December 22

• Centre assures funds for successful implementation of NBA prog
• Anti-socials rule the roost at inter-state boundary area
• Mithi appeals Cong workers to strengthen the party
• Field training prog for small tea growers
• NEDFi  highlights schemes for economic growth
• Health and social awareness tour conducted
• Training on Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram ends
• Method demonstration prog on pisciculture
• DC visits Dissing Passo
• District level PMEGP exhibition begins
• Geopolitical disagreement should not be a bane for border trade
• Christmas – Birth story of Jesus and its significance

News Impact

Cash reward stands

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

Tuki flags off Santa Claus rally

Itanagar, Dec 21: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today flagged off the first ever Santa Claus Rally from his official residence this morning, probably first of its kind in the entire nation as well as in NE region.

While flagging off the rally, the Chief Minister said the rally will spread a true message of peace and prosperity among the people and will bring sense of unity and brotherhood among the masses.

He also wished every citizen of the state a very happy X-mas and happy new year 2013.

More than 100 students of below 12 years of age dressed with Santa Claus costumes took part in the rally, organized by Guardian Angel School, Itanagar.

Later, the rally marched through different parts of the Capital with the beating of drums with an aim of spreading message for peace, love and harmony.

 

Central Bank opens new branch in Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Dec 21: The Central Bank of India (CBI) has opened its first full-fledged branch in Pasigaht.

Inaugurating the bank branch, Deputy Commissioner RK Mishra appreciated Bank authorities for expanding their bank services to the door steps of the people of East Siang. With the opening of the new branch of the renowned bank, the common consumers here would get hustle-free services, the DC hoped. He suggested the bank authority to install a CCTV camera in the bank premise and provide solar power facility for good back-up. He said East Siang has vast potential for increasing business. More customer-friendly products and facilities should be launched at the earliest, the DC said and advised to introduce mobile branches with ATM facilities for making banking services accessible to hitherto excluded sections of the society. He also expressed hope that it would generate more employment avenues for local educated youths and become a vehicle for economic growth of the district. DIPRO

 

Drive against unregistered vehicles

PASIGHAT, Dec 21: East Siang District Administration with help of police today impounded 53 unregistered, uninsured and commercially unfit vehicles including, truck, Tata Mobile, Tata Majic, Winger, motorcycle, scooty etc here today.  Further, 97 bikers were also penalized either for failing to produce valid documents or riding two wheelers without wearing helmet etc. Reportedly more than Rs 50,000 was collected on the day as fine from the violators.

East Siang Deputy Commissioner RK Mishra while appreciating the enforcement officers for the drive, cautioned all motorists against driving vehicles without a number plate.

To reduce risk of crimes and to make the roads safer for everyone such unannounced drive will be continued for a long time, said the DC. DIPRO

 

KTFC draw 3-3 against Chimpu FC

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: KTFC drew 3-3 against Chimpu FC in a keenly contested match in the Christmas Premier Football League at IG Park here today.

In another match played between Vivek Vihar FC and All ESS FC, the former defeated the latter by 5-1 goals. In the third match of the day, IGPFC beat TTSC 2-1 while Friendship Club defeated Nyoph Nia 4-2 in the last match of the day.

 

Tiny Tots celebrate Pre-Christmas

 

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The tiny tots of Kidzee Smart Kids School, H-Sector, Ganga, Itanagar, today celebrated the Pre-Christmas at school premise in a grand manner. As part of the celebration various colourful activities like drawing, musical chair and blind hit competitions were conducted for the Senior KG and Junior KG kids.

In drawing competition, Kari Changrang and Nyokum Techi Tara (Sr. KG category) and Likha Lella and Pooja Dutta (Jr.KG category) won the prizes. Abinam Apang and Likha Tedir bagged the 1st and 2nd prizes among Nursery and Tana Jipaku Tara got 1st prize among Jr. KG in musical chair competition.  

Blind hit competition was won by Gamdo Pertin and Rekhung Jeremeha Raktim respectively. However, the main attraction the day-long celebration was the competition called "HIT THE SNOWMAN'S NOSE" was won by Loden Wangchuk of Sr. KG. The programme was concluded with distributions of sweets and chocolates to the children by Santa Claus.

 

Dado Baptist Church celebrates silver jubilee

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The Dado Baptist Church of Kurung Kumey district celebrated its Silver Jubilee on December 15 and 16 in a grant manner.

Joining the celebration, local MLA Takam Pario said “Christianity can change our way of life, can save us from all evils and bring light in our life.”

Rev. Likha Tach, Pastor, Doimukh Pastoral Range, delivered the words of God.

Many believers in Christianity from different parts of Kurung Kumey district took part in the celebration.

It is worth mentioning here that Dado Yai of Dado village under Kurung Kumey district is the first Christian lady who brought up the Christianity in the village and her son Dado Soping made the best contribution towards Christianity as Pastor since 1987. He has dedicated his life in the service of Lord. He is the only noted Pastor who has completed 25 years as Pastor in Dado Baptist Church.

 

Relief assistance fire victims

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: 5th Kalaktang assembly youth congress committee president Sangey Gombu has donated an amount of rupees ten thousand to recent fire victims of Kalaktang, West Kameng District.

 

CEO’s office shifted to Mowb-2

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The office of the Chief Estate Officer (CEO), Itanagar Capital Complex, Naharlagun, has been shifted from Naharlagun to Mowb-Il, Itanagar, near Chief Engineer, PWD, office Western Zone. DIPR

 

Relief sought for affected farmers

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: ASM of Silli-Geying, Upper Siang district in a representation appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, to initiate necessary steps for immediate grant of relief materials to Rat menace affected people of Geku-Katan area.

The ASM said that Circle Officer of Katan, Gaon Burahs and PIs  were also informed about the rate menace and requested to visit the  area to take stock of the situation.

 

Free medical and health checkup camp held

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: North Easter Electric Power Corporation Ltd, Pare HE Project has conducted free medical and health checkup camp at Midpu on December 14 and also conducted a one day training programme on skill promotion for self- employment and occupational diversification through Arunachal Pradesh Seva Sangh in MDTC Doimukh yesterday.

