January  16

News Impact

Preserve one’s own culture for identity: Tuki

Nyechi-Dow celebrated

BOMDILA, Jan 15: “Do not let the winds of change and modernity dilute your rich culture and traditions,” said Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

“Every effort should be made to preserve one’s own culture and document it for identity,” said Tuki while attending the Nyechi-Dow festival of the Hrussos (Aka) at Palizi in West Kameng today.

Dwelling upon his Government’s endeavors, Tuki said that industrialization and PPP policy in offing would bring a sea change in state’s economic scenario and would be instrumental in immediate development of the state in various sectors. The administrative reforms initiated by his government would facilitate transparency and accountability while E- governance would be a major tool for ensuring good governance, he noted.

He gave stress on proper implementation of various flagship programmes of the UPA government for developing  and uplifting the socio-economic status of the people. Likewise, the PM packages need to be implemented in right earnest achieving the financial and physical targets, Tuki said.

“The State Government is committed to reach out to the people at grassroots levels,” Tuki said and called upon the elected representatives and government officers to discharge their duties and responsibilities with missionary zeal for the welfare of the common people.

Tuki visualized that the 12th 5-year Plan beginning from April 2012 would further usher in an era of development, peace and prosperity in the state which is the ultimate aim of his government. He also released a book on Hrusso people on the occasion.  Replying to a memorandum, Tuki assured to provide necessary fund by the end this financial year for taking up various developmental activities at Thrizino-Buragaon. The promises made by Lt. CM Dorjee Khandu to the people of the constituency must be honored and fulfilled by the next incumbent and the successive governments, he felt.  

Local MLA Kumsi Sidisow and MLA Phurpa Tsering also attended the festival and urged the CM to take up developmental activities at under-developed Thrizino and Kalaktang of West Kameng district.

Among others, Parliamentary Secretaries Kumar Waii and R T Khunjuju and MLAs Tani Loffa and Tapuk Taku accompanied Tuki. DIPRO.

 

Arunachal an integral part of India: RSS Chief

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Speaking at the Arun Chetana Sangam organized at the school field of Daying Ering Memorial Govt. Hr Sec School, Pasighat on January 8 last, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsangha-chalak of Rashtriya Sway-amsevak Sangh (RSS) said that Arunachal Pradesh is an  integral part of India and does not belong to anybody else and added that Arunachalis too uphold this truth and always stand by the nation.

While complementing the Arunachali communities for it, the Sarsanghachalak briefly explained the efforts and service projects of the RSS in the remote and border areas to upkeep the national spirit alive in the people.

The RSS chief said that regular and perennial development of any society is possible only on a strong foundation of its own identity.

Every generation has the responsibility to lead the society forward and it has to be materialized by up-keeping the special feature, customs and traditions of the society, he said. The people of Arunachal Pradesh are the worshippers of nature and they should stand up upholding their values and virtues. The Rashtriya Swayam-sevak Sangh would always stand by the efforts of the Arunachalis in this regard, he said.

While delivering the presidential address Oshong Ering IAS (Retd) president,  Nagarik Swagat Samiti  categorically stated that the people Arunachal Pradesh had been neither under the Chinese territory nor Chinese administration in its past. He added that Arunachal Pradesh would always remain to be an integral part of India. Highlighting the pivotal role of the Kebang system in the Adi society, Ering stated that the Arunachali society is democratic in its blood and veins.

The RSS Chief also attended the 3 days Arun Chetana Shivir in Pasighat which started from January 6. Nearly 500 trained and active swayamsevaks from 77 places across all the 16 districts of Arunachal Pradesh participated in the Shivir and interacted with the RSS chief.

 

Singh underscores the need of leadership qualities

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd.) JJ Singh while delivering the Fourth Shaheed Nanak Singh Memorial Lecture on the theme of ‘Leadership’ at Punjabi University, Patiala yesterday dwelt at length the basic leadership qualities that helps in building a great nation. He said that strong will and transparent working helps us in developing leadership qualities. It is true that genes play an important role in the formation of a great leader, yet growth in wisdom can play a catalyst role in the formation of a great leader, the Governor said.

He further stated that Gurbani and our other religious manuscripts contain greater leadership in their quotes.

Terming his taking charge of Governorship of Arunachal Pradesh as a challenge, General Singh underlined the importance of positive approach to every challenge in life.

