December -  01

• Curtain draws on National Weightlifting Championship
• Andhra, Manipur lift men and women’s team titles
• Ojakho vill. win first Agoi Wangsa Memorial Volleyball trophy
• Silver jubilee celebration of DPYK begins at Pasighat
• Annual NCC Day celebration
• Governor calls creation of memorials of the valiant soldiers and martyrs
• FCI base depots without food items
• Sena for comprehensive horti-Agri plan
• World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS epidemic
• AIDS - a daunting challenge to nation

Curtain draws on National Weightlifting Championship

One of the best organized events ever: IWF

M Doley

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: A colourful cultural programmes by local troupes marked the closing ceremony, which drew curtains on the 7th National Youth (Boys & Girls), 48th Men and 24th Women Junior National Weightlifting Championship at Nirjuli near here today.

After a week-long intense competition, the organizing committee put up a splendid cultural programmes as they did on the opening ceremony.

With laughter and loud cheers all around, the spectacular ceremony enthralled players coming from nook and corner of the country as well as local spectators at the packed Nyikum Nyia Hall, Nirjuli off the Itanagar township.

Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Newlai Tingkhatra, who declared the championship close, assured the medal winning players and coach of the Arunachal team of incentives.

“This is one of the best organized events ever,” Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) general secretary Sahadev Yadav said while heaping praise on people of Arunachal Pradesh for their cooperation and hospitality shown to the participating athletes, officials, technical staff of IWF and the organizing committee in making the championship memorable.

“The transportation, the accommodation facility and food arrangements for the athletes and officials were class one.”  

“It might create problem for the next host states,” he said in lighter vein before praising the local media for giving a wide coverage of the event.

Droonacharya awardee coach of the Punjab team, who also led the Indian team at Asian Games, Commonwealth Games for several times, said that he would remember the love and affection shown by the people of the state during his stay here. Talking about the standard of the championships, the Droonacharya awardee said that 90 per cent of the athletes, who took part in the championships, were of international calibre.

“The event could not have organized smoothly had there been no support from the State Government, the local administration and the organizing committee headed by local MLA as overall in-charge, who worked overtime to prepare the venue” Arunachal Weightlifting Association (AWA) president Abraham K Techi said. He also thanked the IWF for reposing faith on AWA to shoulder the task.

General secretary Daniel Teli also spoke on the occasion.

As many as 17 new national records were created during the week-long event where more than 600 athletes from various states took part.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd.) J.J. Singh lauded the outstanding performance of Takio Yana, Jimjang Deru, Kojum Taba, Soram Hitler Tagru, Kipa Chaku, Sambo Lapung and Menu Tajo, who have brought laurels to the state by winning medals in the Championships.

He was optimistic that the Championship has generated more interest in the sports amongst the youths of the State and induced a healthy competition spirit.

 

Andhra, Manipur lift men and women’s team titles

ITANAGAR, Nov 30:  Andhra Pradesh and Manipur emerged champions in the Men’s and Women’s section in Junior National Weightlifting Championships which concluded at Nirjuli near here today.

Andhra Pradesh secured overall 640 points while Manipur earned 613 points to win the titles.

Orissa and Andhra Pradesh finished runners up in men’s and women’s section respectively.

Neeraj Sharma (77kg) of Delhi walked away with the best lifters award with a total lift of 290 kg with 362.760050 Sinclair points while Archana Gupta of Uttar Pradesh took the honour of best women lifter in 48 kg weight category with a total lift of 155 kg with 228.530710 Sinclair points.

Nitin Singh Rawat of Uttar Pradesh won a Gold one each in snatch (125kg), clean and jerk (146kg) and in total lift (271 kg) in Junior Men’s 105 kg while compatriot Ankur Tyagi won three silver with a total lift of 265 kg (120+145). The Bronze medal went to Nidin VM of Kerala and Montu Bharali of Assam.

Nidhi won two bronze one each in clean and jerk (141kg) and in total lift (249 kg) while Bharali won the bronze by lifting 109kg in snatch.

Nitesh of Delhi won two Gold one each in clean and jerk (147 kg) and in total lift (262 kg) in Junior men’s section. He also won a bronze by lifting 115kg in snatch.

B Sainath of Andhra Pradesh won a Gold, Silver and Bronze each snatch (122kg), in total lift (262kg) and in clean and jerk (140kg).

Krishnkant Joshi of Madhya Pradesh bagged two silver one each in snatch (116kg) and clean and jerk (142kg). he also won a bronze in total lift (258kg).

