December -
Keep us informed
Dear Editor,
I being the Chairman, Bazaar Welfare Committee, Naharlagun would like to urge upon authorities and department concerned to intimate the Bazaar authority while carrying out various infrastructural developmental activities within our jurisdiction for speedy development and beautification of the town, sectors and colonies.
We appreciate Er. T.H. Tayung, Chief Engineer, PWD, Western Zone, Er. Katung Wage,
Superintendent Engineer, Coordination Mowb-
We hope Er. Taba Tedir, CE-
I also appeal to all the citizens of Naharlagun township, sectors, colonies and all individuals to maintain cleanliness and not to throw their dirty wastes at the public places to avoid various diseases like malaria etc.
I appreciate Capital DC Dr S B Deepak Kumar, SP Chukhu Appa, town magistrate Er. Tallo Potum for peacefully maintaining law and order. Their encourage to the Committee in peacefully maintaining the law and order within our jurisdiction at Naharlagun also deserve appreciation.
Yours’
Shillong Tajo
BWC, Naharlagun
We too want Dapo-
Dear Editor,
The state transport department introduced transport bus services connecting almost all the district headquarters with Itanagar. Accordingly there are bus services from Itanagar to Pasighat, Itanagar to Aalo, Itanagar to Bomdila etc. But when it is Daporijo, the STS buses leave for Daporijo from Naharlagun, and ply between Naharlagun to Daporijo and vice versa. As a result, general public, Govt employees, students of the Upper Subansiri district residing in Itanagar are facing great difficulties. The worst sufferers are the economically backward students who fetch essential commodities including rice from their villages to Itanagar to save day to day expenditure. Though their destination is Itanagar, they land at Naharlagun, only to board in other passenger vehicle with bag and baggage incurring unnecessary expenditure to reach Itanagar. Same is the case when the Upper Subansiri people at Itanagar visit their native villages in their district.
Therefore, it is my earnest request to the state transport authorities introduce bus service from Itanagar to Daporijo via Naharlagun at the earliest for the convenience of the Upper Subansiri people, particularly the collegians who usually return back home to spend winter vacation after appearing house test examinations.
Yours’
Damkesh Maying
Itanagar
A commendable effort
Dear Editor,
The East Kameng District particularly Seppa was known for infamous criminal activities in the past. With the wisdom of the Government authorities, the planners and the genuine and dedicated officers there is a ray of hope for improvement of overall security in the district. The development will gradually take its pace.
Last two months there had been lots of talks about presence of UGs with sophisticated arms in Seppa. Fear psychosis prevailed among the people, particularly the workers of Gammon India Ltd. Who have been striving to complete the ongoing work of Seppa, Chayang Tajo Road covering about 85 Kms. The work came to halt, but with the assurance of DC Tope Bam SP Kime Aya to ensure safety and security of the people, soon the work resumed: with the arrest of three with arms on 28th November, 2010.
The people of Seppa rendered their support to the authorities concern in the process of restoring normalcy.
We want to thank the govt for its efforts and congratulate the law-
We appeal for full support to the authorities concern to make the ongoing reorganization system more effective and fruitful very soon. We also sincerely appeal the youths and the students community not be taken away by any kind of destructive forces which are detrimental to the development of our society.
Yours,
Arjun Tago
All East Kameng Students Union
Itafort needs preservation
Dear Editor,
Itafort, the lone historical monument in the state capital is situated in the hearth of Itanagar township.
It is believed to be the oldest historical monument ever found in the state capital which was built during 14th century by the Ahom king of Mayapur.
Ramchandra. According to Archeological Survey of India, it took 46,300 days to build the fort and eighty lakh bricks were used in it.
However, this monument is gradually and slowly losing its charms and turning into dumping place of useless materials. It seems the moral respect of lone historical monument has perished into the insanity of youths who are loitering around the Fort at night stuffing the historical monuments with empty bottles and rubbishes of cigarette and tobaccos. Even some youths are inscribing their beloved names at the Fort.
