aug17 15

2017

August 15

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BJP flays PPA, says charges baseless

ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Rejecting the "point of difference" cited by the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), the state unit Bharatiya JanataParty (BJP) on Monday said that the PPA's statement that the only reason for ending alliance was their role to remove Chief Minister, Pema Khandu on the charges of criminal conspiracy in the Tawang incident and corruption are unfounded.

"It has no connection at all with the termination of the alliance", the party said.

"NEDA could not continue partnership with PPA mainly because the PPA MLAs were more Congress minded than members of the NEDA alliance. They were working more like Congress agents and misleading the people against the Chief Minister", the BJP said in a release.

"Instead of extending full cooperation to the BJP Government in the state, the PPA was indulging in divisive politics and wanted to destabilize the stable government by demanding removal of the Chief Minister on baseless charges", said Chief Spokesperson, Dominic Tadar.

Train services to NE stopped due to flood

Guwahati, Aug 14: Train services to the Northeast from the rest of the country have been stopped till Wednesday in view of the flood in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar.

"The Railway Board has decided to cancel all incoming trains from various parts of the country towards NE Region, which were to reach either Katihar or Malda town till 10 am of August 16, 2017," Northeast Frontier Railway chief public relations officer (CPRO) Pranav Jyoti Sharma said in a statement.

"Heavy rainfall in the last 72 hours in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and other NE states has resulted in railway operations being severely hampered as rain water has affected railway tracks at several places in Katihar and Alipurduar Division of NF Railway," Sharma said.

In view of the flood situation, 11 outgoing trains have been cancelled by NF Railway today, Sharma said, adding four other trains have been short-terminated at various locations, he added.

Yesterday, 22 trains were cancelled, while 14 others were stopped at various places as tracks were flooded.

"While many rivers in Alipurduar and Katihar divisions are in spate, NF Railway authorities are keeping a close watch and continuously monitoring the situation of nearby railway bridges and tracks, taking all precautionary measures for safe train running," the CPRO said. Emergency control is being manned by senior officials at the headquarter and divisions, Sharma said, adding railway tracks were affected in as many as 12 locations initially, of which seven have been repaired and restored.

The authorities have opened additional counters at many stations, which are working round-the-clock to extend refund to passengers, he said.

Sharma informed that internal train connectivity from New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati, Guwahati to Dibrugarh and Murkongselek continued as usual. Trains on these routes are plying as per their normal schedule. PTI

Road communications disrupted between Dambuk & Bizari

ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The road near Sisiri bridge point has eroded following heavy downpour for the past one week, and disrupted road communication between Dambuk and Bizari.

In a communiqué, Bomjir-Anpum ZPM, Robin Perme informed that the Sisiri and Dotung rivers are flowing above their danger levels, while villagers have been forced to use elephants to cross the 12 km point (baro kilo) in between Bomjir and Bizari to avail medical treatment in the Primary Health Centre at Dambuk.

Reportedly, Dotung River has also inundated many hectares of WRC fields and ginger fields.

From Tezu, DDMO Damchen Norbu informed that reports of livestock loss, damage to agricultural crop and land have been received from various agencies in Tezu, Sunpura, and Wakro circles.

The Department of Hydro Power also reported that the MHS Tafragam 250kw Penstock pipeline across the Doorah Nallah River was completely washed out during the flood on August 11 last.

"This important pipeline is used to supply drinking water, besides irrigation, fishery and electricity purposes for Tafragam and its adjoining villages", informed the Assistant Engineer of Hydro Power.

Damages to the Water Treatment Plant, NH52 near New Danglat have also been reported, while power Supply has been restored temporarily.

The WRD Assistant Engineer also informed that the 'Apron of Guide' wall on the right bank of Tezu River has been damaged in patches, and the District Administration, with the help of department concerned is engaged in its restoration. The block point in between Tezu-Hayuliang and Tohanggam-Brahmakund roadsis also under repairs by the BRO.

Reportedly, 16 persons, who were stranded during the August 11 and 12 floods, were rescued from the Lohit River by the District Administration, with the help of local fishermen.

Although water levels have started to recedein the region, Minister of Art & Culture, Dr Mohesh Chai and Lohit Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf have instructed all sector magistrates and officials concerned to remainalert and provide minute to minute updates.

BPM in Bumla

GUWAHATI, Aug 14: Despite escalating tension between India and China in Doklam, soldiers from neighbouring China will attend the Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) on India’s Independence Day in Bumla in Arunachal Prad-esh, reports Economic Times.