In Junior Women 75 kg section,  Rakhi Fadikar of West Bengal secured 3 Gold medals with a total lift of 161 kg (73 kg in Snatch, 88 kg in Clean & Jerk).

Y.M. Nafisa of Manipur won three Silver medals one each in Snatch (63kg), Clean & Jerk (84 kg) and in total lift (147 kg)

The Bronze medals in this section went to P Sushmita Singh of Andhra Pradesh. She lifted a total of 141kg ( 59 kg +82 kg).

A. Siromani of Andhra Pradesh bagged three Gold medals with a total lift of 160 kg (69 kg +91 kg) in Junior Women +75 kg category.

Kalpana Mohanty of Orissa won a Silver by lifting 53 kg in snatch.

 

Ojakho vill. win first Agoi Wangsa Memorial Volleyball trophy

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: The first  late Sepoy Agoi Wangsa Memorial Inter Wancho Volleyball Premier League was won by Ojakho village team defeating Khasa Village in a five set thriller at Longding stadium yesterday. The Ojakho boys rallied from two sets down to win the match 23-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-12 in five sets.

The winning team was awarded with cash prizes, medals along with a trophy by widower of Late Sepoy Agoi Wangsa while the runners up team was given cash prize and medals to the players. All the participating players from 19 teams were also awarded a medal each.

Speaking on the occasion, the SP Khonsa and Col AP Agarwal, CO of the local army unit at Longding reiterated the importance of sports. They urged the youth to abstain themselves  from bad habits like consumption of opium, liquor and tobacco and motivated them to join army and police.

Col AP Agarwal also promised to organize more such events in future and help them in social and intellectual development.

In spite of the ongoing mid semester examinations, a large number of students and youths were present to cheer and support their teams

The event was organised under the aegis of the local army unit at Longding district from November 25.

 

 

Silver jubilee celebration of DPYK begins at Pasighat

Prafulla Kaman

PASIGHAT, Nov 30: Pasighat gears up for the smooth conduct of the Silver Jubilee Celebration (Murkong Biirik Diinam) of Do:nyi-Po:lo Yelam Kebang (DPYK).

Arrangements of 100 exhibition stalls and lodging hall for the volunteers and delegates have been completed while 200 volunteers are actively looking after the people providing them necessary service in the celebration campus. Separate halls for prayer, refreshment and meeting purpose have been established inside the vast Ganging premise with necessary facilities. The president of Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee Tajom Tasung informed this evening that about 2000 delegates from different parts of Arunachal and Assam have been registered to participate in the four-day programme. He said the delegate meeting is being conducted this evening which will be followed by a cultural function.

The Kebang, which aims to promote and protect the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the tribal people of NE states, particularly Arunachal and Assam with its pledge “Bomyerung Do:nyi-Polo” has been working to reform the tribal societies to adopt scientific base in their religious rituals.

Meanwhile, the final coordination meeting of Silver Jubilee celebration was held today.

 DC Tapok urged the organizers to ensure smooth and error-free arrangements to make the celebration a grand success.

On his part SP Pushpendra Kumar assured that adequate security personnel would be deployed in all important places for security and good traffic managements.

Education minister also attended the programme.

The Chief Minister Nabam Tuki accompanied by the Industry Minister Tapang Taloh would join the celebrations.

 

Annual NCC Day celebration

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: On Annual NCC Day celebration, the NCC of Govt. Hr. Sec. School Seppa participated enthusiastically and displayed drill and march past at school ground on November 25.

The NCC (JW/JD) cadets actively participated in different events of games and sports competition.

A farewell function for outgoing senior cadets was also organized by the juniors.

Principal, Govt. Hr. Sec. School Seppa Hortum Loyi, said that NCC gives further scope to join Indian Army and other forces.

Senior cadets Naina Liyak (JW) and Novin Gyadi (JD) also expressed their view that they were very satisfied after enrollment in NCC and learned many things at CATC Camp and they desire to serve the nation. They appealed their juniors to enroll their names in NCC with enthusiastically.

 

Governor calls creation of memorials of the valiant soldiers and martyrs

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd.) J.J. Singh participated in the inaugural function of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial at Chapparchiri, Mohali in Punjab today.

