GANGTOK, : The Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) on Saturday hosted the official launching
of ‘The Ethnic Quest – A Historical Study of the Native People of Sikkim’, the
latest book by prominent educationist Dr. HP Chhetri.
The
book explores the rich history, cultural heritage, and identity of various
indigenous communities in Sikkim, making it a significant contribution to contemporary
historical discourse. The details are documented by the author after deeply
studying multiple sources including research papers, books and documents from
national and international libraries, institutions, collectors and market.
A
PCS release informs that the event witnessed the presence of several
distinguished guests, including chief guest Rural Development minister Arun
Upreti, guest of honour former minister KN Upreti, and prominent figures including
ex-MP Nakul Das Rai, ex-MLA NB Khatiwada, and office-bearers of the Nepali
Sahitya Parishad Sikkim.
Scholars,
social activists, politicians, and literature enthusiasts from across Sikkim,
Kalimpong, and Rhenock also attended the book launching programme at Harkamaya
College of Education, Tadong here.
As
part of the launch, a panel discussion was held on the topic of ‘Responsible
writing in literature.’
The
discussion featured insights from poet Pravin Rai Jumeli (panelist), scholar
Dr. Balaram Pandey (panelist), and was moderated by journalist Prabin Khaling. The
panelists emphasized the ethical responsibility of writers in documenting
history and the need for accuracy in storytelling. The discussion also touched
upon the political and social implications of literature, especially in regions
with complex histories like Sikkim and Darjeeling.
The
panelists agreed that literature plays a crucial role in shaping public
understanding of history and identity, making it vital for writers to remain
objective and thorough in their research.
Dr.
HP Chhetri, in conversation with Dr. TB Chettri, the book's reviewer, during
the event, shared that ‘The Ethnic Quest’ was the result of extensive effort
and dedication.He shared that his research involved studying over 300 books and
articles, some of which were not easily accessible in Sikkim. He extensively
referred to published books and articles, including works
from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, to provide a comprehensive view of
Sikkim’s historical and cultural landscape.
Dr.
Chhetri clarified that his inspiration came from historical texts rather than
individuals, ensuring that ‘The Ethnic Quest’ was rooted in documented and
scholarly research.
Minister
Arun Upreti lauded Dr. Chhetri for his efforts in documenting the history of
Sikkim’s diverse communities. He highlighted the importance of preserving
historical narratives, especially in modern times when oral traditions and
indigenous records are at risk of fading away.
“Books
like The Ethnic Quest serve as an important reminder of our roots and history,”
Upreti stated, adding that such works inspire younger generations to take an
interest in their cultural heritage.
Dr.
Satyadeep Chettri, who was the observer of the event, emphasized the importance
of cooperative historical narratives. “History is written from someone's
perspective, and every history is right in its own way. Instead of competing,
we must focus on cooperation in preserving and understanding our past,” he
remarked. His statement resonated with the audience, particularly in light of
ongoing discussions about the historical relationship between Sikkim and
Darjeeling.
This
is Dr. HP Chhetri’s third book and the second to be launched by the Press Club
of Sikkim, following his autobiography. The release of ‘The Ethnic Quest’ is
being widely recognized as an important addition to the historical and cultural
discourse surrounding Sikkim and Darjeeling.