Besides this the NEEPCO, Pare HE Project is taking various activities in and around Doimukh circle like construction of RCC Dental building in community health centre Doimukh, construction of auditorium in government middle school Mani, drinking water supply to government higher secondary school Doimukh, construction of teachers quarter at government primary school Midpu-II, flood protection of Buka nallah at Sopo village, internal electrification of school auditorium in government middle school Mani, internal electrification of teacher quarter in government primary school Midpu. Apart for this the NEEPCO has also extended scholarship to economically backward students from in and around Para HE Project.

 

Review meeting on IPPI held

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: In view of the forthcoming Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) scheduled on January 20 (first phase) and February 24 (second phase), the district Task Force held a meeting at DC’s Conference at Yupia hall today.

District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. S Ronya gave a PowerPoint presentation on the forth coming IPPI while Dr. D.Raina, MS Arunachal State Hospital Naharlagun highlighted on difficulties faced at urban areas during vaccination.

DRCHO Dr. Kipa Tuglik urged all HoDs and senior citizens of the district to extend all possible help and assistance in administering oral polio drops to all children u-5 years. He exhorted all participating MOs, in-charge of all CHCs and PHCs and HODs to gear up for the coming IPPI to make the district in particular and the state Polio free.

Lod Gambo, SDO Yupia chaired the meeting on behalf of the Papum Pare deputy commissioner.

 

iON online test at RGGP

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The principal of Rajiv Gandhi Govt Polytechnic has requested the state Govt, particularly Capital district administration to provide necessary security for smooth conduct of the iON online examination at RGGP on Dec 22 and 23.  Aspirants from various states including Arunachal Pradesh are participating in this online examination of Tata Consultancy Service (TCS), one of the pioneer organization in the field of manufacturing, services, consultancy, research and development in India.

Kelin Bridge opens

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The RCC pillar of WRSB Bridge over Kelin River at Mangio Village under Sangram circle in Kurung Kumey was inaugurated recently by Extra Assistant Commissioner Nonokang Borang in presence of ZPM Parsi-Parlo Sangha Tagik and ASM Ha Takia. Funded under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) the bridge would bring relief to people of Hangik Chote, Sangha and Mangio-I, II villages in the area.

 

 

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159 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

NEDF calls for repeal of AFSPA

Appu Gapak

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) today called for repeal of Arm Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFSPA) from Northeastern region.

“It is a sign of hatred and is not helping in countering terrorism,” said North East Dialogue Forum  Convenor for Manipur U Nobokishor while quoting Justice Jeevan Reddy, former judge of Supreme Court. Nobo was addressing the media persons at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok here today.

The act was imposed in the region to counter insurgencies, but the act itself has become counter productive now. Earlier, it was formed only for the few insurgent groups that were acting, but now because of the Act, so many insurgent groups have come out, he said to drive home his point adding that it has failed to respond to the insurgency movement. He added “GoI is always advocating for political dialogues with the insurgent groups, which it has never done till now and do away with the AFSPA, which works against humanity.”

Accusing the AFSPA as an act of racism by the Centre government to the region, he said, “Why does it have to be confined to a geographical area? There are many Maoist groups that are functioning in states like Jharkhand and Orissa to name a few, why can’t the act be applied there and only in Jammu & Kashmir and all of the North east states.” Describing the gruesome acts of the Army and calling for military reforms in the country, he informed that many cases have been filed against the Army personnel but because of AFSPA, which gives them immunity, never turn up saying they are not liable.

Lastly, appealing for the ratification of National Criminal Code saying India should follow International Criminal Code (ICC), Nobo said, “ICC is our step for the withdrawal of AFSPA.”

Calling on the people of Arunachal Pradesh for the fight against AFSPA, NEDF Assam Convenor Ranjan K Barua said, “We need to develop a strong force, make people aware of the grave situation that we are in, which will take us to our goal.”

The people in the North Eastern states of India including the state governments and government of India aware that Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFSPA) was imposed in the region with the strategic reasons to counter the insurgencies. The government of India’s own committee headed by Justice Jeeven Reddy set up in 2004 and the Second Administrative Reforms Commission which is chaired by Congress leader Veerappa Moily recommended that AFSPA be repealed.

So far, 14 United Nations’s Special Rapporteurs namely Special Rapporteur Bacre Waly, Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions (1997), Special Rapporteur, Asma Jahangir, on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions (1999), Special Rapporteur, Asma Jahangir, on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (2004), Rodolfo Stavenhagen, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people (2005), Special Rapporteur, Prof. Philip G. Alston, on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions (2006), Special Rapporteur, Philip Alston, on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (2007), Special Rapporteur, Yakin Ertürk, on violence against women, its causes and consequences (2007), Special Representative (Hina Jilani) of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders (2007), Special Rapporteur, Prof. James Anaya, on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental freedoms of Indigenous (2010), Special Rapporteur, Margaret Sekaggya, on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders (2011), Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (2012) recommended the government of India to shun the grave human rights violations which is persisting in the region as a product of AFSPA and some of them seriously urged the government of India to repeal AFSPA and protect other human right issue in the regions.

In the second cycle of Universal Period Review of the United Nations Human Rights Committee held during May – June 2012, 80 countries expressed their deep and serious concern of human rights violation related to AFSPA. The Committee urged India to repeal the AFSPA in its special communiqué to the government of India for four times but the last letter was dated 2 September 2011.

Inspite of strong movement from the people in North East and Manipur in particular and pressures from many countries in the world to repeal AFSPA, GoI is yet to decide for its repeal.

Dr Th. Suresh Singh, former Director of Health Service, Government of Manipur had filed the writ petition which prompted the apex court of the country to issue the notice to withdraw the draconian act from the state. He had filed the writ petition 445 of 2012 on September 19 last for the withdrawal of the AFSPA from the state of Manipur and also to cancel the order of the state government which announced the State excluding the Imphal Municipal areas as 'disturbed area'.

The next hearing is fixed on January 4, 2013. This is the fourth hearing of the case, the first being held on October 19, the second on November 5 and the third on November 23 this year.

North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) is a conglomeration of various organizations that works for the cause of the North East People.  

