KalimNews, Kalimpong, 18 May 2024 : “Kuirobhitra Darjeeling“ Nepali version of the book Darjeeling: The Unhealed Wound, authored by C.R.Rai and published by BukAnt was released today during a programme at Hotel Trace in Kalimpong.
The book depicts the people and circumstances responsible for creating political uncertainty in the Darjeeling Hills.
The programme hosted by Anjana Bhandari had the presence of Renulina Subba, former MLA as Chairperson of the programme and Dr. C. B. Sunuwar, Thomas Mukhia and P L Subba all former teachers as the guests.
The other dignitaries present in the programme were, Dr. Samuel Rai, Director of the Directorate of Cinchona and other Medicinal Plantation, Dr H.B.Chhetri, Former MLA and representatives and officials of different social organisations and political parties.
The programme was started with welcome address by Rudra Karki and keynote address by Dr.C.B.Sunuwar and Pravakar Dewan. C. R. Rai, the author and other dignitaries also addressed the programme.
The original English version of the book (254 pages) was published by Bluerose Publishers Pvt. Ltd. and released in July 2022.
The Nepali version has 319 pages and has an attractive and beautiful cover.
The beautiful hill district of Darjeeling has been in the throes of political uncertainty for several decades now. Mr. CR Rai, the author is a former civil servant who served in several executive posts. He resigned from the West Bengal Civil Services to form a new political party, hoping to solve the Darjeeling imbroglio and other problems with rich experience.
Rai had access to some of the prime political actors and events at the height of the Gorkhaland agitation and brought his unique perspective on the issue in this unusually interesting book. Rai led several delegations to New Delhi and also had been actively involved in various social, cultural, and literary organizations. His involvement in administration and politics gave him a unique insight into the affairs of Darjeeling as well as Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Author Rai has come forward to address the lack of “indigenous intellectuals” who are responsible for clearly bringing into light the “facts” of Darjeeling, which is covered with a dark cloud of “illusion”.
Though this book calls for an inclusive solution to the Darjeeling conundrum based on pragmatism and non-violence, it discusses the people and circumstances responsible for creating political uncertainty. There are fascinating insights into the roles played by the local leaders and the main players as well as Dr BC Roy and Shri Vallabhai Patel in determining Darjeeling’s post-independence position. What influence did Nepal have? How did Sikkim’s annexation influence regional politics? These and other questions are discussed with great passion. Darjeeling enthusiasts will also be fascinated by the references to the many known and lesser-known figures who played a crucial role in the establishment of the original “Queen of the Hills”