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Dalai Lama inaugurates Khando Dawa Sangmo hospital

Correspondent

TAWANG, Nov 09: In 2003 during his visit to picturesque Tawang, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama expressed his desire to have a Hospital with all facilities for the people of the district. Today, he inaugurated the two-storied Khando Dawa Sangmo Hospital’s Out Patient department unit with facilities few select hospitals in the state can boast. Apart from X-Ray ECG, Ultrasound, and modern Lab facilities, the hospital has a conference hall with all necessary audio-video aid.

“When you treat a patient you are giving a new life. So be dedicated in your profession”, he said while maintaining that the relation between patient and doctor should be always cordial.

Stressing on use of Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for curing many chronic diseases, the Dalai Lama said that such medicines without any side effects were gaining renewed popularity.

Almost entire Tawang district pitched in to realise the desire of Dalai Lama. Nearby villagers helped in the construction process, while the far ones contributed sands,

boulders and food items for the labour force.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu contributed Rs 90 Lacs while the local MLA Tsewang Dhondup sanctioned Rs One cr from SPA SCA fund, former MPs Nabam Rebia and Kiren Rijiju contributed Rs 15 and Rs 20 lacs respectively while the rest of the amount was raised from the contribution by the local people.

The construction committee headed by the local MLA as chair and Dr N Namshum as the member Secretary ensured that construction was completed on time and that there was no resources crunch.

Now the task is on the state government to ensure that adequate human resources is provided so that hospital runs as smooth as its creation.

Thousands throng to listen religious discourse of His Holiness

TAWANG, Nov 9: More than 25 thousand people today assembled at Yid-Gha Choezin Gompa ground to listen to His Holiness Dalai Lama speak. Unmindful of biting cold, people thronged to the ground as early as 4 Am.

He gave the teachings in Tibetan, which was translated into Monpa and Hindi languages. The Dalai Lama called on his followers to have faith in religion they believe in while adding that only clean heart and clear mind would lead to healthy action. He further said that it is necessary for the Buddhism to embark on a new journey in accordance with changing time without compromising on its basic teachings and ethics. He said that mere rituals do not guarantee carrying forward the religion without actually practicing its real teachings.

For people of the area, it was a lifetime opportunity.

Lama Podang, a teenaged monk of Tawang Monastery, said that listening to Dalai Lama’s teach in person was an opportunity every Buddhist dream.

Lunten Tsering, a Brokpa who took out time from minding animals to listen to His Holiness speak could hardly contain his emotion. “Tawang is blessed” is all he could say.

For the day, Shops were shut so were the schools.

Some five hundred volunteers drawn from Yuva Arunachal, Environmental Protection Society and Indo-Tibetan Friendship Forum along with district administration led by Gamli Padu and Police department, ensured that everything went smoothly.

These volunteers distributed the famed butter tea to the mammoth gathering!

Prior to the programe which started at 9.30 Am, the Dalai Lama blessed 1500 saplings which was distributed to the devotees, thus carrying forward the massive plantation programme which is already underway in the district.

AAPSU demands lasting solution to Indo-China border row

PM’s intervention sought on Chakma-Hajong issue

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Nov 09: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) delegates led by its President Takam Tatung arrived back to state capital this evening from Delhi after they staged a 10 hours Dharna at Jantar Mantar on November 3 to protest against China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing the media at Nagarlagun helipad this evening Tatung confirmed that AAPSU will not retreat its demands and appealed the general masses to cooperate the union to carry forward the demands and issues of the AAPSU for the cause of the state and its people.

While informing about the memorandum submitted to Prime Minister of India during their recent visit to Delhi, they appealed the Prime Minister to grant more package to Arunachal Pradesh and apprised the Prime Minister about the India-China border problems and condemned the aggressive posture of communist China‘s claim over Arunachal Pradesh and term it as baseless and illogical which reflect the imperialist mentality of Chinese regime.

It appealed the Prime Minister to find out a lasting solution to the India-China border issue and also urged one and all to join their hand with AAPSU for the cause of the nation by cutting across their political affiliation, castes and creeds to defend the motherland.