The Governor, along with Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and Uttarakhand Chief Minister B.C. Khanduri jointly inaugurated the victory tower or Fateh Burj, which commemorates the famous 1710 battle of Chapparchiri, where Sirhind Mughal Governor Wazir Khan was killed by Banda Singh Bahadur and his men, avenging the death of sons and mother of Guru Gobind Singh and thousand of Sikhs and Hindus. They also unveiled the status of warriors.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the memorial is a majestic symbol of our martyrs, their commitment and sacrifice of those who live in our hearts forever.  The memorial instills a sense of national pride not only amongst members of the community but also in the youth and help them develop in a pride and respect for the Armed Forces. These monuments are inspirational and remind us to be proud of history. Stating that he is representing the patriotic people of Arunachal Pradesh in the function, the Governor called for creation of memorials of the valiant soldiers and martyrs of the different parts of the country who laid down their lives for the defence of the nation.

The Governor emphasized on a need for more research and record history of the country and honour the brave sons of the soil and martyrs like Banda Singh Bahadur, who laid down their lives for the nation and cause of defending the oppressed.

Appreciating the initiative taken by Government of Punjab to create such memorial for historic battle, the Governor said that it will facilitate the future generation and visitors to our country to know our valour, courage and bravery of the great sons of the soil.

Addressing  the ex-servicemen, who attended the function in large numbers on the occasion, the Governor said that Ex-servicemen are pool of talented, disciplined and well-trained individuals. They are a very committed, trustworthy and capable and valuable national asset. The Ex-servicemen have potentials of transforming the rural areas of the country as spread out excellent human resource base to take advantage of by all State of our great country and the Government and civil societies must take up to ensure the optimum utilization of their capabilities and potential.

Earlier, the guest and invitees made rounds of the memorial site escorted by horse mounted warriors and elephants. Children and youth displayed martial arts.

Spread over an area of 20 acres, the memorial has statues of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Ram Singh, Ali Singh, Baaz Singh and Mali Singh, an open air theatre, information centre, water body, restaurant and the 82.40 meters victory tower, the tallest building in Punjab, tallest monument in the country and the first victory tower of Sikh architect.

 

FCI base depots without food items

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: Department of Food and Civil Supplies today informed that distribution of food grains to the ration  card holders of Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts have been affected due to the non-availability of stocks in the FCI base depots since  September last.

The department further stated that new problems cropped up because of ongoing work for conversion of metre gauge railway tracks to broad gauge being carried out from Rongia to Murkongselek(Jonai) section.

Food Corporation of India has informed the department that contract for transportation of food grains from alternate FCI depots at Amoni (Nagaon) and Haibargaon in Assam to various depots located in Arunachal has been challenged in the Guwahati high court and judgement is likely to be delivered soon.

 The department also informed that state government through series of meetings urged Executive Director(NE) and Chairman cum Managing Director, FCI, New Delhi to sort out the issue at the earliest to avoid any food crisis in the state.

 

Sena for comprehensive horti-Agri plan

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: A coordination meeting of all the district heads of horticulture department was held today which was attended by all district horticulture officers and officials from the Directorate along with Minister of Horticulture Setong Sena and Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture Honchun Ngandam.

While addressing the meeting, Minister Sena said that time has come to make a comprehensive plan and development in horticulture, agriculture and allied sectors as it is the economic mainstay of the state.

He said that since the NEFA days, the state has seen lot of improvements in road connectivity to the remote areas of the state. After the completion of Trans-Arunachal highway and PMGSY projects in the state, the road connectivity to all potential areas is expected to boost up the scope of horticulture production and ease the transportation of horticulture produces.

In his address, Parliamentary Secretary Ngandam, while apprising the new minister about important policies introduced during his time, including creation of a separate Horticulture Produce Marketing Board and Research & Development Wing, said that there is a need for immediate introduction of minimum support price for important horticultural produce of the state so that the influence of middle-men could be reduced.

 At present due to absence of support mechanism to farmers, the department is not in position to intervene in the dealings of middlemen and farmers in which the middleman makes most of the profit, he said.

He urged the officers to do result oriented works in the field and make Arunachal Pradesh popular through horticulture like Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier, the Director Horticulture apprised the minister about the acute need of manpower in the department. He said that without manpower support, it is very difficult to implement various programmes of the government in remote but potential areas of the state.

He also stressed the need of creating a proper marketing infrastructure in the state to ease the difficulties being faced by the farmers.

 

World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS epidemic

Tashor Pali

When the first World AIDS Day was observed on 1 December 1988 with the theme 'Join the Worldwide Effort' an estimated 90,000 to 150,000 people were infected with HIV world over. But today there are more than 35 million people estimated to be living with HIV in the world out of which more than 25 millions are in the Sub- Saharan African countries alone.