As such, the very existence of the historical monument is now under great threat which needs Govt’s immediate attention to preserve it. The possible remedy would be the proper fencing around it and setting up vigilance committee for proper monitoring. All illegal encroachment should strictly be prohibited and eviction drive should be conducted in order to protect the lone heritage from extinction.
Yours faithfully
Tacha Ningee
Hollongi village
Don’t let personnel agenda disturb the development process
Dear Editor,
It was really shocking and disturbing to know about the impulsive and unfortunate act of the public in destructing the Dare to Chambang road on account of non payment of their genuine bills. It seems that two round of payment is already made against the mentioned road but the genuine contractors have been left out selectively and in a biased manner
It was only through the peoples active cooperation and participation we were able to construct the Dare to Chambang road there by connecting it to the rest of the world since independence and other related development during my tenure. Now we have a ruling MP and an MLA belonging to associate partner of the government, the channels of development initiated during my tenure should be continued without politicizing the developmental issue.
I appeal the agitated public to restrain from indulging in such unfortunate and impulsive act of destroying road and request them to take legal and rightful means such as RTI to ventilate their genuine grievances. I also implore the incumbent MLA to direct the concern department (PWD) to release their rightful payments against the road constructed (Dare to Chambang) without politicizing the issue and further aggravating the condition. Further more the concern department should exercise due caution and impartially release the payment to genuine contractors without any fear and intimidation.
I firmly believe that this road is the lifeline to the development of the area and request the MLA and also the MP (being from the area) to take the matter seriously and look into their genuine grievances and address it immediately in order to bring peace in the area. Let us not dig our own grave by settling our personal scores and ulterior motives at the cost of the development and peace of the region.
Yours,
Balo Raja,
Former MLA
Palin-
Nail all forms of corruption
Dear Editor,
It is not so easy for everyone to fulfill promises as they are made. I have seen many politicians making promises to do this or that. But, hardly few of them fulfill some of their promises and rests forget it after attaining the desired power and position.
I have also seen many people buying party tickets at the cost of crores of rupees; but I have never seen them utilize crores of rupees for good causes. And now, corruption taking place everywhere in this land of “Rising Sun” which has been listed as one of the most corrupt states as per survey. The PDS scam, worn out road condition, backdoor appointment in various departments etc. speak volume of the deep rooted corruption in the state.
The three promises made by the Khandu Government were revival of the Apex Bank, Streamlining of PDS and a corruption free state.
The Apex Bank has been revived somehow by taking crores of loan from hydro power developers or other sources. But no legal action has been initiated against the defaulters till date. No proper planning has been made to make the revived bank to do daily transaction through man and machine. How the salaries of employees are being managed is not known.
There were 98 accused persons in PDS case, but legal action has been initiated against only one person who happened to be a former chief minister and rest were left scot free. But Why? Is this the law governed by the law minister of Arunachal Pradesh? Is this the promises made by the present government to the people of Arunachal Pradesh?
I hope the new crop of politicians will learn one or two lessons from this and contribute in making Arunachal Pradesh a corruption free state in days to come.
I also appeal various students organizations, NGOs, and sane citizen to rise to the
occasion and fight tooth and nail against all forms of corruption to make Arunachal
a transparent state-
Yours,
N. Alvis, (on email)
An inspiring story
Dear Editor,
It was amazing to read about an determined lady which appeared in The Arunachal Times written by Dr Pegba Ringu.
It is a matter to be proud that such a woman without having any formal training has been successfully running a tyre and minor repairing workshop by doing all mechanical works herself to shoulder the responsibility of her family in a remote area like Kheel.
It is unbelievable that a lady of such calibre is also with us. It is a glaring example for others who are loitering here and there for easy contract works and white collar jobs.
She has once again proved the old saying that “when there is a will, there is a way” and only hard work pays back.
Her dedication, perseverance and determination should not go unnoticed as we easily forget our real heroes. She deserves due recognition.
May god bless for all success in her life.
I thank Dr. Ringu for spotting the iron lady.