However, AAPSU lamenting over the government of India in terms of low developmental activities in the state said that there is feeling among the people, particularly the youths and intellectuals that government of India is always guided by geopolitical and strategic considerations while framing policies for the tribal’s of the frontier state. Such attitude of the successive federal governments has led to under development of the areas, which in turn resulted in to feeling of sense of alienation of the indigenous people.

It further said that state despite its immense strategic importance has very little infrastructure, the road connectivity in the state is abysmally poor, education and health services remains extremely backward, unemployment remains a huge issue in the state, and despite wedged between three international borders Arunachal Pradesh has no air port and industries.

It also apprised the Prime Minister about ‘non judicious utilization of 2400 core Prime Minister’s package’ due to lack of accountability and transparency maintained by the implementing agencies and bureaucratic delay in sanctioning scheme under PM package, random allocation of Hydro Power Project by state government to private firms without maintaining proper procedures and norms. They also demanded renaming of Rajiv Gandhi University to Arunachal Rajiv Gandhi University, early solution to militancy problem in Tirap and Changlang districts, creation of Arunachal Regiment.

Meanwhile, AAPSU appealed the PMO to look into the delay in construction and completion of Green Field Airport at Karsingsa and to direct the state government to take up the matter to all stake holders involved in this project on priority basis and make this aerodrome operation within a year period. It further said the government of India must ensure early completion of 8 advance landing grounds sanctioned this year.

The government of India must urgently review the Hydro Power policies adopted by the state government and monitor the allocation of hydro power projects for the state through Parliamentary standing committee to avoid any kind of catastrophe in future.

The government of Arunachal Pradesh in the last two years has executed numbers of memorandum of understanding vis a vis agreements with many private companies and government of India undertakings to tap the huge hydro power potentials in the state.

However, it is not known whether state government have framed necessary policies to protect its ecology, water resources, natural resources forest, wild life and relief and rehabilitation of the project affected people while executing the Mega hydro power projects in the state, it added.

AAPSU further alleged that the subsequent Chief Minister of the state has not made any effort to make out a permanent solution to border imbroglio between Assam-Arunachal Pradesh and for the reason that people of Arunachal Pradesh are facing many folds miseries and atrocities at the hands of Assam government and its officials supported by its armed forces. Though the matter is pending in the Supreme Court of India the PMO office shall have to look into the whole issue for an early solution to this long pending boundary impasse between the two states in the greater interest of the nation.

Seeking the Prime Minister’s intervention for early solution in Chakma and Hajong refugee problems in Arunachal Pradesh and their early deportation from the state, AAPSU expressed distressed at the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, the Supreme Court of India, the Election Commission of India and other central agencies for putting pressures on the state government to consider the foreign refugees for granting India citizenships despite fully knowing the facts that the popular Aruanchalis opinion has been consistently in favour of the removal of the refugees from the state, who are likely to out number the local tribal populace, destroying the demographic pattern, creating ecological and environmental imbalances.

First Lady calls for preservation of cultural heritage,emphasizes on economic package for artisans

ITANAGAR, Nov 9: The folk dances reflect the traditional life of the people, which pervades and reflects the community, its histories, religion, mythologies, legends, proverbs, children song and riddles, said state First Lady Anupama Singh, while inaugurating the four-day cultural carnival, Arunachal Lok Mahotsav at Art & culture Complex, Naharlagun this afternoon today. Stressing on its preservation and promotion, Singh appealed to the elders of the society, Goan Burahs, intellectuals and the children to take utmost interest in it. She expressed her dismay that today the younger generation are not interested in the heritage handed down from generations to generations. Singh pointed, folk dances are our identity. It exudes our ethnic roots and tells us about our traditional values so that we don’t lose touch with our roots.

On the rich culture heritage of the state, Singh said, Arunachal Pradesh is not only rich in biodiversity but also rich in ethnic and cultural diversity.