According to National Family Health Survey-II figures, India had an estimated 3.1 million people living with HIV.  The country’s adult HIV prevalence is now estimated to be approximately 0.36%. HIV prevalence among adult women is 0.29%; for men it is 0.43%.

The HIV epidemic in the north-eastern states of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland continues to be alarming. HIV seropositivity among pregnant women was estimated at 1.39%, in Manipur and 1.36% in Nagaland. Although HIV prevalence among IDUs in Manipur has reported to be declined over the years, sentinel surveillance on IDU sites in Manipur still have HIV prevalence of more than 10%. HIV prevalence among sex workers appears to be increasing in Nagaland and Mizoram states of North East India.

Our state Arunachal Pradesh has managed to maintain low prevalence rate though there is steady increase in the number of HIV/AIDS positive which has risen to 184 as on 31st October 2011. The age group of 20 to 29 years which is most productive age group is the worst affected population. Out of total 184 positive cases 102 which mean 55.43 percent of total HIV positives cases are from age group of 20-29 years alone. This is a matter of concern for all of us. When we see the district wise statistics, Papum Pare top the list with 105 HIV cases followed by Lohit with 28 cases.

World AIDS Day observation in Arunachal Pradesh: With rest of the world, Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, Naharlagun shall observe World AIDS Day all over the state.

In the state capital school students shall take out rallies to mark the day. In Itanagar students from King Cup Public School and Aronadoya Govt. Hr. Secondary Schools shall take out the rally from Aakasdeep Complex to Bank Tinali while in Naharlagun, students from Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Konkarnallah and Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Polo Colony shall take part in the rally from their schools to Imdad Bhavan, Naharlagun.

An open Air Rock Concert shall be performed by Symmetry Clan ‘the Red Ribbon Superstars’ of Arunachal Pradesh at Naharlagun on the same day where Nido Pavitra, Parliamentary Secretary (H&FW) shall be the Chief Guest and Dr. K. Nishing, Director Health Services shall be the Special Guest.

In the district headquarters event shall be observed through the concerned District Medical Offices by organizing meeting, seminars, literary and sports events. World AIDS Day shall be observed by all the Red Ribbon Clubs in the colleges of Arunachal Pradesh.

One of the encouraging features of this year’s World AIDS Day observation is the initiatives taken by the Department of School Education where directives have been given to all the Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools in the state to observe World AIDS Day by involving school students in various activities.

Various NGOs are also taking part in the World AIDS Day. Prominent among them are Kra Dadii Club of Seppa who is organizing a Marathon Race at Seppa to create awareness on HIV/AIDS on the occasion of World AIDS Day. (The Contributor is Dy. Director (IEC), APSACS, Naharlagun).

 

AIDS - a daunting challenge to nation

Arvind Sarmah

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of Acquired immune deficiency syndrome which is the most destructive epidemic in recorded history. It is a disease of human immune system. This retrovirus attack thymus derived helper T-Lymphocyte,(also called T4  Lymphocyte or T-H  or CD-4) and  reduce their number so that B cells are not stimulated to produce antibodies.  

AIDS virus was first reported from the blood of wild African  green Monkey of Zaire .It then  passed into human population of Africa  during 1960. It was isolated and  identified by Luc Montagnier et al of Pasteur Institute France .Different names were given to this virus like 1. HCLV-III(human cell leukemia virus III) 2. HTLV-III (Human T cell lymphotropic virus) 3 .ARV (AIDS associated retrovirus) .Since 1986 this virus is known as HIV.

Although no single country has been spared by the virus,  the epidemic has affected  certain region of the world disproportionately ,and Sub Saharan Africa remains by far the hardest hit region .

At  the beginning  of 1986  , despite over 20,000 reported AIDS cases worldwide, India has no reported case of HIV or AIDS. Later in the year Indias first case of HIV  were diagnosed among sex workers in  Chennai, Tamil Nadu. In 2006 UNAIDS estimated that there were about 5.6 million people living with HIV IN India.

In  2007, following the  survey of HIV among the general  population, UNAIDS and NACO agreed on a new estimate between 2 million and 3.1 million. In 2008 the figure was about 2.5 million. Latest statistics state that around 2.3 million people properly in India live with HIV. Of these, as estimated 39% are female and 3.5% are children. Recent survey to suggest that national HIV prevalence has fallen slightly in recent year, mainly due to a drop in infections in Southern States, in other areas there has been no significant decline.