Yours,
Doyum Taipodia
E.E (E), Power
Namsai
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Kargu Gamgi foundation day celebrated with a call to preserve own culture
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Kargu Gamgi, Itanagar has celebrated its 6th foundation day at Niti Vihar here on Dec 5 last in a befitting manner. The celebration started with a mass prayer at Gamgi. This was followed by colourful cultural programmes.
The chief guest of the function, Techi Gubin, the Arunachal Vikas Parishad secretary,
in his address said that the age-
While narrating the mythology of Donyi-
The chief advisor of Kargu Gamgi Managing Committee (KGMC), Itanagar, Tony Koyu,
also the Managing Director of APIDFC Ltd told that since our age-
KGMC president Zirpok Zirdo and general secretary Goken Bagra also spoke on the occasion. Members of Itanagar Gannging, Medar Nallo, Nyedar Namlo and Kargu Gamgi, Naharlagun also took part in the celebration.
Meanwhile, the new executive body of KGMC has been formed for three years with Yido Boje and Marpak Kadu as president and general secretary respectively.
Lt Yaza Waii Memorial T20 Championship
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Pachuk Bomber beat defending champion Gorkha Eleven by 3 wickets in the inaugural match of the Lt Yaza Waii Memorial T20 Championship at Seppa general ground today.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the defending champion set a modest target of 116 runs before Pachuk Bomber to win.
In reply, Pachuk Bombers reached the target of 116 run with 1.5 balls to spare and three wickets in hand.
Earlier, inaugurating the championship, East Kameng Deputy Commissioner, Tope Bam said that the tournament would not only give a platform to the budding talent but also instill them the sense of love and respect towards womenfolk as mother and sisters.
The tournament symbolizes the love and respect of Kumar Waii towards his late mother and one should learnt lesson from him.
He appealed the players to maintain sportsmanship spirit and not to create any nuisance which may lead to law and order problem in the district. He also appealed the people to come forward and support such kind of event in future.
Kumar Waii, the Chief patron of the championship while encouraging the players to take full advantage of the tournament informed that the tournament is not only to remember his mother but to create a platform for the budding players to hone their cricketing skill.
Championship Commissioner, Dahey Sangno, Championship Chairman and East Kameng DRDA Project Director Kego Essi, SP, Kime Aya, former AAPSU speaker Norbu Sonam, Tungri Effa were also present on the occasion.
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Re-
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: All East Kameng Students Union has appealed the SSA state project director to postpone the viva voice interview scheduled for the qualified SSA candidates on Dec 14, 15 and 16 as the dates of interview coincide with the house test examinations of the colleges.
The union in a letter to SSA project director said that most of the college students qualified for SSA viva voce interview will be unable to attend the interview as they are now appearing the house test exam in their respective college which will continue up to Dec 20. The union appealed the authorities to reschedule the interview date on Dec 22 after the house test.
Joint Christmas carol
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Ziro Christian Council (ZCC) will organize Joint Christmas Carol at Subansiri Stadium, Hapoli on Dec 11.
MLA-
Awareness camp
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Adi Baane Kebang, Papum Pare district Women wing is organizing an awareness camp on health and hygiene, housekeeping and other issues pertaining to Adi women at Arunachal Vikas Parishad conference hall on December 12.
Committee resolves to safeguard forest
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: The members of Lobi Welfare Committee, Itanagar have conducted a social service to clear the jungle and erect boundary fencing in and around Lobi wildlife range office yesterday in order to protect the forest land from the clutches of encroachers.
While participating in the social service Forest Officer Maj Talik called upon the social workers to keep up the spirit of service for preservation of flora and fauna.
Meanwhile, the Committee resolved to protect forest with the cooperation from the people residing in the vicinity of wildlife sanctuary and stand against encroachment of forest land.
Union demands early completion
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: All Bameng Khenewa & Lada Students’ Union (ABKLSU) demanded the APPWD and M/s GMR Limited to immediately complete the formal process of designing and estimation of road diversion from Seppa to Chayang Tajo.
