What Loreto College means to Darjeeling

The news of Loreto College Darjeeling to be handed back to the state government spells disaster for higher education in the hills. We already have a serious dearth of both good and enough number of colleges, forcing a brain drain from the Darjeeling hills. The latest development will cause more of our talents to flee the region.

Every girl child of the hills dreams of studying in Loreto College once she grows up. Loreto College Darjeeling is a symbol of women’s empowerment, opening doors to a brighter and a secure future. The goodwill of Loreto College is recognized not only nationally but even abroad, thus giving greater options to its wards.

We do not believe that the government can bring the same level of dedication and reputation to the college. Like other government-run colleges in the state, Loreto College once handed over, will also face a sharp drop in the quality of education imparted and the management of the institution itself. The future of our coming generations will be threatened.

We appeal to the Loreto fraternity to reconsider their decision to handover the college to the government. Loreto and Darjeeling share a deep bond, which would be ruinous for the hills if broken. We, as citizens, are committed to provide all the support that common people can bring to the cause and help to alleviate any difficulties the Loreto fraternity might be facing in running the college.

Save Loreto College. Save our Future.

Political turmoil and the Darjeeling Carnival 2007

Most of the volunteers for the Darjeeling Carnival are confused and worried on whether we can organise the Darjeeling Carnival 2007 or not. Cant blame them for their thoughts because the political situation in Darjeeling is volatile and confusing. The GNLF has been split into two and people dont know which sides to take.

We all feel that the show must go on as the Darjeeling Carnival is an apolitical outfit and we do not have any colours. We are here for the good of Darjeeling and we will carry on doing the good work. Cant say what the situation will be like in December but we still give it our best shot and move towards Darjeeling Carnival 2007.

Planning on meeting this weekend. Will inform everyone about the time and place for the meeting. Interested? Call me at 9434209887...samir

Rock Music and Darjeeling

Darjeeling is and has always been famous for its musicians. Every house hold has atleast one member who plays some musical instrument or the other with the guitar being the most famous. So it is not surprising to find many good bands who come out every six months in Darjeeling. Some make it big in other places such as Kathmandu and Bombay, some are lucky to create their own identity in Darjeeling, but most of them end up unsuccessful in making a career out of it.

The reason our rock bands cannot make a living / career out of music is there is not enough oppurtunities to perform shows and make a living out music. The only one place in town that offers rock bands a platform and some money is The Buzz at Glenary's. There is also the lack of good jobs available. In the cities one can work in the day time and perform shows at night. Out here its impossible to do that.

It is therefore very saddening to hear that Sahdev and Sanjit of The Reincarnation are leaving for Delhi to find jobs as Music teacher. Sahdev is perhaps one of the finest guitarists to have come out of Darjeeling and Sanjit is very good drummer as well as a singer. A month ago we were planning on reviving The Reincarnation as they were so good at one time with their single "Hijo Samma" reaching cult status and creating waves and fan following. While Mantra kept playing and stayed together as a band The Reincarnation guys split up and ended doing their own gigs separately. Their come back performance was at the recently held Inter College Fest CONFLUENCE in Gymkhana with the younger generation still going wild with their originals.

We always blame our rock bands being not up to the mark compared to the cities, but the truth is there is no proper way out for these guys. Unless and until our guys get propoer job opportunities right here in Darjeeling our music scenario will not change drastically.

Till such times our musicians have suitable day time jobs and can dedicate enough time to their music, we must be ready to see them off to Delhi, Bangalore and other major cities where they can earn a living and keep their dreams aside...