March 10

News Impact

• IWD celebrated at Naharlagun, Sagalee
• Orgs condemn assault on DSE, Govt staff demands security
• Four dead in APST bus accident
• ‘We have no ill-feeling against DSE’
• Sericulture farmer’s training gets underway at Dirang
• ‘NMFP’ to provide gainful employment to unemployed
• Mahashivaratri celebration begins
• CHF celebrates 12th Foundation Day
• Mega Nyokum celebrated at Pakke-Kessang
• Primitive Symbolism, Shiva and Mahashiva Ratri:

IWD celebrated at Naharlagun, Sagalee

ITANGAR, Mar 9 : The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare  Society (APWWS) in  collaboration with Dept. of  Women and Child Development and Arunachal Pradesh State Social Welfare Board (APSSWB) celebrated International Women’s Day at Mahila Imdad Bhawan, Naharlagun yesterday.

President APWWS, who is also the chairperson of State Women’s Commission in her keynote address on the theme, “A promise is a promise: End violence against women”, said that gender momentum in context of state and nation as whole is gaining rapidly, but she questioned whether the crime  rate against women is decreasing?  She said “it  is a day to renew our pledge to stop any kind of discrimination upon the weaker section of the society. APWWS was the only organization who has identified that gender disparity in the state and started movement for women’s rights three decades ago.

Marina Nido, Chairperson APSSWB, called upon every women based organization to come under one banner and to fight for justice and empowerment of women as a whole. She highlighted the activities undertaken by her department and various welfare schemes initiated under her chairmanship.

R.T. Riba Director Women and Child Development informed the gathering that very soon the Dept.is going to activate State Resource Centre for Women under the National Mission for Empowerment of Women, besides she also highlighted various act implemented by the dept. to safeguard the rights of women and children.

State Coordinator of Women Power Connect and also Secretary of Panchayati Raj Jaya Joram, in her address said that to eliminate gender disparity, more women leaders should participate in the decision making process. She informed the gathering that for the first time in Lower Subansiri District a women Head Gaon Buri  Nikh Young has been appointed, she is also an active member of APWWS Yachuli branch and special appreciation is also  extended to ADC Zero Yowa Tapu for his active initiation and support women folk. Jarjum Ete, a Pioneer of APWWS and social activist highlighted various form of violence against women. She also expressed her concern over practice of female infanticide in tribal societies though very less in number.

The day long  program was chaired by Secretary General  APWWS and attended by members of State Women  Commission, Joint Director W&CD, Member Secretary, APSSWB, & officials, Doimukh Nyem Acham, ABK Papumpare women wing, Karsingsa Women group, Ringu women’s self help group, Tagin Welfare Society, Dilyang Dibu, Anu Ami Society, Executive members of Naharlagun and Itanagar branch etc. Cultural presentation and extempore where also some of the activities organized to mark the day.

Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) Sagalee Branch  also celebrated the the International Women Day in a befitting manner at Sagalee with two-days programme on March 7 and 8.

On the occasion, a cultural programme along with fashion show for old age women was conducted in the evening of 7th March’2013 which was inaugurated by Nabam Yakum, Chairperson, Anchal Samity, VIIth Sagalee and Techi Serbi, ASM Bokoriang-I Panchayat.

The main programme on 8th March was attended by Chowna Mein, Minister, Planning, Finance and PWD, and Techi Kaso, Itanagar MLA–cum-Chairman, Agricultural & Marketing Management. The programme was also attended by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki  who is also the local MLA of Sagalee Assembly Constituency.

 First lady doctor from Sagalee area Dr. Flaza Nabam, Pech Hoj village under Toru circle and Techi Yami, first Engineer of Sagalee area from Karoi village were felicitated on the occasion.

The Chief Minister in his speech stress the importance of 33 per cent women reservation in PRI and other fields. He also assures of providing necessary help to various women SHG in taking up various activities. He also informed that his govt. is considering for creation of 2000 women police force.

The programme was attended by more than 2500 women folk from all across the Sagalee area.

 

 

Orgs condemn assault on DSE, Govt staff demands security

ITANAGAR, Mar  9:  The director’s forum of Arunachal has strongly condemned the physical assault on director of school education (DSE) Tapang Taloh at his office by group of boys yesterday. In a release forum chairman cum director higher & technical education Dr Joram Begi said incident is serious cause for concern and government need to take it seriously.