We have Mangbuong dances of Noctes to Deer and Yak pantomimes of Monpas. We have ponungs of Adi and Buiya dance of Digaru

Mishmis. Among all its 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, it has distinct and varied cultures with a strong tradition of art and music. Almost every festival of our State is celebrated with a folk dance, making the dance form an integral part of our culture.

Citing its benefits other then carrying forward the cultural asset, Singh saw the economic benefit through it. She pointed every folk dance has its own specific costume and jewelry. Hence, it indirectly promotes our cottage industries and also helps in financial empowerment amongst womenfolk, as it is the ladies who weave Gale to Galuk, Jellang to Alipudung.

Urging upon the department of Art and Culture to sponsor folk music, dance and drama festivals, conduct seminars, conferences and encourage regional cultural festivals in the future, State First Lady also called for training institutes.

Chief Guest of the inaugural function, Singh, who is always concerned about the artisans, most of whom come from rural areas pointed the need for sustainable economic package for them along with promotion of their art and culture.

Singh appreciated the organizers for organizing the festival, which she hope will, not only be entertaining but very educative for the participants and as well to the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. O.P. Bharati, Deputy secretary, Sangeet Natak Academi, North East Council, Shillong said, the Sangeet Natak Academi, Shillong in it effort to promote tribal culture, has organized in all the states of North East except Assam in its short span of establishment. It aims to develop the different cultures of the region through interactions and cultural festivals.

Earlier, Director of department of Art and Culture, Government of Aruanchal Pradesh, in his welcome address said, through the festival, we aim to promote our cultural heritage. His Deputy, J. Siram, who also spoke on the occasion, expressed gratitude to the district administration of the districts, departments and Sangeet Natak Academi for facilitating the conduction of the Arunachal Lok Mahotsav.

The colourful cultural carnival started with light of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest and other dignitaries, which was followed by presentation of Sapholo Dance of Tangsa and Oriah dance of Wangchos.

Hongam dance of Galo, Egu dance of Idu Mishmi, Yakjom dance of Adis and Ajilhamu dance of Sherdukpen were also presented on the first night of the festival.

The four-day festival includes three sessions of seminars on indigenous culture, dances and music, interactions and discussions.

Along with it, there will be culture presentation of different tribes of the State and outsides. Eminent film personalities and research scholars, including Tashi Tsomu of Arunachal Pradesh are participating along with reputed artists from Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Sikkim and Mizoram. PRO to CM

Governor to give away Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award

ITANAGAR, Oct 09: Governor Gen (Retd) J J Singh would give away the Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award to Gram Panchayats in a glittering ceremony being organized for the first time by the Public Health Engineering department, Govt of Arunachal at Itanagar on Nov 24.

The NGP award carries citation, memento and price money depending upon the population under the respective panchayat body.

The main aim of the NGP award is to give a fillip to Total Sanitation Campaign which was launched during 1999 to bring about an improvement in general quality of life in rural areas.

Apart from the PRIs, the award is also given to persons and institutions which have exceptional contribution in promotion of sanitary habits in rural areas. However, as per the criteria for the award all houses in a particular area should have access to sanitary toilets, the school and Aganwadis in the GP should have access to toilet facility, it is free from open defecation and on maintaining clean environment.

It may be mentioned here that two Gram Panchayats, namely, Kaba and Kaisu of Lohit district were conferred NGP Award by the President of India at New Delhi during 2007. Thereafter, four Gram Panchayats of Lower Subansiri district were honoured with NGP Award by President of India in a award giving ceremony at Guwahati in 2008.

All India Cooperative Week

ITANAGAR, Nov 09: Along with the other states of the country, the Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Union (APSCU) is going to celebrated the 56th All India Cooperative Week” under the theme “Cooperative as an Efficient Business Model in Global Economic slow-down” from Nov 14.

Various organizations including Apex Bank, Consumer Federation, Agro-Marketing Federation and Women Cooperative Society, Naharlagun are expected to deliver lecturers on Sub-themes during the week-long celebration.

