February  27

Nyokum Yullo celebrated with traditional fervour

Nyishis can lead the path for others: CM

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: It actually came as a refreshing breather, particularly when it came from none other than the Chief Minister himself.

A person, who is invited as the chief guest of a programme or event more than anyone else, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today urged the people to avoid calling politicians and leaders as chief guests. Instead, he suggested, inviting intellectuals, experienced people and those who have achieved something great in life and are inspiration to others.

“Invite people like a Gaon Bura, who is the most respected person in the area or some great personality. The trend of inviting politicians and rich people ought to be changed. Why don’t we begin a new trend with Nyokum and set an example for others,” he said attending the Nyokum celebrations at Doimukh today.

For record, the Chief Minister wasn’t the chief guest today but played a perfect host to Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Doordarshan Director General Tripurari Sharan and others along with local MLA Nabam Rebia. In chaste Nyishi, Tuki expressed concern that festivities are becoming more money-centric these days and organizers invite affluent politicians and rich people as chief guests and guest of honours. He said the practice was setting up a bad trend for the youngsters, who will go a step ahead in the wrong direction when they take over from their elders.

Admitting the fact that resource for organizing an event was essential, he, however, advised a practical and moral method of resource mobilization. Giving an example, he said resources can be mobilized for Nyokum celebrations centrally under the Central Nyokum Committee (CNC).

“I am only suggesting a way. It is up to the people to decide. What I am saying is that we the Nyishis can lead the path for others,” Tuki said.

On part of the government’s role, he announced that his four-month old government is committed to preserve and propagate the rich traditional culture of each community of the state. He informed that the government has plans to turn major festivals of the state into tourism festivals to give a fillip to local celebrations and also generate employment as well as revenue.

In line with cultural centers in the districts, Tuki proposed to establish an All Tribe Cultural Center in Doimukh as it fell in the vicinity of the state capital for which he appealed to the local residents to give the government a plot of land at least hundred hectares. “This would be a center that would showcase the culture and traditions of all the tribes of Arunachal. We can have at least one traditional house of all the major tribes in the center which will become a must-visit site for domestic and foreign tourists as well as researchers,” he said.

Tuki also offered to establish a degree college at Doimukh as the college at Itanagar was not able to accommodate the increasing number of students every passing year. Besides, he assured to place funds for Dikrong river flood control and development of the Rono Ground in the next financial year.

Earlier in the morning, Tuki inaugurated the 6- room Guest House of Urban Development at Doimukh which was constructed departmentally at an estimated cost of Rs 2.30 crore. He also inaugurated the Rono Hall- - a community hall cum badminton stadium before swaying to the mood of Buya dance.  

“Ale Pare” said Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in Nyishi with a tinge of audible Garo accent. He went on to add a couple more lines in Nyishi to the loud cheer of a crowd clad in traditional attires, including his Arunachalee counterpart, at Rono Ground here today.

Doimukh perhaps has become the first place in the state to have two chief ministers at one go attending the most important festival of the Nyishis – Nyokum.

A man of words Sangma, chief guest of the occasion, hailed indigenous festivals as not only an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the communities of the region but also a medium to re-link with their rich customs and traditional values.

“Our festivals are a reflection of our commitment to preserve our cultural heritage and traditional values,” he said switching over to English, his forte.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister stressed more on traditional values passed down through generations and urged the people to imbibe and practice these in their daily life so that it passes on to the next generation. He felt that with time people are giving less importance to the traditional values that call for respect to elders, bonhomie with other communities, peaceful co-existence, moral character, etc.

“Only celebrating our festivals in traditional attires and going through the rituals routinely without following our traditional values does not have a meaning,” Sangma pointed out.

Another traditional value he cited and emphasized on was respect to nature with which the indigenous communities of the region have lived in complete harmony since ages. He said until and unless people respect and preserve the abundant natural resources and judiciously utilize it for mutual benefit celebrations like Nyokum would stand no ground.

Sangma, who had earlier attended the valedictory function of the silver jubilee celebration of Arunachal’s Statehood on February 24, said Arunachal and Meghalaya are the only states in the region to attain statehood without ‘throwing a stone or shedding a drop of blood’. This, he said, was a message to the world and exemplified the peaceful co-existence of numerous tribes and their simple nature.

Hailing Arunachal Pradesh as a state with immense potential, he expressed faith that one day it would emerge as one of the richest states of the country.

