Sikkim Express

12/07/2025

The ongoing tea cultivation initiative in the Gnathang-Machong constituency of East Sikkim is set to expand across 200 acres by 2026, according to Rajya Sabha MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha. Currently, tea saplings have been planted on 70 acres of land in the region.
The MP informed that as per norms, a minimum of 200 acres of cultivated tea land is required to establish a tea processing factory. With this target in mind, efforts are underway to meet the requirement within the next year. Tea cultivation in Gnathang-Machong began as a pilot project in 2016, and due to its success, the initiative has gradually taken a commercial turn since last year.
Recognizing the need for a tea factory in the region, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to Rs 26 crore has been prepared and is being submitted to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry for consideration.

12/07/2025

In Loving Memory of Padma Shri Sanu Lama

It is with profound sadness that the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS) mourns the passing of Padma Shri Gadul Singh Lama, fondly known as Sanu Lama, on July 12, 2025. His remarkable body of work, including acclaimed works like Himalchuli Mantira, Mrigatrishna, and Katha Sampad, has left an indelible mark on Nepali literature, earning him prestigious honors such as the Sahitya Akademi Award (1993) and the Padma Shri (2005).
Sanu Lama’s creative genius, rooted in the human heart and the beauty of Sikkim’s landscapes, enriched Indian literature with profound narratives and lyrical poetry. His contributions as a poet, fiction writer, and translator, combined with his advocacy for the Nepali language, will continue to inspire generations. As a founder of the Bhartiya Nepali Rashtriya Parishad and General Secretary of the Sikkim Akademi, his legacy in fostering cultural unity and literary excellence remains unparalleled.
On behalf of BAS, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. We join the people of Sikkim and India in grieving this immense loss while celebrating a life that illuminated our literary and cultural heritage. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his words continue to echo in our hearts.
With heartfelt sympathy,

- Jacob Khaling
President , BAS

12/07/2025

Governor of Sikkim condole demise of Padma Shri Sanu Lama

In his condolence message, Governor Om Prakash Mathur said "Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Shri G S Lama this early morning. Shri Lama, prominently known as ‘Sanu Lama’, a recipient of Padma Shri, has been a towering figure of Sikkimese Nepali literature while he is most remarkably remembered as the writer of iconic song ‘Jahan Bagcha Tista Rangit’. His immense contributions to the world of literature have left an indelible mark on our society.”
“Shri Lama’s demise is an irreparable loss to the Sahitya fraternity and the people of Sikkim. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and may his soul rest in eternal peace."

12/07/2025

The population that once flocked around Bazar has drastically declined with numerous pigeons found dead due to an unknown disease.

https://sikkimexpress.com/news-details/over-100-pigeons-found-dead-in-geyzing-locals-urge-probe

12/07/2025

As part of the ongoing Sikkim Paryavaran Parv, the State witnessed a strong display of environmental commitment on Friday through the “Green Walk” initiative, a unique campaign encouraging citizens and government officials to walk to their workplaces instead of using vehicles.

https://sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkim-marks-paryavaran-parv-with-green-walk

12/07/2025

Veteran tourism operator Lukendra Rasaily officially assumed office as the chairman of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) on Friday.

https://sikkimexpress.com/news-details/lukendra-rasaily-takes-charge-as-stdc-chairman-for-second-term

12/07/2025

Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang S***a mourns the passing away of Padma Shree Sanu Lama. He writes:

“I am deeply anguished by the news of the passing of Padma Shri G S Lama, popularly known as Sanu Lama, a towering figure in Nepali literature and someone I held in the highest regard.

His literary journey has been a source of inspiration for generations. Through his profound short stories, novels, and contributions to children's literature, he shaped the course of modern Nepali writing in India. His immense contribution was rightfully recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Bhanu Puraskar, among many others.

My prayers are for the departed soul, and I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. 🙏📚”

12/07/2025

A major scientific study of three high-risk lakes in remote West Sikkim has been completed by the State Science & Technology department in collaboration with the Mines & Geology department.

https://sikkimexpress.com/news-details/scientific-assessment-of-high-risk-glacial-lakes-in-west-sikkim

12/07/2025

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expresses his deep condolences on the sad demise of Padma Shree Sanu Lama. He writes:

“नेपाली साहित्य जगतका एक यशस्वी स्रष्टा, कुशल गीतकार तथा राष्ट्रप्रेमी महान व्यक्तित्व पद्मश्री गरुडसिंह लामा (सानु लामा) ज्युको दुःखद निधनको खबरले हामी गहिरो शोकमा डुबेका छौं|

श्री सानु लामाज्यूको नेपाली भाषा, साहित्य र सांस्कृतिक चेतनाको संवर्द्धनमा समर्पित जीवनले हामी सबैको मनमा गहिरो छाप छोडेको छ। उहाँको सृजनात्मक प्रतिभा, गीतात्मक सौन्दर्य, र नेपाली साहित्यप्रतिको समर्पणले सिक्किमको साहित्यिक परम्परालाई समृद्ध बनाउँदै राष्ट्रियस्तरमै गौरव बढाएको छ। उहाँको अमर कृति- ‘जहाँ बग्छ टिस्टा रंगीत’ हामी सबैको हृदय-स्पन्दनमा सदैव प्रतिध्वनित भइरहने छ|