The NEC road was supposed to be taken up by Gamon India as per tender bid, but it was later handed over to M/S GMR Ltd and State PWD, who have not yet initiated process for execution of the said road, ABKLSU said in a release.
According to ABKLSU, a cost estimation and designing for the said road was submitted to M/s GMR Energy Ltd. by PWD on March Five, 2009 for necessary action. But the power developer has not yet responded to it, ABKLSU said and threatened to launch democratic movement in case they fail to start construction of the road work immediately.
Schools week, appeals for infrastructure
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Annual school week celebration of Government Secondary School Nirjuli started today. Papum Pare DDSE cum District Mission Officer, RMSA TT Tara inaugurated the weeklong celebration today in the school ground.
Welcoming the guest, headmistress MN Kamki highlighted the various problems faced by the school. School management committee expressed concern over inadequate infrastructure and sought more care from government for up gradation of school.
Speaking on the day, chief guest TT Tara urged students to take part in extra co-
Flood protection schemes sought
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Chandranagar Welfare Committee (CWC) has appealed the WRD department to take up flood protection measures in Chandranagar area.
The committee submitted two flood protection schemes to Chief Engineer, WRD, each on the river bank of Ganga and Yapo in Chandranagar area in order to safe vital Govt installations and human habitation like Yapo Colony, forest colony, market line, Gyan Ganga school and mining office etc. The authorities should start flood protection work before the rainy season, the committee said.
Association to put forward demands
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Field Staff Association has decided to put forward their demands to the concerned authority to revise recruitment rules 1997, enhancement of scale pay of AFA and unification of AFA designations.
This was decided at a meeting at the Directorate of Agriculture, Naharlagun office premises yesterday.
Six defaulters detected
ITANAGAR: The Inspector Legal Metrology and Consumer Affair, Basar conducted a surprise visit at Tomi Market on Dec 3 last. During its inspection, the team detected five cases of violation of packaged Commodities Rules and one case relating to use of unverified weights and measures in business transactions with an intention to earn undue profits.
The irregular weights and measures instruments were seized and detained by the Inspector and cases against defaulters were registered under provisions of weights and measures law. Other traders of the locality were advised to carry on business in accordance with the provisions of law as framed for protection of consumer’s interest, accordingly an official release.
Illegal appointments alleged
ITANAGAR: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union has alleged illegal appointments in grade C and D posts under the WRD department.
In a letter to Chief Engineer, WRD, the AAPWU said that appointment were made in Grade C and D posts without maintaining codal formalities and depriving the senior most workers from their rights to serving the state. The union appealed the authorities to cancel all those appointments at the earliest and fill up the vacant posts with codal formalities.
EDP on beauty parlour
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Altogether 25 unemployed women from Itanagar region are participating
in the 15-
Addressing the inaugural session as chief guest, A P Chobin motivated all the trainees
to avail the opportunities being provided by the KVIC for self-
NYP president H.P. Biswas highlighted the importance of such programme. While briefing
on various NYP programmes for the youths and unemployed artisans, he said there are
plenty of scope for self-
Selection trial
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Table Tennis Association of Arunachal is organizing two days selection trial at Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy on December 20 and 21 to select players for National Level Senior Table Tennis championship to be held at Kolkata from January 17 to 23, 2011. Five Men and Five Women players would be selected and they would be provided free coaching with fooding and lodging.
Interested players both men and women of age above 18 years are asked to submit bio-
Perennial water crisis hit citizens
Ojing Tayeng
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Water crisis in the capital region is a perennial problem. Summer or winter, the drinking water crisis has always been a major issue for the residents of not only the state capital but almost all the district headquarters as well.
Lack of proper management on the part of concerned department, lack of drinking water conservation awareness among the citizen, negligence on the part of consumer regarding payment of water bills, flood and landslides and shortage of water in intake points are contributing factors to the drinking water crisis, despite available water resources in the state.
In state capital, thousands of citizens have been facing drinking water shortages for many years.
