The Arunachal Times - Archives

Tawang awaits Dalai Lama

Correspondent

Tawang, Nov 7: Tawang is all geared up to receive the 14th Dalai Lama who is arriving on a five-day visit to the district on Sunday. The revered head of the Buddhists, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is expected to arrive here at 10 am from Guwahati by a state government helicopter. A 20-member entourage would accompany him. However, no one from Tibetan Government in Exile is accompanying the Dalai Lama. The state government has already announced that visit is purely religious.

The Chinese government has already objected to the visit and has accused the Spiritual Head of creating trouble for China.

During the first day of his stay in the enchanting town that houses one of the oldest monasteries in the world, Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as the Tawang Monostary, the Dalai Lama would inaugurate the Monastery Museum and Monastery School Library. He would address the lamas and the staff at the monastery.

On the second day of his visit, he would inaugurate and consecrate the OPD building of Tawang District Hospital, which he has funded.

His Holiness would stay at the Tawang Monastery with his entourage. The Dalai Lama would travel to Dirang on Nov 12 and later to Bomdila where he will halt for two days before his arrival in Itanagar on the 14th.

The town has been given a new look minus the regular life size posters and banner which usually accompany such high profile visit. It is more sombre with few welcome gates erected, entirely built on Monpa motifs.

The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu reiterated that visit of the Dalai Lama is purely religious while addressing a press conference here this afternoon. He said that His Holiness is coming to Arunachal to inaugurate the Hospital and bless the people of the area.

He said that security of the Dalai Lama is being taken care by the state Police. Responding to a question, he said that Army has not been involved as the state police is capable of providing security to the High Profile visitor.

Meanwhile, state home ministry in an emergency meeting today discussed the security arrangements for the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

After his miraculous escape from the Chinese atrocities to India via Zemithang in Tawang, this is the fourth visit of the Spiritual head. He had earlier come to Arunachal in 1983, 1993 and 2003. He was to come here last year but Indian government buckling under pressure from the Chinese government did not give his permission to travel to the state where he is revered. The government at that time had said that Dalai Lama was unwell.

Meanwhile, the town is packed to the capacity as many from neighbouring Bhutan have arrived to have a glace of the revered Lama. The Indian media has descended at Tawang in full strength, however, the Centre has barred foreign journalist from covering the event. This is seen as keeping the visit as low profile as possible.

Sonam Lhamu, a chirpy teenager is a happy volunteer! She had this to share with us: “I know lot is being said about the visit and some are unhappy. But everyone must understand that Dalai Lama is our spiritual head and he should not be kept away from his followers”.

Wish things were as uncomplicated.

Dabi determined to revamp the state police department

ITANAGAR, Nov 7: Law and order problems in Arunachal Pradesh including boundary problems, maintenance of traffic rules, besides other aspects relating to modernization and revamping of the police department were discussed in an emergency meeting here today, informed Home Minister Tako Dabi while addressing the media persons after assuming the office of the home ministry.

Dabi informed that he held an emergency meeting with the Home Commissioner, state Director General of Police and other senior police officers today to discuss on the security arrangements for the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama considering the sensitivity and strategic location of the state. The law and problems in the state including boundary problems, maintenance of traffic rules, besides other aspects relating to modernization and revamping of the police department were also discussed, he informed.

Informing that the people of the state are eagerly waiting for the visit of the His Holiness, the Home Minister hoped that the visit would be a fruitful one in promoting and strengthening peace, harmony and integrity in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in particular and entire North East and country in general.

While condemning the Chinese claim over Arunachal Pradesh, Dabi asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is a part and parcel of India and is within the sovereignty of India.

Reacting to the 12-hr bandh call of the AAPSU and ALSU on Friday last, the Home Minister informed that the state government has instituted a one-man magistrate committee for detailed enquiry of the incident at Seppa and categorically said that proper disciplinary action would be initiated against the culprit with full transparency. He, however, appealed the organizations irrespective of any banner not to resort to any sort of bandh calls as it creates trouble to the public.

Pointing on the increasing traffic problem especially in the twin capital cities, he told that appropriate action would be taken to ease the problem on immediate basis. DIPR

Foundation stone for RIWATCH campus at Roing laid

Indigenous languages need to be documented: Governor

ITANAGAR, Nov 7: To have a better understanding of the richness of age-old cultural assets of any region or state, it is very important that we initiate comparative and cross cultural studies of ethnic societies and I trust, once established, this institute will be the flag bearer of such endeavours covering different countries, and also with that of India in general, and north east in particular, said Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh, while laying the foundation stone of the proposed campus of Research Institute of World’s ancient traditions Cultures & Heritage at Iduli Village, near Roing in Lower Dibang Valley today. Noting that the institute will be providing professional guidance and facilitate research works, Gen Singh pointed student exchange programme will definitely help in enriching the quality efforts of the objective behind establishment of the institution.

