala on the 25th of February 1999 at the age of 90 years. He is remembered and revered as the Hero of Skardu. Though he is no more, his heroic deeds are today part of the glorious history of the Indian Army. Sher Jung Thapa was born in Abbottabad on 18 June 1908. His grandfather and father were distinguished soldiers. Thapa had his college education at Dharamsala. He was an excellent hockey player and frequently played with stalwarts of 1 Gorkha Rifles, Regimental Centre, Dharamsala. In the hockey field, he became a close friend of Captain Douglas Gracy, Adjutant of 1 GR RC, who encouraged Thapa to join the forces of Jammu & Kashmir state as an officer. Thapa took his advice and was commissioned on 01 September 1932. Thapa met Gracy again after a lapse of 25 years under different circumstances.

Lieutenant Colonel Thapa was a Prisoner of War (PoW) in Pakistan and General Sir Douglas Gracy was the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. Lieutenant Colonel Thapa’s friendship with General Gracy came to his rescue otherwise he would have met the fate of other prisoners of war who were killed by the Pakistani Army. A small and narrow valley at a height of 7500 feet above sea level, Skardu is divided into two parts by the Indus river. Before the arrival of Lieutenant Colonel Sher Jung Thapa at Skardu, the Wazir Amar Nath Mahajan saw the signs of a gathering storm. Skardu tehsil had a greater area under it than a normal tehsil. There were five jagirdars called Rajas, who exercised considerable influence over the population in their respective areas. They were Raja of Rondu; Raja of Khapalu; Raja of Shigar; Raja of Skardu and Raja of Kharmang. On 11 February 1948, Skardu was surrounded by an enemy of about 600 troops, while the strength of soldiers under Lieutenant Colonel Thapa of 6 JAK Rifles was only 130. He had to face many odds during the war against the Pakistani forces as scores of Muslims in the Skardu area had secretly joined the enemy. Not only this, many of the Muslim soldiers in Indian platoons deserted the army and joined the enemy. So much so that three Muslim wireless operators operating from the Bungalow of Lieutenant Colonel Thapa also deserted, thus jeopardising the signals. Once having worked as Brigade Signal Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Thapa himself operated the wireless set.

Lieutenant Colonel M.L. Chhiber (Retd.) in his book Pakistan’s Criminal Folly in Kashmir has quoted Brigadier Thapa on the indifferent attitude of Muslim community in Skardu area towards Indian troops. He said, “Every Muslim civil officer, schoolboys, servants of local shopkeepers and all who were employed to secure information about the enemy did not do so. They knew that the enemy was coming. They took all precautions to see that we were kept in the dark and then were attacked by surprise. This attitude of the Muslims there goes to prove how determined, united and eager they were. They wanted the Pakistan flag to fly. The Pakistan agents here did a thorough job.” Gradually, the ration position started worsening. The Dogra soldiers who were addicted to smoking, used tree leaves and rice husk for smoking. They even went to the extent of rolling up tea leaves in mulberry leaves to make cigarettes.

Recounting those days later, Sher Jung Thapa said: “I vividly remembered 17 June 1948. We saw Sepoy Amarnath of 5 Kashmir Infantry being captured by the enemy at Parkutta. He was sent by the enemy to persuade us to surrender. The man was tutored to demoralise our men. He carried a letter from Colonel Shahazada-Mata-Ul-Malek, commanding the enemy forces. The offer was outrightly rejected by me.” The night falling between 13 and 14 August 1948, saw a fierce battle at Skardu between Pakistani and Indian troops. Thapa said, “We used our last box of ammunition. Everyone knew our plight and there was panic and chaos all over. The women started committing suicide by jumping into the Indus and poisoning themselves in order to save their honour. There was an instance where a girl jumped thrice into the Indus to kill herself but each time the waves carried her back to the shore. My troops fought under very adverse conditions and held Skardu for six months and three days. Then was left with no alternative but to surrender. The surrender was followed by mass murder. All the Sikhs were shot dead. Captain Ganga Singh, my Adjutant was tied, laid on the ground and shot. The only Sikh who escaped was Kalyan Singh, my orderly who was staying with me.”

In 1949, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Srinagar soon after the ceasefire to see the troops in the frontline. General Thimayya, Commander of 19 Infantry Division, also addressed the officers. In his address, General Thimayya said: “My strategy to save Ladakh was to hold on to Skardu at all costs so that Pakistani forces may be prevented from reaching Kargil and Leh. Fortunately, I had the right man in Skardu to fulfil this mission. No words can describe the gallantry and leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Sher Jung Thapa who held on to Skardu with hardly 250 men for six long months. It is one of the longest sieges in the annals of war. While ordering him to defend Skardu to the last man and last round, I had promised to send him reinforcements and supplies. Unfortunately neither could reach Skardu. I also tried to air drop more rations and ammunition but these were merely helping the enemy. At the end of six months, when he completely ran out of ration and ammunition, I asked him to surrender. My General Staff Officer, Colonel Shri Ram Oberoi, gave this order to the gallant officer on radio in August 1948. Thapa’s response is etched on my mind and I can never forget it. He said, ‘I know that I cannot hold out without rations and ammunitions. General Thimayya has failed me. I know the fate my troops will meet after surrendering to the enemy. I cannot do anything now against the enemy but I will certainly take revenge in my next life.’ It is officers of this stamp who make great armies and great nations.” Lieutenant Colonel Thapa was conferred with Maha Vir Chakra and he retired as a Brigadier in 1960. The extracts from the citation for MVC are worth quoting, “Throughout the period of siege, Lieutenant Colonel Sher Jung Thapa showed outstanding leadership and great determination in holding out…in spite of the enemy offering him liberal surrender terms and knowing that there was no hope of ever being relieved. By his personal example and indomitable spirit he kept the morale of both his troops and civilian refugees at a high level…his conduct has been in the best traditions of the Indian Army.”
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[maple]

Save the Gorkhas : beacononline

http://beacononline.wordpress.com/2008/08/03/save-the-gorkhas/#comment-16235
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[maple]

Rohit Sonar : A New Gorkha Icon.
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