Since 1962, two sides participate in each other’s important day. Chinese troops attend India’s Independence Day on August 15, Republic day on January 26 and festival like Baisakhi while Indian troops attend China’s National Day on October 1 at Bum La. Bumla was one of the theaters of the 1962

Robin Hibu to receive Distinguished Service Medal

PASIGHAT, Aug 14: Joint Commissioner of Police, Robin Hibu has been selected from the New Delhi Police Department for the prestigious President of India's Distinguished Service Medal by the Government of India, which will be awarded on the occasion of Independence Day this year.

Hibu is being awarded for his endeavours and initiatives for the safety and welfare for the people of North East states in particular for the last five years in Delhi.

He was also awarded the President's Award in 2009 for his exceptional services as a young SP in Arunachal Pradesh. He was awarded the Arunachal Pradesh Government's Gold Medal twice, besides being honoured on several other occasions for his services as a police officer.

Association seeks justification from police dept

ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The All Arunachal Hotel, Resort, Restaurant and Bar Association (AAHRRBA) served a 14 days ultimatum to the investigation authority to justify their claims that city hotels like Paramount, Kosing, Kameng, Itafort and Park View were allegedly involved in immoral trafficking act and flesh trade.

In a representation to the Chief Secretary,the Association claimed that seven days have passed since it gave an ultimatum to the police authorities to justify their allegations, but they (police) have failed to substantiate their claims.

Claiming that the Police Department has tarnished their hard earned reputation, affecting their businesses, the AAHRRBA condemned the police for randomly arresting managers and charging them Rs 10, 000 as bail bond.

It further urged the authority to submit its findings within 14 days, or invite a democratic movement by the Association.

ADC appeals BSNL to improve services following public complaint

Hayuliang, Aug 14: Hayuliang Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr T Ete has in a letter to the Assistant General Manager BSNL, Itanagar recently urged him to take immediate action to ensure improved BSNL services in Anjaw district.

The ADC has asked the Assistant General Manager BSNL, Itanagar to improve the poor BSNL services in the district following a written complain submitted by a hundred mobile telephone subscribers to the Union Minister for Telecommunication, Ravi Shankar Prasad,wherein they have complained about the irregular and poor BSNL network in the eastern most district of the state.

The disgruntled subscribers have stated that there are no technicians at Hawai and Hayuliang to repair any faults to the two BSNL towers there. They further said that the Prime Minister's initiative to introduce cashless transaction by using applications like BHIM, UPI and PAYTM,which can be operated only on mobile network cannot be availed by the general public as they do not have access to proper mobile network.

'School authorities have also been facing much difficulty as unavailability of internet facility in the area makes it difficult for them to upload data in the CBSE portal for examinations', they claimed and urged the AGM BSNL to restore network at the earliest.

NES appreciates approval of DIFCA

ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) expressed happiness over the state Cabinet's approval for creation of the Department of Indigenous Faith and Cultural Affairs (DIFCA).

This has been a long-felt demand of the NES to the successive governments over as the bye-law of the society envisages for preservation, promotion and propagation of culture and traditions, the NES stated in a release.

Rebia inaugurates new circuit house

BALIJAN, Aug 14: Minister for Urban Development, Land Management Nabam Rebiaon Monday inaugurated a circuit house at Balijan.

The circuit house has been constructed by the PWD at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore.

Addressing the gathering at the circuit house, Rebia said that ruling government has been trying its best to serve the people. He also assured to continue to work for the development of his constituency.

Rebia said he will look into the issue of notification for starting of science and commerce stream at Balijan Higher Secondary School after submission of status report, carpeting of road from Daflaghar Range Forest Office to Circuit House, upgrade of Balijan CHC under IPHS scheme, shifting of present check post from township to Rajghar road andflood protection work at Tubung Middle in the current financial year.

PRI members and local leaders on the occasion submitted an eight-point memorandum, including immediate shifting of sub-division offices of the Public Works and Power departments from Doimukh and Nirjulito Balijan.

Besides locals, ADC Balijan Chukhu Takar, ZPM Tana Puna Tara, ASMC Teli Kai, Doimukh PWD Executive Engineer NabamTado and HoDs of the area were present on the occasion.

Awareness prog on newly launched flagship schemes

ZIRO, Aug 14: Over 150 farmers, unemployed youths and entrepreneurs attended a Lower Subansiri district unit BJP Kishan Morcha organized awareness programme on centre and state government launched new flagship schemes at Siiro village on Monday.