“Note down my words. Arunachal has a bright future, especially under a visionary leader like your present Chief Minister,” he said while bidding adieu with a curt ‘Paya Lincho’! But not before throwing an invitation to all to visit his state and join its indigenous festivals.

Staff Reporter adds: While addressing the huge gathering on the occasion of Nyokum Yullo celebration at Nyokum ground, Nirjuli, Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Rajesh Tacho said that education is a must for today’s youth so that they can preserve and promote the culture and tradition for posterity.

Both education and peace are equally important to bring the state in the forefront of development, Tacho said.

Lauding the Nyishi community for jealously guarding their own culture and tradition since   time immemorial, the Minister further said, no community can survive in the world without tradition and culture.

Drawing a similarity of culture between Idu-Mishmi and Nyishi communities, Tacho further exhorted the people to respect each other’s religious belief and tradition and to promote harmony and brotherhood.

Regarding developmental prospects of the state, Tacho said that Arunachal is one of the biggest state in the country in term of resource and area. The vast potentials of the state in various field including medicinal plants and hydro power are yet to be explored, he said.

The minister called upon the community people to use such platform to find out the loopholes which draw back the society and state in its march towards perfection.

Among others, Working chairman of the CNC,  Tapu Gapak, MLA Techi Kaso also spoke on the occasion.

The main attraction of the festivity was  performance of Buya Sonam  and Rikam Pada Sonam by the cultural troupes.

At Palin,  “Nyokum-- the agricultural festival of Nyishi Community was celebrated at the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya campus with much fanfare.

Besides  traditional games  and sports  the main attraction of the celebration was traditional group dance by girl students.

Participating in the celebration, Lumba GSS head- master Takam Tariam highlighted the importance and origin of Nyukum Yullo celebration. He also stressed on the need to preserve  age-old culture and tradition for posterity and  also encouraged the students to study hard.

 

Arunachal needs attention of national media: Doordarshan DG

Doordarshan Director General Tripurari Sharan today committed to redress the problems being faced by the local Doordarshan Kendra (DDK) of Itanagar including its low coverage and shortage of manpower.

Addressing the gathering at Nyokum Yullo celebration at Doimukh this morning, the DG felt that a state like Arunachal with its rich cultural heritage and diversity needs more attention from the national channel.

“I have been apprised of several problems facing DDK Itanagar. I assure that all these will be addressed sooner than later,” he declared while accepting that the station needs to upscale its services.

Sharan informed that the newly appointed CEO of Prasar Bharti was aware of the major problem of manpower shortage in DDKs of the North East. He said the issue would be resolved within this year.

“I assure before the Chief Minister today that manpower shortage will be resolved. And not only that, we will ensure that more local people are recruited so that they can work here as at times people from the mainland are reluctant to come to the North East owing to reasons best known to them,” he said. The DG also expressed concern that most of the Low Power Transmitters (LPT) have gone defunct due to lack of professionals to man them. Pointing out that LPTs are the only link with the outside world in remote and border areas, he assured to get all these functional very soon.

Sharan admitted that while in rest of India the set-up of Doordarshan broadcast was D9, in the North East it still follows a lower set-up. Speaking about the plan to upgrade to HD technology, a set-up higher than D9, he assured that DDKs in Arunachal and rest of the North Eastern states would be straightaway upgraded to HD technology without going through the intermediary stage.

On a request to acquire an Outdoor Broadcasting (OB) Van for live telecast of programmes and events, he said Doordarshan would bring up the proposal for the North Eastern states in the 12th Five Year Plan. Meanwhile, he said DSNG vans, which cost less than OB vans, can be acquired for limited live telecasts.

Getting a first-hand experience of Nyokum celebrations, the DG, accompanied by his deputy B N Bakshi and a team from New Delhi, expressed desire to send a full-fledged team to record and cover the festivity in total for archival as well as coverage use.

 

 

The other side of Arunachal Festival

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Indira Gandhi Park, the venue for recently concluded Arunachal Festival 2012 has borne the maximum brunt of five days over-zealous celebration. At this moment, the IG Park looks like garbage dumping site with litter and waste products all around the park. Near the main venue, where food stalls were set up, it has become almost impossible to walk around because of filthy smell. It’s going to be two days since the festival ended but garbage has not been cleared yet.

The festival organizing committee seems to think that their duty was over with the conclusion of the festival.  They forgot that IG Park is the only park  in the state capital which caters to the needs of citizens as well the state Govt. As the festival ended, it is time for introspection for the authorities, particularly the organizer.

