Darjeeling's Josephite named Tripura's Deputy CM

Darjeeling: Amidst the cloud of uncertainty that hovered around the schools of Darjeeling following the 4-month long political strife, the hill schools and specially St Joseph's have found a reason to cheer up. Jishnu Dev Varma, an alumnus of St Joseph's has been named as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura.

The 59-year-old scion of the Royal family of Tripura has been named the Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The swearing-in will take place on March 9. Varma is yet to be elected as election in his Charilam constituency has been deferred till March 12, following the death of CPIM candidate Ramendra Narayan Debbarma.

Dev Varma belongs to the 800-year-old Manikya dynasty of Tripura and is the uncle of King Pradyot Kishore Manikya. He did his schooling from St Joseph's, Darjeeling popular as North Point (1973 ISC batch.)

"I am delighted that a North Pointer has become the Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura and is in a position to influence society in a major and positive way. I am sure that the inclusive education he received at North Point will reflect in his policy decisions and the greater good. Our prayers are with him," stated Rev. Father Shajumon, Rector, St. Joseph's.

Dev Varma's teachers are sure that he will shine in this new-found role. "He was a good and competent student and a good cricket player. We are confident that he will do justice to the post and work for the betterment of the State. We wish him the best," stated Manuel Coutinho, English teacher and cricket coach.