 

 

Centre assures funds for successful implementation of NBA prog

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The Central Government has assured to provide all the funds required for Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA), formerly known as  total sanitation campaign, to make Arunachal Pradesh Open Defecation Free State by 2022, stated Secretary, PHE and WS in a release.

The assurance was given to Arunachal Pradesh delegation led by Parliamentary Secretary (PHE & WS) Karikho Kri by Bharatsinh Solanki, Minister of State for Drinking Water Supply during the two-day national consultation meeting of State Ministers and Secretaries in-charge of Rural Sanitation, which concluded today in New Delhi.

Addressing the meeting, Kri explained the various impediments in implementation of NBA program in Arunachal Pradesh. He requested for providing incentives as honorarium to Swachhata Doots in line with Block Coordinators so that the main goal of NBA can be achieved.

On the previous day, Secretary PHED Gaken Ete pointed out the difficulties in dovetailing the fund by converging the fund of MGNREGA with NBA and for simplification of the guidelines for implementation of rural sanitation programme.

The point raised was applauded by all the members present from all the other states. Subsequently, this matter was raised by the Parliamentary Secretary today which was appreciated by the Union Minister of State and agreed to examine the matter for consideration.

He further insisted for enhancement of the unit cost of toilet and for funding of the project is to be from NBA program and requested for provision for up keeping operation and maintenance of toilets which are already constructed in schools and Anganwadi centres.

A N Singh, Director CCDU and Likha Tekhi, Executive Engineer PHED, Khonsa also attended the meeting.

Addressing the press briefing at the conclusion of the national consultation on implementation of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan Solanki said that the goal of 100 percent Open Defecation Free Country set under NBA must be achieved much earlier than the targeted time of 2022. He said the States have to work in tandem with the Central Govt. towards the goal of dignified and hygienic living environment in the Rural India along with Urban India.

NBA launched in the first year of the 12th Five year Plan attempts to make a drastic change in the construction and use of sanitation facilities by the rural population. (with inputs from PIB)

 

 

Anti-socials rule the roost at inter-state boundary area

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Dec 21: Frequent incidents of murder, dacoity, theft and lifting of two wheelers besides other anti-social activities at Assam-Arunachal boundary area here have become order of the day causing grave concern to the local residents of Ruksin and Jonai (Assam). Moreover, rampant use of cheap alcohol and prohibited drugs is posing a great threat to the health of children.

Though there are police station near Ruksin gate and an Army camp besides a police out post within 15 km range along the border, these illegal and offensive activities are going on unabated in the area as no arrangement of night patrolling along the boundary area is initiated so far. Locals alleged that the criminals, taking advantage of security loophole, are easily committing heinous crimes and other illegal activities.

The elite section blames the inactive role of the district administration, police and excise department of both the states for ignoring the alarming situation.  It is alleged that the East Siang and Dhemaji (Assam) administrations are well aware of the criminal activities reining at border area but no step has been initiated so far for restraining the impending dangerous situation.

“It is very unfortunate that the administration, despite repeated appeals from different sections of the people has not taken any step to deal with the situation. The anti-social elements are committing crimes in the area taking advantage of security loophole, said some local residents, who wished not to be named.

It may be recalled that the local administration, following public complaints, conducted a series of operations against illicit liquor and narcotic practices during the early part this year but without any major achievement.

It is alleged that most of the shops/vendors at Pasighat and Ruksin area are involved with trading of Opium, Ganja and cheap Indian made foreign liquor, which is luring the young generation to its trap. The young generation including a large section of school going children has fallen into the trap of this business. The people alleged that easy excess to alcohol, narcotics and other contraband drugs is encouraging anti-social elements. But the police remained a mute spectator to the alarming situation showing utter irresponsibility.

According to a local doctor, the young drugs addicted youths use banned ‘Spasmoproxyvon capsule, an antispasmodic non-inflammatory drug for injecting into their veins. The drugs (medicine) earlier prescribed for relieving of abdominal pain was banned 12 years ago. The intravenous use of the drugs may cause serious health problems including depression of Central Nervous System.

 

 

Mithi appeals Cong workers to strengthen the party

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President  Mukut Mithi today urged the party workers and leaders to work together to strengthen Congress party for effective and smooth functioning of party organization in various levels. He was addressing at the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegate convention held at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here.

Among others, PCC delegates, AICC members, Congress ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs and office bearers of PCC, presidents of DCC/CCC took part in the  convention.

Mithi informed that modalities would be worked out after consulting with Chief Minister and AICC state Incharge of Arunachal for smooth conduct of Panchayat Election 2013.

All India Congress Committee Secretary Sanjay Bapna, who is also incharge Arunachal Pradesh, urged all party workers to work with great zeal and enthusiasm. He also requested the Party MLAs and ministers to visit district Congress committee and block congress committee offices to boost the morale of party workers.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki highlighted various socio-economic development programmes of the state Govt  such as employment generation programme for unemployed and effective implementation of schemes under SPA fund. On the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi, Tuki explained about the observation made by the high level technical teams from Airport Authority of India for shifting of green field Airport from Banderdwa to Hollongi new site. The CM also explained the Government’s initiative on PPP mode on hydro power and other important projects for rapid socio-economic development of the state. Gegong Apang, former Chief Minister and PCC delegate, Tuting-Yingkiong highlighted the importance of Congress party and advised all the party workers and leaders to work unitedly to strengthen the hands of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and also advised them to properly monitor the flagship  programmes of UPA –I and II for effective implementation in district and block level.

Union Minister for State Minority Affairs Ninong Ering informed the house on UPA’s successful passing of FDI Multi-Brand Retail and schedule caste and schedule tribe bills in the parliament. He urged the party leaders including ministers to give top-most priority on development of the state.

MP Takam Sanjoy read out the letters wrote to APCC president by Janardan Dwivedi, general secretary AICC and Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Member CWC and incharge Arunachal Pradesh for holding the PCC delegate convention.

Among others, APCC vice president Takar Marde, East Kameng DCC president L Lingfa also spoke on the occasion.

 

 

Field training prog for small tea growers

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The Tea Board Regional Office, Itanagar, has started a series of field training programme for the Small Tea Growers of Arunachal Pradesh.

The first training programme was organized at Oyan in Nyodek Yonggam’s field on  Dec 18. Altogether 25 tea growers of the locality participated in the programme.