According to the sources, majority of the festival committee members comprised of bureaucrats. The main idea behind celebrating this festival is to sell it to the global tourists on the line of Hornbill Festival of Nagaland. Therefore, a proper event and media management should have been done by hiring professionals from the respective field.  The organizing committee also failed to market the festival at various metropolitan cities through advertisements.

In today’s modern world of information technology, everything revolves around internet. Even though Arunachal Festival is being celebrated every year since 2002 but till today there is no single website dedicated to the festival celebration whereas most of the tourists usually depend on internet for all kind of information.

For greater success in years to come the festival committee should launch website dedicated exclusively  to the Festival of Arunachal. However, the most important aspect which organizing committee needs to take care of is proper presentation of tribal culture and tradition.

It is good to invite Bollywood stars to perform but they should not be allowed to hijack the festival.

 

 

DC visits D Ering Sanctuary

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: East Siang Deputy Commissioner Talem Tapok yesterday visited the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary to take stock of the various problems faced by the staff.

It was DFO Tashi Mize, playing a perfect host, took  the DC and  his team to all the three divisional ranges of the sanctuary.

The team started its  visit from Borguli Range through Siang river.

On his way to Anchalghat range, Ranger Tamuk briefed the DC and the DFO about various problems  faced by the staff in guarding the sanctuary, specially during monsoon season due to infrastructural shortage.

On reaching Anchalghat bordering Assam, the visiting guests were taken to the site of the river bank from where illegal activities are allegedly carried out by the people of the neighboring state.

Incidentally, a man identified as Monush Doley from neighboring Assam's Kemi village was caught transporting thatches illegally from the sanctuary.  The annoyed staff set the thatches on fire but the man was let off with stern warning.

While summing up his visit, DC Tapok interacted with all the staff and boosted up their morale by assuring them to take up their genuine problems  with PCCF and State Govt. He advised them to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication towards protecting the rich flora and fauna.

Maksam Tayeng of Mebo, a conservationist, while describing the visit as fruitful one stressed on insuring life of all the staff.

“The sanctuary would regain its past glory if the present efforts of DFO Mize get PCCF and state govt’s timely help, Tayeng said.

 

 

Army Mela draws huge crowd

ITANAGAR, Feb 26:  With an attempt to forge stronger bonds between army and the locals, the Army units of 40 Mountain Brigade in cooperation with Tawang district administration organised a day-long Army Mela at Jung ground.  The celebrations began with a special prayer by the Lamas, followed by a cultural programme by the locals and the army personnel.

The programme included a traditional Monpa dance, Energetic Bhangra, Vigorous Khukri, Garbhaand Rustic Dogri Dance, which left the audiences spellbound. The Pipe Band display by the Sikh Regiment was quite captivating.  Other special attractions of the Losar Mela were recruitment awareness stall, adventure stall, medical stall and veterinary stall put up by ITBP with free medicines and information to the locals. On the occasion Army provided necessary guidance to young people willing to join the armed forces. The food and the game stalls enticed the children and adults alike.

The celebrations showed the bonhomie between the civilians and the army personnel.

At the end of the cultural programme, Commander 40 Mountain Brigade assured  them of the Army’s continuous effort in aiding the people.

The event, which was organized under the aegis of Blazing Sword Division was attended by high ranking army and civil dignitaries and more than 4,000 local people clad in traditional attires from neighbouring villages of Lhou, Khirmu, Mago, Jhangdha and Jung attended  the mela.

 

 

Court directs to remove structure

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: In a Judgment, Chief Estate Officer cum Additional District Magistrate, Itanagar Capital Complex Naharlagun has directed Ojing Darang, Labour Commissioner to remove the RCC structure which is within the premises of Govt. Quarter No. 22 T-IV at D sector Naharlagun within three weeks failing which eviction will be carried out under section 5 of the APPP Act, 2003.

The judgment came after hearing both the parties, the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union, the complainant and Ojing Darang, Labour Commissioner cum Secretary Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Workers Welfare Board, the respondent after carefully examining all the relevant records submitted by the Labour Department, Public Work Department and Director of Housing on February 22 last in the court of Chief Estate Officer cum ADM Itanagar Capital Complex Naharlagun on the basis of complaint lodged by AAPWU against encroachment of government land and construction of personal building by dismantling Govt. Quarter at ‘D’ sector Naharlagun. Meanwhile, AAPWU has temporarily suspended its proposed tools down stir beginning March 1 next following the court judgment.