Here, most of the residents get one or half hour’s water supply a day, which is simply too less. The situation is aggravated with the drainage and road renovation works in various sectors of the state capital. Sometimes, the water pipe remains dry for days together.
No doubt, every year to meet the drinking water requirement of the citizens in the state capital, Public Health Department has been arranging water tankers, but people living away from main roads are facing difficulty to avail even this provision.
Citizens are not happy with this make shift arrangement. Sanglo Putung Colony Welfare Committee, Chairman Takam Tami said that residents of the colony are fetching water from Ganga River as the residents do not get even a single drop of water as there is no water pipeline, despite repeated appeal to the concerned department. He appealed the department to immediately take up necessary steps for early connection of the water pipelines.
Chandra Nagar Welfare Committee President Bem Maching appealed the concerned department to supply drinking water two times a day (morning and evening) instead of the supplying it at odd hours (12 noon).
He further, appealed the concerned department to establish a PHED enquiry office
at Industry colony, Chandranagar and further urged the PHED for new connection of
water pipeline at Senki, Industry, Yapo, Tapang Parang colonies, Geology and Mining
Office area, Gyan-
Donyi Polo Dariya Hill Welfare Association, President Nangbia Tani said that the supply of drinking water by the department is not sufficient for the people of the colony.
He further lamenting over the unnecessary wastage of water, appealed them to turn the water taps off.
He further suggested that proper tapping of Sinki river water would ease the problems upto some extend.
Hill Top Colony Welfare Committee, General Secretary Karsang Talar also briefing about the water scarcity in the colony informed the people are tapping water from wells to meet their requirement. Meanwhile, when contacted, Local MLA Techi Kaso said “unless and until the Poma water project is completed, the demands would not be possible to meet due to shortage of water in Senki River, water intake point”.
However, he expressed the hope that the drinking water demands of the ever increasing population of the capital would be solved with the completion of Poma Water Project by April or May 2011.
He defended the concerned department and said that it is putting its all efforts to complete the project work as early as possible to regularize to water supply.
Dams in Arunachal easy target for China: Bahuguna
SHILLONG, Dec 8: Noted environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna on Wednesday said that construction of dams in the border state of Arunachal Pradesh is a serious security threat to India as it is an easy target for China.
"It is disastrous to construct dams in a border state like Arunachal Pradesh. It
will be an easy target for China. They can bomb them anytime if there is a war,"
Bahuguna said on the sidelines of a conference on "Sustainability: Management and
Beyond" hosted by IIM-
The hill state of Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,030-
Urging people in the region to oppose construction of dams in the state, the green
warrior said these dams would kill the Brahmaputra river and the people in downstream
of Assam and Bangladesh. "It will devastate the environment and uproot people for
short-
"It (dam) is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. After sometimes, these dams will stop the natural flow of the river and destroy the river's ecology," said Bahuguna, winner of the 'Asian Nobel Prize', the Magsaysay award.
However, the Chipko movement leader suggested large-
Stating that a third world war over water will be inevitable if governments do not wake up now, Bahuguna said that nations all across were facing water scarcity due to drastic changes in ecology.
"People are fighting for drinking water and you must have heard China diverting its river (Brahmaputra)," he said.
Every school will have school library soon: Siram
PASIGHAT, Dec 8: The state government is planning to establish library in each and every school of the state informed Education Minister Bosiram Siram today while inaugurating a newly constructed Library building, near general ground Pasighat.
The Minister expressing his satisfaction over the new library said that Pasighat should be recognized as epicenter of knowledge.
Siram appealed citizens of Pasighat to make good use of the library and inculcate book reading habit. He said that mere achievement of educational qualifications without proper knowledge on the subject matter is a big threat for the state. He urged the learned personalities of the state to write books on various issues and appeal one and all to cooperate with the government in all fronts to bring developments in the state.
He further advised the student communities to be more sincere in studies and feel secure in the hands of their seniors.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the DLIO Y. Riba for appointment of chowkidar and posting of more staffs for smooth functioning of the library, Siram assured that he would discuss the matter with the concerned higher authorities for consideration. He assured uninterrupted power supply and water connections into the library and also assured to take up security fencing in next financial year.