While welcoming the participants in the training on “Pruning & Cold Weather Practices in Tea” S. Rajbongshi, Assistant Director of Tea Development, Tea Board, Itanagar  highlighted the growth of almost two hundred years old tea industry. He said though the local people started planting tea during last 2-3 decades but  number of tea growers are increasing gradually. The unorganized sector small tea growers has contributed to 26 per cent of total tea production of India, he said adding that the main objective of the TBI will be to streamline this unorganized sector which will take some time to achieve.

Steps are being taken to impart scientific training on various field activities in order to produce good quality tea. Resource person from TRA are imparting training at the current season.

Dr. S. Baishya, advisory officer of TRA, Thakurbari elaborated different types of pruning, precautions to be taken during pruning. He also lauded the scientific tea plantation  of Nyodek Yonggam.

Tadak Gab, The president of All Arunachal Pradesh Small Tea Growers Association emphasized on conducting such trainings in a regular interval at different places.

 

 

NEDFi  highlights schemes for economic growth

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) has formulated various financial schemes with very low interest rates to assist industrial and infrastructural development in the region in addition to other hand holding support to entrepreneurs, said BP Muktieh, CMD NEDFi.

Addressing a ‘Business cum Entrepreneur’s Counseling Meet’ organized by NEDFi, Itanagar branch a here today, the CMD informed that these schemes have been formulated in order to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in the region, which is a key source of economic growth and capital formation.

Sujoy Paul, Assistant Manager, NEDFi Guwahati and Alen Nabam, Branch Manager, NEDFi Itanagar gave PowerPoint presentations on various schemes of NEDFi and activities being carried out by the corporation.

The entrepreneurs had the opportunity for “one to one” interaction with CMD and DGM of NEDFi Guwahati where all the queries of the entrepreneurs were answered by the experts.

Earlier, L. Loyi, DGM, NEDFi urged the entrepreneurs to come up with their queries on their project in matters related to project selection, banking procedures, government incentives or any other issues which needs guidance and support from NEDFi during the course of the meet.

A total of 62 local entrepreneurs of the state along with financial experts attended the meet.

 

 

Health and social awareness tour conducted

SEPPA, Dec 21: Keeping in mind the well-known saying “prevention is better than cure,” Primary Health Centre (PHC), Pakoti along with Pakoti Area Development Committee conducted 10 days health, hygiene and social awareness tour of nine villages within the jurisdiction of Pakoti PHC of East Kameng district from December 11.

The health awareness programme covered Tallang, Weshi-I and 2, Richa, Kamsa, Hamba Pingda, Lachung Yangje, Loffa and Pakoti.

Before starting the tour on foot-march, Dr. Kapu Sopin, medical officer of the Pakoti PHC, who led the team along with Dr. Khoda Tada, highlighted the aim and objective of the awareness tour and talked about the communicable diseases like TB, Malaria, Measles and Dysentery etc.

Informing that diseases like dysentery, diarrhea and worm infestation spread from open defecation, the medical officer strongly discouraged such unhygienic sanitation practices and advised them to use individual household latrines.

He suggested the villagers to avoid excessive drinking (of alcohol) and maintain cleanliness of their surrounding to live a healthy life.

He also highlighted the role of ASHA, Dai and briefed on cancer, brain stroke, diabetes mellitus, doctor patient relation etc.

Dr. Khoda Tada, MO PHC, Pakoti also spoke on the occasion about safe motherhood, safe childhood, exclusive breast feeding, family planning, village health and nutrition day, immunization. While dealing with the topic, he advised the pregnant woman to get atleast three antenatal checkups and to take 300 iron tablets and two doses of TT injection and advised them to go for institutional delivery.

Regarding immunization, he explained them on six killer diseases, like neonatal TB, neonatal Tetunas, Polio, Diphtheria, Pertusis (whooping cough) and Measles. He asked the parents to cooperate and get their child fully immunized. He also talked about the myths associated with the measles.

To entertain and educate the villagers the awareness team performed a skit based on advantage of medical consultations over self-styled medication and superstitious belief and local treatment.

Rohit Bayang, chairman Pakoti Area Development Committee spoke about the social evil being practiced by the villagers like, child marriage, blind faith and fine imposition system. He discouraged such evil practices as such practice ruins the image of society. With regard to fine system, he asked the villagers to find congenial solution without imposition of fine system. He asked the villagers to treat girl child equally and educate them for their better future.

During the tour, the villagers heartily welcomed the team and appreciated the noble initiative by the medical team of PHC Pakoti.

The villagers enthusiastically and actively participated in the entire tour programme.

The tour began at Tallang village on December 11.

Nikam Tallang, Anchal Chairperson of the area and Sollung Tallang, President Tallang Welfare Society, who attended the programme, urged the team members to organize such important programme every year. They asked the villagers to cooperate and get benefit from the awareness camp.

General health check up, free Hepatitis B and Rapid Malarial Tests were conducted and mothers and child immunized against various diseases at every village during the 10 days camp. DIPRO

 

 

Training on Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram ends

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: The two days training on Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (Basic Newborn Care and Resuscitation) for nurses and doctors conducted by Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council under the aegis of National Rural Health Mission, Arunachal Pradesh concluded yesterday.

A total of 528 medical professionals, including doctors and nurses have completed the NSSK training so far, which started in the year 2010.

The NSSK training programme was launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India to address neonatal mortality rate.

Neonatal mortality rate world over is around 37% of all under-5 while the infant (u-5) mortality rate in India of around 50 is among the highest in the world. The objective of the training is to reduce infant mortality rate by providing necessary training to the doctors and nurses.

Dr. Moji Jini, Registrar-cum Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council in his address on the valedictory function yesterday, requested medical professionals to discharge their duty within the guiding principles of profession conduct, Etiquette and Ethics. All the medical practitioners should always update their knowledge to provide their services to patient and service without requisite knowledge is unthinkable, he said and exhorted all trainees to set a goal to decrease neonatal mortality rate in the state.

