Anit Thapa Takes Responsibility for Education and Welfare of Orphaned Siblings Niten and Arnima Rai

KalimNews, October 9, 2025: Anit Thapa, Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), has pledged to take full responsibility for the welfare of Niten Rai and Arnima Rai, the orphaned siblings from Thurbo Tea Estate, whose lives have been tragically disrupted by a series of misfortunes. Thapa expressed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the teenage siblings, who are now not only orphans but also homeless due to a devastating landslide, receive the care and support they deserve, saying, "Children like them have the right to live with dignity, and I will ensure that they receive that right."

The siblings' tragic journey began in 2022, when they lost both of their parents within months of each other due to stomach ailments. Sabita Rai, their mother, worked at Thurbo Tea Estate, and their father, Jiten Rai, was a Group-D employee at the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Their mother passed away in January 2022, followed by their father in October of the same year. Since then, Niten (19) and Arnima (17) have struggled to survive, with the support of neighbors who provided them with food, clothes, and even school fees. After their parents' deaths, relatives and well-wishers offered financial support, and some also sought help from others to ensure their basic needs were met.

However, just when they thought they had lost everything, another tragedy struck on October 4, 2025, when a massive landslide in Mirik destroyed their home, leaving them without shelter and their meager belongings buried under the rubble. "We have nothing with us to rebuild our lives," said Arnima, who had already dropped out of school after her parents’ deaths.

For the past three years, the siblings have survived on public distribution system rice, vegetables from neighbors, and a monthly allowance of ₹4,000 from the district administration. Despite their hardships, their spirits remained hopeful, and they were expecting help to rebuild their home.

In an inspiring act of solidarity, local residents, led by Arbin Subba, have stepped up to support the siblings during their darkest hour. Arbin, of of Darjeeling Initiative, along with his friends, decided to take responsibility for the siblings' education and help rebuild their home. "I learned about their plight on Wednesday, and my friends and I immediately decided to support their education and rebuild their house. We will do our best to help them," said Arbin.

Niten, who is studying in Class XI at Thurbo Higher Secondary School in Mirik, lost everything in the landslide—textbooks, uniforms, and personal belongings. "I lost everything—textbooks, uniforms... the only thing we have left is the clothes on our backs," he said, visibly shaken. Arnima, who was also in Class XI, had to drop out of school due to financial constraints.

Arnima, who was home alone when the landslide struck, recounted the harrowing experience. "At around 2:30 am that night, I heard a loud crash and found myself trapped inside the house. After regaining my composure, I tried to escape, but I couldn’t. I then called my Dema (aunt), who arrived with neighbors and managed to rescue me by breaking down a door around 3:30 am," she said. The siblings’ two-room house, including the kitchen, was completely destroyed, but Arnima’s life was spared by what she described as a miracle.

Deeply moved by their plight, Anit Thapa assured the siblings that he would take responsibility for their education and other needs. "I will ensure they have everything required for their education. Their studies and overall welfare will be my responsibility," he confirmed. Thapa also assured that as long as their permanent home is under construction, he would arrange for a rented accommodation for the siblings to ensure their safety and stability.

"I will also ensure that the support they are receiving from the administration continues. They are my responsibility, and I will make sure their future is secure," Thapa added.

In addition to the immediate relief, Arbin and his friends have arranged to provide Niten and Arnima with new textbooks and school uniforms. They also plan to approach the GTA for a compassionate job opportunity for Niten, helping to secure a stable future for the siblings. "I, too, have lost my parents, and I understand the pain they are going through. I am committed to supporting them in every way possible," said Arbin.

With the support of the local community and leaders like Anit Thapa, Niten and Arnima are beginning to see a glimmer of hope amidst their overwhelming sorrow. Thapa’s intervention not only guarantees their education but also underscores the GTA's commitment to the well-being of its citizens during times of crisis.

As the siblings begin to rebuild their lives, they are not alone. The outpouring of support from the community and the government ensures that Niten and Arnima will have the opportunity to heal, continue their education, and live with dignity—a right that Anit Thapa is dedicated to securing for them.