“In the last six months various head of departments have been targeted and many of them has been at the receiving end from various groups. Authority should take serious note of such incident. Stringent punishment should be given to the persons involved in attack on director school education,” said Dr Begi. Further he added, “We appeal state government to provide security to all the offices and also personal security officer (PSO) should be provided to all the directors who are handling sensitive department.”

Dr Begi also stated that director Taloh is a teacher and assault on a simple teacher like him by youth group is very saddening incident.

The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society (IFCS) of Arunachal Pradesh Capital Complex unit  and  the central executive committee of Arunachal Teachers Association have also strongly condemned the incident. While welcoming the arrest of two persons in this regard, the IFCS capital unit appealed to the police department to immediately arrest the third accused who is absconding at the moment. The ATA has supported decision of education directorates to close the office till the assaulter is arrested on non-bailable section and appropriate security is provided to all the educational officers. Meanwhile ATA also lauded SP Capital Surender Kumar and his police team for prompt action in arresting two people involved in the incident.

The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) strongly condemned the physical assault to Tapang Taloh, Director of School Education in his office chamber by a group of persons.

Expressing serious note of repeated assault on officers, the CoSAAP demands immediate ban on all so called self- style associations involved in such incident and drastic action against the culprits.

CoSAAP  further demanded full proof security to Govt  officers and officials during their official duty through out the state. Sufficient security should be provided to the employees during the March ending, otherwise Govt employees will be compelled to go for democratic movement, it said

Our Ruksin Correspondent adds: Several organizations of Siang belt have expressed their resentment over the alleged physical assault of Director of School Education Tapang Taloh and urged the state government to take strict action against the offenders. The Ruksin block Adi Bane Kebang, Ruksin Area Youth Front, Legong Banggo Students Union, Ruksin Circle students Union, Ramle Baggo Adi People Forum, Ruksin Chambers of Commerce, Lakhimpur district Law Students Union of Arunachal, Eastern Arunachal People’s Welfare Organization and many others have vehemently condemned the act of assault. Terming the attack an “inhuman act”, the leaders of these organizations cautioned the assaulter not to repeat such immoral act against any government officials in the future.

The union leaders also urged the societies not to paint communal colour with the incident.

The director was allegedly manhandled and assaulted by a couple of youth in his office chamber at Itanagar yesterday. A case has been registered in Itanagar Police Station in this connection.

 

 

Four dead in APST bus accident

CM announces ex-gratia

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: Shocked over the news of a tragic APST bus accident at Garu, near Gensi in West Siang yesterday which reportedly claimed 4 lives and left scores injured, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has announced Rs. 100000 each ex-gratia as immediate relief to the kiths and kins of the deceased, Rs. 50,000 to those grievously injured and Rs.15000 each to those sustaining minor injuries.

Terming the incident as most unfortunate, Tuki extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls. He wished speedy recovery of the victims sustaining injuries in the fatal accident.

The APST bus carrying 22 passengers and goods met with a tragic accident near Garu on its way from Silapather to Yingkiong yesterday evening.

The ill- fated vehicle fell into a 200 ft. deep gorge while trying to negotiate a previously toppled truck on that side. After being received the information about the accident, the army stationed at Likabali rushed its rescue and medical team to the accident site for rescue operation.

The four persons, including two women and a four-month-old child died in the accident. However, many precious lives could be saved due to prompt evacuation and first aid given to the injured at the accident site as well as at Military Hospital Likabali.

This action by the army to help the civilian has been appreciated by one and all in the civil administration.

 

 

‘We have no ill-feeling against DSE’

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: Clarifying the March 8 incident at Director of School Education Office here Meje Taku, President of Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe Students’ Union (APSTSU), a federal unit of All India Scheduled Tribe Students Action Forum and Yurum Tamin, Vice Chairman RTI Cell of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) said that they never went to the said office with any kind of self profit motive or any kind of ill-feeling to cause trouble to the said Director.