MP Mukut Mithi, local MLA Laeta Umbrey, Deputy Commissioner Y W Ringu and SP Tojo Karga along with district heads of department were present on the occasion along with public and RIWATCH members.

Terming the establishment as historical step, the Governor expressed his hope that under the leadership of prominent academicians of the state, well wishers and enthusiastic research scholars, it will excel in its endeavours.

The Governor, who always advocates for preservation of indigenous dialect said, you have a huge canvas to work on and languages should be another area we need to do a lot. As I always said, to preserve our heritage, our mother tongue plays a strong role. As most of the tribes do not have written scripts, the indigenous language of each tribe needs to be documented. We need to collect and analyze information that can be used to draft a manuscript about the Tribe, including primary resources and oral histories.

Make videotape of the tribal elders pronouncing vocabulary words for the dictionary and sets of conversations. Through your work the concerned tribe can gain knowledge of their Tribe's history and ancestry, which I found very important in this part of the country, he stressed.

Another very wide subject is the studies on the Himalayan herbs and ethnic medicines. The age-old practices in this field by the indigenous people are very effective, authentic and organic. No contamination and no side-effect, Gen Singh said.

Recalling his earlier stint as Army Officer in the area, the Governor, who always is concerned about the environment and who have seen greenery at its heights some 27-28 years ago, appealed to the people of Roing, especially my Goan Burahs and Panchayat leaders for the preservation of the forests, the flora and fauna. The day, this pristine nature is lost, we will also lose our identity and we cannot allow this to happen, he pointed. Governor also educated the villagers on organic farming and on sanitation.

Congratulating the RIWATCH society, Roing and the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), USA for the important initiative, he felt it will have immense impact in the carrying forwards of our treasured age-old tradition, culture and heritage, the Governor appreciated Rajya Sabha MP Mukut Mithi, MLAs Laeta Umbrey and Jamin Tayeng for their political leadership and Dr. Zoram Begi, Director Higher and Technical Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Somu Linggi and Shri Vijay Swami for their personal contributions in realizing the necessity for such an institution at the present location in the State.

The Governor also congratulated villagers of Iduli village led by Dature Miuli for their far-slightness of and their concern on the preservation of the tradition, culture and heritage. On behalf of all the likeminded people of the State, Nation and the world, I would like to convey our highest appreciation to Dature Miuli for donating such a vast and beautiful land free of cost to the society. Your name will always be written in golden letters for such a benevolent step, Gen Singh stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President of International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), USA and representing the organization, Janardan Bhatt said, the institute aims to bring different ethenic groups and learn about them so that they do not wipe out due to on-slot of modern civilization. Bhatt, who is visiting Arunachal Pradesh for the first time said, people are losing their origin culture and this project has been established to counter it and expressed his hope that it come up with World repute.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries to the proposed campus, RIWATCH Executive Director Vijay Swami gave a brief on the background of the organization and its objectives. He informed that RIWATCH is an Affiliated unit of International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), Pennsylvania, USA. The basic objective of RIWATCH is to cater to the needs of research scholars in studying different ethnic groups of North east India and initiate comparative and cross cultural studies of various ethnic groups of different countries with that of India in general and north east India in particular. It will also facilitate young scholars from North east India to have opportunities of cross cultural studies in foreign countries and vice versa. This will ultimately result in Scholar Exchange Programmes with different higher educational institutions of the world. Swami added Dature Miuli of Iduli Village has donated 10 hectors of land, free of cost for the proposed campus. RIWATCH member and social worker Sumo Linggi also spoke on the occasion.

Chairman, RIWATCH, Dr. Zoram Begi, Director Higher and Technical Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, who could not attend the programme in his message said, it is a unique initiative in cultural research to provide a platform for inter-cultural; studies for the scholars from the north east and to link them up with similar academic research centres from all over the world. He also expressed his confident that the institute will be making a path-breaking contribution to the educational environment of the NE region.

In his message, Advisor, RIWATCH, Swami Vishwatmananda, secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar said, it is a good fortune for entire Arunachalee society that the instate is being set up with the active patronage of ICCS, US and several intellectuals and spirited public leaders of Dibang Valley. And it is further befitting that a great friend of Arunachali people, Gen JJ Singh, the Governor is laying the foundation stone of the capus, he pointed.

Earlier, on his arrival to the district headquarter, he was received at the helipad by the MP Mukut Mithi, local MLA Laeta Umbrey, Deputy Commissioner Y W Ringu and SP Tojo Karga along with district heads of department and general public. A traditional reception by the cultural troupes and Guard Honour by the APP was accorded to the Governor. PRO to Governor

Self Help - is Best Help

By Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Nov 07: The need for decent approach road leading to their homes saw the ooze of humanity when members of few families residing near BJM School Polo-Colony, Naharlagun joined hands and carried out daylong renovation work of their dilapidated approach road today. Cutting across tribe, age, gender and profession barriers, residents pooled in their own building materials including cements, stones and sand gravels to repair the half-mile stretch road.

