www.thestatesman.net
Diwash Gahatraj
SILIGURI, Aug. 14: The all-school parade march on the Independence Day at Mela Ground in Kalimpong has always been a colourful event, but the locals would miss a colour this year, as the blind students of the Salvation Army Mary Scott Home for Blinds are not participating in the I-Day extravaganza.
The students from the blind home have always been known for their excellent band music played during their march past session. It has almost been two decades since the SAMSHB students have been performing in the Independence Day celebrations in the sub-division. But due to the unavailability of the senior students, who used to handle the school band, the schools authorities have decided not take part in the event this year. (more…)
www.telegraphindia.com
RAJEEV RAVIDAS
Kalimpong, Aug. 9: Enormous mental and physical effort — these were exactly the qualities displayed by local boy Manoj Dahal as he summitted Mount Everest.
Dahal, belonging to the 107th Battalion of the BSF posted in Delhi, was part of the six-member team of mountaineers of the border force, which scaled the highest peak on May 20. He became the first Everester from the subdivision.
Back home at Chivvo Bustee, 8 km from here, the 26-year-old, however, made light of his feat. “I was among the six who scaled the summit. We were literally on top of the world,” he said. The team spent around 30 minutes on the peak, marvelling at the snow-capped mountains. The expedition was flagged off on March 8 by Union home minister Shivraj Patil and flagged in on June 23.