The programme was organized as part of a series of awareness campaigns which were held earlier at Diibo, Hija, Tajang, Kalung-Reru, Hariand Hong village in Ziro Valley.

Addressing the gathering, Lower Subansiri district unit Kishan Morcha President, Kago Kampu highlighted the objectives of the campaign and briefed on benefits of the schemes, like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya BunkarYojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swalamban Yojana and Chief Minister's Krishi RinnYojana. She also explained about the procedures to avail bank loans to farmers and entrepreneurs.

Various departments like Horticulture, Fishery, WRD and Urban Development also explained the farmers about ways to avail benefits from the departments concerned.

NPP welcomes Human Rights Commission

ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The National People's Party (NPP) called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu and welcomed the government's decision to set up the Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission and to make functional the state Lokayukta.

Led by its President Gicho Kabak, with vice presidents Nima Sange, Anuk Wangsa and TokoTayam and member Karto Kaye, the NPP hoped that the Lokayukta would ensure transparency, accountability and responsibility in the government and check corruption.

The party also appreciated the decision of cadre review at State Civil Service and State Secretariat Service level.

It further extended wholehearted support to the Pema Khandu led BJP Government in the state and hoped that it will continue to do good work and take Arunachal Pradesh to newer heights.

Moyong inaugurates Atal Tinkering Lab

PASIGHAT, Aug 14: MLA Kaling Moyong on Monday inaugurated the Atal Tinkering Laboratory at SFS School Pasighat in presence of East Siang DDSE JonggeYirang and others.

ATL is an initiative of the central government to create an environment of scientific temperament, innovation and creativity among school students.

It is a work space, where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands-on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills. They will get an opportunity to work with mechanical and electronic tools and equipment to understand the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, according to a school release.

SFS ATL is equipped with educational and learning 'do it yourself' kits and equipment on science, electronics, robotics, open source microcontroller boards, sensors and 3D printers and computers.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Moyong urged the students to actively participate in the ATL lab and judiciously use the ATL space that will give them an edge over others.

He exhorted to the parents to have enough communication between their wards, which is vital in their upbringing ultimately contributing towards an efficient and smart society.

He assured to the students his full help and support in order to make this ATL movement a success.

Over 4 lakhs handed over to Tadin fire victims

ITANAGAR, Aug 14: A joint team of the Galo Students Union (GSU) and Galo People's Front (GPF), led by GSU President Binya Ronya visited the fire affected villagers of Tadin under West Siang district and handed over Rs 4,68,964 to them, including other relief materials.

The amount was generated through voluntary donation camps set up in various locations in the Capital Complex under the aegis of GSU, GPF and GYO, in collaboration with the Green Pioneers, Royal Arunachal Riders, Decent Soul MC and Indian Medical Association-AP.

Employees Association welcomes cabinet decision

ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Welcoming the state cabinet's decision to take up cadre review of employees of the Secretariat at all levels, the Arunachal Pradesh Secretariat Employees Association (APSEA) has said that the decision to create and upgrade various categories of posts to rationalise the structure and function of the state civil secretariat will remove acute stagnation of the cadres as well as address the administrative demands.

'It will also cater to the need of all departments to have a Secretariat set up for effective and efficient transaction of government business', the Association added.

Mega health camp concludes

SAGALEE, Aug 14: Altogether, 1793 patients were benefitted from a two-day specialized mega health camp organized at the Mini Secretariat in Sagalee on August 12 and 13.

The team of doctors, including medicine, child, ENT and skin specialists, gynaecologist,radiologist and bio-chemist conducted health check up, offered free treatment and distributed medicines, spectacles and hearing aids.

Minor OT services and dental extraction were also carried out during the camp.

The Information, Education and Communication programme was organized to create health awareness on tobacco control, hand washing techniques and prevention of diarrheal diseases. The visiting doctors also conducted plantation programme at CHC,Sagalee.

Earlier, H&FW Parliamentary Secretary, Phurpa Tsering inaugurated the free mega health camp, which was organized by the District Health Society, Papum Pare in collaboration with Directorate of Health Services, Arunachal Pradesh Doctors’ Association, Indian Medical Association Arunachal Pradesh state branch. (DIPRO)

Doklam Crisis: What is the way out?

[ Dr Jajati K Pattnaik ]

The Chinese intrusion into the Doklam plateau of Bhutan on June 16, 2017 to construct a motorable road to connect Doklam with the narrow Chumbi valley in the Tibet Autonomous Region has created deadlock between Beijing and New Delhi.

