January  - 07

Let the film industry grow

Dear Editor,

We express our highest appreciation and support to Er. Ibrahim Pajing for giving out another super hit Adi film “GYARGO PONGKOK”.  

He has once again fulfilled the aspirations of thousands of his fans across Arunachal and many part of Assam repeating the same feet of his previous mega hit Adi film “AATI  PAYING.

In spite of having no any film infrastructure and film expert, his effort to bring up Arunachal films as an actor, writer, composer and producer is highly laudable.

Through his films, he has tried to bring out socialistic and realistic issues giving moral to the society.

Due to non availability of film facilities and lack of support from the govt and lack of film awareness among the people of Arunachal Pradesh, many of the local film makers have already given up in this field.

But despite discouragement and challenges from every angle, Er. Pajing and his production team are trying hard to contribute to the growth of local films.

His persistent effort and love for acting has made him one of the most beloved and popular local actor among thousands of his fans like us.

We heartily congratulate and appreciate the actor Pazing for giving us such hit films.

Not only him, we appreciate and encourage other local film personalities like Taro Chatung, T.H Tara, Delong Padung, Hage Apa and all others who are contributing to the growth of Arunachal films.

Therefore as a lover of local films, we urge upon the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to provide all possible support to the film production teams and local artist to encourage and accelerate the growth of local film industry in Arunachal Pradesh as it is one of the most employment generating industries of modern times.

Besides we urge upon the local press media to give all possible help in promoting and popularizing the local films and local artist, so as to create interest and enthusiasm among the budding talents of Arunachal Pradesh.

Yours

Samak Perme, Ranong Tamut, Narmi Feroz Tasing,  Amit Modi, Dhurbo Chettry, Atem Kombo, Tobo Tayeng, Anek Tamut, Honong Tatak, Kaling Ering,  Anand Talom,

Ojing Perme

 

 

What led to aberrant MoU signing spree?

Dear Editor,

Mistake me not as an expounder for those anti-dams or hydro projects but definitely would prefer to lend my voice voluntarily, unmelodious though, to chorus the protest against hurried process of awarding accredited nod to multiple hydro projects in a single go, as whole sale.

The surreptitious understanding between the state government and innumerous astute power corporations are beyond the acme of an Aam-admi's understanding. What enticing offers lies sandwiched beneath those sheets of agreements which mesmerize our leaders into an aberrant MoU signing spree? One marvels.

If all the dreaded dams or hydro projects materialize resultant remnant will be only mountain terrains, uncultivable lands and ambience unsuitable for human settlement as an aftermath of submersion.

Additionally torturous impending fear of dam collapsing will haunt the downstream settlers interminably; no one will opt to start life afresh due to uncertainty.

Project affected people of Sardar Sarovar Project are adducible to signify the farce commitments of governments, who are still struggling for proper rehabilitation 25 years after completion of the dam.

If only a single dam of Lower Siang will displace 30 villages, according to the preliminary studies, one can augur the trauma and miseries of uncountable villagers to be adversely effected by more than 40 or so hydro projects.

Restraining myself from straying into subject matter of professionals such as adverse environmental and sociological impacts of dams and reservoirs but layman's curiosity nudge me to ponder about possible rehabilitation as more than 92% of our state comprises mountainous terrains, gorges and cliffs prone to tremors and landslides. Merely to curve a dwelling in the wilderness cannot mean rehabilitation.

As a matter-of-fact, it must be with provision for facilities like education, health care, connected with proper communication and transportation net works and sufficient areas for farming or cultivation as occupation of our rural populace is generally primary in nature and agriculture based.

If not what benefit this so called development will reap to those who have sacrificed everything? Where will the project affected be rehabilitated after the self afflicted catastrophe? Deplorably, most of these hydro projects termed 'development' are more likely to bring about a traumatic exodus to nowhere causing economical disaster to the locals.

Yours,

Legobaying,

(on email)

 

 

Silent aggression

Dear Editor,

‘The Changing face of Arunachal’ by Taba Ajum, Jan 6, 2011, should make the people of N.E.F.A. sit up and notice the aspects pointed out by a careful and intelligent observer like the writer.

The same case is with towns like Tinisukia and many urban areas of Assam. This scenario is called ‘Silent Invasion’ and ‘Silent Aggression’. This is more dangerous than the aggression done openly. A society is wiped out unknowingly by silent aggression.

