Darjeeling, Nov. 7: In 1986, the workers
of Happy Valley Tea Garden had first brought out a torch rally
demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland, which set the hills
on fire.
Today in a symbolic move, the same workers
lit torches and marched through the town to promote peace
and unity among the hill people. The vanguard of the new movement
was none other than Viren J. Shah, the governor of West Bengal,
who had come all the way from Calcutta, to light the first
torch.
`This a great effort on the part of the
community to come together. People across the country have
many things to learn from the youths of Darjeeling,` said
Shah. The commitment of the workers of Happy Valley, which
has seen many ups and downs since the end of the 28-month
bloody agitation, is exemplary.
`There was fear written on our faces when
we started the torch rallies from Happy Valley during the
agitation. Times were different then. Today we are bringing
out the rally for peace and prosperity,` said Saurav Gurung,
secretary of Jan Kalyan Samity, a socio-cultural organisation
of the workers.
`The workers have sent a strong message
not only to the people of Darjeeling, but to the entire country.
We are looking forward to a new future and we are united to
make a difference in our lives. This is the greater message
of Darjeeling Carnival,` said Samir Sharma, one of the many
youths who are trying to make a difference in the hill town.
People of different age groups took part
in the rally that meandered through the streets before ending
at Chowrastha, the main venue of the carnival. The Governor
then formally inaugurated the 10- day Darjeeling Carnival.
`Promotion of tourism is only one aspect
of the carnival. We no longer want the people to live in fear.
A whole world of opportunities lies ahead of us and we can
prosper only through peace,` said Ajay Edwards, another organiser.
Another noteworthy effort of Citizens of
Darjeeling, the organisers of the carnival, is its peace message
for trouble prone parts of the country. `The Northeast youth
festival (a part of the carnival) is an effort in that direction.
Our friends there are going through much harder times than
we did. We would like to send them a message,` said Roshan
Rai, who is part of the fest. |
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