The Indian forces entered into Doklam to prevent Chinese brinksmanship over Doklamas per the Indo-Bhutan bilateral agreement of 2007 and Indo- China agreement of 2012 for retaining the status quo of tri-junction.

India is quite clear that Beijing's unilateral action by flouting the existing documents has not only posed threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this 'Happiness Kingdom', but it has also risked the peace and stability of the Himalayan frontier. Moreover, Indian strategic think tanks viewed that the Chinese unilateral decision to change the tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China would give Beijing a deeper strategic depth, and facilitate her to expand its hegemonic doctrine in the trans-Himalayan region, putting fresh challenges to the Indian territory at narrow Siliguri corridor.

India- Bhutan Agreement, 2007: India is committed to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bhutan as per the Indo- Bhutan agreement of 1949, which was succeeded by the Indo-Bhutan agreement of 2007. Article 2 of 2007 treaty spelt out that "In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither Government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other." Thus, in this context, Indo-Bhutan treaty allows both India and Bhutan to work closely to secure their national interests without using their territory to the detriment of the other. Hence, Beijing should respect international treaties and obligations and should not escalate tension at the tri-junction. India is ready for a diplomatic solution to the Doklam standoff. As the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India said in a statement to the media: "We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution. Government remains prepared it is the country's responsibility to ensure security of its citizen and its territory."

India -China Agreement, 2012: The Chinese intervention in Doklam violates the India -China agreement of 2012 which calls for maintaining the 'status -quo of tri-junction point pertaining to India- Bhutan and China'. On the other hand, China cites the 1890 treaty to justify her claim over Doklam. Article 1 stipulated "The boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluent from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other rivers of Tibet. The line commences at Mount Gipmochi, on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting tothe point where it meets Nepal". But the cartographic understanding of the subject indicates that the watershed principle agreed upon the 1890 convention clearly shows Batang-la as the tri-junction point, not any point beyond towards the south, but the Chinese demarcation of Mount Gipmochi as the tri-junction is purely unilateral and hegemonic in nature. The Foreign Ministry of Bhutan has also said that the road construction inside the Bhutanese territory directly flouts 1988 and 1998 agreements reached between Bhutan and China and as a result, Thimphu has urged Beijing to maintain the status quo as before June 16, 2017.

Rebutting such Chinese claims, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also issued a letter by saying that "the Indian side has underlined that the two Governments had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries. Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding. It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides."

Siliguri Corridor: Siliguri corridor - a narrow piece of land mass , called Chicken's neck , is situated in the north of West Bengal and gives passage to India's eight Northeastern states (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram ,Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura) with the restof India. The corridor is the nucleus of road and rail networks that provides link to all the capitals of eight sisters and vital military posts/ installations along the line of Actual control (LAC). It could also be a potential shield to thwart any Chinese aggressive military design in India's eastern sector.

Beijing very well knows that India enjoys these geo-political / strategic advantages over China in Bhutan-Tibet sector and can spoil any kind of Chinese perilous design from across the border. Thus, it seeks to expand its strategic orbit towards the south of Doklam at a point called Gimochin to change the strategic equations vis a vis the Siliguri corridor. At present, its strategic depth is only confined to Yadong in the Chumbi valley.

It is pertinent to mention here that China has already encircled India in the western sector through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK). So any kind of Chinese infrastructure built-up at Doklam might lead to similar Chinese encirclement in India's eastern sector.

The strategic watchers apprehend that in the event of any Chinese misadventure, it might block the narrow corridor and disrupt the life line of connectivity between India's North east and rest of India.

The Way Out: Notwithstanding China's motives, the way out is to maintain peace and tranquillity at the tri-junction through the disengagement of troops. Moreover, the current situation demands China should first withdraw its troops from Doklam, following which India would start retreating its forces from the stand- off area to preserve the status quo as before June 16, 2017.

We know that the success of India and China lies neither in war nor in military conflict, but rests on peace and economic development of both the nations. Instead of armed preparedness or hiking of defence budgets, India and China should tap their soft power resources in health, education, agriculture, industry, energy, hydrology, environment, space, tourism, innovative research and cross border collaborative projects to steer the destiny of 21st Asia through harmony and shared prosperity . As Deng Xiaoping said, "Only when China and India develop well, can one claim that the century of Asia has come. If China and India strengthen cooperation, Asian unity, stability and prosperity will be very hopeful; the world will be in peace and make more progress."