The fate of Itanagar and Tinisukia looks same.

Entire economy is in the hands of these migrants from mainland India and Bangladesh. Our students unions should make our youths competent in business activities. Instead of giving bandhs, organizations like All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) and All Assam Students Union (AASU) should organize workshops to train our youths in business activities.

Yours,

Vox populi,

(on email)

 

 

Wake up to the facts

Dear Editor,

Hat off to Tongam Rina for her explosive reporting, "Time for reality check" dated 05 January. Now, we  have one real serious journalist who really cares and thinks that truth must be brought to light.

We all knew about the pathetic condition of people in Tirap and Changlang districts and that of people living near Assam - Arunachal boundary but hardly anyone ever dared to report the truth so explicitly.

Hope Rina's article will wake up our sleeping state govt. Or is it going to be given the deaf ears once again and pretend everything is fine.

Yours,

T. Sono,

Seppa, (on email)

 

 

********************************

 

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

• Family pleads for release of Sanjay Kumar
• State celebrate Si-Donyi with pomp and gaiety
• Apang’ Congress (AC) faces imminent decay
• Cleanliness drive at Tawang monastery
• Association builds infrastructure
• ATA in agitation mode
• NCP leader questions creation of new district without Nari-Koyu
• Forced blackout in Roing
• Staff XI wins Tagum Nabam Memorial Cricket
• Si-Donyi

Still clueless

Family pleads for release of Sanjay Kumar

Tom Simai

KHARSANG, Jan 6: More than a month after Sanjay Kumar’s abduction, the Arunachal Pradesh Police is still clueless.

A supervisor with Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Limited (APMDTCL), he was abducted on November 24 from Kharsang in Changlang district while he was on his way to the mining fields.  

Kharsang Police Station’s Officer in Charge has verified that there is no news about his whereabouts and the motive of abduction is also unclear as there is no ransom demand so far.

We’ve put our best foot forward yet we have not found any clue or motive for abduction which has made the entire process very complicated, he added.

We can only request the abductor(s) through the newspaper to come forward to negotiate and spare an innocent life, he said.

Meanwhile, the family members of Sanjay Kumar have appealed to the abductors to release him on humanitarian ground.

We are still hopeful that he would be released safe, said a very hopeful Bijay Kumar, the younger brother of abducted official here today.

But his optimism is dwindling with each passing day. A desperate one month and 15 days has rolled by but yet there is no trace or news of my brother, he added.

We’re devastated and being stranger to this place has added more woes to our worries.  We don’t know anyone whom we can approach for help, he said.

I’ve landed here on December 02 from Delhi, after resigning from my job as assistant manager at a Gurgaon based company - Spun Micro Ltd. Since then I have been running pillar to post only to be disappointed again and again, he lamented.

A native of Chandkudarai village under Chapra district in Bihar, Kumar is married and has two small children who stay with his aged parents.

The news of abduction of Kumar was kept hidden from his aged parents for weeks. They were informed of abduction very recently.

He further added that it’s the worst case scenario because there is no any ransom or any kind of demand for his release. We don’t have link to deliver our pleading to abductors, he said.

With moist eyes, he said that Kumar’s two small children have been asking about their father.

 “But we don’t have any answer for them. We only hope that he is alive and safe and we can only pray for his release. We plead them to forgive if he has done anything wrong”, said the brother.

Kumar’s brother in law Nand Kishore Pandit also appealed that he be released. He has been camping at the area since the abduction. (with input from ATNS)

 

State celebrate Si-Donyi with pomp and gaiety

Pala calls for preservation of culture

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: The Tagin community of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated Si-Donyi festival in various parts of the state with religious fervour and pomp.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest in Itanagar, Union Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent H Pala extended Si-Donyi and New Year greetings to the people and called upon indigenous tribal people to promote and preserve their age-old culture and tradition for coming generation.

Briefing about the similarity of praise and worship by tribal peoples of the north eastern states, he urged the tribal people to remain united, and not to be misled by outsiders who were influencing innocent and peace loving tribal people for wrong doing.

The minister strongly called upon the tribal communities to promote and preserve their age-old culture and tradition for coming generation and added that Arunachal will become one of the most developed states in country, if the entire proposed and ongoing mega projects come up here.