Taking the opportunity, he spoke at length about Arunachal Pradesh.

In his presidential remarks Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University quoted that great leaders have always influenced the society and have been instrumental in changing the social system. Quality leadership had always steered all nations from darkness to light. He further stated that to make a better future the present leadership should work honestly, transparently and devotedly.

Former Rajya Sabha MP Tarlochan Singh said that the martyrdom of Shaheed Nanak Singh was for the cause of saving innocent lives.  

Tony Baldry, MP, Paul Uppal, MP,  Richard Harrington, MP from UK, Lord Sheikh and Lord Daljit Rana also participated in the deliberations.  

On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor honoured all the dignitaries with mementos.  M Arif Chaudhary from Pakistan in a chaste Punjabi recited some Punjabi couplets. (PRO, Raj Bhavan)

 

75,000 take holy dip in Parshuram Kund

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Over 75,000 devotees including hundreds of Sadhus from across the country took holy dip in Parshuram Kund, in Lohit district on the occasion of Makar Sankranti today. Devotees started arriving at Kund on January 13 and the number of devotees is expected to cross one lakh till end of this month, informed Lohit deputy commissioner RK Sharma.

Most of the pilgrims were from Nepal, Manipur, Maharastra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and various parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Last year, about 70,000 pilgrims thronged the Kund and took  holy dip.

Free food is being provided to the pilgrims in the Mela site  by the Parshuram Sewa Samity of Tinsukia, Manav Utthan Seva Samity, Tinsukia, Border Road Organization and some other NGOs. Free medical camps are also being conducted by 25th Bn ITBP, district medical authorities, Arunachal Pali Vidyapith, Chongkham and Arun Jyoti. Volunteers are being engaged round the clock by Vivekananda Kendra and Arun Jyoti,Tezu to help the old and aged pilgrims as well as control the crowd.  The district police authorities has made elaborate security arrangements by deploying adequate police and paramilitary forces. Army also beefed up the security in the area.

Various departments including Forest, RWD, Power and PHED extended all necessary help to make the pilgrimage cozy and comfortable to the visitors. The PHED and Power departments did a commendable job by  providing uninterrupted power and water supply. The Athena Dimwe power project authorities have also rendered all necessary help and assistance.

The district administration headed by Lohit deputy commissioner, Superintendent of Police Isaac Pertin, Namsai ADC Tamune Miso, Wakro CO cum Mela officer T Gankak personally supervised all the arrangements whereas three magistrates from Namsai have also been deployed. Because of inflow of large number of tourists and vehicles the police force is facing a very tough time in managing traffic.

Swami Adhokshanand, the Sankaracharya of Goverdhanpeeth also visited the kund and took a holy dip. He expressed satisfaction over the arrangement and wished a peaceful life to the people. Some international tourists also visited the Kund which is remarkable from the angle of tourism.

Parasuram Kund, nestled in the lower reaches of Lohit River in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh has been regarded as holy place for Hindu devotees. Every year in the month of January, (usually January 14 but this year 15), the devotees from abroad and country thronged the Kund to take holy dip in the river, and has its own importance.

The legendary butchering of his mother’s head by Parashuram and eventual penance followed by taking a bath in the so called Bhrama Kund, has added religious significance to this naturally beautiful Parashuram Kund.

The legendary story of Parashuram Kund also finds its mention in many puranic texts in different ways. However, it is believed that Parashuram was born to saint Jamadagni and Renuka in Treta yug.

Meanwhile, Parsuram kund mela committee and Namsai ADC have apologised to the pilgrims to whom much comfort and amenities could not be provided specially for accommodation due to poor financial condition of the committee and informed that some dormitories and accommodation alongwith steps to the kund have been made this year. Efforts are also being made to improve them further in the coming years.

 

RKM Aalo Alumni come together with greater promises for the future

Ujjwal K Chowdhury

Aalo, Jan 15: The 45-years old legendary educational institute of the Northeast, Ramakrishna Mission School of Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh, had a shot in the arm with its alumni coming together for the first time in its history and organizing themselves into an RKM Aalo Alumni Association which held its first ever meet on January 13-15, 2012, in the picturesque hill-town.

The school has the distinction of producing several dozens of eminent technocrats, bureaucrats, doctors, entrepreneurs, legal luminaries and academics, including the former Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin, apart from professionals who are serving in other provinces of India, and countries as well, especially in USA and Middle East.