(The writer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, Jomin TayengGovernment Model Degree College, Roing in Arunachal Pradesh)

---- Editorial ----

PMGSY victim of corruption

A high level inspection team has visited various PMGSY projects falling under East Kameng district following several reports of irregularities in implementation of the said scheme. The team is expected to submit its report to centre in days to come. In recent year allegation of misappropriation of fund under PMGSY has been reported from various parts of state in particularly from East Kameng district. Ironically Kumar Waii who represents Bameng assembly constituency is the minister for RWD, the nodal department for implementing PMGSY in the state. Centre is reported to be deeply concern with complete failure of PMGSY in the state. Due to this centre pressed state government to look into the allegation of corruption.

PMGSY is a very critical road project which has potential to change face of state if properly implemented. Arunachal has several villages which are still not connected by the road. People in these villages look upto scheme like PMGSY for road connectivity. It is unfortunate that because of the wrongdoing of few individuals, the centre is reportedly threatening to stop road project under PMGSY in Arunachal. State government in particularly RWD department should pull up sock and complete all the projects by strictly adhering to set rules. Action should be initiated against those responsible for messing up PMGSY scheme. People of Arunachal will be hoping that high level inspection team present accurate report to the centre so that wrongdoers is strongly punished.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Let Pema work

Dear Editor,

The demandfor resignation of present Chief Minister, Pema Khandu by APCC is meaningless. We all know that he is running the state govt, in proper way. The resignation demand is just a tool to divert the main burning issue of the state. Instead of giving such rubbish new item, the opposition should cooperate the state govt, for proper development of the society for whom they had been elected.

Hence, through your esteemed daily, I would like to urge the congress party not to publish such meaningless articles in local media once again, so that Pema can work for the welfare of the state and its people. As he is running the state in a proper and appropriate way, we all must give him free hand in running the state. Anyone does not have any kind of magical wand to improve any overnight. Hence, let us not create any disturbances for Pema Khandu and let him carry out his task of ruling the state in the right direction so that the people of the state could reap the benefit and benefit.

I know that the cheap articles in local dailies will not deter the sheer determination of our present Chief Minister and he will work with more dedication and sincerity for the overall development of the land of rising sun.

Yours,

Needy Man

Do away with Maths

Dear Editor,

Still Today Aruanchal Pradesh Public service

Commission(APPSC) is following the exam pattern of Baba Adam by keeping one whole math (elementary math) paper with 100 marks in

its competitive exam. Government official not only do the paper works but they also have to deal with the public. Here, hence it is important that official should have good reasoning capacity. Besides this, formulaof cylinder, cube, triangle andother mathsknowledge are not going to be used by these official in their entirecareer.

Because of these reasons many of recruiting agencies such as SBI,SSC, UPSC, IB and many state public service commission ask question also from reasoning/mental aptitude along with maths carrying equalmarks.

There are many post in which after recruitment, probationary are giventraining on mental fitness . Have any one heard of giving training on math subject after recruitment ? If I am not wrong even for the post of accountant or charter accountant knowledge of rectangular, circle etc are of no use. Simple knowledge of plus , minus, multiplication and division is enough.

When maths knowledge is of no use and irrelevant for the officials,why it is given so much importance and emphasis that too with 100 marks. By asking maths questions in competitive exam is APPSC selecting the deserving and right candidates for various posts or just recruiting the maths expert ? Because maths paper is the deciding paper in competitive exam. In English and general knowledge paper, students of all streams have almost equal knowledge.

Many department, now, have started to change in exam pattern. Best example is recent advertisement of UDC, LDC exam by Districtadministration of Siang District. Mark of maths paper has been reduced to 50 from 100 marks. Same pattern was adopted for the samepost by department of school education two year back.

Therefore, we appeal to commission to kindly consider our request and adopt any of the four option in its upcoming job notification; Remove maths paper totally, make maths paper of qualifying nature with 33% marks, reduce marks of maths paper to 50 from 100, include reasoning/mental ability question with maths with equal weight age of marks i.e 50:50

We are very optimist that our new chairman Tajom Talo will surelylook into our request and we will see new exam pattern from its upcoming advertisement. Because after assuming chairmanship, he adopted many bold step like disclosing marks of candidates along with final result.