‘The road is in such a pathetic condition with full of potholes. It becomes particularly difficult to drive during the monsoon season and I have to regularly get my vehicle repaired’, said a lady resident. Another male resident quipped ‘When one of my friends from Delhi came to visit my place, he joked whether we were heading for a Jungle Safari. Infact, the Polo-Colony Committee had requested the state Govt. to renovate the dilapidated road leading from G-Extension to Bharat Scouts and Guides Headquarters on past several occasions but the work is yet to make any headway still now’.

‘Almost every resident here owns either a two or a three wheeler. Hence, it becomes essential that the approach roads are atleast drivable. So, I appeal the newly elected legislator of Capital Complex Techi Kasso to fulfill the cherished but long pending demands of the residents’, said B. Loona who runs a school for destitute and orphans.

AAPWU condemns assault on workers, demands action against wrongdoers

Correspondent

ROING, Nov 07: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU), Lower Dibang Valley unit has appealed to the deputy commissioner to take action against the persons involved in assault on the working class.

AAPWU in a memorandum to the DC alleged that the working class has been made the target in post poll violence. The dwelling houses/barracks of the workers were damaged and they have been forced to vacate the dwelling houses.

While condemning the unjustified and illegal act of ransacking and harassment to workers in a post poll jolts, the union in its memorandum said that the workers were even assaulted during duty hours and were threatened many a times.

The union also threatened to take its ‘own course of action’ if the district administration fails to take action against wrongdoers, stated Ita Mimi, AAPWU district unit president.

Meanwhile, AAPWU in a meeting held here recently discussed their crucial demands and urged the DC to ensure the safety of the workers. The meeting also urged all the heads of the department to register their own plot as soon as possible to rehabilitate homeless workers.

First Lady exhorts SHGs

ITANAGAR, Nov 07: First Lady of the State Anupama Singh, who was at Roing along with the Governor Gen JJ Singh, inaugurated a sale stall of the Self Help Groups (SHG) at the Eduli Village, near Roing today. Interacting with the stake holders and participants, she exhorted them to work hard for their financial empowerment and women up-liftment.

Going through the minute details of exquisite designs of Mishmi attires, Singh spoke on its promotions and commercial ventures. As token of encouragement, she bought few items from them. The First Lady commended on the horticultural produces of the area.

Sponsored by NABARD and organized by Essomi Foundation, five SHGs, Kebali-Chi Yaku Afombro, Vduini SHG, Joya SHG, Kinjili SHG and Andikhu SHG displayed their products on the occasion, which includes original Mishmi ornaments and attires.

Women excellence awards

ITANAGAR, Nov 07: Union Tourism Minister Kumari Shelja and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit and Shovana Narayan, the guests of honour would present the Excellence Awards to distinguished women personalities at a function to be held at India Islamic Cultural Centre, Lodhi Rd. New Delhi on Nov 25 next.

Taj Association for Art, Culture and Heritage (TAACH) and Women International Network (WIN) instituted the awards -- The Nav Kiran Achievement Award, Kiran Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kiran Achievement Award to encourage and recognise the achievements of the outstanding ladies who have been relentlessly working towards the uplift of less privileged and the ladies who have achieved outstanding professional excellence in their respective fields across the globe. 25th of Nov also happens to be the day for “Elimination of Violence against.

NSS inter state youth exchange prog.

ITANAGAR: Governor JJ Singh would inaugurate the week long Inter State Youth Exchange and Home Stay programme on November 10 at Vivekananda Hall, RK Mission, Itanagar.

The programme is being organized by National Service Scheme (NSS) in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

Altogether, 100 NSS volunteers - 50 from Southern State and 50 others from North Eastern State would participare the programme.

Besides, lectures on personality development and life skill development during the week long programme they would also visit historical places and interact with the local people and share their experience.

AKYWA lauds students’ bodies

ITANAGAR: Bander-dewa Karsingsa Youth Welfare Association (AKYWA) has expressed gratification to AAPSU and ALSU for their relentless effort to bring killer of IBRBn jawan Tako Tagak under orbit of judiciary. In a press release issued by Kipa Hima, secretary of association they had requested state government to take immediate steps and arrest the accused ITBP jawan. Release added that if police personnel can be killed in such a way, then there is every chance of innocent public being harassed by the paramilitary forces.

Committee bans hunting & fishing

ITANAGAR: Popum Poma Area Protection Committee in a meeting has decided to ban hunting in the area. It further appealed the people not to dispose off plastic bottles and polythene and not to go for any kind of fishing in Popum and Poma River.