We should infuse the principal of socialism among the tribal communities to inculcate the sense of oneness among all the communities of the north eastern states said Union Minister. Further, appreciating the Si-Donyi celebration committee and the mass participation of women in the celebration prayed to the almighty for the well being of Tagin community and also advised them to work for the overall development of the state. Later, he released a Tagin video album “Abo” on the occasion.

MLA Tapen Siga briefed about the Si-Donyi festival and indigenous faith and culture of the tribal people and informed that as part of tribal culture the Tagin community has offered a Mithun to the union home minister as token of love.

Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA), President Kameng Ringu also appealed the people to preserve and maintain indigenous faith and culture. On the occasion, various cultural troops displayed tradition folk dances.

At Aalo also, the Si-Donyi festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Besides community feast, various cultural troops from different age groups displayed cultural programmes.

At Pasighat, The Si-Donyi festival was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervour at the Solung ground, Pasighat today by the Tagin community residing in East Siang district. People from various communities participated the celebration enthusiastically showing sense of unity and integrity.

 

Apang’ Congress (AC) faces imminent decay

Nani Bath

In Arunachal Pradesh, the wave of regionalism that was witnessed in the late seventies and early part of eighties died down within a short period of ten years. The PPA, which was formed in 1977, got assimilated into Janata Dal in 1990. The second wave of regionalism started with the formation of Arunachal Congress in 1996 by Gegong Apang, one of the founder members of Congress (I) in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Congress is an outcome of Peoples Referendum Rally held on 20th September 2005 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun. An All Party Legislators Meeting was convened by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on September 6, 1995 to discuss the problems of refugees and evolve action plan to deport them. In the meeting, it was decided to hold Peoples Referendum Rally to be spearheaded by AAPSU, the apex students’ body of the state. The Referendum Rally was accordingly convened which was attended by representatives from various political parties, Panchayat leaders, representatives of the NGOs, village elders, etc.Six-point Resolutions were adopted in the Rally. In fourth point of the Resolutions, it was resolved that “if the removal of Chakma and Hajong refugees out of Arunachal Pradesh is not carried out within the stipulated time as stated in Resolution No.1 by the Union Government, all political leaders of the National Political Parties at the state level will resign from the primarily membership of their respective parties and will form a common organization of indigenous people to continue to struggle for removal of the Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh”. Resolution No. 1 stipulates 1st January 1996 as date for immediate removal of “foreign refugees” from the state.

It is reported that Gegong Apang’s decision to float a regional outfit by breaking away from Congress (I) was because of his long standing quarrel with late Omem Moyong Deori, the then Congress Working Committee Member and former Union Minister Prem Khandu Thungon. However, Apang himself maintained that he had to leave the Congress to protect the people of Arunachal Pradesh from the arbitrary decisions of the AICC and its failure to support the people of Arunachal on the issue of Chakmas and Hajongs.

Gegong Apang’s fight with the Congress High-Command started with the backing of two independents candidates- Tomo Riba and Wancha Rajkumar, both sitting MLAs from Western and Eastern Parliamentary constituencies respectively in the 1996 Lok Sabha elections. They defeated the official Congress (I) candidates- P.K. Thungon and Laeta Umbrey. In the Rajya Sabha election that followed, O. Deori could manage to get only four votes out of total 43 Congress MLAS. Nabum Rebia, an independent candidate was elected inspite of written directives to the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Legislature Party leader Gegong Apang from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to ensure victory of party candidate Omem Moyong Deori.

The defeated candidates, Thungon, Deori and Umbrey started an aggressive campaign demanding Apang’s removal as Chief Minister and his expulsion from the party for his for anti-party activities. Allegations of corruption were floated against him.  Neelam Taram, the then state’s Home Minister, told a newspaper in Delhi that under Mr. Apang, Arunachal had become “number one in corruption”. A memorandum was submitted to the President AICC(I), signed jointly by CWC Member Omem Moyong Deori, Ex-MPs P K Thungon and Laeta Umbrey, PCC Vice-President Lokam Tado, Ex-Ministers Chera Talo and Tadak Dolum, State Mahila  Congress President Yari Dolum, State Seva Dal Chairman Taki Taba, NEYCCC Joint Secretary Padi Richo and NSUI joint secretary Tayik Goi. Apang was charged for suspending party activities; camping in Delhi, with his colleagues, with huge fund for campaigning against the leadership of P V Narasimha Rao; spending Rs four crores for defeating party official candidate; and advocating regionalism, secessionism and also encouraging youth to take up arms.