The inaugural function of the celebration being organized under the aegis of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) would be held at AP State Coop Union,

Conference Hall, Polo Colony, Naharlagun on Nov 14, while valedictory function would be held at same venue on Nov 20.

Many dignitaries including ministers and MLAs are expected to attend both the inaugural and valedictory functions.

DNGC says no to donation

ITANAGAR, Nov 09: Students’ Union Dera Natung government College, Itanagar General Secretary appealed the business community, public leaders and well wishers not to entertain donation to any individual and groups in the name of DNGC, Itanagar without consultation from principal and general secretary of the college.

New association

ITANAGAR, Nov 09: Arunachal Pradesh Urban Development Employees Association of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission scheme have been formed with Er Sunil Tok and Er Rimo Taba as interim president and general secretary in a meeting held today.

Release fund for anti-erosion works

ITANAGAR, Nov.9: Pare Project Downstream Welfare Committee (PPDWC) in a meeting held on Sunday resolved that the fund for the 2nd anti-erosion work scheme on Down Stream of Pare Project by NEEPCO should be released on or before Nov 25 next.

According to resolution passed, committee has also asked NEEPCO officials to intimidate them of all information about the 2nd phase anti-erosion work.

Meanwhile Jampa Village Welfare Association (JVWA) has lodged complaint against Project Head of Pare Project, NEEPCO, Doimukh for not implementing the clauses 29 and 38 of the MoU signed between state government and NEEPCO. Under clause 29 of the MoU, NEEPCO had promised to recruit all group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employee from the area affected by project, the association claimed in a letter to Papum Pare DC, and resented that till now none of the person from area has been employed by the NEEPCO and have duly requested authority to respect MoU.

Stating that the villagers are desparately waiting for the rehabilitation process to take place soon under clause 38 of the MoU, the Association threatened to launch democractic movement if their 2-points demand are not fulfilled.

Students’ bodies lauded

ITANAGAR, Nov.9: Nyapin, Sangram, Phassang Students Union (NSPSU) has extended their sincere thanks to AAPSU, ANSU, ALSU and civil society for extending support to the demand for immediate action against ITBP personnel involved in the Seppa firing incident where an IRBn jawan Tako Tagak was killed. Tagak was allegedly killed by ITBP jawan last month during election duty following altercation between two groups of uniform men.

In a press release issued by the Tadar Teli president of Union, they had requested the state government to arrest the accused ITBP personnel immediately and make sure that Arunachal don’t have to face situation like Manipur and Nagaland, where security forces has always been accused of violating human rights.

BS&G observes flag day

ITANAGAR, Nov 9: Bharat Scouts and Guides, SHQs, Polo Colony, Naharlagun observed Flag day to mark its foundation day on November seven.

Attending the function, Governor JJ Singh lauded the role played by scouts and guides. While asking the members to stop using plastic, he advised them to plant more trees to save the mother earth. He also presented pens to all the members.

BP Gupta, SOC (Scouts) highlighted the significance of the day.

The participants and staff of regional trainers and HWB holders also observed the day by organizing all faith prayer and oath taking ceremony.

Meanwhile, the four days course for the regional trainers and Himalaya Wood Badge holders was organized at BS&G Hqs, Polo Colony concluded on November seven. Altogether forty-four participants including staff from Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and host state Arunachal Pradesh attended the course. Detailed discussion on the chances, aims, policy, rules, organizations and awards like Prime Minister’s Shield, Uprashtrapati and Lakshmi Mazumdar awards were held.

APST service demanded

ITANAGAR: ZPM Nari-Seren Anchal Block, East Saing District in a letter highlighting the grievances of people of the area over nonplying of to and fro APSTS from Nari to Itanagar appealed the General Manager Transport to sanction regular Itanagar-Nari APSTS bus services.

CoSAAP hopes rapid development

ITANAGAR: AWC, CoSAAP welcoming the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu-led new Govt, appealed the Govt to take care of its employees’ welfare. The Confederation hopes that the CM and his council of ministers would make Arunachal a model state in the country.