“We went to the office of Director of School Education, Itanagar yesterday with regard to the compensation file of late Arki Taku, who was an employee (UDC) of the Directorate, and to know the progress of the said file movement. In this regard, we had humbly approached the Director and enquired regarding the same. However, to our utter shock, the said Director had refused to answer our inquest straightway to which we repeatedly requested him to give us the information regarding the above pending file. Instead of answering our honest request, he started to behave rudely to which we never retaliated. On being our very humble to him, the said Director further infuriated us by pulling our shoulder and to this very rude behavior of him we slowly pushed him wherein the spectacle of the Director fell on the floor. Barring this little incident of pushing, we had caused no any assault or trouble as alleged in various local dailies published on March 9.  “With regard to the pending file, it is to inform that the file was moved long ago for compensation of late Arki Taku, and the same has been pending in the said office since last six months. To this regard, the family and relatives of late Arki Taku had visited many times to enquire the progress of the file movement but they were refused with any information all the time by said Director, they said in a release.

“Moreover, the Director had allegedly demanded “Chai-Paani karcha” from the family of the deceased”.

Aggrieved by such illegal and out of norm action by the said Director, the poor family members of the deceased had approached us to inquire regarding the same at the office. Responding to the request of the family members, we being the students and social activists of the state approached the Director of school Education yesterday to know the current status  of the same file. To our bitter shock, the same Director had kept the said genuine file to let rotting in dust in his office chamber without any initiation and in place of it he had illegally appointed many person instead of pursuing and looking into the matter of the said genuine file of late Arki Taki (employed as UDC). “Likewise, many such genuine files are rotting in the dust in his office because of the said Director’s step-motherly attitude towards these file as they cannot pay any amount for his Chai-Paani karcha .

“It is worth informing that these helpless people have been suffering with pending files at the office of said Director for no any valid reasons. The only reason behind their deprivation was that they cannot afford the Chai-Paani Karcha as demanded.

“In our course of serving the needy and helpless people of our state, we have been victimized with mere allegation of serious offence committed on the said Director which is nothing but fictitious and cooked-up story to malign our image.

We appeal all the common and deprived people of the state to stand with us in this hour of trial and help us to fight such corrupt officer in the state.

We again appeal to all the people of our state not to take the matter in communal colour as the matter is with the chair of Director School Education and not with any individual in personal capacity.

Further we humbly appeal all student organizations, NGOs, Public Forums and other Associations to verify the facts of the matter/incident before going into public and condemning it." They said.

 

 

Sericulture farmer’s training gets underway at Dirang

Correspondent

DIRANG, Mar 9: A 30-days training programme for 24 sericulture farmers was inaugurated by Bomdila District Industries Centre Deputy Director Pemchom Lama at Oak Tasar Composite Centre here yesterday.

Addressing the farmers, Pemchom advised them to adopt modern scientific approaches in rearing of silk worms and plantation of food plants. She also asked farmers to become self-reliant by taking up income generating schemes like sericulture activities and assured to assist interested farmers under PMEGP.

Highlighting details of the training programme, Bomdila Assistant Director Textiles and Handicrafts Dorjee Phuntso informed that the training was sponsored by the Central Silk Board,  Bangalore under Beneficiaries Empowerment Programme of CDP for the year 2011-12 for training in various sericulture activities like Plantation, Grainage, Rearing, Spinning, Reeling and Weaving.  He also informed that farmers will be paid a stipend of Rs. 50 per day and interested farmers will be assisted for plantation of food plants and construction of rearing houses with financial assistance from CSB.

Dirang Industrial Training Institute principal R. Dutta advised the trainees to make full use of the programme and help the Govt. in implementing the poverty elevation schemes successfully.

 

 

‘NMFP’ to provide gainful employment to unemployed

Correspondent

BOMDILA, Mar 9:  A One-Day Awareness Campaign on ‘National Mission on Food Processing’ was organized at District Industries Centre here today.

Attending the meet on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner, circle officer S.W Mosabi advised the entrepreneurs to make the best out of the mission and actively cooperate with the implementing agency to implement the mission in letter in spirit.

Deputy Director P.C Lama also advised the entrepreneurs to avail the schemes meant to give a boost to food processing industry in the state and assured full cooperation from the department in preparation of paper works for the various schemes.

Dirang Assistant Director (Industries) Gyati Kacho through a PowerPoint presentation briefed the entrepreneurs about the mission and explained the entire gamut of the schemes available under the mission. He explained that NMFP was a ‘mission’ rather than a scheme similar to NRHM of Health Department and SSA of Education Department and that Central and State Govt. was committed to give a huge boost to food processing industry in the state and provide gainful employment to educated unemployed youths through this mega mission.