The Guest of Honour, Deputy Commissioner Onit Panyang conveyed his gratitude to Raja Rammohan Foundation, Kolkata for granting Rs. 25 lakhs for construction of the building.
Earlier, the prominent writer and retired IAS officer Oshong Ering appreciated J Rondo (ARO) for writing a book on Adis and advised library officials to keep more historical books of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to attract the readers.
The Dy. Director Library Tarak Mize and BK Bhattacharaya (JL) also spoke on the occasion.
Among others Kipa Tari (AD), Kishore Sen Asstt, KN Dey (JL) all from Itanagar and BCC Prez Tabuk Dai, ZP Chairperson Yai Dabi, HODs were also present on the occasion.
MLA calls for early restoration of water supply
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: MLA Alo Libang has urged upon the officers of the PHED to take up immediately restoration works of one the intake points for adequate supply of drinking water to the Yingkiong township. He gave this instruction while visiting the three intake points of water supply which supplies water to the Yingkiong township today. The MLA was accompanied by Bimal Welly EE (PHED), Kaling Taki AE and others during his visit.
All the three water supply intake points were completely damaged in the flesh flood triggered by cloudburst in September last. Though the water supply to the Yingkiong township has been restored temporarily, the local people are facing lots of hardship due to shortage of drinking water supply.
The MLA wanted that regular and adequate water supply of water be restored. While asking the officers to immediately take up construction of one of the intake points, he assured to take up with concerned authority for restoration of the rest of the damaged intake points.
They also inspected the damaged portions of the water supply pipelines where restoration and repair works are going on full swing. The MLA wanted the department officers to carry out survey for additional sources of tapping water for future. The EE assured that within a week there will be a slight improvement in the supply of water. DIPRO
ABK felicitates successful APPSCE candidates
Ojing Tayeng
ITANAGAR, Dec 8: Adi Baane Kebang felicitated the achievers of Arunachal Pradesh
Public Service Competitive Examination-
Altogether, 16 candidates Olom Panggeng, Sarah Enung Borang, Marina Siram, Rani Mibang, Binti Mibang, Miranda Pertin, Nikita Panggam, John Pada, Jacop Tabing, Nijohn Danggen, Makbul Siram, Geram Jonkey, Oni Padun, Arbind Pangging, Rosalind Pertin and Tam Saring made it to the merit list.
The function was led by AKB General Secretary Tani Jonkey, Advocate Ajin Apang and attended by Officers, public leaders and parents residing in the state capital. Speakers appreciated the successful candidates while encouraging those who could not make it this year to work harder the next time.
Further, the speakers, while briefing their service experiences, advised the new officers to work for the development of the society and while advising them to be honest, sincere, and dedicated to their duty.
The senior citizens further, highlighting the needs of preserving own language and culture, suggested the officers and public to preserve and promote own language and culture wherever they go and reside.
ABK also appreciated Dr RB Tripathy, Bandana Deori and resource persons for their contributions towards successful result.
Later, the recently selected officers also expressed their gratefulness to ABK, for their supports to all the aspiring candidates of the community.
Further they appealed the younger generation to physically and mentally prepare themselves to get through any kind of competitive examinations.
Arunachal to be represented at 17th World Festival of Youth
Staff reporter
ITANAGAR, Dec 08: Advocate Tadup Tana Tara, visiting faculty of Arunachal Law Academy (ALA) and Easho M Cheriyan, Director ALA and St. Thomas School, Naharlagun will represent ALA and India in the 17th World Festival of Youth and Students scheduled from December 13 to 21 at Johannesburg, South Africa.
Tara, who had been the advisor to Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and member
of the hi-
Tara also the legal advisor to AAPSU will present a paper on topic : Ethnic vis a vis Militancy problems in India with special reference to Northeast India: during the nine days festival.
Tara in a brief interaction with this reporter said here today that, he will also present the mindset of Arunachalee people on illegal settlement of Chakmas and Hajongs refugees in Arunachal Pradesh in the festival.