On August 24, he dropped four Ministers, who had voted for O. Deori in the Rajya Sabha elections, from his Council of Ministers. The decision to drop the four ministers was taken allegedly for their anti-party activities by the state Cabinet. The ministers included the Home, Political and Protocol Minister Neelam Taram, Transport Minister L. Wanglat, Information and Public Relations and Research Minister Dera Natung and Irrigation, Flood Control and Library Minister Talo Mugli.

It is learnt that Apang did not seek approval of the Congress high command before dropping these four Ministers. One of them, Mr. Talo Mugli, who was in Delhi when he sacked, met Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, the then party president, and complained of the Chief Minister’s “high handed and unprecedented action”. He told the press at Delhi that he had informed Mr. Rao that the situation in the state was explosive and that if the high command did not intervene; disenchanted legislators would establish a “parallel government” in the state. Mugli said that Mr. Rao had promised to take action.

Tadak Dulom was appointed as the new President of APCC (I) replacing Talar Doye. The APCC (I) promptly rejected the new appointment at a meeting on September 15, calling it illegal and unconstitutional and unanimously resolved to continue working under Doye. The APCC (I) maintains that Dulom’s appointment was rejected as the AICC did not consult Apang, the Congress Legislature Party leader, before making the appointment. It further maintains that the existing organizational set-up cannot be disturbed because of three apparent reasons: Firstly, no show cause notice had been given to the present incumbent before replacing him and no reports on the situation had been sent by central party observers. Secondly, Doye still enjoyed the support and confidence of rank and file of the party, including at the district and block levels. Lastly, the process of organizational elections was on and the election of a new APCC (I) President was to be held after one month.

On September 16, Dulom, armed with the ‘appointment order’, arrived from Delhi and went straight to the APCC(I) headquarters at Itanagar along with his supporters. The violence erupted as Dulom was not allowed to occupy the Office of the President and the Congress Bhavan. Kuru Hassang, the senior most Vice-President, General Secretary Mokar Riba and Doye were reportedly injured by the supporters of Dolum. The APCC-I claimed that Dulom’s supporters entered the APCC-I office with lethal weapons and forcibly attempted to occupy the President’s Office and Congress Bhavan by “engaging anti-social elements”.

After the incident, Apang and his supporters were in no mood to relent. He requested the President AICC, Narasima Rao, through a memorandum, to recognize Doye as the APCC President and initiate action against those involve in violence at Congress Bhavan. The AICC (I) dispatched Joint Secretary Surinder Singh Thakur with a clear message that he would have to recognize Mr. Dulom as the new President.  This prompted Apang to make the first move. On September 20, he submitted the resignation of his Council of Ministers to the Governor, Mata Prasad. This was followed by Mr. Apang’s resignation from the primary membership of the Congress (I). A new party, in the name of Arunachal Congress, was announced with Talar Doye as President and Apang as leader of the legislature party. The new party claimed the support of 51 legislators: 39 Congress, nine independents and two Janata Party. The number was increased to 54 when three Janata Dal MLAs extended support to it.

The Arunachal Congress as a state political party was recognized by the Election Commission of India in October 2006. The symbol “Two Daos-Intersecting” was approved after rejecting the Party’s plea for “Rising Sun” as the election symbol. The Dao, the party says, symbolizes the unity, strength, peace and protection of culture and tradition of the indigenous tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Arunachal Congress faced a major jolt in 1997, when most of its leaders, including President, Kamen Ringu, left the party to join (rejoin) People Party of Arunachal. With the joining of twenty nine Arunachal Congress leaders to Congress (I) immediately before the last Assembly election, the party received another jolt. It is difficult to ascertain whether the Party is in existence and functioning. The party did not put up any candidate in the Legislative Assembly election in 2009 and could manage to secure only 9.30% of valid vote polled in the general election to the House of the People the same year. As a result, the party “cease to be recognized as a State Party in the State of Arunachal Pradesh and shall not be entitled to the exclusive reservation of the symbol “Two Daos Intersecting” as its reserved symbol in the State of Arunachal Pradesh”, as per the order of the Election Commission of India.