Dr. Dimong Padung, Nodal Officer, National Rural Health Mission in his address thanked Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council for effort to provide quality training to medical professionals. He requested the medical professionals to take every delivery as emergency which will help decrease infant mortality rate. Since infant mortality rate is high in rural areas of  Arunachal Pradesh their effort is very important to address the neonatal death, he said.

Dr. L. Jampa, State Epidemiologist, Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun requested all to percolate down the acquired knowledge in chain manner to reduce infant mortality rate.

Dr. Hibu  Tagyung, Senior Paediatrician,  Dr. Toko Bombei Tayeng, Gynaecologist and Dr. Koj Jarbo, Anaesthesiologist of General Hospital Naharlagun were the resource persons of  the  two day training.

 

 

Method demonstration prog on pisciculture

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirap organized a day-long method demonstration programme on different management measures of scientific fish culture under Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Tirap  for the fish farmers at Lapnan village near district head quarter Khonsa yesterday.

Inaugurating the programme Dr. DS Chhonkar, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Tirap urged the farmers to attend the programme sincerely and utilize the knowledge gained for prevention of commonly occurring fish diseases in their ponds. Rup Narayan Pradhan, District Fisheries Development Officer urged the fish farmers to learn about the scientific fish farming management practices through the programme and apply them in their pond condition for better fish production.

The method demonstrations were conducted at a farmer’s fish pond of Kheti village.

Subject matter specialist Dr. Rajdeep Dutta explained and demonstrated the farmers about different management practices of scientific fish culture like preparation of fish feed, supplementary feeding, measurement of pH of fish pond water, application of quick lime in fish ponds, fertilizer application in fish ponds and fish health care tips.

The farmers were also provided with some critical inputs like pH paper, quick lime and potassium permanganate required for scientific management of fish ponds during the programme. Paresh Chandra Bhattacharjya, Fishery Officer, Dept. of Fisheries, Tirap briefed the farmers about scientific way of construction of a new fish pond. The farmers were also provided with some critical inputs like pH paper, quick lime and potassium permanganate required for prevention of fish diseases during the programme.

It is worth mentioning that, winter season is a critical period of fish culture as different types of diseases generally attack fishes of ponds as the temperature of pond water lowers. It ultimately leads to mass mortality of fishes resulting in heavy financial loss to fish farmers.

Keeping this in mind, KVK Tirap planned the demonstration programme to educate and aware the progressive fish farmers about different management measures of scientific fish culture to prevent occurrence of common fish diseases.

A total number of 11 fish farmers of Lapnan village actively tokk part in the programme.

 

 

DC visits Dissing Passo

SEPPA, Dec 21: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Tope Bam alongwith HoDS of East Kameng visited Dissing Passo, Balisso, Dikalmukh and Dipik of Dissing Passo Circle yesterday.

The Deputy Commissioner interacted with the teachers posted in those places and urged them to be serious and sincere in their duties. He cautioned that teachers’ performance would be assessed from the results of the students. He also directed teachers of the respective school to make Mid-Day Meal available to the children in a hygienic way.

K. Darang, Joint Director, UD and Tasso Hinda, S.E (Power) also accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the tour and assessed the schemes and works under SPA in those places.

The team also visited Archaeological site Naksaparvat.

Attending a public meeting at Govt. Primary School, Dipik, Bam said that GBs are the judicial authority in the village level under Assam Frontier Regulation Act 1945 and for that they should deliver justice in a free and fair manner without favourism and biasness. Informing that the state govt. has approved the increase in honorarium for the GBs, Bam urged the GBs to reciprocate through discharging their duties in a more active and responsible manner. He also appealed to the public of Dissing Passo to continue to maintain age old mutual understanding and peaceful co-existing with the people of neighboring State. He appealed the people to maintain one’s own culture and traditions and called for more participation during celebration of festivals irrespective of religious differences.

S.P T. Ringu, informed that govt. has approved for establishing police out post at Dipik. He advised them to maintain Inner Line Permit for the engaged labourers. DIPRO

 

 

District level PMEGP exhibition begins

ITANAGAR, Dec 21:  A three days district level exhibition under PMEGP was inaugurated at UD Building, Ziro by T Padung, EAC, Ziro yesterday.

Organized by Brand Arunachal Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society in collaboration with Khadi and Village Industries Commission, State Office, Itanagar and the exhibition will continue till December 22.

In his address, Padung said such exhibition give opportunity to beneficiaries to sell and promote their products and also exchange ideas and knowledge.

AP Chobin, Asstt. Director, i/c State Office, Itanagar gave an overview of the exhibition. He also informed on other forth coming exhibitions under PMEGP and marketing and participation of PMEGP beneficiary Hibu Yabyang at Indian International Trade Fair at New Delhi for the first time.

Speaking on the occasion, Bamin Siri, Zila Parishad Member, Diibo, shared his experience how he became a successful entrepreneur, who recently received President’s award.

Lead Bank District Manager (SBI) and Bullo Apa, ADI, District Industries Centre, Ziro also spoke on the occasion. Circle officer, Ziro and officer from NABARD also attended the programme.

Beneficiaries, PMEGP units, khadi institutions etc. from Ziro, Naharlagun, Itanagar, Doimukh, Mahadevpur and Namsai are participating in the exhibition.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

Downturn in capital inflows to developing countries

Net external debt inflows to developing countries fell 9 percent in 2011 to 465 billion dollars due to the sharp contraction in inflows from official creditors, which fell to 30 billion dollars from 73 billion dollars in 2010, the World Bank reported.

According to the report at $434 billion, net inflows from private creditors were almost identical to their 2010 level, but with an important shift in composition: net short-term debt inflows contracted by 27 percent, while medium- and long–term financing from commercial banks tripled to $110 billion.

Aggregate net capital inflows, which tally both debt and equity, also fell 9 percent in 2011 to 1,107 billion dollars, compared with 1,211 billion dollars in 2010. The downturn was due to the collapse in portfolio equity flows, which fell to 2 billion dollars, in contrast to an inflow of 120 billion dollars in 2010.

The decreases were partially offset by inflows from commercial banks, sustained access to international bond markets and a rise in foreign direct investment, the Washington-based global lender said.

The report also highlights a wide disparity in trend among the top 10 borrowers in 2011 ranging from a 29 percent increase in net inflows to India as compared to a 67 percent decline in those to Turkey.