However, “ We will be compelled to go ahead with our stir if the Chief Secretary does not suspend Ojing Darang from Labour Commissioner and Secretary APB&OCWWB and initiate stern legal actions against him for destroying public property and constitute high level enquiry committee to unearth the misappropriation of huge amount and misuse of power and position within March 5,” the release said.

 

 

6th general conference of AAPSA held

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: The 6th General Conference and Annual General Body Meeting of All Arunachal Private Schools’ Association was held here at  Royal International School Papu Nallah.  A large number of Principals from various private schools of the State attended the conference.

The programme included cultural presentations by students of Eleazer English School, reading of the AAPSA Annual Report, an input session by Pearson Education Services Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore on e-Class room, and election of the new AAPSA Executive Board and the formation of Arunachal Chapter of Sahodaya Complex.

Attending the conference, Rt. Rev John Kattrukudiyil DD, Bishop of Itanagar commended AAPSA for its formation and achievements so far. He opined that AAPSA is a very important platform for deliberations on improving the educational scenario of the State as private schools are contributing the lion’s share in education in the State.  He also added, “There are more than thirty thousand students benefiting from Catholic-run educational institutions alone in the state.  And there are another sizable number benefiting from private schools run by individuals/organizations contributing to the dissemination of knowledge.”  Bishop John exhorted the gathering to unitedly strive towards imparting quality education and to lay special emphasis on character-formation of students.

Padmashree Mamang Dai, in her speech, reminiscenced her bygone school days and shared her experiences on the changes that has taken place in the education in Arunachal Pradesh since then.

Mamang Dai also spoke about her yet-to-be-finished work on the Catholic missionary martyrs Frs. Nicolas Michel Krick and Augustin Etinne Bourry, a 153 years old mission-unto-death story from our own Arunachal.  The Padmashree awardee also exhorted the gathering to continue to work for the progress of the State especially in education.

In the Business Session, the members, after extensive discussions and opinions, also elected new office bearers of AAPSA.

The gathering also witnessed the formation and on-line registration of the Arunachal Chapter of Sahodaya under CBSE and the telephonic conference with K.K. Choudhury, the Regional Officer, CBSE, Guwahati with heads of CBSE-affiliated schools present.

In the valedictory function the members expressed their gratitude to the Founder President, Fr. Philip P.C. and his team who literally brought up the organization from the scratch to its present status.

In his farewell speech  AAPSA president Fr. Philip said, “AAPSA should continue to benefit the students, the teachers and the parents and that is our focus.”  The newly appointed President Jenny Riba exhorted all to work together as a team irrespective of accidental differences towards strengthening and establishing AAPSA  and forming its units in all the Districts of the State.  “We are committed to our motto: “Mission to Educated”, Jenny added.  

 

 

IEC on TSC  in Balijan circle ends

ITANAGAR, Feb 26:  The five days long village level awareness programme on Information Education Communication (IEC) on Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) under Balijan circle came to end with its last awareness programme which was organized at Balijan inspection bungalow on February 25. The programme was  organized by Papum Pare District Water Sanitation Committee (DWSC) under PHED department in collaboration with N.N. Charitable Society (NNCS)  Langper, Sagalee.  The last leg of this series of programme covered Tubung-I, Tubung-II, Upper Balijan, Lower Balijan, Gai and Garung Karbi villages under Tobung Balijan Panchayat.

NNCS chairman Nangbia Amar Dui  explained  the aim and objectives of the programme, while Balijan PHED JE B Bagra stressed on the need of maintaining cleanliness.

Nabam Menia, GPM Chairperson of Tubung Balijan Panchayat also spoke on the occasion. She requested her Panchayat leaders to take advantage of this campaign and maintain hygienic life  in order to get red rid of various communicable diseases.

Main resource person Tamchi Niania, Chairman of Rural Development and Heritage Society (RDHS) Sangram called upon the  villagers to  construct individual latrine  for success of the Total Sanitation Campaign.  A short video film on the theme  ‘Aapna Swasth aapna Haath’ was also screened to educate the villagers on the  importance of total sanitation campaign.