Various stakeholders including Govt. PSU’s, Cooperative Societies, Private Sector, NGO’s and even Individuals are eligible to partake in the mission. Funding would be in 90:10 patern.

Grants-in-Aid for Technology Up-gradation, Expansion, Modernization and Setting up of Food Processing Industries would be 33.33 % for Plant and Machinery and Technical Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs 75 Lakh, while Grants-in Aid for Cold Chain, Value Addition & Preservation Infrastructure facilities for Non-Horticulture Produce would be 75 % on cost of Plant and Machinery and Technical Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs 10 crores.

Around 50 entrepreneurs from various parts of the district took part at the meet.

 

 

Mahashivaratri celebration begins

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: The Mahashiva Ratri is being celebrated with much enthusiasm at the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre here with two days programme. The celebration began today with hoisting of  spiritual flag of the Brahma Kumaris by host of dignitaries including  state Chief Secretary H K Paliwal,  Father C M Joseph of Don Bosco College, Itanagar, former Koloriang MLA Lokam Tado, social activist Tungri Effa  and  retired CE of Water Resource Department Konwaljit Singh among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Paliwal hoped that such kind of celebration will spread the message of love and universal peace across the globe.  In his address, Father Joseph delivered a lecture on universal love and peace.  Though we belong to different divine families, our ultimate goal is to live in peace and harmony and spread the message of love, the Father said.  

While appreciating the role of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre, Itanagar, former Koloriang MLA Lokam Tado assured all possible help to the Centre. He said the method of meditation adopted by the Raja Yoga Centre proved itself to be beneficial for many.

Earlier, Dr. Jayadeba Sahoo, Professor & Head, Dept. of Education Rajiv Gandhi University, and faculty of the Raja Yoga Centre delivered welcome address and also explained the significance of this celebration.   The Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre in-charge B K Junu administered the pledge of Holiness to the dignitaries.  The Brahma Kumaris led by Junu also felicitated the dignitaries with spiritual gift items. Large number of Brahma Kumari and Brahma Kumar of the Capital Complex took part in the celebration.

 

 

CHF celebrates 12th Foundation Day

PASIGHAT, March 9 : College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University celebrated its 12th Foundation Day with day-long activities on Mar 7 last.

Bosiram Siram Minister of Education, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and distributed awards and certificates to the meritorious students.

Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Bosiram Siram said Horticulture is the mainstream of agriculture. It is an applied science dealing with fruits, vegetables and ornamental flowers and medicinal plants. It is an extremely diversified field with nearly unlimited career opportunities in a variety of job settings. CHF level education provides more in depth knowledge of the field and offers job opportunities at managerial levels while post graduation and doctorate level degree provide very good jobs in the field of horticulture to conduct research or impart teaching. Future horticulturists can play pivotal role in setting up Small and Medium scale industries in the state building process, minimizing the unemployment in the state.

Siram stated that Agro-climatic conditions of Arunachal Pradesh are suitable for growing wide array of horticultural crops and therefore students should concentrate in studied with sincerity and dedication and advised to abstain from alcohol and use drugs etc to be resourceful and useful citizens for the country. He enlightened that horticulture sector in the recent past has made significant contribution in strengthening country’s income generation. India leads the world in the production of various fruits mango, banana, citrus, guava, apple etc and occupies the second position globally. Horticulture sector constituted nearly 20 per cent of agricultural GDP and contributes 4 per cent in the national economy, he added.

The minister stressed upon the need of research on climate change mitigation. He advised to take adequate care of climate so that sweetness of fruits and medicinal properties of turmeric and ginger etc are not eroded. For long term benefits, he further suggested for mass plantation which will help to prevent global warming by reducing levels of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The minister informed that the government is going to launch 2nd phase of Green Revolution in NER and one thousand crore has already been approved as corpus fund.

Expressing his extreme happiness, the minister on the occasion informed that the state is marching towards progress as a result Air and Railway connectivity are coming up which will open array of developments in the days to come. Taking privilege, Siram reiterated that hydropower generations could bring prosperity making the state wealthy. He informed that there are vast potentials in the state which could be utilized for economic growth of the state decreasing poverty and unemployment rates besides implementing all the developmental plans and programs successfully. All odds can be shorted-out amicably through intellectual-discussions, he added in his deliberation.