The spread of  HIV is uneven.  HIV  epidemic are more severe  in the southern half of the country and far North East .The highest HIV cases  are found in Andhra Pradesh , Maharastra , Tamil Nadu and Karntaka in the south and Manipur,  Nagaland, Meghalaya in the North East . It is surprising that Prakashon District of Andhra Pradesh is worst affected district in the world in terms of HIV  infection. In the southern  states HIV is primarily spread through hetero sexual contact. Infection in the North East mainly found amongst injecting drug users and sex workers.

Worlds AIDS  day is celebrated on December 1 every year for creating awareness about transmission and prevention of AIDS .Before coming into transmission and prevention let us know the major symptoms and infection of HIV.

Persons suffering with AIDS  pass through a first stage with fever and throat infection and a bad cold. They can then be without symptoms for a time period. For some period before the final diagnosis can be made the patient might suffer from different symptoms of infection. They are grouped into what is called ARC (AIDS related complex). The manifestation of the disease varies widely in the world. Some signs and symptoms are more common in certain parts than in others. ‘Slim disease’ stressing the weight loss, is most common in Africa, while pneumonia is common in USA. In India CANDIDIASIS present in mouth and throat or slim disease or T.B. or skin disease are the most common manifestation of AIDS. To make the Diagnosis the person should show at least two major & one minor sign. Major signs includes – Loss of more than 10% of body weights, Chronic Diarrhoea for more than 1 month, Prolonged fever for more than 1 month

Minor signs  includes – Persistent cough for more than 1 month, Generalized itchy skin disease, Chronic, generalized herpes simplex – blisters in genital region, Thrush – white patches or sore in mouth & throat, Swollen glands, Loss of memory, Loss of intellectual capacity, Peripheral nerve damage

The mode of transmission of HIV are-

- By sexual intercourse, vaginal and anal.

- By infected blood,  blood product ,donated semen and organ.

- By contaminated needle used

-During treatment of patients

-When drug abuser share needles

- From an infected mother to her child

-Across the placenta before birth

-While baby is passing through birth canal

-Possible by breast milk

Although treatment  for AIDS and HIV can slow the course of disease, there is currently no vaccine or cure .Antiretroviral treatment reduces both mortality and  morbidity of infection. The drug Ziovudine (also called azidothymudin or AZT) and Dideoxyinosine(DDI) prevent  HIV reproduction in cell . But these drugs are  expensive  and routine access to antiretroviral medication  is not available in our country . Proteases are enzymes, HIV needs to bud from the host cell; researchers are hopeful that a protein inhibitor drug will soon be available. Due to difficulty in treating HIV infection preventing infection is a key aim in controlling the AIDS Pandemic .Successful HIV prevention strategies include --

-High level political leadership

-Active engagement of  civil society and religious leader in multisectoral approach

-Population based programs designed to change social norms

-Increased open communication about sexual activities and HIV/AIDS.

-Programs to combat stigma and discrimination

-Mass condom promotion

HIV epidemic is still misunderstood amongst the Indian public .People living with HIV have faced violent attack, been rejected by families, spouses and communities been refused medical treatment and even in some reported cases denied the last rites before they die.

However the real challenge lies with ignorance about how HIV is transmitted. Majority of men & women in rural areas believed that IDS can be transmitted by mosquito bites. In 2009, NACO carried a population based survey in Nagaland, where it was shown that 72.8% people surveyed believed HIV could be transmitted by sharing food with someone. The virus is not spread through everyday social contact as – Shaking hands, living together, playing together, eating together, mosquito bite. People should know ‘AIDS is not a disease it is a syndrome’. HIV patients are in need of social contact and support just as we are. Their skin or breathing does not  transmit  the infection .They need psychological closeness  as all of us do .They need to be  encouraged to continue to live and take part  in daily activities  as much as they can .

To overcome the challenges we need to focus on public awareness  about HIV/AIDS .People should  know  what it is , how it spreads  and its fatality . School based sex education ,Adult sex education may help to combat  the situation .For  awareness various public platform can used, such as concerts ,radio dramas, advertisement on T.V channels ,Posters ,Banners .Messages  were also conveyed to peoples through mobile .Teachers and peer educators were trained to teach about the subject ,and students are educated through active learning sessions ,including debates and role play .Lastly we can say AIDS awareness is all about to live long and let live .

 

Union appeals for APST service

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: Irked with the discontinuation of APST bus service between Longding and Tirap in the last four years, Wancho Students’ Union today questioned the APST authority for non inclusion of the route for bus service.

Blaming the political leaders for the situation, the union appealed to the concern minister to look into the matter.

 

Sports meet

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: The 24th Annual Sports cum Cultural Meet of government higher secondary school Balijan was held with much fanfare on Saturday last.