 

 

Killer Parvo virus in your Pet dog

Dr.Gyamnya Baki Garam

The Dog (canis lupus familiaris),which is called ‘Ikki’ in most of the Tanyi ethnic language is the most loved and closest animal among all the domestic animals to the human being. It is said that the story of Mahabharat starts with dog and ends with dog. Even our Abotani mythology tells us that the dog was the first domesticated and most obedient animal to the human being. It was the dog (Dumpu Kipung) who brought back the seeds of crops from the land of Deri-Tamii to the famine hit Tanyi-land by carrying the seeds inside his earfolds. So dog is not just an animal, it is a member of our familly. They are our playmates; they are our guardians and our entertainer. We have the highest interspecies bonding. But what happens, when our beloved pet dog stops breathing before our eyes? The situation is nothing less than the tragedy of losing one of our human members of the family. Some kids and even senior pets owner stop eating and talking for few days in the event of death of their pets. This tragedy is being faced by so many pet owner during this season due the suffering of their pet dog from the attack of deadly virus called Canine parvo virus (CPV).

Within this two week there is drastic rise of the parvo virus infection cases in the twin capital city, especially in the pet dog, which may increase in days to come if no proper preventive measure are taken at this time. As the epidemiological study suggested that the prevalence of this disease gets higher as spring season approaches so it will be helpful if all the pet dog owners know something about this killer disease.

CPV or Parvo is a viral disease which is caused by a smallest known virus that occur in all species of animal called Parvo virus, a smallest DA A virus which is resistant to high temperature and adverse climatic condition. This virus has wide variety of host like cattle, pig, dog, human, rat, and chicken. The main source of infection is the feces of the infected dog. The feces of infected dog have a high concentration of viral particle. The virus is also transmitted through direct contact with the infected animal, and contaminated clothes, shoes, foods etc. Once the dog get infected with the virus, the disease starts showing symptom within 7-10 days. Parvo may affect dogs of all age but most sus­ceptible is the dogs of below one year. The virus has got high affinity for the lymphocytes and lymphatic system thus causing immune suppresive effect. The virus infected through ingestion is carried to intestine where it invades intestinal wall and cause inflammation and damage crypt cell which are normally responsible for the absorption of Nutrients and thereby leading to haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. They shows refusal of food, polydipsia, frothy yellow coloured vomitus, and the animal will pass brownish semi­solid faeces with mucus followed by foetid haemorrhagic diarrhoea. As the result of this ,death occurs due to dehydration leading to peripheral circulatory failure. Once, any of the above described symptom is observed, the dog should be immediately rushed to the nearest veterinary hospital or dispensary for prompt treatment. There is no specific cure against this deadly virus, so treatment consists of providing care so the body can produce enough antibodies of its own to neutralize the virus. The supportive care consists of braodspectrum antibiotics to fight off secondary bacterial infection, fluid therapy to correct the dehydration and control of vomiting and diarrheoa.

The chance of survival is high if the pup is brought at the initial stage and if its survived till 3-4 days of treatment than there is good chance o survival and full recovery will occur within a week.

Every year this deadly virus takes the life of many pet dogs so the proper under­standing about the disease and its preventive and control measure will lower the incident rate The best way to control the disease is through the proper vaccination against the virus. The primary vaccination for a pup is done at 6-8 week after birth as 1st injection and second injection is given at 12th week after the first injec­tion and for dogs older than 3months,l injection is given and followed by yearly booster dose. Beside this proper quarantine of incoming animals atleast for 1-2 week, isolation of sick animals, proper cleaning and disinfection of cages and bowls, routine deworming, stress reduction etc will help to minimise the spreading of this deadly virus. The excreta should be properly disposed and the premises should be disinfected. Zoonotic nature of the canine parvo virus is not yet established, so the pet owners need not worry in handling your ailing pets rather the ailing dog should be properly handled to minimise the stress. Donot not try to avoid the ailing dog in fear of getting infection. Always remember to bring the dog to the nearest Veterinary dispensary or hospital or call your nearest vets as early as possible. Together, we can only stop our pets dogs from the attack of this deadly virus. (Dr Garam is a Veterinary officer, lnterstate livestock check gate, Banderdewa)

Mein visits PMEGP exhibition

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: PWD Minister Chowna Mein  and A.K. Singh, Director Tourism today visited the 3-days district level exhibition under Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme organised by National Youth Project, Arunachal Pradesh under the sponsorship of Khadi and Village Industries Commission State office, Itanagar at the Nyokum Lapang Ground.

Varieties of products from PMEGP, RISC units and Khadi institutions are on display. The exhibition organized coinciding with the Nyokum festival would conclude tomorrow.

 

KVK SAC meeting held

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Papum Pare District Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) was held at Nirjuli on February 24.   All the SAC members including from NABARD, Science and Technology department, DDK and AIR and heads of the department of the district were present in the meeting which was presided over by  Dr. N D Minto, Joint Director, Planning,  animal husbandry and veterinary.

