The Arunachal Times - Archives

Gen Singh advocates preservation of culture, tradition and languages

Solung celebration starts on a colourful note

ITANAGAR, Sept 1: Solung, the festival of the Adis is being celebrated across the state. While in Pasighat, the festivities kicked off at a grand style with the attendance of the Union Minister of state for Water Resources Development Vincent Pala and MP Ninong Ering, in Itanagar it was the Governor Gen (Retd) J J Singh who wooed those present at Mopin-Solung Ground with a fowl! The governor who was accompanied by First Lady Anupama Singh and his father presented a country fowl from Raj Bhavan chicken farm to the Festival Celebration President as a gift.

He desired that fowl was looked after well in the new home.

While moving forward with time, we must inculcate pride amongst the younger generations of our very own age-old customs and traditions, said Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh, while attending the Solung festival celebration at Mopin Solung festival ground here today. We can do so by observing our indigenous festivals, by which we will remain in touch with our roots. Gen Singh congratulated the people of the state for their efforts to preserve the age old culture and tradition at a time when rest of the world has lost touch with theirs.

Urging the people not to leave any room for levity in protection and preservation of the age-old heritage, Gen Singh also called for use of mother tongue, which he termed as an important vehicle to carry forward the essence of our socio-cultural identity.

Dazzled by the cultural presentation on the occasion, the Governor suggested introduction of ‘cultural troupages’ as this concept can enhance socio-economic status and at the same time help in preserving culture. This concept has proved to be very successful in states like Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala, where the cultural artists are provided with ample opportunity to display their talents. In this regard Arunachal Pradesh can be made as Tourism paradise, he pointed.

He said that state of Arunachal was sitting on a gold mine at all front and little bit of digging was what was needed.

Gen Singh, was profusely appreciated for his initiative and effort in early completion of the Siang Bridge at Pasighat by the Adi Community on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Guest of Honour Y.D. Thongchi, Commissioner (Cultural Affairs) called on all to recall the contributions of first genation of educated Arunachalis who took the intuitive of large scale celebrations of festivals. He said that with celebrations of festivals in large scale, one has become more aware of the culture.

It has most importantly, he pointed, has help the younger generation in knowing their age-old cultural heritage. Going through the changes in celebration of indigenous festivals along with modernization, Sahitaya Academy Award recipient Thongchi highlighted on effort of the government towards its promotion through Art and Culture department.

Festivals imbibe the sense of unity, national integration: Mithi

Bishnu Rana reports from ROING: The Adi community of Lower Dibang Valley has centrally celebrated the Solung festival here at the Giidi Notko, Midland with traditional gaiety and religious fervour. People from all religions have come together to participate in the Solung Festival.

Describing the mass participation of people from all walk of life in the celebration as the sign of national integration and real secularism, the chief guest and Rajya Sabha MP Mukut Mithi asserted that despite the onslaught of globalization and modernity, “we are capable and competent enough to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage as well as our identity”. Mithi also requested the tribal communities and the people from outside to extend cooperation in upholding the sanctity of the festival.

MLA Laeta Umbrey guest of the honour stressed the importance of unity among the two major tribes (Idu & Adi) of Lower Dibang Valley to promote the culture and for the development of the district. “This kind of celebration is the right platform to jointly celebrate the festival and exchange the culture to deliver a message of oneness within us”, Umbrey said. Former Independent MLA and Special Guest Roding Pertin stressing the need of celebrating the festival urged the tribal and other community from outside to work united for the development and prosperity of the district.

Among others Y W Ringu DC, T Karga SP, Chiliko Meto Chairperson Zilla Parishad, Namo Linggi ZPM Roing, A J Tayeng (IAS retired), Basu Preme former MLA, head of the departments also participated in the occasion.

At Naharlagun, Former ZPM Techi Kaso and Resource person of Adi Cultural and Literary Society Arak Megu attended the Solung festival inaugural day as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

While appreciating the organizing committee of central Solung celebration Naharlagun, Kaso called for preservation of cultural heritage and appealed the people to respect each other’s festival. He further assured to cooperate and extended all possible help to the Adi Community.

Arak Megu highlighted the mythological background of Solung festival and appreciated the organizing committee. He further urged the gathering to impart traditional folk songs and dances, customs and rituals to the younger generation.

CSFCC, Naharlagun, President N Pertin appealed the Adi community to shed religious differences and come forward to celebrate the festival to preserve and promote age old culture.

Later, Kaso and Arak gave away the prizes to the winners of the folk dance, essay, drawing and painting competitions.

Meanwhile, Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee, Naharlagun thanked Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, IPR and Printing Minister Lombo Tayeng, Editor, The Arunachal Times Dr. Audrey Apang, DC Papum Pare Bidol Tayeng and others for their cooperation and contribution during the celebration.

Various cultural troupes and school children displayed folk dances on the occasion.

Changlang: The Adi Community of Changlang also celebrated the solung festival enthusiastically.

Addressing the gathering ADC Liyon Borang said that, though we are embracing modernization we should not forget our rich socio-culture and tradition, and it should be passed on to our next generation, reports DIPRO In charge of the district.