Meanwhile the Vth Lower Balijan Anchal Segment’s Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) which started from Nov 21 concluded on Saturday.

Altogether five segments such as Balijan, Tengabari, Hollongi, Kokila and Chessa-Sonajuli participated in the event.

In another event, the Borum Block Panchayat conducted block level annual sports competition at mini stadium Nyorch.

 

Complete within time frame: union

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: All Palin Chambang, Yangte Gangte and Tarak-Langdi Students Union (APCYGTSU) today urged the PWD to complete the Talangriang-Yangte road under Sangram Sub-division at earliest.

It said that though soiling has been done eight months back, black topping is yet to be started. The  union urged the department to expedite black topping work within stipulated time or else surrender the work.

 

Prashanti Diwas

Tezu, Nov 30: Prashanti Diwas for girls’ education, which is observed on November 20 was organized in Tezu to culminate with the Vineeta Sports Meet and valedictory function of Art of Living SMPs for Police.

Speaking on the occasion, SP Tezu Isaac Pertin lauded the welfare initiatives taken by ASSET.  

The Prashanti Diwas 2011 turned to be a momentous occasion with Nivedita Khandekar, Principal Correspondent, Hindustan Times, New Delhi joining the cause by sponsoring the education of a girl child.

Appreciating the lead taken by the 82 Mountain Brigade and 2 Mountain Division of the Indian Army, the journalist conveyed Anugrah about her willingness to contribute. She further assured to promote the noble cause in Arunachal Pradesh further reassuring that more friends are already expressing willingness to support.

Joining Nivedita, Prakash Yeshwant Khandekar also contributed some funds and assured to annually support the education of an Apne.

 Isaac Pertin appreciated the gesture by sponsoring education of a girl child making cash contribution on the Prashanti Diwas.

The girls of KGBV Wakro and the Apnes presented cultural programs to mark the occasion.

 

Free eye camp

ITANAGAR, Nov 30: GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, North East Unit, Itanagar is organizing a free eye camp on Dec 6 at Abotani Hall, Hapoli (Ziro).

The camp is being organized under the GOI-UNDP CCF-II project entitled “Biodiversity conservation through community based natural resource management in Arunachal Pradesh”. This was informed by scientist in-charge of the institute Dr. Prasanna K. Samal. The camp is being organized jointly with Arun Dristi, Naharlagun and NCADMS, Ziro.

 

IGNOU exams

ITANAGAR: The term end examination of Indira Gandhi National Open University will start from December 1.

Examination Intimation Slips have been issued to 3, 94,612 eligible students who had applied for appearing in the term end examination.  

The detailed hall ticket status is also available on IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in. Students have been advised to be in possession of the identity card issued by the university during the examination. Further, students have to contact the respective regional centres in the last week of December for their practical examinations.

 

Teachers die

ITANAGAR: In a tragic accident, two teachers have died following an accident at East Siang this evening.

Late Kengam Kadu, a junior teacher at Lumpo M.E School, son of Mirken Kadu of Lumpo and Ito Kadu, an Assistant teacher of Telam ME School, son of Tai Kadu of Saku died when they collided with a private tipper near Leku village. Both died on the spot.

They were going back from Pasighat after attending some official works.

The Ramle Banggo Welfare Society has mourned the death  of both the teachers.

 

PWD welcomes creation of Engineer-in-Chief

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh PWD Engineers’ Association (APPEA) has welcomed the suggestion regarding the need for creation of the post of Engineer-in-Chief in the Public Works Department for better and easy coordination with the Government.

Minister PWD Chowna Mein, had suggested that there be Engineer in Chief for better coordination.

The oldest works department and the backbone of all infrastructural developments in the state, has grown over the years from being manned by one Chief Engineer in the CPWD days to six Chief Engineers at present, with the rapid growth in developmental works on all fronts in the state.

The Association stated that there is a need for having a technical head of the organization, responsible for efficient administration and professional control of all activities of the department and to be the principal technical adviser to the state government on all technical issues under the purview of PWD. The Association is confident that the post of Engineer-in-Chief along with the requisite posts of supporting officers and staff, shall be created by the Government at the earliest.

News Impact

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Kindly disburse the salary on time

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attentions of the concerned authority toward the plight of MPWs under NVBDCP, especially of Upper Subansiri District. It has been more than four months since we didn't get our salary. We don't exactly know what happens to our salary. No one of our district authorities, even the cashier, is willing to give us the detailed information of the same. Because of this big delay we are suffering severely unable to meet our day to day urgent needs. I deeply appeal them to kindly have mercy on us on humanitarian ground. We also have family to feed. Why torment on us, who are getting such a meager salary of merely Rs 6000/. Therefore, I appeal the concerned authority to kindly look into the matter and disburse our salary on monthly basis for which we shall be very much thankful.

