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.