About Bikram Rai
Who is Bikram Rai?
Bikram Rai a Social Worker was born and raised in the scenic village of Sittong, nestled in the lush hills of Darjeeling, West Bengal. Sittong is known for its beautiful orange, orchards and serene landscapes, but despite its natural beauty, the village faced many challenges, including limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. These issues deeply affected Bikram and sparked a desire within him to bring about positive change in his community in Sittong.
Early Life and Education
Mr. Bikram Rai grew up in a close-knit family that valued Education, despite the limited resources available. His parents, both farmers, worked tirelessly to provide for their family. From a young age, Rai was determined to make the most of the opportunities he had. He excelled in school and was always eager to learn more about the world beyond his village. After completing his secondary Education in Sittong, Bikram moved to a kurseong town to pursue higher studies. He faced many challenges, from adjusting to a new environment to managing finances, but his determination never wavered. From a young age, he was inspired by the tales of his ancestors and the collective spirit of his village. This inspiration fueled his passion to bring holistic development to Sittong and improve the lives of its residents.
He earned a Bachelor degree from Kurseong College , driven by a desire to return to his village and improve the lives of his fellow villagers.
Early Life and Inspiration
Bikram rai was born and raised in sittong , a village known for its lush orange garden, tea garden and rich cultural heritage like Lepcha Monastery and Suspension bridge at Rayang River. From a young age, he was acutely aware of the challenges faced by his community. The lack of basic amenities, inadequate educational facilities, and limited economic opportunities were everyday realities . witnessing these hardships sparked a desire in him to bring about meaningful change.
Eco-Tourism and Homestay
Seeing the potential for tourism, Bikram Rai promoted Sittong as a tourist destination from 1998. He encouraged villagers to set up Homestays, offering tourists an authentic rural experience. His initiatives in organizing cultural and eco-tours attracted visitors from far and wide, fostering a sense of pride and economic growth in the village of Sittong.
He organized Tourism cultural festivals every year in sittong for showcasing local traditions, attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
Economic Growth and Co-operative Societies in Sittong
Bikram Rai understood the economic challenges faced by farmers in his village Sittong. He provided financial support and introduced modern Agricultural Techniques and system to improve crop yields. He was also chairman of cooperative society (Shelpu- Sittong G.P.S.K.U.S. PVT.LTD.)during 1990s, and encourage to habit of saving among the peoples of sittong and he also provide KCC Loan to member or farmer of sittong that ensured fair trade practices and better income for farmers of Sittong .He focus on organic farming gained recognition, boosting the village's economy and making Sittong a model for sustainable agriculture.
Educational Initiatives
Once upon a time Bikram Rai was teacher of Sittong Tribal Jr. High School .He provide many needful things like computer , sports tools,books and copies to many school like : Gyan-Kunja Academy , Sittong Tribal M.S.K., Chula Jr. High School etc. Bikram Rai recognized the importance of education in transforming lives. He had teached several educational initiatives aimed at improving literacy rates and providing quality education to the children of Sittong. He collaborated with government and non-governmental organizations to establish well-equipped schools and provide scholarships to underprivileged students. His efforts ensured that many children who once had limited access to education could now dream of a brighter future. Bikram's work remained humble and unheralded, but he found joy in the knowledge that his efforts had sparked a ripple effect of positive change. He had not only taught people skills but had also shown them the power of kindness and the importance of giving back. In his own quiet way, Bikram had created a legacy of hope and transformation, proving that even the smallest acts of generosity could make a world of difference.
Health and Family Welfare, and Environmental Activist
Understanding the importance of health and well-being, Bikram organized regular health camps in Sittong. These camps provided free medical check-ups and treatments, addressing the healthcare needs of the villagers. He also worked to ensure that elderly residents received their pensions and had access to necessary health services. His efforts significantly improved the overall health and welfare of the community.
2020 Coronavirus (Covid-19 Pandemic) Lockdown in India
Understanding the importance of sanitation, Bikram launched a cleanliness drive in Sittong during Covid-19 Pandemic. He mobilized the community to build proper sanitation facilities and educated them on the importance of hygiene. His efforts significantly reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases in the village.
Bikram Rai Working in Agriculture Land to production of Organic Fruits and vegetable
Bikram Rai was a passionate environmentalist and led numerous tree-planting drives, waste management initiatives, and campaigns to protect local flora and fauna.
His work in promoting organic farming practices not only preserved the environment but also enhanced the livelihoods of local farmers. His efforts created a sustainable and healthy environment in Sittong.
Empowering Youth of Sittong
Bikram Rai believe in the potential of the youth. He established Eco tourism Homestay, Cottage where Youths learn skills such as Business Skills , Communication Skills, and small entrepreneurship. This initiative led to the economic empowerment of many youth of Sittong , who started their own small businesses Now a days.
Promoting Arts and Culture
A patron of the arts, Bikram Rai supported local poets, writers, and singers by organizing cultural festivals and workshops. These events not only preserved the rich cultural heritage of Sittong but also gave local artists a platform to showcase their talents. He efforts brought cultural acclaim to the village, attracting attention from across the state.