Sikkim: Dawn of Democracy

by G.B.S. Sidhu

It was in 1973 that G.B.S. Sidhu, a young official with the newly set-up Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), took charge of the field office in Gangtok in 1973. With an insider's view of the events that led to the Chogyal's ouster, he presents a first-hand account of the fledgling democracy movement and the struggle for reforms led by Kazi Lhendup Dorji in a society that was struggling to come to terms with the modern world.
In his fast-paced, clear-sighted narrative, Sidhu tracks the reasons behind New Delhi's shift from a long-standing pro-Chogyal stand to a pro-democracy position and maps the political alignments on the ground in Sikkim. He outlines the interplay of personalities-Indira Gandhi, the Chogyal, the Kazi, and the Indian officials and intelligence agencies involved-to reveal the chain of events that led to the merger of the Himalayan kingdom with India.

Genres: History

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2018

Reviews

[Aditya Kulkarni · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent contribution towards the post-independent history of India. The author was present in person during the core event, i.e. the merger of Sikkim as the 22nd state of India and that adds a lot of weight to the narrative. It is disappointing and sad but not overly surprising to see that Sikkim could have become a part of India in 1947 itself had it not been for Prime Minister's Jawaharlal Nehru's misconceived notions. The government of India continued to appease the ruler of Sikkim, the "Chogyal" at the expense of the pro-democracy Sikkimese people.

A historical wrong was corrected in 1975 due to which Sikkim became a part of India. However, it was a carefully laid down path and the role of the Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW), India's external intelligence agency in achieving this was crucial yet has not been documented to that extent. In this context, this book is a prized treasure that highlights and details the role played by the different stakeholders in ensuring that Sikkim became a part of India, embraced democracy, and abolished monarchy.

It is quite sad to see that people like Kazi Lhendup Dorjee who dedicated their lives to ensure that Sikkim became a part of India were left in the wilderness after the merger was complete and due recognition wasn't accorded to them. It was only in 2002 he was recognised by GOI with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour and in 2004 with the Sikkim Ratna, the state's highest honour.

I agree with the author's assessment that Kazi and other members of the erstwhile Sikkim Congress ought to be treated as freedom fighters for their contributions in helping Sikkim get independent from the clutches of the Chogyal and become a part of India. This book is a crucial addition to the history of Sikkim, the North-East, and modern Indian history. I highly recommend reading it.

[Leki Wangmo · Rating 3 out of 5]

SIKKIM Dawn of Democracy - a book review Date: 23/02/21
Author: G.B.S. Sidhu

Like there are always two sides to a coin, this book by G.B. Sidhu, who was an officer working under R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing), responsible for the merger of Sikkim provides the other side of the story of merger of Sikkim with India. If you have read the books ‘Smash and Grab’, ‘Sikkim: Requiem for a Himalayan Kingdom’, we get an idea that India played their dirty tricks to make Sikkim the 22nd state of India. However, this book says that the people of Sikkim lead by Kazi Lhendup Dorji asked for the merger of Sikkim rather India forcefully taking over Sikkim. The book also says that the Chogyal, himself was responsible for the downfall of Chogyal dynasty.
Chogyal felt the threat from the Nepalese which comprised 75% of Sikkim’s population and the 25% comprised of Bhutias and Lepchas who claim to be the first inhabitants of Sikkim. The author says that the Chogyal neglected the Nepalese and gave the important government posts to the well-educated Bhutias and Lepchas creating a huge difference in wealth income inequality. This triggered the anti Chogyal and pro-democracy in Sikkim and eventually led Sikkim from being the protectorate of India to being the 22nd state of India.
The book gives us a fist hand insights on how the R&AW comprising of mainly 3 people backed by Prime minister Indri Gandhi, worked for the merger of Sikkim of India. The two books mentioned above gives us a picture of India playing the villain role in the merger of Sikkim, while this book makes it look like India came as a rescue to the people of Sikkim from the ever daunting Chogyal rule. It is for the readers to be the judge at the end 

[Vijay Rayasam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book while I was watching a podcast in which the author himself was invited for a talk. I felt so pity about the fact that I was completely unaware about this part of our history until recently. I don't know if it was only me who (loves to read about our history) was unaware of this. However, I am glad that today I know a lot more about the chain of events.