The success of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) has laid a strong foundation for primary and secondary education in India. However, the sphere of higher education, Arunachal is set to implement the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in the State, informed the education minister Siram.

Earlier, the Dean of the college Dr. A.K. Pandey informed that since inception the college under the umbrella of Central Agricultural University has made significant contribution imparting quality education in the field of horticulture and forestry. Nine batches of Horticulture and two batches of Forestry have passed out and more than 25% of the students have obtained ICAR-JRF fellowships for perusing masters program. This is really an outstanding performance at notional level. He further informed that six alumni of this college have achieved Agricultural Research Scientist- 2012 and at present more than 20 externally funded research projects are in progress including ICAR funded 06 AICRPs on horticulture, forestry and allied subjects’.

Renowned horticulturist and Ex- Director, Central Institute for Sub-tropical Horticulture, Lucknow Prof. R.K. Pathak deliberated a brief speech on “Horticulture- A potent tool for nutritional, economic and social security of Arunachal Pradesh”. Among others, the organizing secretary Dr. B. R. Phukan also spoke and expressed thanks and gratefulness for the help and support received from government and people of Arunachal Pradesh, ICAR institutions, and other agencies towards growth of the College. DIPRO

 

 

Mega Nyokum celebrated at Pakke-Kessang

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: The people of Pakke-Kessang and Passa Valleys have organized a joint Mega Nyokum Yullo festival with much enthusiasm at Pakke-Kessang with effect from  Feb 23  to 28. All intellectual members, senior citizens, students, and people from all walks of life participated with great pump and gaiety in the mega Nyokum.

By recalling the tireless services rendered by C.S. Namchoom, retired APCS officers who have served the area as Circle Officer in the early seventies (from 1972 to 1978 at Pakke-Kessang) the organizer  invited him as Chief Guest. Namchoom was one among the administrative officers instrumental for initiating numbers of developmental activities and bringing up the circle at par with the other areas in the state. Namchoom along with his family members were felicitated by the people of Pakke-Kessang and Passa Valley during the Nyokum Yullo Festival in recognition of his contribution towards the area.

Bini Jumuna, Asstt.  Professor, RGU, elaborately explained about the importance of women literacy and their multi-dimensional contribution for building better society. She also cautions women folk to fight for their rights and come forward to play pivotal role in the society.

A book written by Dr.Techi Jonhy, Asstt. Professor, DNGC, a native of Pakke-Kessang was released during the function, and many colourful and attractive competitive events like traditional sports, folklore, exhibition of local arts and handicrafts, agriculture and horticulture stalls, fashion show on traditional costumes and dresses were conducted.

Some of the parents  who educated their children despite extreme poverty in those  days  and various other achievers  in their respective field were also felicitated. Dr. Techi Jonhy and family won the title Mr & Mrs Nyokum award 2013. Taba Niri, a renounced priest from Naharlagun was the main priest in the Nyokum Yullo celebration.

Er. Tayum Tok, in his welcome address dealt about the present context of the culture and its continuation for preservation and promotion and also narrated some of remarkable instances of the developmental activities with special mention about  C.S.Namchoom, then Circle Officer, Pakke-Kessang,  Gingma Tok, Chairman and Sarje Taching, Secretary, Nyokum Yullo celebration committee, delivered  about the importance of the Nyokum celebration. The Valedictory function was graced by Pandov Perme, EAC in-charge P/Kessang and Sunil Nabam, Anchal Chairperson as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Cash reward stands

The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

 

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AAPSU demands arrest of assaulters

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has strongly demanded Lohit district administration to arrest the culprits involved in the assault on AAPSU’s women wing members, who were engaged in various management activities for the March 12 Peaceful Rally at Tezu.

The AAPSU women activists were allegedly assaulted by some miscreants at Tezu yesterday evening without any valid reason, the apex student body of the state informed in a release.

AAPSU is organizing the rally in protest against prevailing anti-social activities, such as rape, violence against women, underground activities etc. in Lohit and eastern parts of the state. AAPSU appealed to all citizens across the state to extend their full support to make the rally successful.

 

BJP lauds state police

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: The Arunachal Pradesh unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commended the Arunachal Pradesh Police for succeeding to arrest two culprits, namely Md. Aftab Alam and Haq. Zabed Iqbal with help of Kolkata Police from Kolkata, who looted lakhs of rupees from innocent people in the name of India Micro Finance Co. Ltd.