According to the report, in South Asia the trend was in the opposite direction, with the net inflow in 2011 double that of 2010 on account of the rapid rise in net inflow to India to $22 billion ($10 billion in 2010).

The sanctity of APPSC should be maintained

Dear Editor,

This is in continuation to article “wrong people in right place” which was published on your daily on 14th December, 2012 by one Anand Jerang regarding the ARUNACHAL PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (APPSC). The institution of APPSC is highly respected. This is only institution which recruits the topmost cadre officers of our state. We, people of the Arunachal Pradesh believe that those who are able to crack competition examination through APPSC are knowledgeable and talented persons with due respect to their sincerity and hard work. For that reason we respect the officers recruited through APPSC. Arunachal people are optimistic that APPSC officers could lead and administer law and order problem in proper way and do not compromise with the quality of work which in turn will make our state a better place to live. But I have no idea why the institution of APPSC is always in controversy? Every time after major exam there is an allegation against APPSC regarding the blunder mistake and mal-practice of the commission members. We had witnessed many controversies like the aspirant candidates setting fire the APPSC office and bandh call against the APPSC regarding the blunder mistake like evaluation of papers and others.

Now this time ANAND JERANG has questioned APPSC. He also questioned the integrity of APPSC members whether they are fit to be members of APPSC? He has questioned the way posts were controversially awarded in the 2012 combine competitive examination. It has clearly been mentioned that after interference of court the candidate got justice and got the post of CDPO. If this story is true, then I appeal to the respective members of APPSC kindly to make clarification which has been published. I also request the members of APPSC to protect the highly respected institution of APPSC whose aim is “talent search is our motto”.

The blunder mistake of APPSC members has given bad name to the institution. Now every aspirant candidate in his or her mind and heart develop some doubt and suspicious when the APPSC is going to conduct any competitive examination. So it is my personal request to APPSC members kindly do not pollute and damage the integrity of institution. There are many aspirants candidates who believe in this institution to recruit the deserved and talented persons so that these persons could serve the rural people in greater interest of the society. Lastly, I thank Anand Jerang for his bold and courage mind to focus about the wrong practices of APPSC members.

Yours’

Rakam Langdo

Seppa,

 

 

Modi has long way to go before being considered PM material

Dear Editor,

Narendra Modi might have a scored a hat trick in the Assembly elections, but can this piece of statistics hide the fact that Gujarat ranked 13th among the major Indian states in State Hunger Index and "boasts" of 47 percent of underweight and malnourished children in its midst? In spite of the trumpet of "prosperous" Gujarat, the state plays host to innumerable poor and unemployed and regularly gets hit by drought leading to suicides of farmers. And his failure in containing the Gujarat pogrom(even if it is assumed that Modi had not played a major role in it or tacitly supported it) against Muslims remain one of the greatest scandals and horrors of independent India.

Still Narendra Modi's electoral success is continuing just because he projects himself as the protector of Gujarati asmita and Hindu rights and this very brand of parochial politics has "inspired" the chauvinist Gujarati Hindus to vote in droves in favour of him. If he is indeed the self-declared guardian of the Gujarati Hindus, why would the non-Gujaratis and non-Hindus welcome or accept Modi as the Prime Minister of a multi-lingual democratic country?

And how can electoral success in mere Assembly election of a single state serve as "qualification" enough to assume the Prime Ministership of a vast nation named India? Gegong Apang and Pawan Kumar Chamling had/has won more Assembly elections than Modi. But they were/are never considered as eligible for Prime Ministership as they were/are not the "darling" of the media and did/do not hail from any overhyped state. Though Jyoti Basu was offered the post of Prime Ministership on a platter in 1996, but that was merely a fluke. Even in his heydays, Basu, winner of five successive Assembly elections, was not considered as Prime Ministership material. And though the Left Front won seven successive Assembly elections in West Bengal, never did the media and "pundits" attributed it to the development or good governance pursued by Basu and Buddhadeb Bhaatacharjee. Thus it is ridiculous to witness how mere electoral success in just three successive Assembly elections is being exploited by the vested interests as the ultimate yardstick of Modi's "greatness"!

It is really a matter of disgrace that a large section of media and people, instead of highlighting his failures and indulgence in parochial and communal politics; zealously project Narendra Modi, by citing ridiculous electoral statistics, as the "best" Prime Ministerial candidate of a country which is based on the foundation of secularism and equality!

Yours’

Kajal Chatterjee

Kolkata

 

 

Stay at posting places

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I, on behalf of All Nacho Area Students Union (ANASU), would like to appeal to all the Government employees posted under Nacho sub-division to stay at their posting places. It is seen that the people of Nacho area including students are facing lots of problem due to non-availability of Govt staff including teachers at their posting places.

Therefore, I appeal the Govt employees to attend office  and perform their duty regularly for the  smooth administrative functioning and convenience of  people of Nacho area.

Yours’

Tajum Nacho

President, ANASU

 

 

Wake up DC and SP

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed paper I would like to highlight the callousness of the District Administration of Lower Subansiri District towards the plight of ordinary citizen.

In this connection, I would like to inform that the single approach road going to Hill Top colony (near little angel school) has been obstructed due to the earth cutting done by some unscrupulous person. It has hampered traffic and made the road very dangerous.

I request the person concerned to have some civic sense and voluntarily remove the accumulated debris. If anything happens to me or my near and dear ones I am going to blame the persons who carried out cutting. The same situation is at the approach road to the Shiva Linga -the famous tourist attraction of Ziro valley. The roads have been made dangerous and narrow because of the quarries there.

I want to know if the Deputy Commissioner and the the Superintendent of Police is sleeping? Please keep on sleeping by ignoring plight of the people whom you are supposed to administer and safeguard.

Yours’

N.Ngupak

Paraline, Hapoli.

Geopolitical disagreement should not be a bane for border trade

Yankee Modi

As a little girl in the early 80’s I accompanied my father, a VLW (Village Level Worker) to distribute orange saplings and pineapple crowns to potential farmers in and around the villages of Pasighat. I remember that each time a farmer came; my father would lecture him about how cash crop agriculture can improve his livelihood. Later, in the same spirit he himself quit his government job to become a full-time farmer. Today, though, he never suggests any of his children to become a farmer and dream like he did. There is no future for farmers in modern-day Arunachal Pradesh.