Addressing the meeting, KVK PC Dr. T Heli highlighted the Kendra’s activities on capacity building. He informed that the KVK was given the mandate on capacity building of the farmers only without much needed support to conduct the capacity building programme.  Supports in form of seeds,  medicines and other services are of paramount importance for effective implementation of outreach programmes  for the farmers, he said.

Further, he informed the members about paucity of fund meant for training in remote and far flung areas where proper road connectivity is still a distant dream.

At present, the Kendra is implementing two number of rural livelihood improvement projects, namely, Tribal Development Fund (TDF) project sponsored by NABARD in the orange production belt and Community Mithun Conservation Project under Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) in the district, he further informed.

KVK OSD N Pertin informed that there are 13 KVKs in the state functioning under different organizations/institutions.

 

PRI leaders refute allegation

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: The Panchayati Raj Institution (PRl) members of Ruksin have refuted the allegation of Ruksin block ZPM Tonggeng Panyang that MLA Dr. T Tapak was depriving the PRI leaders from taking part in development activities.

Reacting sharply to the news item published in this daily recently, they said that all schemes and funds are properly used in a systematic and transparent manner. They further said the Special Central Assistance (SPA) Fund was not utilized by the MLA for the benefit of his kith and kins, but it was distributed among the poor and needy people by the PRI leaders and village elders on need based basis as per norms. Hence, the MLA is not responsible for its distribution and selection of beneficiaries; they claimed and condemned the ZPM for leveling such unfounded allegation against the MLA.

While clarifying the allegations on rural housing scheme and electrification under RGGVY, they termed it as baseless saying that only genuine and deserving persons have been selected by the PRI leaders and village elders as per norms.

The allegations were made out of frustration for gaining personal benefit, they said and cautioned him to refrain from making such baseless and unfounded press statement.

 

Payment without work alleged

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), East Kameng district unit in a release alleged that payments amounting to lakhs of rupees were made to various contractors, that too without any work, by rural works department, East Kameng district.

According to information obtained through RTI, it claimed, Rs. 76,71974 was disbursed to various contractors against flood damage repairing work of Chayangtajo -Yangfo rural link road without carrying out any work.

“The road is still in the same condition as it was before the supposed repairing work started,” NSUI claimed.

It demanded the Chief Engineer, RWD to initiate an inquiry into the matter to correct the fault failing which NSUI threatened to launch stir beside lodging FIR against the erring officials and contractors.

 

Training on disease managementin vegetable crops

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Lohit District Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has organized a training programme on “Disease Management in vegetable crops” for the farmers of Pangkhao village today.

Madhumita Sonowal Bora, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), KVK Lohit district trained the farmers about  various methods of disease management including traditional, mechanical, chemical in vegetable crops. Practical session on seed treatment and seedling treatment was also conducted for the benefit of the farmers. Various problems faced by farmers in various crops were discussed during the training.

Twenty-eight participants including Gaon Burah were present in the training programme which was conducted under the supervision of Dr. P K Mallick, Programme coordinator of the KVK. The programme was sponsored by NABARD, Itanagar.

 

Career counseling prog

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Campus India Educational Consultancy and Admission Guidance Centre (CIECAGC), Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with NGF College of Engineering and Technology, Palwal and DJ College of Dental Science, Gahaziabad organized one-day Educational Carrier Counseling on higher education at Frontier Higher Secondary School Zero on February 25. Around 200 students, parents and teachers participated in this workshop.

Participating in the programme as resource person, NGF College CEO Ashwani Prabhakr explained in details about the eligibility criterion and admission procedure in various courses available in the country and abroad. He said that Arunachalee students are hard working and have the potentials to achieve their goals.  Only the thing that they need is proper guidance.

DJ College admission officer cum senior educational career counselor from New Delhi, Jitendra Singh spoke on various branches of medical courses and the eligibility and procedures to get admission.

Among others, Arunachal CIECAGC director Sukhdev Biswas, Frontier Higher secondary school principal MB Bista also spoke on the occasion.

 

Training on carpentry

TEZU, Feb 26:  A month-long training on Carpentry began at Lohit District Industry Centre here yesterday. The District Youth Coordinator of Nehru Yuva Kendra Pailo Mihu and Labour and Employment officer Jablong Krong jointly inaugurated the training programme being organized by the Indian institute of Entrepreneurship (IEP).