The Alumni Meet was attended by nearly 75 eminent and senior alumni.

The Alumni Association had its meeting as well for planning the future work, and decided to launch their own website, organize the Golden Anniversary of the school in 2015 in a grand manner, raise funds through membership drive, donations and cultural activities, and create their own Charter very soon.

The meet could be organized due to the untiring efforts of the Association President and General Secretary, and among others, K C Wangmo, Tomo Gamlin, Kengam Ette, et al.

The alumni paid rich tribute to the role of the past Swamijis and teachers in shaping their lives and careers, their values and skills. Repeatedly mentioned were Swami Gautama-nandaji, Swami Suviranan-daji, Kewal Ram, Ganesh Mishra and others. The entire house kept one minute silence in memory of the Swamijis, teachers and past students who for various reasons had passed away.

The two retiring long-term teachers, MM Barik and Deepak Das, were given an emotional farewell. The teachers did not expect this and had chocked voices while addressing the alumni.

The alumni had a tough and memorable football match with the current students which they could win with a single goal clincher in the tie-breaker, played best by alumnus Jumdo Padu.

January 14 was the high-point of the Meet, with 8 noted alumni addressing the current senior students of Classes IX to XII, and dwelling upon the issues of diverse career choices, need for better discipline in the academic issues of the school, inculcate progressive values and co-curricular activities, et al.

Secretary to the government of Arunachal Pradesh, Gaken Ette, talked about the need for better discipline. The Chief Engineer, PWD, Kenjom Ette, talked about increasing competition in the domain of engineering and medical education and the need to prepare better than ever before for the same. Senior Sessions judge, Goto Ette, spoke about careers in judiciary. Assam Civil Services officer, Bhaskar Pegu, talked about competing with oneself and take stride of ups and downs in life. District Horticulture Officer, Karyam Doji, spoke about life on campus and hostel in his childhood. MLA Pasang Dorji Sona spoke about leadership qualities and their inculcation from school life.

In the concluding a detailed talk on careers ahead and life today, the Whistling Woods Dean (also, the former Symbiosis Dean from Pune), Prof Ujjwal K Chowdhury noted that with 7% economic growth rate of the country and 54% of the population of the nation being below 25 years making India the youngest country of the world, the students of today are the skilled and intellectual manpower of the world, not just of India. He urged the young students to look at multiple professions like media, management, design, et al, and utilise the available resources of the school to the hilt without damage or lethargy.

On the last day of the Alumni Meet, on January 15, the alumni gathered at the house of the legendary public figure of Aalo, Boken Ette, who had a glowing role in the launch of the RK Mission here, for the launch of the auto-biographical book, Boken Ette: An Odyssey, with many eminent citizens and alumni attending the event.

 

Inclusion of Adi villages in proposed Lower Siang dist. opposed

Prafulla Kaman

RUKSIN, Jan 15: Even as controversy continues to surround about the creation of Lower Siang district including Nari-Koyu assembly constituency, Ramle Banggo Adi Peoples’ Forum (RBAPF) has opposed the inclusion of Adi villages and land in the proposed new district.

The resident of RBAPF Tamat Gamo, in a statement said that the Adi people of the Siang belt are not in favour of inclusion of any Adi villages of Nari-Koyu constituency or any part of Adi land up to Simen Korong (river) at Seren circle in the proposed new district.

“We are not opposing creation of Lower Siang district, but we are opposing inclusion of Adi villages of Nari-Koyu constituency, particularly the Nari and Koyu circles in the new district. We have submitted a paper to the Chief Minister and ‘High Power Committee’ to exclude Adi villages of Nari-Koyu assembly constituency from the proposed Lower Siang district,” Gamo said.

Gamo, who is a native of Depi village under Nari circle and presently acting as District President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advocated that such fragmentation of Adi villages would hamper the age-old unity and integrity among the Adi communities. He affirmed that villagers of Depi, Depi Moli, Detak, Sido, Korang villages under Nari and Koyu circles are unwilling to leave East Siang district.

According to him, the people of Nari-Koyu have been availing smooth service from East Siang district administration in all fronts.

The same opinion was echoed by Rejo Bomje, Anchal Samiti Member of Nari-I.