Yours,

Concerned citizen

 

 

An honest man

Dear Editor,

I lost my wallet on Nov 18 containing ATM card, Driving license, Govt. Identity Card, vehicle registration card & important documents in Itanagar Market. I was deeply in pain because of this and my carelessness. But I was overwhelmed with happiness and excitement when an unknown man T. Abo from 3rd IRBN Julyy, hailing from Tirap district called me to inform that he found my wallet. He returned my lost wallet. I am very much thankful to him. Now I can say I have seen god in him.

I feel proud that human kindness still prevails in this world. The only thing I can say is god bless him and may the people get example from a person like T.Abo.

Honest people like T.Abo should be recognized and the rewarded.

Yours

Taw Sogum

Daporijo, (on email)

 

 

Location of Transformer at wrong place

Dear Editor,

This letter is to draw the kind attention of the Minister Power, Electrical towards commission of departmental negligence with regard to maintenance of Electrical Transformer of Pappu Nallah. Firstly, the Transformer machine has been installed regardless to the legal provision required under the law. As it is installed so closed to the transport department quarter as well as private residence wherein, in case of any explosion of transformer or sparking it can take the life of the families residing at nearby areas. Secondly, at many instances we have brought the problems before the concerned J/E & A/E for shifting of the transformer to other isolated places for safety purpose or proper maintenance of transformer despite of the fact that the concerned officers took the case casually and throw all connected problems to Govt. without any concrete steps for permanent solution and without concerning the life & safety of the people residing at nearby area.

Thirdly, the precinct of the Transformer is not fenced well whereas it should have been under highly restricted zone as is seen all the time children of nearby areas are playing under the precinct of transformer due to broken fence and also cattle are roaming inside the precinct of transformer. Fourthly, we have at many instance made a complaint to the electrical department regarding sparking and explosion of transformer but no attention has been paid to our helpless voice. In this regard, we urged the concerned Minister to hear our voice and therefore through your esteemed daily, we request the Minister to direct the concerned nodal officers of Pappu Nallah (Elect.) to initiate an appropriate steps for permanent solution of our grievances.  And in case, if any fire accident occurred or electrocution of children or cattle, the department will be held responsible for criminal negligence.

Yours,

A concerned citizen,

(on email)

 

 

Let the language be a uniting factor

Dear Editor,

If the world has one language then it will be much better place to live in. People will be able to understand each other very well, personally or individually. Because when we speak or talk face to face with each other in same language we are not only listening to him/her but also paying attention to his/her body movement, facial expression, some vital signs which makes his/her talking more beautiful and more meaningful and we feel good and related. But the same thing whatever he/she was saying is translated by some other person due to language problem, we may miss that expression and emotion and thus we are only able to understand the literally meaning of his/her words but not that individual, because we are paying attention only to his/her words but not him/her.

As a matter of fact language is one of the very reasons that creates differences and brings communal feel against each other. We are all human beings, why we need too many languages, can't we have just one language, let it be Hindi or English so that we could eradicate the communal feeling and live like one family.

India is divided into pieces because of too many languages and to hold that pieces together we definitely need one and only language. Today in India Hindi is most popular language, lets please not say "Why it is popular?", "Who bring this Hindi?", "Who have given right to teach Hindi in our schools?", because it can’t be undone. Because motive is not to spread Hindi but the motive is to give India one voice, one language and thus to unite our country "India".  We should understand and appreciate this. Don't We? Then let it be Hindi.

I'll gladly accept to let my language die to bring human race together, for peace & harmony, equality & unity instead of keeping it alive and creating communal feeling, hatred for some one's language and creating differences.

Yours

Y Ete (on email)

 

 

Equality of all Indian languages is the need of the hour

Dear Editor,

Maksam Tayeng, in his letter titled "Hindi is not a deterrent"( 26 November), had stated that since India is a multi-lingual country, only one could be made the national language! But Mr. Darung Kaling, in his brilliant letter titled "Hindi is not the national language of India"( 28 November), has overwhelmingly vanquished the theory of Hindi being the "national language". No congratulations is enough for Kaling for using his God-gifted mind and intellect, rather than mortgaging it to the Hindi-zealots of North India. It is indeed shameful that a large section of non-Hindi speaking Indians prefer to get brainwashed by the Hindi-fanatics and succumb to the linguistic imperialism instead of questioning the status of the language. Rightly has Kaling referred to the Constitution and proved that Hindi is not the national language of India. I may like to add that even a bench of the Gujarat  High Court, headed by Chief Justice S.J.Mukho-padhaya, has categorically opined that Hindi is never the national language of India.

