<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><b>GANGTOK,:</b> Veteran journalist Bijay Bantawa,
also an accomplished litterateur, passed away on the early morning hours of
October 28 at his native Salem Bung village near Pokhrebung in Darjeeling. He
was 71 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A widely respected name in journalism, Bantawa served
journalism and literature for nearly five decades.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Garamond",serif;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Batwana was born on 20<sup>th</sup> April 1956 at
Salem Bung, formerly known as Sulbung, in Darjeeling district. He came to
Sikkim around 1976-77 where he initially worked as a non-teaching staff at
Sikkim Government College while continuing his studies. </span><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">He completed his BA (Honours) through
Punjab University and later obtained a Law degree.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">Although he
briefly explored legal practice, Bijay Bantawa chose journalism, driven by his
desire to serve society and remain connected with people. His journalistic
journey began with the Nepali weekly Himali Bela, where he learned the
fundamentals of reporting and newspaper production during the letterpress era.
He later served as the editor of Nepali newspaper ‘Himgiri’, published from
Gangtok.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">Chief Minister
Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expressed his deep sadness on the passing of veteran
journalist Bijay Bantawa. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">“Deeply
saddened by the passing of veteran journalist, writer and poet Shri Bijay
Bantawa. His invaluable contributions to Sikkim’s media and literary
fraternity, spanning several decades, will always be remembered. Heartfelt
condolences to his bereaved family, friends and the entire media fraternity.
May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said the Chief Minister in his condolence
message.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">Bijay Bantawa was
the founding General Secretary of Press Club of Sikkim and has received many
awards, recognition in the field of journalism and literary works. He is a
recipient of the prestigious Kanchenjunga Kalam Puraskar of Press Club of
Sikkim.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">He witnessed
and adapted to major changes in journalism, from hand-set type and printing
presses to computers, the internet and digital media. He was also associated
with the Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers and the PIB’s Central
Press Accreditation Committee.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">His efforts to
take ‘Himgiri’ online in the early internet era reflected his openness to new
technology. His book ‘Patrakaritako Pakshaharu’ documented his experience and
aspects of Indian Nepali journalism.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">His
contribution to journalism and literature in Sikkim will be remembered with
respect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">The
Journalists Union of Sikkim (JUS) held a condolence meeting at its office to pay
tribute to the late senior journalist and litterateur Bijay Bantawa. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">JUS president
Prabin Khaling, advisor Bhim Rawat and executive member Bijoy Gurung shared
their fond recollections of the veteran journalist and recalled his invaluable
contributions to the media landscape of Sikkim.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif">The JUS
gathering observed a two-minute silence and offered prayers in memory and
respect of Late Bijay Bantawa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Garamond",serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p>
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