 

Arrests attackers, demands union

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: All Pakke-Kessang Pijering Dissing-Passo Sijopsa Students’ Union appealed to the concern authority to immediately arrest and punish all those culprits involved in the attack of Gingma Tok and Adam Nabam of Seijosa, East Kameng district at Howkajan under Sootea Police Station, Sonitpur District Assam yesterday.

The union alleged that Gingma and Adam were assaulted and looted yesterday at around 1 pm by a mob of 30 when they went to Howkajan village.

Meanwhile, the union while extending its gratitude to Assam police said that with the prompt intervention of Superintendent of Police Sonitpur Assam, OC in-charge, Sootea Police Station and their subordinates, both Gingma and Adam were saved from the clutch of the miscreants.

It also lauded Papum Pare deputy commissioner Pige Ligu, SP Papum Pare and OC Seijosa for their constant monitoring and appealed to all Arunachal citizens to be cautious and alert while travelling in such hostile places.

However, the union condemned the lackadaisical attitude of OC Seijosa for not extending his cooperation to rescue the two Arunachali despite repeated appeals from their relatives.

• Preserve one’s own culture for identity: Tuki
• Arunachal an integral part of India: RSS Chief
• Singh underscores the need of leadership qualities
• 75,000 take holy dip in Parshuram Kund
• RKM Aalo Alumni come together with greater promises for the future
• Inclusion of Adi villages in proposed Lower Siang dist. Opposed
• Arrests attackers, demands union

Monitor PDS flow: CM

SEPPA, Jan 15: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in an interactive meeting with the district heads of office at Seppa yesterday directed the Deputy Commissioner, East Kameng to properly monitor the supply of PDS items in the district and submit the monthly reports to the State Government.

He also stressed on proper delivery of essential services like electricity and water supply and regular checking of State Transport bus services to ensure safety and security of the passengers and revenue generation.

While outlining the importance of agriculture and horticulture, he directed the experts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pampoli and agriculture and horticulture officers to educate the farmers about technical know-how of farming suitable to the district.

He advised the officers and public leaders to conduct co-ordination meeting of the elected representatives with district heads of officers, NGOs for a comprehensive five year plan.

Amongst other, Parliamentary Secretary RWD and Supply and Transport Kumar Waii, MLA Tapuk Taku, MLA Tani Loffa, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sepi Bagang and ADC in-charge Tage Tado attended the meeting. (DIPRO)

 

HC issues show case notice

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Responding to a writ petition filed by Unemployed Youths and Sango Lamte Foundation, the Principal Bench of Gauhati High Court has issued show cause notice returnable by January 23 to state of Arunachal Pradesh & ‘ORS’, as to why rule should not be issued and further order passed as prayed by the petitioner on alleged illegal appointments in Tax and Excise and Art and Culture departments.

“The conduct of the investigating agency has become susceptible to unwarranted influences as it would appear from the affidavit-in-opposition,” pointed out A Kashyap, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners.  It is pertinent to mention here that the Unemployed Youths and Sango Lamte Foundation after unearthing illegal appointments in the department of Tax & Excise and Department of Art & Culture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh through RTI had lodged a written complaint dated 25th February 2011 and 4th March 2011 as an FIR at Police Station Itanagar.

However due to non registration of the FIR, the unemployed youths and Sango Lamte Foundation had filed a Writ Petition (C) 141/2011 at the High Court to direct the Police Officials concerned to register the FIR.

Following the writ petition, the High Court had passed an order directing the Officer-In-charge, Police Station Itanagar to register the FIR by the petitioners and investigate upon the case. But In spite Court direction, the Police did not comply with the court order to register the FIR. Subsequently due to non compliance of court, the petitioners again filed a contempt Writ Petition (C) no. 14/2011 before the High Court Itanagar bench.

 

Orgs call off bandh

ITANAGAR, Jan15: In a major relief to citizens of Capital Complex, the five organizations which had proposed 12 hours Capital bandh on 16 January unanimously called off the bandh here today.

The decision was taken after a joint meeting here today.

The organizations had called the bandh in protest against the administration’s alleged failure to cancel land allotment to a non APST.

 

Teachers threaten pen down strike

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: All Arunachal Sarva Siksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association (AASSATA), West Kameng  unit has threatened to observe two days Pen Down Strike from the second week of February, if the monthly enhanced salary with arrears of  teachers were not released immediately.

