Paradise Forgotten


The photographs pasted here show an insulted heritage of old Sikkim. It is a bridge located at Ranipool in the east district of Sikkim. It is barren today to look at and describes its pathetic condition from its superficial look itself. Indeed, we have forgotten to pay honour to the traditional heritage of ours and speak in big words about our present development and civilization. The desolate looking bridge which has been the subject of utter dismay today was once the lifeline of Sikkim. Transportation and communication of every means were possible from Gangtok to other parts only over this bridge. Constructed in the times of British Rule in India, it was certainly the witness of the then scenario which was gradually moving towards the modern day civilization. But, the ignoring attitude of the policies of our present day system has let it go for its untimely demise. What can be more pathetic than this that we are not serious enough to preserve our old prosperity and claim ourselves to be the most brilliant creature? If we happen to move on to the cities like London, Paris and Rome and even to our own Kolkata, we can see how old tradition and heritage is preserved. The example of the train looking vehicle plying on the streets of Kolkata with hardly one or two passengers is enough to make a distinction between our indifferent attitude towards heritage and their keen interest in those things.

Now, some questions come to our mind.

Why are we not paying proper heed to our heritage? Why can’t we preserve and rejuvenate these legendary belongings? Why do we disregard the values of these memorable evidences? Who can answer?

This ,again is a question!!!


4 comments:

Unknown said...

I twig your article and feel very sorry to say that we are unable to preserve our old classical bequest. Indeed sir now a days our society is totally intoxicated with the big malls,cinema halls and discos.... so we do not have time to look over these classical legacy. It's a sign of Westoxication.... And our Society is under the influence of it. So who will raise the questions of perpetuation for this antique morsel. Any how sir we need such type of historian like you, who can raise the questions of utmost magnitude. Keep writing

Amir Bhandari said...

An eye opening article sir. We are talking about big big development when we cant preserve our heritage.....

Dr. Rajen Upadhyay said...

Thanx Amir and Binod for your comments....we have become too vocal about our so called developments....but who will take care of our heritage? Is there any one who is really serious about the cause? There are many heritage in Sikkim which are at their vanishing stage...but, we have cultivated the habit of living in present materialistic world, totally ignoring our past which really hurts a person who loves to understand his past with the help of these silent credentials.

himalayanreview said...

guys this is just a single case there are many more in Sikkim heritage that needs to be protected.