The festival with slogan "Lets defeat imperialism for a world of peace, solidarity and social transformation’ will be participated by representatives from 150 countries, Tara informed.
The 11-
Obang Tayeng
Sunbeam over plateau
She gurgled away her deepest emotions of piety and motherly love like the torrential
gush of a stream as she narrated the trials and tribulations of rearing the 14 odd
inmates in her small hut. We sat in the courtyard of the hut overlooking the whitish
and desolate paddy field of Ziro plateau that fascinates every visitor. Her campus
houses a tourist hut above a fish pond, a small half-
Talyang Shanti soon regains her composure and apologises. Being a widow in her late fifties and having faced life from close quarters, she talks passionately about the interests of the inmates most of whom are mentally and physically retarded. She narrates about Nobin, the oldest of the boys, who till a few years ago wandered hungry and bare of clothes and made the roadsides and market sheds of Ziro his home. The story of the rest is of similar nature: an old man (who expired recently) and a woman without shelter, a few traumatized young women, children who had never experienced love and care of families….
She said, “Having known tragedy since my childhood, I connected spontaneously to the condition of the imamates. Being a mother and having experienced human suffering, I could feel their pain and the need to shelter them.” This empathy made her bring the tramps one by one into her hut, presently known as the ‘Mother’s Home’ that is barely spacious enough for her younger son and daughter who are yet to settle down properly. The food mostly of rice and wild vegetable and leafs of her garden are cooked in big pots and eaten together. Even as she narrates this, Nobin snatches away my mobile and staggers away. Talyang Shanti says he craves music, as most of the children do. She laments, her request to a department for help of musical instrument is yet to bear result. A few entertainment facilities would amuse their otherwise dreary life and even help them recuperate, she says wistfully. While she narrates these, the smallest of the inmates—a boy of ten years—keeps crying, Nobin gets engrossed in music emanating from my mobile handset while the two women inmates’ dry clothes and cook food. Life in the community’s small world gets set in motion on its own accord.
With great effort the children mumble their prayers at lunchtime: “No mother, no food; no mother, no food!” For them, Talyang Shanti, their mother, is like a sunbeam flickering right into their tiny souls, illuminating their hitherto dark and bleak life like a candle in a dark night.
Her challenges? Aplenty! Arranging treatment and procuring medicines for the sick
for which she has often to take them outside. Money is always a problem. Getting
admission for the five school-
She thanks Governor J.J. Singh who has donated one lakh Rupees with which she built the tourist hut, enabling her to augment her income. DC Sadhana Deori often visits her with VIPs and presents biscuits and other eatables to the children. Finance and IPR Minister Setong Sena preseted a video camera while DIPRO Dengia Bengia gave a TV set. As regards assistance from government agencies, she says her proposals to various departments for help are yet to see the light of the day.
The woman with the missionary zeal has an ultimate dream: to set up an orphanage for waifs and strays where she can give good education and care to them. Somewhere in the outskirt of the township—provided she can get a plot of land. She says, “There are many challenges. But I welcome them; challenges keep me going!”
Exigency vs aesthetic
From a tourist’s perspective, the stunning sight of extensive paddy fields of Ziro
valley is what the Tawang Monastery is to the famous township. Surrounded by green
hills, the extensive paddy fields in the middle are not only hub of Apatani culture
but also their economic life. Together with the traditional heritage of the community,
the aesthetic aspects of the enormous dish-
But recently, due to pressure from population increase, many locals have begun to extend their houses into the fields reducing the cultivation area and impairing the beauty of the place. Dazzling tin roofs and RCC buildings threaten to replace the soothing and alluring view of the site. One just hopes the old grandeur is retained.
Role Reversed
Compelled to teach in absence of any off-
With our roles reversed thus, he snatches the remote control and switches on his choice channels in a flash. Soon, Doremon, Pokemon, and Benten and their ilk resurface on the tube with their hilarious prattles. It makes us often postpone the reading until the next day.
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