While seeking clarification from the authority regarding non-release of salary of the SSA teachers, AASSATA, West Kameng unit president Limphu Nikhangju said that despite not being paid salaries for the past couple of months teachers have been discharging their duties sincerely.

 

3 eliminated, 13 in safe zone

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Three contestants were eliminated while 13 were placed at safe zone after the end of the third round of Upper Subansiri Boogie Woogie competition held on January 14 last.

The quarterfinal round was due to held today evening at Singik Hall. The next elimination round will be conducted on January 21.

 

Kri hopes

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: PHE and WS, Parliamentary Secretary Karikho Kri expressed the hope that appointment of Drengso Pul as Chairman, Teachers’ Cell, APCC would immensely benefit the party.  He also hoped that Pul would work more effectively and dedicatedly to strengthen the party in grassroots level.

 

Former IPR staff dies

Naharlagun, Jan 15: Uttam Mahanta, former technical supervisor of projection in the Directorate of IPR died yesterday at a private hospital in Jorhat, Assam

Lt. Mahanta had retired from service on October 31, 2011 after serving the department successfully for 35 years. He left  behind his wife Rumi Mahanta, son, Jaan Mahanta, daughter, Mausumi Mahanta and many admirers.

The officers and officials of Directorate of IPR assembled in its office premiers and condoled the sad and untimely demise of Mahanta and observed two minutes silent prayer.

 

Art of Living

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: The Art of Living is organising a stress management and life-skill workshop here from January 17. The six-day course will be held at the Art of Living Centre in H Sector from 5.00 pm. The same course will also be held at Kali Mandir, Naharalgun.

 

AEKSU resents insertion

ITANAGAR, Jan 15:   In a release All East Kameng Students Union (AEKSU) today resented alleged insertion of “district” in the union nomenclature.

Claiming it as self styled union, it said there is no such organization in the district and the students union is known as AEKSU not AEKDSU. Further, the union said it derecognizes All East Kameng District Students Union (AEKDSU).

AEKSU appealed to all concerned to view such activities seriously to thwart misusing of the union name.

 

Former IPR staff dies

Naharlagun, Jan 15: Uttam Mahanta, former technical supervisor of projection in the Directorate of IPR died yesterday at a private hospital in Jorhat, Assam

Lt. Mahanta had retired from service on October 31, 2011 after serving the department successfully for 35 years. He left  behind his wife Rumi Mahanta, son, Jaan Mahanta, daughter, Mausumi Mahanta and many admirers.

The officers and officials of Directorate of IPR assembled in its office premiers and condoled the sad and untimely demise of Mahanta and observed two minutes silent prayer.

 

Dai Bingguo arrives for Sino-India border talks

New Delhi, Jan 15: China's State Councilor Dai Bingguo arrived here today to attend the 15th meeting of special representatives on the Sino-India border issue beginning tomorrow.

Dai will hold discussions with National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon on setting up a mechanism for border management mooted by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to India in 2010.

The meeting of special representatives, earlier scheduled for November last year, had to be postponed after China demanded cancellation of a Global Buddhist Congregation to be addressed by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama which coincided with the talks. The special representatives were appointed in 2003 during the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to China. PTI

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A commendable effort

A country once home to half of the world's polio cases, things are sure looking up in this country as India celebrated one year without a single new case of polio detected nationwide. However tge country will have to wait as the World Health Organisation (WHO) stipulates that three years must pass without any cases of polio occurring before a region can be declared polio-free.

In 2009, India with 741 cases accounted for nearly half the global cases with Uttar Pradesh reporting 50% of the cases.

Within a few years, India has displayed indomitable commitment towards polio eradication through extensive immunisation programmes which identify and reach out to the most vulnerable children. An extra-ordinary communication strategy and strong partnership with organisations working on a global platform has been critical.

India took a lead in introducing bivalent polio vaccine (bOPV) in January 2010. This, coupled with the National Pulse Polio Immunisation campaign, a mass immunisation campaign reduced the number of cases from 741 in 2009 to one single case in 2011 - a phenomenal outcome.

The campaign included around 2.4 million motivated vaccinators to ensure that the nearly 172 million children, less than five years of age, are immunised with Oral Polio Vaccine. Mobile and transit vaccination teams immunise children at railway stations, at bus stands, market areas, construction sites etc.

However the effort need to be continued as many areas in the country has low immunisation coverage, poor water and sanitation conditions and high malnourishment among children.

None the less, the effort has been extremely commendable.

Then and now

Dear Editor,

In mid 70 & 80 when there was problem of terrorism & unrest in N.E and most parts of the India, Arunachal Pradesh was counted as one of the most peaceful states in the entire country.  

Those days problems were of communication. Most of the people willing to visit & study the tribal culture of our state were deterred by lack of transport & communication & other infrastructural facilities in the state so most outsiders were not lucky enough to visit our peaceful state. But what has happened now? Times have changed.  Transport and communication has improved as compared to earlier times but insurgency has already affected Tirap & Changlang & some parts of Lohit.

The worst problem the common people are facing is the Bandh culture which is more dangerous than insurgency.

Mindless people, aimless organization, political influence leading to bandh, is more dangerous than insurgency.  Most of the domestic and international tourists who want to visit our state have already gotten a negative image because of constant bandhs.

Hence, I would like to appeal Bandh callers/organization, if you really think for welfare of our state and for your organization, do a hunger strike or follow the path of Bhagat Singh or Chandra Shekhar Azad to show the younger generation how to sacrifice for the welfare of the state and nation.

Otherwise no civilized people will respect you and your Association/Organization for calling Bandhs.

Yours,

Yomjum Yomgam, Itanagar

 

 

Indulge in honest business

Dear Editor,

Guwahati is not only the commercial and educational hub of the North-East, it also serves as the Gateway to the Rest Of India. Thus hospitality is a thriving industry in Guwahati. In this respect, I want to pen a very unpleasant experience so as to warn the prospective visitors to Guwahati about a Hotel named Geetanjali, situated at G.S.Road, Paltan Bazar.

I booked a Double Bedroom(Deluxe) at Geetanjali Hotel through a Kolkata-based agent, for 3 days from Dec 29. After completion of a tiresome journey of 24 hours from Howrah, when we were expecting to enjoy a relaxed rest in Hotel Geetanjali, our ordeal actually started. After I presented the Reservation Slip, containing detailed description of the booked room and the payment particulars, the personnel at the Reception seemed a bit confused and got engaged in searching something in Register and Computer. After completion of the formalities, the receptionists whispered something among them, furnished a key to a staff and asked us to accompany him. Since the receptionists were found to be a little perplexed and seeing the sorry sight of the 'Deluxe' Room, a doubt crossed my mind. I headed to the reception and challenged the personnel whether the room allotted to us was indeed a 'Deluxe' one. At that point of time did they admit that we were allotted a Double Bedroom (Standard) costing more or less Rs.800/- per day! According to the Reception, our agent in Kolkata had asked them to book a Standard Room for us. Firstly, even if Geetanjali's version is assumed to be true, still the fact remained that though a Standard Room was reserved for us, but the Hotel merrily accepted 3 days' full payment plus Taxes according to the Deluxe brand from our agent! Thus it directly points out to the utter falsehood of the receptionists.

Secondly, if a misunderstanding indeed happened between the Hotel and our agent, why didn’t they admit it from their own accord and asked us to adjust in the room of lower grade? When we objected to their ulterior motive and asked them to accommodate us in our entitled room, the receptionists informed that no Deluxe Room was vacant at that moment and we would be accommodated after an hour i.e at 7 PM. We refused to enter the Standard room and wandered around Paltan Bazar till 7 PM. On return to the Hotel, the reception desk again continued to sell the story of  "vacancy after an hour"! When we firmly asked them to specify the exact time on which Deluxe Room would be vacant, they ultimately declared that no such vacancy would occur on that night!

Next day on noon, the Hotel transferred us to our entitled Deluxe room and also promised to refund the loss during our departure. On the morning of 31st December, when we were about to leave for Shillong, I reminded one receptionist about our reservation on 3rd of January 2012. He seemed to have heard the strangest thing and confidently declared that we didn’t have reservation for that date!

I simply don't know whether the Receptionists of Geetanjali Hotel are callous genuinely or deliberately. Even after I pointed out my reserved status in the Original Receipt, they could not decipher a bit of it!  In the midst of such chaos and my hurry to start for Shillong  as our hired car was waiting for us, I failed to remind them of the refund which was entitled to me. After our return to Guwahati from Shillong on 3rd January, no problem occurred as far as room was concerned; but during our departure on the dawn of 4th January, when we pointed out to the receptionists about the promised refund, they simply refused to do it.