In February 2010, on a roadside near Riga village in East Siang District, several tons of top-quality organic ginger was stacked up waiting for potential buyers. One of the women in Riga said the highest price they have ever gotten for their ginger was Rs. 12/kg. In January 2011, Pasighat market was flooded with tons of oranges waiting for customers. With no buyers, one seller finally settled with an Assam-based buyer at a below-cost rate. In June 2012, a history (hons) graduate from RGU after spending a few years in Itanagar trying his luck for a Government job returned to his native village for good. This time with some support from a salaried relative he spent almost a year working in malaria-infested ginger fields, catching malaria several times. Too bad: he couldn’t get a good price. Two trucks were unloaded in Pasighat to wait for a buyer. By the end of the month, all of the ginger had rotted. So much for the future of agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh. So what are we supposed to do to survive? Should we all become a generation surviving on the mercy of other people? Like scavengers, we prowl around government offices happy to grasp at anything that comes along our way.  Subsidies, relief and compensation from government are becoming our only industries, and our people some of them actually feel proud to receive them. Proud of what! What did we do to receive them? So much for our so-called tribal pride.

Geographically we are sandwiched between nations who are least aware of our potential. Economically we are permanently blocked for whatever geopolitical grounds. Our cash crop economy is limited to the market within our own state. This is a dead end, as Assam grows almost all of the same crops except for some few on a much larger scale. But at present, an Arunachal farmer almost needs a police escort to transport their goods down to a bigger market like Guwahati. By the time a farmer successfully makes it to a bigger market the cost incurred during the transportation would be unimaginable. So, instead of this, many of our farmers will wait for traders to approach them. As a result, most farmers sell their goods as a distress sale. This alone puts an end to the dreams which people like my father once had. The story of an Arunachal farmer ends right there.  The international bulk price (FOB) of organic ginger is at least USD $1100-1500per 1000kg. In most of Europe, it is at least Rs. 580/kg. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines are even exporting highly perishable goods like banana leaves, oriritak, basil (takemareng), eggplant, sibol, migomkoph, champignon mushrooms and oyster mushrooms. All of these goods, which you usually see being sold cheaply in Naharlagun and Itanagar markets are sold overseas at a much higher price. And it gets even worse. All of these food items are also found in New Delhi’s INA market, opposite to Delhi Haat. But these food items do not come from Arunachal Pradesh, despite that we have them available. They come from Thailand or Vietnam! And what do these countries get in return? Cash flow to build their infrastructure, like roads, hospitals, schools, research institutes, etc. How do they do this? Their governments make policies, people build networks, people build cooperatives. That sounds like a good idea, but it is a nearly impossible task for people from Arunachal to consider. Unlike others, our goods get stranded forever, and why? Let us compare Assam’s insurgent-ridden district of Karbi Anglong, which recently become one of the leading districts to not only sell organic ginger in the country, but also to international markets. Check their story in this website: www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2512/stories/20080620251210200.htm. If they can do it, why can’t we?

On 19 October 2011, Taba Ajum, one of the most admired journalists of this daily, put forward an idea that a far-flung place like Kibithu can actually become an international trade hub. This is exactly the kind of thinking that we need, but his plea was seen and forgotten. What other options are there? The status quo is completely bankrupt. The one and only way to change this is to open the borders. We have the goods, China has the money. What should stop us from selling directly to them? There may be geopolitical disagreements, but geopolitical disagreements exist all over the world, and they have not stopped people from trading with one another. China is now the bitter geopolitical rival of the USA, but this has not stopped them from being huge trading partners. Japan committed horrible war crimes in China, but this does not prevent Japan from selling their goods to China and vice versa.  Look around in our own markets: our whole state is flooded with cheap products that are ‘Made in China’. If the Chinese can sell their products to us, why can’t we sell ours to them? The border disagreement doesn’t alter any of the business dealings between India and China on a national level. India is one of the highest consumers of Chinese goods. But why are we barred from participating in international trade? We are right next door. We don’t even have to go any major expense to build border roads as they already exist. As far as our history goes, we have always had trade relations with the other side of the border since time immemorial. Many villages have swords, ornaments and other items that were traded down from Tibet. How did they come? We traded them for our goods. If we could do it then, why can’t we do it now? The food supply and other goods for the Chinese population stationed in the West of their country comes all the way from eastern China. We are closer, and we can sell to them for less. And we can buy their goods for less too, since it will be cheaper than shipping them all the way around Asia via Singapore and Calcutta. This would benefit not only Arunachal, but the whole Northeast region, as it will also create the possibility for other states to ship their goods through Arunachal Pradesh. And this also brings income to our state at every level.

This is what must be done, but when we will have the courage to demand it, I do not know. For now, farmers need to start to organize. Build a network, this is as important as tending your plants. Farmers need to talk amongst yourselves, build groups based on which plants grow within different blocks, circles, villages, areas. Pineapple farmers, orange farmers, etc. sit together with a cup of tea, talk to each other, share your failures, share your joys, bring your children and grandchildren and let them listen too. The more people that are organized, the better the chances of marketing opportunities. You don’t need to invite politicians or even administrators for such gatherings. This is for you, so do it yourselves. Once your products are ready for the market do not approach buyers individually. Approach buyers as a group, based on your organisation. As a group you have much better chances of survival even in an adverse situation. As an individual you might be lucky one time but you will surely fall a victim where no one will be there to fend or support you. Traders from the plains are better equipped in the existing market economy not because they are specialising in economics. They gather information. Your sons and daughters are using computers and the internet, and with this they can easily communicate with people and find information from all over India and all over the world. It’s just as simple to gather information about the FOB price of ginger in Guwahati, and the price of organic oranges. As a group, build links with traders who have connections to bigger markets. The only way to succeed is to access the wider world, where there are high prices and high demand. This is the only way that we will survive in today’s world. If we don’t stand together and organise ourselves to face the world, we will fall apart just like other indigenous communities of the world. Our ancestors have lived here and prospered for thousands of years. We should honour their persistence and their determination by creating a better future for all of us today. (The writer is a Ph.D student, University of Bern, Switzerland).