सम्पूर्ण सिक्किमवासी जनताहरूको तर्फबाट साथै मेरो व्यक्तिगत तर्फबाट, म साहित्यका एक उज्ज्वल सीतारा, पद्मश्री, स्व० श्री सानु लामाज्युप्रति हार्दिक श्रद्धाञ्जली अर्पण गर्दै उहाँका शोकाकुल परिवार, आत्मीयजनहरू तथा समस्त प्रशंसकहरूप्रति गहिरो समवेदना प्रकट गर्दछु। हाम्रो राज्यको मात्र नभएर साहित्यिक जगतमा यो एउटा अपूरणीय क्षति हो, तर उहाँको विरासतले भावी पुस्ताहरूलाई सदा प्रेरित गरिरहनेछ साथै उहाँको पथ प्रदर्शनको हामी सदैव अनुसरण गर्नेछौं|

उहाँको दिवंगत आत्मालाई चिरशान्ति प्राप्त होस् भनी ईश्वर समक्ष हामी विनम्र प्रार्थना गर्दछौं|

ओम शान्ति!”

12/07/2025

Renowned Nepali writer and poet Padma Shri Gadul Singh Lama, popularly known as Sanu Lama, passed away this morning. He was a celebrated literary figure whose work significantly shaped Nepali literature over several decades.

Born on June 15, 1939, Lama dedicated his life to literature, producing a rich body of work that included poetry, short stories, and essays.

Over the years, Lama was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993, the Sikkim Bhanu Puraskar, the Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim Smriti Puraskar, and the Madan Byakhanmala Puraskar.

In 2005, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Nepali literature.

His passing marks the end of an era in Nepali literary tradition.

12/07/2025

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang mourned the passing of Padma Shri G.S. Lama and shared a condolence message on his official page.

नेपाली साहित्य जगतका एक यशस्वी स्रष्टा, कुशल गीतकार तथा राष्ट्रप्रेमी महान व्यक्तित्व पद्मश्री गरुडसिंह लामा (सानु लामा) ज्युको दुःखद निधनको खबरले हामी गहिरो शोकमा डुबेका छौं|

श्री सानु लामाज्यूको नेपाली भाषा, साहित्य र सांस्कृतिक चेतनाको संवर्द्धनमा समर्पित जीवनले हामी सबैको मनमा गहिरो छाप छोडेको छ। उहाँको सृजनात्मक प्रतिभा, गीतात्मक सौन्दर्य, र नेपाली साहित्यप्रतिको समर्पणले सिक्किमको साहित्यिक परम्परालाई समृद्ध बनाउँदै राष्ट्रियस्तरमै गौरव बढाएको छ। उहाँको अमर कृति- ‘जहाँ बग्छ टिस्टा रंगीत’ हामी सबैको हृदय-स्पन्दनमा सदैव प्रतिध्वनित भइरहने छ|

सम्पूर्ण सिक्किमवासी जनताहरूको तर्फबाट साथै मेरो व्यक्तिगत तर्फबाट, म साहित्यका एक उज्ज्वल सीतारा, पद्मश्री, स्व० श्री सानु लामाज्युप्रति हार्दिक श्रद्धाञ्जली अर्पण गर्दै उहाँका शोकाकुल परिवार, आत्मीयजनहरू तथा समस्त प्रशंसकहरूप्रति गहिरो समवेदना प्रकट गर्दछु। हाम्रो राज्यको मात्र नभएर साहित्यिक जगतमा यो एउटा अपूरणीय क्षति हो, तर उहाँको विरासतले भावी पुस्ताहरूलाई सदा प्रेरित गरिरहनेछ साथै उहाँको पथ प्रदर्शनको हामी सदैव अनुसरण गर्नेछौं|

उहाँको दिवंगत आत्मालाई चिरशान्ति प्राप्त होस् भनी ईश्वर समक्ष हामी विनम्र प्रार्थना गर्दछौं|

ओम शान्ति!

11/07/2025

Karma Tashi Bhutia has assumed charge as Chairman of the Sikkim Housing and Development Board (SH&DB). Karma Tashi Bhutia brings with him five years of experience in the housing sector. He has previously served as Chairman of SH&DB, during which time he led the Board through a period of significant growth and expansion.

In a statement, SH&DB Secretary Shri Rajesh Pradhan said, "We are excited to welcome Shri Karma Tashi Bhutia as Chairman. His extensive experience and visionary leadership will be instrumental as SH&DB continues to navigate industry challenges and pursue new growth opportunities."

Speaking about his new role, Shri Karma Tashi Bhutia said, "I am honoured to assume the role of Chairman of SH&DB for a second consecutive term. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim for the continued trust and confidence."

He reaffirmed his commitment to the overall improvement of housing in the state, with a focus on expanding access to secure, affordable, and well-planned residential spaces for the people of Sikkim.