Yours,

Aspirants

Towards a strong India

Dear Editor,

Our independence day must make us reflect on how to build a strong India. There is no doubt that the future of a country lies in its future citizens. So, we need to take care of the well-being of our children. According to UNICEF report, almost half (48 per cent) of India's children, younger than 5 years of age, are stunted that tells the tale of undernutrition during the most critical periods of growth and development in early life. Stunting hits a person hard by making an underdeveloped brain with life-threatening harmful consequences including diminished mental ability and learning capacity, poor school performances, reduced earnings and increased risk of nutrition related chronic diseases. Moreover, the report says, 70 per cent of adolescent girls in India are anaemic and half of adolescents are below the normal body mass index (BMI) which has an impact on health of their future pregnancies and children. Stunting is a result of intergenerational poverty, poor maternal and early childhood nutrition. Indeed, this problem will further turn our huge human resources into a liability. To combat it, we need to pay our attentions to the mothers of our country.

Scientists say that the first 1000 days from conception to the second birthday of a child is vital. It is during this period that the infant's body and brain develop at a rapid pace. Increasing scientific evidences show that meeting the specific nutritional needs during the first 1000 days, and beyond, will positively influence short and long term health outcomes. Thus, a mother being the sole source of nutrition for the developing embryo and fetus during pregnancy as well as being the one who breast feeds her baby after its birth, is definitely the key to build the future of our country. To make our future citizens physically and mentally strong, she needs vitamins ~ D, B2, B6, B12 and minerals ~ iron, iodine, folic acid, calcium and quality of fat (DHA) in her daily diet.

We are a young country with huge human potential but we are not giving top priority to human development. Thus, we remain a backbencher in Human Development Index at 131st position. India needs to adopt labour intensive technology and a village - first - policy to generate employment. Simultaneously, India should take a First - 1000 - Day - Programme for mothers and children to make healthy babies for a healthy, strong and happy country.

Yours,

Sujit De,

Kolkata

Collective consciousness

Dear Editor,

We are well aware that religion is one of most essential fabric of society. It binds us together as a group. It has put people, especially the tribal society from an individualised hunting and gathering community into that of one humongous unit. It has given, specially the rural masses a reason to celebrate, feast, fast and mourn together on various occasions throughout the year as Ester, Christmas. Before that our people came together once in a blue moon like in marriage or hunting expeditions. Religion has given our people a sense of collectivity and a collective consciousness.

It is no surprise that humans from times immemorial had fascination for building beautiful monuments (though ours never built one) either be palaces, cathedrals, masjids or temples. Similarly, in Arunachal too, starting from just a decade or two back, people, especially the rural masses are drowned in building monuments- particularly church. If one travels in the Christian dominated belts; there among all the jungles, rivers, mountains, scenic landscapes and waterfalls which is a commonplace thing in our state; one would also, surprisingly find a very beautiful church of different size, colour and design. Constructed out of physical labour by the natives.

The hamlet may be a very typical tribal one, so mundane and lifeless that that even without seeing or knowing you know everything about it. It maybe in the midst of jungle without any communication or connectivity. Or it could be in hill top with deep gorges and steep valleys around it that it is inaccessible and cut-off from the outside world.

Yet inspite of all this uninspiring rusticity of people and the surrounding, there is onethat will amaze and surprise you. And that is the church.

Sure that you know everything beforehand but you never expected such a grandiose church. The magnificence of the village churches will give you a shock. Some of them are so captivating and awe-inspiring that one would gaze bewilderingly with opened mouths. One wonders how on earth could a group of rustics build such a heavenly structure in the jungle of nowhere. Seeing is Believing.

But at times seeing is not enough. One has to feel it to fathom the efforts put in by people to build such marvelous structures. Each piece of stone, brick, rod and every handful of sand have been carried on their back to the designated place. Some villages have exceeded the human limits in their endeavour by managing the resources in such extreme and unfavourable places.

But sadly enough, these beautiful churches have nothing in common with the economic status of people. Some villages are reeling under darkness, some have no road connection and some have no cellular connectivity and few more or less lack all the above mentioned. Yet, look at their sheer will and determination in building those splendid and stately churches of theirs. The worst village in terms of modernisation has built the most majestic church.

O! unseen nurturer and nourishing God of human being! O indomitable human spirit! O resilient human mind! One doubts and wonders whether elected representatives, government and its machinery has ever done any good for villagers in a state like ours. But it is a fact that despite all the shortcomings the countryside's are resurging. It is their faith in God and the indefatigable will to live and to better themselves that mango people of Arunachal Pradesh are thriving.

Yours,

Kana Naya

Sagalee

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---Editor