Arunachal Police team comprising Malo Tang, Arbind Kumar Singh and Atingso Tamai from IRBn was led by Sub-Inspector Anand Roy.

The State BJP also appreciated the capital SP Surendar Kurmar and M. Bui, OC, Itanagar Police Station for their full Co-operation in the case.

While urging the people to be aware and alert from such bogus finance companies, BJP urged the authority concerned to punish the culprits as per law.

 

Upper Subansiri BJP resolves to work for  society

Correspondent

DAPORIJO, Mar 9: Upper Subansiri District BJP President Tapa Dadi exhorted the newly inducted office bearers and cadres to work for the welfare of the society and nation.

Highlighting the party’s Nation first and other ideologies in a meeting today, the district BJP president urged all the party office bearers to cooperate with each other and abide by the party rules and regulations.

All the new office district and mandal level bearers and senior party workers of Upper Subansiri were present in the meeting.

Later, the newly inducted officer bearers were administered party oath.

The meeting also discussed about strengthening the party organization at grassroots level.

State Kishan Morcha President, Jampak Paksok exhorted the new leaders of the party to spread the message of Party’s ideologies of secularism.

 

HGB’s death mourned

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has condoled the death of Jipor Ngoki, HGB of Ngoki village under the Gusar-Segi circle of Upper Subansiri district. Late Ngoki died on 8th of this month at Komrurijo after brief illness and is survived by 5 daughters, two sons and wife. The office bearer of Diso Katu Youth Club observed two minute silence as mark of respect for late Ngoki. The society prayed for the peace of the departed soul.

 

Mega health mela at Tezu

TEZU, Mar 9: The District Health Society, Lohit organized a mega health mela and female sterilization camp at Community Health Centre, Mahadevpur from March 6 to 8 where 172 female sterilizations were performed.

Hepatitis B and HIV testing were also conducted for 156 patients. 286 patients with various ailments were also treated in the camp.

The entire camp was supervised by DMO Dr. N. Ninu and DRCHO Dr. Nani Rika. The team of doctors included Dr. Jonny Darang from General Hospital Pasighat, Dr. A Wailiang, Dr. R Mena, Dr. J Ado, Dr. UK Nath, DTO, Dr. Sulanti Namchum, Dr. CN Mantaw, Dr. CM Thaumoung, Dr. Lod Tayo, and Dr. Gyati Majie, Dr. Perme (DS) Dr, Joyshree Gogoi from Lohit district.

Earlier, the Mela was formally inaugurated by MLA Nang Santi Mein. Namsai ADC KK Joshi, and Lekang EAC HN Dubey, all the head of departments, Panchayat leaders, and general public attended in the function.

 

GSU calls for early creation of Lower Siang

ITANAGAR, Mar 9: The Galo Students Union (GSU) has appealed the state Govt to place the cabinet decision for creation Lower Siang district before the ensuing Assembly for its final approval with its headquarters.

While referring to the district headquarter issue, the GSU appealed the Govt. to go with the decision of the majority MLAs, particularly of Likabali, Nari-Koyu and Basar ST Assembly constituencies as per the decision taken in  the meeting held on December 16 last year  between the then Galo Welfare Society (GWS) executive members and the GSU and senior citizens of the Galo community as well.

The GSU further appealed the state Govt to take bold decision in the ensuing Assembly election for upgradation of the up-gradation of District Hospital Aalo to General Hospital, which was approved back in 2008-09 AOP. The Union also urged the  legislators of concerned district to take up the issue in the Assembly.

 

ASSU demands proper parking place

ITANAGAR, Mar 9:  Expressing serious concern over the haphazard and illegal parking of vehicles in Bomdila town All Sajolang (Miji) Students Union (ASSU) has appealed to the West Kameng district administration to   fix  proper parking places  in the  township and not to allow heavy vehicle to ply through the market area.

 

ASF demands fresh written test

ITANAGAR, Mar 9 : Arunachal Students Federation (ASF) has demanded fresh written test for few posts of agriculture field assistant (AFA) Junior.