I am the last person to judge Assam by the horrible yardstick of  Geetanjali Hotel. But the fact remains that Hotel Geetanjali is indeed a very bad advertisement for Assam. And in this age of irrationality when Muslims get judged by Osama Bin Ladens or Mumbai by the Shiv Sena goons, Assam can also get judged by many by Hotel Geetanjali. So the management of the Hotel should try to indulge in honest business and efficient service instead of cheating the guests.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata

 

 

High NERIST fees

Dear Editor,

It has come to my notice that amidst all the 'bandhs' and 'hartals', the cost of a single form to appear in the NERIST entrance test has increased.

One may think Rs500 is no big deal but for those people coming from poor backgrounds, it is a very huge amount. People coming from rural areas to pursue higher studies in this institution are vastly discouraged and are deprived of the opportunity to even appear for the entrance.

NERIST was established to serve and help the people of the northeast achieve greater heights not to make money out of them. The authorities should think over this before another student union call for a 'bandh' over this matter.

Yours,

Gella Tok

Pakke Kessang

 

 

Do not jump to the wrong conclusion

Dear Editor,

First of all, I would like to salute the Chairman, APPSC, for displaying extraordinary courage and sincerity in discharging his duty. I also appreciate the courage and dedication of members, resource persons and all the staff of the Commission who defied the bandh call and made the exam process complete. The Commission has once again proved that it is truly the guardian of hope and interest of sincere and hardworking students. Recently concluded exam of AE (Civil) has truly proved that the integrity of the APPSC is unquestionable. And the Commission has shown to the whole world that it cannot be dictated by goons and their intimidation.

But I am sad to read the views of some Nyishi organizations, how could they blatantly accuse the Commission of wrong doing without knowing the whole truth, may be they got carried away by one sided and concocted stories of agitators.

Let me tell those Nyishi organizations that they should rather be proud that this time there are six Nyishi candidates in the final selection list. I would really appreciate if all the intellectuals of our state do debate about issues pertaining to APPSC but please do not jump to the wrong conclusion without having proof of that.

Lastly, I would like to advice to my fellow friends who could not make it to selection list to start their preparation for the next AE (civil) exam immediately and whole heartedly. Let the bygone be bygone. I would also like to request the APPSC to be more careful in future to avoid same situation and please advertise new AE (civil) posts at earliest.

Yours,

Successful Candidate

 

 

Oriya and Wanchos

Dear Editor,

Arunachal Pradesh being a multi-cultural society celebrates various festivals. If I am not wrong our state is the most diverse state in India. But it’s very sad to say that Oriya festival of Wancho community is not listed in local festivals/holidays list in some calendars which are distributed by some unions, associations and organisations.

There are three festivals namely: Chalo Loku, Oriya and Pongtu of Tirap/Longding district. These are the festivals of Nocte, Wancho and Tutsa tribe respectively. Wancho tribe is one of the major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. They mostly inhabit Longding and Kanubari divisions. Oriya festival is celebrated on February 16 every year with full zeal and enthusiasm by the Wancho community.

I have met some people who are not aware that Tirap and Changlang are two different districts. Tirap district was created on September 1943 as Tirap Frontier Track and later on September 1965 re-designated as Tirap district. Tirap district was bifurcated into two districts – Tirap and Changlang on 14th November 1987.

Wanchos and Noctes have their own distinctive culture, tradition and language.

According to tribe wise record, Wancho population comes among top five in Arunachal Pradesh. Recently on 26th September 2011 our State Legislative Assembly passed the Bill (Re-Organization of Districts) for creation of Longding district which was approved by the State Cabinet on 2009.

So it’s not wrong to say that Oriya is a festival of Longding district celebrated by Wancho community. Since 1974, Oriya is celebrated on 16th February. Like other tribes of the Arunachal Pradesh, Wanchos have their own tradition, culture and festival, values and identity. So, all Arunachalee should appreciate and encourage each other to preserve the culture and moral values. In upcoming days, I hope our Oriya festival will be included in the list of local holidays/festivals.

Yours,

Songwang Wangsa