This book is a fabulous piece of work by the author who not only was present on ground but was also actively participating in all the events that were unfolding, towards the ultimate goal of merger of Sikkim as one of the state of the Union of India. The author has discussed in great detail about each and every minute incident that had happened which may or may not have any influence on the motive.

The book discusses about the roles of various institutes of India and the extent of their involvement. As the situation in and around the merger was always very tense and the fact that the GOI wanted the officers to know about the ultimate goal purely on a need-to-know basis, the author did not shy away from discussing the shortfalls from our end in dealing few situations which could very well have hampered the ultimate goal.

I definitely recommend this book to all history lovers; however, I feel that the book sometimes dwells into a lot of details which sometimes is overwhelming for the reader. Moreover, this book also gives a feeling that it is a compilation of a personal diary of the author, and too much 'no-so-important' information kills the interest of the reader to keep going.

[Ashutosh SHUKLA · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book, well written, I felt that the author got better and better as the book progressed. I would not mind if the book was a little smaller, there were some details which were better left out..
It gives a close account of integration of Sikkim with India, the people involved and their respective roles. GBS Sidhu rightly brings to light the efforts of Mr Kazi Lhendup Dorji, as a Desh Bachau ( Country Saver) . Kazi was rightly awarded a Padma Shri in 2002, which took long to come from efforts starting in 1947 for the benefit for his motherland Sikkim.
This book also brings to light the situation which India was facing for sometime..for a new country Gorkhaland and lots of other developments in the north eastern frontier.

[Shyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common citizen of India knows very little about eigth sister ( Seventh plus Sikkim) states. Even people who studies political science knows very little about Sikkim's merger with India. And very few people know about 35th amendment of Indian Constituion.

GBS Sindhu tells a narrative in story like format. He used to keep diary in his Sikkim stay. So there is certain level of accuracy in chronology and description of Events. First few pages are little bit boring as mainland Indian people are not well acquainted with north eastern names. So its little bit confusing who's who of who.

Its intersting to read how RAW and IB helped local Sikkimi"s leaders to start massive pro democratic movement.
After Indira Gandhi's entry into PMO, there was sudden change in India's policy towards Sikkim. Till then Indian government was symphatic to Chogyal. Mrs Gandhi, after Bangladesh Liberation, with increased confidence and officer like R N Kao (who founded RAW) under her disposal decided complete merger of Sikkim is necessity.

[Ajay Warrier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not wish to discredit the author or demoralise him by saying book is not interesting. However the book was not upto my expectations. This is more like a diary of personal experiences than a readable book. Too much of not-so important ( for a normal reader) or irrelevant information is stuffed-in; which kills the interest to read. Too much details of meetings and discussions with associated names just kills the desire to read. Factually information could be correct; but that is not sufficient to make reader motivated and energized to read further.

The same authors book on operation Blue Star and Khalistan is in much better shape.

[Michal Thoma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overally interesting insight to the last days of Sikkim. The author challenges some myths, as the demonisation of Kazi and Nepali political parties and openly criticizes Chogyal as represive and manipulative authoritarian. Of course you need to count the perspective of the author, the indian intelligence officer in chrge of anti-Chogyal operation. Anyway the parts dealing with aftermath of Sikkim merger and the discussion over necessity of military operation against Sikkim Guards seems to be honest.

[Rohan Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A famous adage which goes like this "Directly listen from the horse's mouth" this book is a prime example. The author who is a retired R&AW officer who was posted in Sikkim. The events there after are really intriguing and would keep your interest alive in how India made sikkim to surrender.

A must read book for those who want to really understand how india merged several big and small princely states into its own territory

[Abhineet Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about the events which led to the merger of Sikkim with India.

There were pro-merger talks from Sikkim itself during the time when all the princely states were merging into India, but Nehru decided to treat Sikkim as a special case. If it was not for Nehru’s megalomania about being a global leader, Sikkim would have become an integral part of India in 1947 itself.

With more than 75% of the population being Nepalese, it was no surprise that the Chogyal was opposed to the merger.

[Charit · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a much needed retelling of a historical event for the country but the story-telling was too detailed to enjoy and was missing a larger narrative arc.

[Rahul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very comprehensive and loaded with facts but lacks readability.

[Meenal]

6% I'm just not interested in history at the moment

[Gurkirpal Singh Maangat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good account of developmemts leading to annexation of Sikkim