In a complaint letter addressed to the Agriculture Commissioner, the  ASF  said that    number of posts have not been mentioned  in the advertisement published in local dailies on February 12.  It further demanded that  the authorities should conduct written interview  instead of walk-in-interview for the posts. In walk-in-interview there are hundred percent chances to manipulate,  the interview for back door appointments and thus the deserving candidates will be deprived, the Federation said.  The Federation strongly registered protest against the walk-in-interview held by the department “without maintaining proper procedure” and added  that  walk-in-interview result should not be declared till fresh written test be conducted.

 

 

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

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

All rights reserved.

Primitive Symbolism, Shiva and Mahashiva Ratri:

Implications for Religious Harmony and Culture of Peace

(On the 76th “TRIMURTI SHIVA JAYANTI”–Anniversary of GOD’s Advent (Birth extraordinary) on to the corporeal medium of Prajapita Brahma.

Dr. Jayadeba Sahoo

Bharat is one of the ancient countries of the world. It has great heritage of glory and elevated way of life. Even now it is very well known for being the land of deities with palaces and lifestyle of legendary beauty. Many people abroad also consider Bharat as a great pilgrimage place and hold the soil of Bharat in great respect. Bharat is well known for festivals and by tradition one festival or another is celebrated almost daily.

Shivjayanti, or as it is other wise well known as Shivratri, is one of the greatest festivals in India. People celebrate this festival with lot of enthusiasm and zeal. But it is quite strange that very few know the spiritual significance of this festival. Why is it called Shivratri? It is believed that God Shiva descended on this ‘day’. Why do people keep fasting on this day? These are some of the queries which puzzle one’s mind and force one to think more deeply about this festival. Let us see why this festival is called Shivratri or Shivjayanti. Who is God Shiva? When did He come and what did He do?

 So GOD SHIVA & SHIVA-RATRI has always fascinated historians, researchers and intellectuals in India & abroad as the very name, form & symbol of God SHIVA bear a unique similarity abroad in the ancient relics, reliefs & writings of early religions & civilizations. Out of His thousand attributive names, ‘SHIVA’ stands to be the most inspiring for its phonetic resemblance with the ancient names of God in different cultures & messages about His consummating cosmic character.

SHIVA  (Benefactor) – The Universal Name of God Incorporeal.

The ancient name of God such as ‘SHIUN’ in Babylon, ‘Seva’ or ‘Sevajya’ in Syria, in Egypt & Fiji;  ’Sibru’ in the land occupied by the progeny of Abraham, ‘Jehova’ to Moses & his followers seems very similar to the Sanskrit word ‘Shiva’ derived from two phonetic parts ‘Shi’ & ‘Va’ meaning ‘Redeemer’ & ‘Liberator’ of sins which Indicates to Almighty alone. Literally “Shiva” also means the ‘Benevolent’ or ‘Benefactor’ or the benign or a divine dot i.e. who is beneficial to all and ‘Linga’ means ‘symbol’. The characteristics which “Shiva” conveys clearly correspond to His form, attributes and actions as minutest than minutest subtle seed of creation, sustenance, the succor and as the Universal Benefactor.

Similarly, the Sanskrit suffix (to shiva ) in Shiva Linga (m), i.e. ‘Linga’ or ‘Lingam’ means sign or symbol when sub-divined into two phonetic constituents i.e. ‘Li’, ‘Lin’ or ‘Laya’ and ‘ga’, ‘gam’ or ‘agaman’ respectively refer to process of destruction and recreation. Thus the etymological composition and connotation of the triple lettered term ‘G  O  D’ meant His divine triple actions i.e. G-Generator, O - Operator & D - Destruction that perfectly coincides with that of ‘Shiva Linga’ or ‘Shiva’.

  Shiva is also called “Trimurti’’& “Trinath’’ - ‘The Lord of Tri Dev (Trinity /Three Deights)’ i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar whom He creates and performs His divine triple actions of Generation (Creation), Operation (Sustenance) and Destruction by them. This is vindicated in Epic Shiv Puran when it reads “Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswar, Rudrama Srijayam”. That means Brahma, Vishnu & Maheswar ( Shankar) are created by Rudra (Shiva). That is why it is called “Rudra Yajna” not    “Shankar Yajna”; “ Rudra Avisheka not “ Shankar” Abhishek”. More over Shankar is depicted having human form and meditative posture before Shiva Linga - The oval shape of Flame/Light which clearly indicates the difference between Shiva and Shankar and SHIVA as Supreme Light-The Supreme Soul.