Once formed with much fanfare, the Arunachal Congress is nearing a natural death. With this, the theory that Mr Gegong Apang’s mind is still with his previous party and is nurturing the party for future political manoeuvre also dies down. This shows a general trend of ‘decay party system’ in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. I am not upset for two reasons- first, this is a known fact. Second, I can write with my head held high for or against the party without being warned. An important functionary of Congress (I) in the state ‘warned’ us not to write anything negative about the party (INC) without its ‘approval’.  However, many responsible politicians, including Mrs Jarjum Ete, appreciated our academic analysis of the party - “The Birth of Congress (I) in Arunachal Pradesh”, my previous article. (The author can reached at nanibath@rediffmail.com)

 

Cleanliness drive at Tawang monastery

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: The Environment Protection Society, Tawang  carried out a mass cleanliness programme in and around the Tawang monastery after the completion of 3 days Torgya festival.

Led by the President Jambey Dondu, the Society today carried out the cleanliness drive. The society has been carrying out numerous awareness programme in the town on the importance of health and hygiene and cleanliness. During the festival time the Society along with others organizations installed many waste bins throughout the venue. We are very confident that our aim of cleaner , greener and healthier Tawang will soon be accomplished, it said in a release.

 

Association builds infrastructure

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: All Leel Youths Association has constructed teachers kitchen for Govt. Middle School and fenced the boundary of Health Sub Centre at Leel during its two-day mass social service organized on December 26 & 27 last.

A volleyball competition for Men and Women was also organized during the two days social service. CRC Leel camp and Sangram SHG were the winner of Men’s and Women’s competition respectively.

Meanwhile, the Association thanked all the contributors of the social service, including people of Leel-I, Leel- II and All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union Assistant Education Secretary.

 

ATA in agitation mode

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Arunachal Teachers Association (ATA) has decided to start phase wise agitation against authorities for non-fulfillment of their grievances. ATA’s main demand include appointment of Director of elementary education from senior cadre of joint director of school education, restoration of 50% promotional avenues of AT(A) to JT and rectification of pay anomalies of AT(A).

ATA had given time to authority till 31st December to meet their demands. However with no proper response from concern authority, they have decided to launch four phase state wise agitation from 21st January. In the first phase ATA members will stage dharna in front of Chief Minister’s residence. During second phase ATA members will go on mass casual leave on 3rd and 4th of February. The 3rd phase will witness teachers and officers go for pen down/tool down strike on 16th, 17th and 18th of February. The fourth and last phase of agitation will be indefinite pen down/tool down strike from 1st of March till fulfillment of their demands.

 

NCP leader questions creation of new district without Nari-Koyu

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: NCP leader Kenyir Ringu urged the District Administration department to review the territorial jurisdiction of High Power Committee to study the creation of Lower Siang as the order is in complete breach to the Cabinet corrigendum vide memo no. CAB/B- 07/2009, dated 12th august 2009 and to the clarification issued on 12th August 2009 by Chief Minister in response to demand made by people of 28th Likabali and 36th Nari-Koyu.

The HPC has been formed to look into the creation of the new district to be curbed out from present West Siang. It excludes East Siang from the purview of the new district which has prompted organizations from Likabali and Nari Koyu area to call a 24 hours bandh on Jan 7.  She said that creation of ‘Lower Siang District’ comprising of  Likabali  and Nari-Koyu Assembly Constituencies (ST) having its District Headquarter near the foothills bordering Assam have been a long pending demand and expectation since 1997 by Adis, Galos and other tribes residing in the foothill areas of both the Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, because of inter state boundary problem.

She said that Home Minister, who is also the elected  representative of Nari-Koyu area should clarify his stand on Lower Siang district as he has been elected to raise the voice of the people.

She wanted to know why Nari Koyu was excluded from the preview of Lower Siang district, when he was present on cabinet sitting dated 7th august 2009, whereas the people of Nari Koyu has been demanding for it since last 15 years and concerned Deputy commissioners has given clean chit for creation of a new district from the existing East and West Siang district. She further wanted to know why the Home Minister did not raise any voice against the High power committee, which was constituted in contrary to cabinet corrigendum dated 12th August 2009.

She accused the Minister of having a hidden agenda and lack of coordination with cabinet colleagues in creation of Lower Siang district.  She further added that had the local legislator come clear on the Lower Siang issue and shoulder the responsibility  of issue, the peace loving public led by its students should have never gotten  an opportunity to organize such dharnas against the People first Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

 

Forced blackout in Roing

ROING, Jan 6: A total blackout of Roing town followed the visit of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu to Lower Dibang Valley. Hours after he left, a group of students from All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU)) locked the power house, cutting off all the electricity supplies to town.

 They also locked the residence of Executive Engineer of Roing Electrical department and the hydel station.

 The students are agitated over power crisis affecting Roing for past eight months.

 “The power house will be shut down, till government restores normal electricity supply in the town”, said the union.

 “The ‘VIPs’ are only enjoying the power and rests of the citizens are left groping in the dark.”

The student union said it was annoyed after normal power supply was restored on the day of the visit of Chief Minister.  “We don’t want temporary arrangement but permanent solution to this perennial crisis”, said the union.

Similar situation is also affecting Anini, the district headquarter of Dibang Valley. Such is the pathetic scenario that it was reported that the visit of Education Director to the town on Jan 3 last was marked by a candle light meeting. A public meeting was held during his visit which was attended by local MLA Rajesh Tacho and the public.

 In the Roing town, two hours after the students locked the power house, a police team rushed to the scene. A group of student gheraoed the Executive Engineer of power Department hurling questions on him over the grim power situation.

A heated verbal exchange also took place with the administration and some few local politicians. Soon public also gathered in large number to take part in the agitation. The union said it wants a written guarantee for permanent restoration of power and will not rest till the demand is met.

 

Staff XI wins Tagum Nabam Memorial Cricket

ITANAGAR, Jan 06: Staff XI won the first Late Tagum Nabam Memorial Cricket Tournament 2010 defeating GSS XI by two wicket on December 29 last.

Bhaskar Jyoti Borah of Staff XI was adjudged the man of the match while man of the series award went to Son Tana of GSS XI.

ASMs Niya Techi and Tara Nabam attended the final day of the tournament as chief guest and guest of honour and distributed prizes to the winners and runners up teams.

Earlier, Sunil Nabam, ASM chairperson, Pakke Kessang and Hari Nabam, ASM attended the inaugural function on December 26 as chief guest and guest of honour.

 

Si-Donyi

Ashan Riddi

In indigenous society a celebration of ritual festival is an integral part of the total ongoing way of life, it is never experienced and thought of as something separable and narrowly distinguishable from the rest of the pattern of the life. The Tagins celebrate Si-Donyi festival every year in the month of January.

Prior to 1974, performance and celebration of Si-Donyi was confined within family or clan or village with strict religious adherence, but, presently celebration is extended to community level. By performing Si-Donyi, the community expresses its desire for a healthy, wealthy and happier life by trying to explain various natural and supernatural phenomena.

The Tagins worship Si-Donyi according to their religious belief, which has been evolved into ‘Si-Donyi festival’ or Festival of the Earth and the Sky in common parlance, as in its simple use of the term, Si meaning the Earth and Donyi meaning the Sun. Then again, ‘Si-Donyi’ in its strict sense of term is a religious activity and performance of the Tagins. The commonly used words Si-Donyi Festival does not necessarily reveal its true meanings of Si-Donyi.

The general topographical feature of the area is mountainous, greatly cut up by river courses with deep gorges and steep hills. Thus, the Tagins inhabit one of the most difficult terrains of Arunachal Pradesh. They live a life of constant anxiety that has been projected onto the wider canvas of their theology. They wish to live in peace in the hostile topographical surrounding. This led them to search a way of life that would give them physical strength to match with their surroundings by way of mental, philosophical, psychological and spiritual satisfaction. In the course of time, they discovered numerous myths on unseen supreme spiritual beings whom they call Si and Donyi and beneath these mighty rulers a host of demons and spirits who prey upon humankind. Their views are that God preside over planet and the Goddess over universe, whose powers govern not only human temperaments but also different parts of human domain, such as the seasons, property, and nature.

However, the mythologies, lores, legends, etc tell that their beliefs, practices and philosophy behind those beliefs and practises are being handed down through the generations from Abo-Tani.  

Abo-Tani, the first human on the earth was endowed with powers to have constant corporal interaction and dialogue with the Gods, Goddesses, deities, spirits and all other living and non living beings. Being the first human, Abo-Tani was bound to suffer from all types of misfortunes, failures, sufferings in the midst of hostile surroundings. He had many unsuccessful trials to overcome those hurdles and in the process, he established such practices to appease the Gods, Goddesses, deities as well as to fulfil the spiritual needs of human race as well. At any point in time, if Abo-Tanis unable to find a solution for any difficulties, he would then seek the advice of Doricheji    whose intervention ends any stalemate? Thus, Si-Donyi is an evolutionary outcome of those beliefs and practices that has evolved during the evolutionary process.

The philosophy of Si-Donyi has evolved upon elaborate mythology     .  Even though it is expressed in poetic or metaphorical forms, it has philosophy of religion and practicability in day to day life. The Nyibu (priest) elaborately narrates the myths of Si and Donyi. The myths contains a strong sense of history, a pride in the descend of the race from a great ancestor, a record of heroic deeds and most interestingly the belief in the value of supreme self sacrifice for the good of humankind.

CONCEPT

Since the evolution of Si and Donyi and the philosophy of Si-Donyi are spread over with innumerable myths, legends, tales, etc; it became difficult for common people to conceive the idea on the concept of Si and Donyi in totality. It is commonly believed that there is a power on the heaven that control Nido-Kolo (the Sky) to give light, rain, etc, and control other celestial objects, similarly there is a power on the Earth that sustains all living things and regulate all objects. Hence some people personify Si and Donyi as the physical objects of the Earth and the Sun or God of mountains or hills and the Sun Goddess.

The conceptual and philosophical aspects of Si and Donyi may be realised in mental perception. To clarify this we may distinguish physical Si-Donyi and spiritual Si-Donyi as per myths and beliefs. The terms Si and Donyi have two meanings: symbolic and spiritual. Symbolically, Si means the Earth and Donyi means the Sun. Thus, it represents physical objects of the Earth and the Sun. However, in spiritual and religious connotations, the terms Si and Donyi means the supreme spiritual authorities whose existence are beyond that physical Si and Donyi. Thus, Si means, the supreme spiritual authority of the Earth in male form that sustains and regulates human race and all living and non-living things and natural phenomena on the Earth. Donyi means, the supreme spiritual authority of the sky in female form that controls the sky, celestial objects, regulates all cosmic activities and determines human destiny, longevity and character, etc.

Si and Donyi, the supreme spiritual authorities have existed since the time of evolution and remain as unseen supreme authorities that never die or take reincarnation. Thus, it has no prophet and preacher. Nevertheless, it is an evolutionary outcome of human thought, faith, belief and ideological aspirations based on nature.

In myths, legends, tales, etc, the earth has always been called as Sechi-Anne, meaning mother earth and the Si have been regarded as Atu-Si (grandfather). While the sky has been regarded as the Dote-Abo, meaning father sky, and the Donyi as Ayu-Donyi, means (grandmother). This simple explanation gives enough idea to justify that Si and Donyi does not mean those physical objects but unseen powers that control the natural cycle and energies in those physical objects.

PHILOSOPHY

Si reigns unchallenged authority on the earth and Donyi on the sky. They watch everything; witness the truth, protect human kind with mercy. They are omnipresent and omniscient; nothing escapes their eyes.

The Tagins believe that human body is only a physical representation of the ‘Yiji-Yall’ (nearly equivalent to English term ‘soul’). ‘Yiji-Yall resides at ‘Piakum’ or moves along with human body. Sometimes, a ‘Yiji-Yall’ strays out of ‘Piakum’ or body and gets attracted by the hostile spirits.  Si-Donyi protects the ‘Yiji-Yall’ and if they lose their protection, the spirits overpowers the ‘Yiji-Yall’ and then the human body dies. If Si-Donyi persists in its protection, no spirits can cause any harm to the Yiji-Yall. Thus, the Tagins pray and offer sacrifice to Si-Donyi for protection of Yiji-Yall so as to ensure the longevity of the human life.

Some destructive forces like nature, human, spirits bring pain, miseries, sufferings to humanity in form of epidemic, natural calamities, warfare, communal conflict, etc. Thus, the Tagins performs Si-Donyi and offer animals and fowls for tranquillity, peace and harmony.

Si-Donyi is the moral ruler and the judge of the universe to whom the Tagins pray in humility and faith. There is a genuine emphasis on the spiritual realities behind daily life. There is a strong element of fear in Si-Donyi. No deed on the earth and spiritual world can be concealed from the eyes of Si-Donyi. Si-Donyi observes all deeds and conducts of human being and awards, rewards and punishment accordingly. If a person commits any crime or injustice to other fellow beings or nourishes the habit of greed or lead an immoral life or become deceptive, biased, violates the moral code and conducts, Si-Donyi discards the Yaji-Yall of such a person. In such cases, a person meets unnatural death. Therefore, the traditional Tagins society is egalitarian, unbiased, righteous, highly moral, honest and straight forward.   

Si-Donyi is moral guidance to human being through the virtues of discipline, generosity, hospitality, simplicity, truthfulness and kindness. Si-Donyi prevents persons drifting away from morality. After committing a crime or injustice a person may pretend to be innocent or righteous, but self conscience continues to hunt upon his/her mind. After sometime, such a person realises that what he/she had done was wrong, so his/her conscience disturbs him throughout life. Thus, Si-Donyi imposes moral pressure on wrong doers.

Si-Donyi stands for tolerance, endurance and forgiveness. It gives the people the power to reconcile themselves with the eternal crisis in life. If, any person suffers from any injustice, the philosophy of Si-Donyi gives him/her power of tolerance and endurance. The victims believe that Si-Donyi would find the truth and dispense with natural justice. One day or other, the truth would be revealed and the wrong doer would get supernatural punishment.

A person who always believes in and practises peaceful co-existence, renders selfless service, shows unlimited kindness, act impartially in dealing any situation and remains truthful are regarded as a person of Si-Donyi because he/she is believer of the philosophy of Si-Donyi.

Si-Donyi is the source of physical and moral strength which encourage the person to take up challenges they encounter in their material and economic pursuits and other day to day activities. They draw their life sustenance from Si-Donyi and face all kinds of hardship and challenges in life with courage and commitment.

 Above all, Si-Donyi is the manifestation of truth and oath taken in His name is the most binding to all. HIS name is invoked on every ritual for Si-Donyi stands for Truth and Goodness.  The name Si-Donyi stands for social harmony and ethical standards; people lead a disciplined life and follow moral code of conducts. That is why the Tagins remain non-violent, abstain from committing crimes and restrain themselves from greed and telling lies.

Si-Donyi has evolved from within the self consciousness of the individual through a collective realisation and shall remain as an eternal guide for human perfection and well being of all creatures. It is believed that without blessings of Si-Donyi continuity of human race is not possible. Sacrifice is a sacrament where the food habit is sanctified with faiths and beliefs but is not a practice of merciless killing to earn a livelihood.   (The contributor is an Associate Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University)

 1. Doricheji is, the God who frames rule of law, conduct and act as a dispenser of justice

2. Detail of mythology on Si-Donyi has been presented by Tania Soki in Ist International Conference and  Gathering of the Elders of the Ancient Tradition and Culture, Mumbai, February 4 – 9, 2002

News Impact

FPS dealers demand PDS

ITANAGAR: All Lower Subansiri District Fair Price Shop Dealers Welfare Association has strongly demanded Food Corporation of India (FCI)  to immediately release PDS rice quota of December and January months.

The Fair Price Shop owners of Lower Subansiri district are not getting Rice since last month due to utter negligence on the part of the FCI authority, the association said in a release, although they have deposited the total cost of the item.

It criticized the FCI authority for remaining silent on the matter as there was no any concrete reason why it cannot supply food grains on time.

 

Social issues to figure on conference

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: All Golom Gocham Hul Gab Welfare Association will discuss various issues relating to socio-economic development, education and social reforms like eradication of evil practices prevailing in the society in its 3rd conference scheduled from January 15 to 17 next.

 

Death condole

ITANAGARJan 6: The rank and file of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) condoled the death of Taba Poona, son of Jullang ASM and Itanagar Block Congress Committee president Taba Niglo, who died at RKM Hospital today after a prolonged illness.

Poona was a brilliant student of VKV Sher, Kimin and his premature death is great loss for the family and the school as well, APCC said in a release and prayed to almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul.

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

All rights reserved.