 

 

Christmas – Birth story of Jesus and its significance

Sr. Pennyrose Chinir, fma Celebrating Christmas

Christmas is celebrated by people all over the world with so much pomp and glitter. It is not limited to Christians only! Everywhere people breathe an air of excitement and joy with Christmas shopping, decorating and entertaining. They put on new dresses and exchange gifts. In every house a star is put up, lights are lit, houses decorated with shining colors. We can hear Christmas Novenas and Christmas carols sung in the Churches and in the houses. Christmas trees are well decorated. Family members come together from far and near for the Christmas celebration. People exchange Christmas greetings with Christmas cakes. In the tribal context like Arunachal Pradesh people cut mithuns for the Christmas meal without which the celebration is incomplete. Christmas is a time of music and dance. Christmas is full of shiny things that sparkle, gleam and glow; Young and old, people of different types enjoy celebrating it. We can go on adding the various ways of celebrating Christmas.

But what is it all about Christmas?

Christmas is the birth of Jesus. It is not a myth or just a story but a historical event. The Christmas story of the Birth of Jesus is narrated in the New Testament books of Matthew and Luke in the Bible.            

The birth of Jesus foretold: Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would give birth to a son and she would name him Jesus. At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel's words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and, therefore, "nothing is impossible with God." Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior.

The birth of Jesus: While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold by the angel. When Mary told Joseph of this, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law and she could be put to death by stoning.  Although Joseph's initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to abandon her quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us. When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons God chose him to be the Messiah's earthly father.

In those days a decree was issued by Emperor Augustus to take a census. That meant everyone should register themselves. All went to their own towns to be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, with whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The shepherds and the angels: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the A child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord                 has made known to us.”             (To be contd...)

The shepherd found baby Jesus in the stable: So the shepherd went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told to them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:1-20).

Significance of Christmas

Today the whole world celebrates Christmas externally, even if the internal significance is not understood. But the manner Jesus was born is not as glittering as we see now in the cribs. The first Christmas was in a cow shed! The young couple, Mary and Joseph went through a lot of tension, pain and agony at the birth of Jesus. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of humankind. God's Son became human and came to earth to save us. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn't how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl.

Jesus was a sign of contradiction. Right from his conception, series of misunderstanding took place. When his virgin mother Mary conceived him, even Joseph wanted to divorce his mother quietly for fear that she might be stoned to death. Just before his birth, an order came for the census to be taken and both his mother and foster father had to make a tough and long journey at that crucial time. And when his time of birth approached, his father knocked at different doors for the birth of Jesus but rooms were denied except the stable was offered him. He was not born in the hospital or at home but in a stable. His clothes were not foreign soft blanket but the rough straws. He was a target of jealousy and King Herod wanted to kill him. He was not brought up in the noble family nor received education in the best of institutions. He never passed his IAS or competitive exams. He never held any positions of importance like the Chief Minister or Governor or Prime Minister. He was a sign of contradiction.

This is the birth story of Jesus our Savior. He emptied himself of his divinity, of his kingship, of his glory, honor, power, wealth and became one like us. He grew up like any other human beings. He ate our food, drank our water, spoke the human language of his time in Hebrew, and followed the Jewish culture. He had no property or inheritance nor house of his own. He had no saving account or ATM cards for his security. He had no gold rings and gold chains or the latest Scorpio or jet plane. He did not have all the facilities of the modern children of the officials or of the ministers. Yet He was declared the most beloved and the Only Begotten Son of the living God. His life style was so different from the human life style. He took every form of human life except sin. He was not afraid of contradictions and misunderstandings. He was not afraid of being rejected or hated or denied even by his own people. He possessed nothing and yet he had a great impact in the spiritual life of the people. He invested all his talents, gifts, knowledge, wisdom, healing and miracles freely and generously with a mission i.e. to save the world and lead every one of us to eternal life.

Would you like to become more like Jesus? Start where Jesus started – by forgiving the people who hurt you deeply. To forgive us cost Jesus His life. To forgive others will cost us greatly, too. We will have to give up our anger, turn away from our bitterness, and decide by a conscious choice that we will forgive those who have sinned against us. And very often we will have to perform that act of forgiveness over and over again until we learn the grace of continual forgiveness. No one is more miserable than the person who harbors secret hatred and wishes for revenge. And no one is happier than the person who finally opens the door to the Holy Spirit and says, “Come in and do your work in me.” At the very moment when you say that, healing begins from the inside. Instead of hatred there is love, instead of bitterness, kindness and instead of revenge, forgiveness.

Many of our enemies are found in our immediate sphere of influence. This includes the husband-wife relationship and relations with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other more distant relatives. These are the people we go home to every day or interact with more or less a regular basis. Every week we work go to office with people who may dislike us. We may even come to church and see people we would rather not see. If this teaching of Jesus about loving our enemies is going to work, it must work first in the relationships closest to us. You have to learn to deal with the people closest to you before you can impact the world around you. Sometimes the people we love the most will turn against us. And sometimes it will happen over and over again, and we will discover that our loved ones have become our enemies. Yet the command remains: “Love your enemies.”

You must give up trying to force people to understand how much they hurt you. If you are willing to give up your right to always be right, the healing can start now. Conflicts cannot be resolved until we realize that we have some forgiving to do and we need to be forgiven. At some point we must release those who have hurt us, even though we know they don’t know or understand all that they have done. And we must confess our sins even though we know our explanation will not be accepted or fully understood. Grace cannot be extended as long as we demand to be fully understood.

Christmas is a time of extending this gift of forgiveness to one and all.  Christmas is the time to show and share love, peace, joy and happiness. It is a time of forgiving one another because God forgives us. When God forgives, He forgets our sins, clears the record and erases the tape so that when He pushes the button, nothing shows up on the big screen in heaven. Our sins are forgiven, forgotten, removed, buried and blotted out. They can never condemn us again. Let that thought grip your soul and you will never be the same. God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never disappoints and love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope. Wish you all a very happy and grace filled Christmas! [The contributor of the article is Asst. Professor (Dept. of Sociology) Don Bosco College, Itanagar]