  Again Sanskrit verse reads “Brahma Devatay Namah, Vishnu Devataya Namah, Shankar Devatay Namah, Shiva Paramatmaya Namah”. This indicates when Brahma, Vishnu, Shankar are revered as Devatas  (Deities), Shiva is revered as Param Atma ( Supreme Soul).

SHIVALINGA-The Symbolic Form of Universal God

Moreover, ‘Shiva Linga’ was a symbol of worship common to almost all religions of the world. For example, the Jews used to worship ‘Bailfago’ in the form of ‘Shiva Linga’ called ‘Baleswara’ in India. Abraham, whom Jews, Christians & Mohammedans regard as God’s messenger, built Kaba in Mecca where he installed an oval shaped black stone ( similar to ShivaLinga ) called Sang-e-Ahswad ( Liberator ) as Shiva is known as Mukteswar ( Liberator ).

Sir Willam Jones depict that absolute God or Supreme soul is venerated in Egypt in the name of ‘Osiris’ & ‘Ishis’, a modified form of God’s name in Sanskrit ‘Ishwara’ & ‘Ish’. A stone bull is also kept before linga ‘Osiris’ as ‘Nandi’ before Shivalinga. The celebrated Vatican Church Museum in Rome has a cute ‘Shivalinga’ claimed by Vatican authority to be of Italian origin of Etruscan’s heritage. Images of Shivalinga are also kept in Churches in Italy.

 SHIVA-RATRI – Its Real Significance

Shiva Jayanti is the remembrance day of birth extraordinary of Incorporeal God father Shiva. When we celebrate the Birth Centenary of any person we call it a Birthday but question arises as why Shiva’s birth is called as Shivaratri ? Actually, ‘ Ratri ’ or night symbolizes utter darkness of ignorance shrouding and clouding the intellectual horizon of mankind. The event of Shiva’s divine birth is celebrated on the day before the darkest night of Phalgun, which is the last month of Indian calendar and ignorance at the end of one world cycle. At such time, superstition, blind faith, religious persecution of one sect by another, lawlessness, corruption, amorality is rampant in the society. At such juncture of ‘ Dharma Glani ’ i.e. moral, religion and spiritual downfall, God Shiva-the Incorporeal Supreme soul, stop to the vicious trends and to create a world of high ideals and morals and noble acts called heaven, paradise. 

God Shiva reveals very deep knowledge about the creator and creation. He reminds us that we all are sparkling sentient point of light - Souls, different from the body. He explains that GOD is not omnipresent, which is the general misconception and that he has an abode called ‘Paramdham’ or the ‘Seventh Sky/Heaven’ which is beyond this physical world of Sun, moon, stars and galaxies, etc. He teaches the long lost art of Yoga called Raj -Yoga (the process of communion with Him)-the technology for recharging the soul by linking the self with the Supreme Soul-the eternal generator of spiritual powers which purifies the mind, intellect habits of souls. He gives the charges of transformation of the world in the hands of woman, who were neglected and downplayed in the society. He asks all human beings to be morally and spiritually elevated. He discloses that time is cyclic in nature and this world is a drama which repeats after every 5000 years (Kalpa). In fact the greatest magic of God does is that he transforms this old world into a New one, called Paradise, by the power of Raja- Yoga (Supreme communion) and divine Wisdom. Once the human souls get transformed, from impure to divine, the transformation of the physical world takes place automatically. When the human beings become divine beings, the world of deities, the paradise on earth becomes a reality.

At this fag end of RATRI - the Dark Age/Kaliyuga, this act of the same Supreme Soul is going on since 1936-37 descending into Dada Lekhraj Kripalini, a Sindhi Jeweler in Karachi, baptized him as Prajapita Brahma and imparting that spiritual wisdom to establish that Age of Perfection after the mass annihilation of this present degraded society of Dark Age. So, let us all irrespective of different religious faith, celebrate this ‘SHIVA-RATRI’ as 76th    Anniversary of His birth extraordinary of our Supreme Father-Mother and empower our self through process of Supreme Communion (Raja Yoga) with Him to inculcate His Supreme Commands of Universal Values to establish a “Value Based Happy Society of Culture of Peace & Non Violence” - our most cherished desire. The understanding of this eternal truth will usher in religious harmony & world peace. Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University has been engaged in this task for last 75 years since its inception in 1936-37.   (The writer is Professor & Head, Dept. of Education Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar)