Darjeeling erupts in joy as Tamang is crowned Indian Idol 3

Darjeeling, Sep 24 (UNI) It was like Dussera in Darjeeling hills a month before the festival as a sea of humanity assembled at Chowrasta to cheer their own boy Prashant Tamang on being crowned Indian idol 3 defeating rival Amit Paul in an entertainment contest.

Hundreds of thousands of people carrying banners, posters and flowers hailed 24-year-old Prashant, a constable with the Kolkata Police orchestra, as a true hero of Gorkha/Nepali people, who have been fighting for identity for the last 100 years.

Tamang, who hails from Tung Song bustee near Chowrasta, a common meeting point for travellers in Darjeeling, was inducted into Kolkata Police on compensatory ground after his father Madan Tamang died in harness two years ago. He had to quit studies in class IX to support his mother. For his love of music, Tamang soon found a place in Kolkata Police Orchestra that paved his way to the historic win, said an avid fan of the singer.

To celebrate the occasion Darjeeling police super Rajesh Subarna distributed some five quintal ladoos to the cheering people, who defied rain and piercing wind that blew across the Kanchenjunga massif.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling was the first to greet Prashant describing his victory as a major landmark for hill people.

Darjeeling never had such a gathering of people even during the Gorkhaland movement of the mid eighties, according to a septuagenarian.

Two journalists covering the victory rally were injured when their two-wheeler was rammed by a speeding maruti van near Chowrasta. While Mohon Lama of 'Siliguri Samachar' was hospitalised, Suraj Sharma of 'Kolkata TV' was released after getting first aid.

UNI