Altogether 30 youths are undergoing the training and  the main objective of the training is to provide self-employment opportunities to rural youths. Both Mihu and Krong appreciated the initiatives taken by IIE to provide job opportunities to rural youths. IIE faculty member Shantanu Deka  also spoke on the occasion.

 

Art of Living course

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: The Art of Living is organizing a six days stress management and life-skill workshop at its Centre here from February 28.  

The centre-piece of the workshop will be the Sudarshan Kriya, an innovative breathing technique designed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In addition to Sudharsan Kriya, the workshop will include meditation, yoga, pranayama and relaxation processes that result in higher concentration, energy, joy and peace of mind. The benefits of the workshop also include better physical health, freedom from diseases such as diabetes, high BP, heart problems, asthma and headache.

News Impact

• Nyokum Yullo celebrated with traditional fervour
• The other side of Arunachal Festival
• DC visits D Ering Sanctuary
• Army Mela draws huge crowd
• Court directs to remove structure
• 6th general conference of AAPSA held
• IEC on TSC  in Balijan circle ends
• Killer Parvo virus in your Pet dog

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

All rights reserved.

Is water subsidized?

Dear Editor,

I am totally shaken by the silence of the public over the water shortage in Pasighat. The public deserves an explanation from the PHED engineers and the local M.L.A for the delay in resuming the water supply. It should not be at the whims of the said department to resume the running water supply. They are paid by the Govt of India for the service and they have to  perform the task for which they have been appointed. If they cannot work efficiently, should they not be asked to relinquish from the post for which they are paid a handsome salary?

And what is the local M.L.A upto? I am doubtful if he is even aware of the ordeal that the public, mostly from outside the state is undergoing. The M.P from Pasighat also should take note of the current issue. Both of them should not forget the promise which they made during the last election. Chief engineer, PHED should also take note of the crisis and take the action accordingly. Although water may be supplied in tankers, can that be enough for washing clothes, cooking, bath and most importantly toilet purpose? Is water a subsidized commodity that we have to stand in queue? If the government of Arunachal cannot provide even this basic need, what else can the public expect?

Do I need to speak more of our agony or should we stop taking bath, cooking, drinking water and stay away from morning ablution?

The victim of this utter negligence are the children as the exams are nearing and they have to lend their hands in collecting water. The Higher authorities should ensure that petrol used for ferrying the tankers is accounted and fully audited to prevent the public money from draining away.

Yours,

A temporary citizen of Pasighat

 

 

A lesson to learn from Nagaland

Dear Editor,

I read in  your esteemed paper comparing the recently held Arunachal festival with Hornbill festival of Nagaland. Such comparison would be akin to comparing heaven and hell. I was a witness to Hornbill festival last year. The most important theme of the festival is to showcase the rich culture and tradition of the entire tribe of Nagas where cultural troop of each tribe perform traditional dance and dramas. Not only so, but the individual tribe has a respective traditional homes and you even get to taste their local delicacies served by boys and girls in total traditional attire. Local artisans and craftsmen also display their product for selling. And regarding the security, there were no hasssles. Infact they appear to be too cool, well behaved and tourist friendly. The most surprising part was that CM was very accessible and simply stole the heart of the visitors away. He was there on his own; the visitors and the home crowd clicking photos with him without being frisked. And to my utter surprise, he had no qualms in doing so and urged the people to spread the news back home that Nagaland is safe. The best part was that there were no political gimmicks as in our state. Securities were in full vigilance at all the different venues and were eager to help. Clean toilets, ATM and wifi were assesible in the venue. Taxis like the autos at home state didn’t hike their prices at night.

Being a local visitor from Arunachal Pradesh in the festival, I really felt proud that a state in North East could organise such a big event where tourist from all over India flocked without having to fear any constraints on their democratic rights. While the locals of Nagaland earn revenue in organising such festival, our state losses the valuable fund in organising the same by hiring unnecessary entertainers. If the festival has to be organised at the expense of public money and where our local have no chance to generate income, it would be better to forget about crganising such event. Is it not comical when our politicians refuses to pay citing the dearth of fund as an excuse. The money spent on the festival which is just similar to party evenings could be better used in paying the salaries of those employee who have not been receiving their pay ever since they joined the job. May I be excused if I urge the authorities to use a little of their common sense in utilising the public fund.