Since India is a democracy where each and every religion and language should be treated at par, how can the language of a particular linguistic group be made the national language? Won't it hurt the basic foundation of democracy itself? Moreover, if Hindi had been made the "national language"; then what would have been the status of the rest of innumerable Indian languages? Anti-national! Foreign!

The ever-increasing dominance of Hindi in the guise of "national language" in all sectors has given rise to a privileged group which directly flouts the basic norms of democracy. In many national-level examinations, candidates can answer only in English and Hindi. That means when a  non-Hindi speaker, even if not comfortable in English, will have to answer in English only; an equally English-handicapped Hindi-speaker can boldly write the answers in his mother tongue and fare better than the non-Hindi speaking candidate! The MBBS examination is set to become a joint one where there will be common question papers throughout the country. But answers will have to be given in English and Hindi only, thereby posing a very serious problem to the section of  non-Hindi speaking examinees who are at ease in their own mother tongue only.

They should not only boldly protest against the Hindi's nomenclature of "national language" and the brute imposition of it in all spheres of life, but boycott those functions promoting Hindi as well which serve as the brainwashing programme for the " non-Hindi speakers. Equality of all Indian languages is the need of the hour. The culture of awarding preferential treatment to Hindi and its speakers should not be tolerated any more in this multi-lingual democratic land.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata, (on email)

 

 

CRPF should be a neutral body

Dear Editor,

This is a direct question to the CRPF authorities whether they are committed to uphold the interest of the nation and protect its citizens irrespective of state, party or color OR whether they are sworn to serve the narrow interests of the Government of Assam in its vendetta against unarmed Arunachalees? The question arises because instead of acting as a neutral body the CRPF has accompanied and protected Assam Police & criminals during every episode of encroachment/eviction/house burning/demolition/looting campaigns unleashed against Arunachal civilians, including the recent Tarasso attack.

Why should a Central paramilitary force partake in territorial wars by the Assam Government instead of acting as a buffer between the two?

If the CRPF continues to act in this manner the Arunachalee people would be forced to derive the conclusion that CRPF considers Arunachal to be a foreign state thereby helping the Assam state in its territorial expansion.

Yours,

Klo

Arunachal Pradesh

 

 

___________

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

 

HIV Aids and Positive signals

 

According to UNAids 2011 report, globally, the number of new HIV infections in 2010 was 21% down on that peak, seen in 1997 because of major expansion in access to treatment. UNAids estimates 700,000 deaths were averted last year because of better access to treatment as the latest analysis says the number of people living with HIV has reached a record 34 million.

Sub-Saharan Africa has seen the most dramatic improvement, with a 20% rise in people undergoing treatment between 2009 and 2010.

In 2010 there were an estimated 2.7m new HIV infections, down from 3.2m in 1997, and 1.8m people died from Aids-related illnesses, down from 2.2m in 2005.

The figures continue the downward trend reported in previous UNAids reports.

UNAids says the full preventive impact of treatment is likely to be seen in the next five years, as more countries improve treatment.

Its report added that even if the Aids epidemic was not over: "The end may be in sight if countries invest smartly."

On the eve of World AIDS Day, the World Bank in its report “Impact of Targeted Interventions on Heterosexual Transmission of HIV in India” has found new evidence from India that demonstrates major advances in the understanding and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

A recently published impact evaluation found a significant decline in HIV prevalence among female sex workers and young women (15-24 years) seeking antenatal care in the high-prevalence southern states. Among the women seeking antenatal care in districts with high intensity of targeted interventions, HIV prevalence declined by more than 50 percent from 1.9 percent in 2001 to 0.8 percent in 2008, compared with low-intensity districts where the infection rate remained constant at 0.9 percent in both 2001 and 2008.

Back home in Arunachal, the cases of HIV positive has reached more than 160 from just two in 1998.

167 HIV positive cases were detected till December last. Arunachal Pradesh Aids Control Society (APSACS) has been a forerunner in controlling the spread of the cases but with many people not willing to come forward for voluntary testing, the task of detecting remains daunting.

However with the formation of Arunachal Network of Positive People (ArNP), it is hoped that prevailing stigma attached would be checked to a certain level.