Yours,

Aaditya, Itanagar

 

 

Release stipend at the earliest

Dear Editor,

It is heard that almost every college under Rajiv Gandhi University have got their stipend long before. But Don Bosco College is yet to receive the stipend. The course is almost over and the commencement for the study leave is soon to be made. When all other colleges have received their stipends than why Don Bosco College is left aside?  Is it a kind of partiality from the unkind side of the authorities or shall we take it as a part of their negligence?

Therefore, it is my earnest appeal to the concern authority to look into the matter seriously and make an assurance that DBC gets its stipend.

Yours,

Dular Dujom, DBC

 

 

Settle the existing problems

Dear Editor,

I want to express my own view regarding a news item published in your esteemed daily where it was reported that state Govt have proposed to set up six model degree colleges and ten Polytechnics Colleges in the state.

I welcome the proposal by the State Govt to setup more Polytechnics and Degree Colleges in our state but at the same time one has to keep in mind that some colleges in the state are running short of lecturers. First of all, the government should settle such huge problems so that students do not suffer.

Lastly,  I want to thank State Govt for introducing PG courses in Geography and History at JN College. I hope that in the new academic session state Govt would certainly introduce more PG courses at the college.

Yours,

Rimi Bam,

Naharlagun

 

 

Be more receptive and appreciative

Dear Editor,

If the public has not raised any doubt over the clinical knowledge of AYUSH doctors so far, then why is this particular youth got so much grievances against us.  I agree that when it comes to allopathic medicines we might not have that in-depth knowledge as that of our allopathic counterparts but that doesn't mean we are totally incapable of prescribing their medicines. During our graduation years, we have been taught pharmacology too as a part of our course  and we are well aware of the antibiotic drugs that are prescribed for common ailments rampant in our place. This I believe should not be treated as a weakness against us rather the allopathic and the AYUSH doctors should serve the public hand in hand and no difference should be made out of us.

As far as prescribing allopathic medicines to the needy patients and to our kith and kin are concerned, I definitely prescribe them AYUSH medicines except in case of emergency conditions where it becomes mandatory to take the help of allopathic medicines and also there is the question of availability of AYUSH medicines.

If this village youth wants us to prescribe  our own medicines, he should better appeal to the state Govt to provide adequate AYUSH medicines to the health care system of the state instead of taking out his frustrations on us.

We don't prescribe allopathic medicines out of our interest but out of the necessity. Each 'pathy' has got their own field of expertise which is to be respected and not condemned or criticised. The central Govt has encouraged and is promoting the AYUSH systems of medicine in every remote place of India as it is cost effective and to create awareness among the mass about it's benefits.

So the question of "do we really need them?" is best answered by the Govt bodies, we are simply the executioners. I hope the people of this state would be more receptive and appreciative of the hard work that we AYUSH doctors put in.

Yours,

Dr. Mesing Pertin,

NEIFM, Pasighat

 

 

Time to contemplate

Dear Editor,

This has a reference to the Festival of Arunachal which saw the involvement of film stars.

The elders have set 'good' example to the society in general and the children and young people in particular. It seems there is an acute shortage of eminent personalities in the field of social work, sports and Arts. Or how do we explain the selection of some Bollywood girls known for wrong reasons. At a time when our state is struggling to get over the sexual crimes like the infamous Daporijo MMS case etc, the organisers thought it necessary to rope in the actors who have done highly indecent movies.

It is matter of contemplation for the authorities, intellectuals and social workers.

Yours,

K.Riba, Naharlagun

 

 

 

 

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

Women’s empowerment benefits everyone

According to a report The Gender Dividend: A Business Case for Gender Equality by Global economies with greater representation of women in top positions have been found to perform better. Advocates for equality between women and men have long made the case that women’s empowerment benefits everyone, not just women. In recent years, other actors have added their voices to this chorus, bringing with them strong economic arguments and evidence.

The Gender Dividend: A Business Case for Gender Equality presents the case for investments and actions on an unprecedented scale  to broaden the range of real opportunities open to the world’s 3.5 billion women and girls.

The Millennium Development Goals and the vision set forth in the Millennium Declaration represent the most ambitious blueprint for global development that the world’s countries have ever agreed to.  

Equality and empowerment are critical means to a broad end development that is environmentally and socially sustainable as well as vital linchpins for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Societies fall behind when half their citizens cannot live to their full potential. Economies lag when half a country’s productive adults have inadequate capabilities, are excluded from the formal labour market, cannot gain access to credit, or are subjected to violence. Innovation stagnates when the thoughts and ideas of half the people are unheard or discounted.