Joni Tayeng who was the chief guest while appreciating the Changlang solung Committee, highlighted the origin and mythology behind the solung festival.

The solung committee headed by Tani Darang successfully conducted games and sport along with Miri Ponung.

HK Roy reports from Pasighat: Minister of State WRD Vincent Pala while attending the Solung festivities said that “Culture cannot create boundary’.

Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its rich cultural heritage, he said while invoking the Solung goddess to shower bumper harvest, peace, prosperity, health.

The Guest of Honour MP Ninong Ering said Solung is the festival of Joy, peace and prosperity but we shouldn’t forget our elders, their lives and deeds which are remarkable mile stones in nourishing our culture and identity.

It was in 1967, the celebration of Solung was turned into a community celebration. The chief guest of the first celebration was the grand architect of modern Arunachal Late Daying Ering while P.N. Malhotra, Adviser to Governor of Assam was the special guest.

Among others S. Pale, MLA of Meghalaya, retired IAS officers O. Ering and T. Darang, MLA Bosiram Siram, Advisor to CM Nanom Jamoh, DDHS Dr. B.C. Sarma, Director School Education T Taloh also attended the function. Other highlights of the day were felicitation of three senior citizens for rendering excellent and extraordinary services to the society.

Earlier in Itanagar, the Governor released the Solung Souvenir, ‘Diigok Roli’ or the call of the Dawn, while the First Lady released a audio cd and cassette of Adi modern songs, titled Riili: Liingro.

The Guest of Honour and renowned author Y.D. Thongchi released a book on social changes of Adi society titled ‘Rethinking’ authored by Dr. Otem Pertin.

To encourage students towards academic excellence, as a regular practice, Adi Baane Kebang, an intellectual body of the Adi community felicitates the toppers of Class and Class XII examination every year. This year the Miss Niti Taki of Class X, Miss Anti Garu of Class XII (Arts), Miss Ido Jerang of Class XII (Science) and Miss Yayong Tari of Class XII (Commerce) were felicitated along with six other Adi students who have topped in the Joint Entrance Exam 2009. They are Ojing Dameng, Todol Tayeng, Kaling Eko, Samuel Tayeng, Mary Tabing and Kaling Apang.

Earlier on the arrival of the Chief Guest at the Mopin Solung festival ground, he was accorded a warm tradition reception by the ponung parties and celebration committee led by its President Opak Gao and secretary Along Ketan. To symbolize the beging of the celebration, ‘Taku Taabat,’ a ritual was performed by the chief guest at the celebration altar with chanting of hymns and offering of prayers by the festival priest or Solung Miri.

3 houses burnt in Pasighat

ITANAGAR, Sept 01: Three government quarters of Power Department were completely gutted down when a fire accident occurred at Pasighat Transport Colony on August 31 at around 8.45 pm.

Though there was no human causality reported, the public of the area upset with the services of the Fire Brigade.

The people of the area felt that the houses could have been saved from the accident provided the fire department maintained its fire tenders. They were further annoyed that the Fire Brigade fail to prepare itself for any eventualities though fire occur very frequently in Pasighat.

Additional Superintendent of Police R Padu informed that of the two fire tenders one had a mechanical failure.

He further said that the public destroyed one fire tender and one police mini truck. Though there was a strong public reaction the police has been able to keep the situation under control, he added.

The District Administration gave an amount of Rs. 2 thousand each to the fire victims as immediate relief.

Meanwhile, EE Power N Perme has provided temporary shelter to the victims

Governor, CM greet on Onam

ITANAGAR, Sept 1: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh has extended Onam greetings, which is being celebrated all over country.

Gen Singh expressed his hope that the festival will bring happiness , prosperity and well being of all and make each one of us feel proud of our composite culture and pluralistic society.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Onam festival.

I pray almighty for peace, prosperity, happiness and universal brotherhood on the earth, the message read.

NABARD holds seminar on Financial Inclusion

KHONSA, Sept 1: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted a seminar on Financial Inclusion at Khonsa on today in collaboration with DRDA.

Tirap Deputy Commissioner, Ankur Garg in his inaugural address said that through such seminar, awareness on intricacies of financing will be created and appreciated NABARD for the initiative. He hoped that the subject experts would clearly put across their thoughts to the participants and asked the participants to take the seminar seriously. The DC told the large gathering that a small country like Bangladesh had made tremendous strides in Micro Finance adding that it has become a successful mass movement there. While appealing the people to utilize the services of the Banks to augment their economic income by taking up economically viable ventures, Garg lamented the procedural delays by Banks in granting loans to the beneficiaries. He asked the Lead Bank authorities to extend their fullest cooperation in successful implementation of schemes financed by Bank. The DGM of NABARD who explained the objective of the seminar said that NABARD was ready to provide financial assistance for execution of realistic and useful schemes. He also explained the recommendations made by various committees on National Rural Financial Inclusion Plan.

The Chief Manager, SBI, LHO spoke on technology intervention and financial inclusion, fund transfer and Micro insurance. Earlier, ZPM Chairperson, Rongnai Maham in his speech apprised the NABARD officials regarding problems people encounter while seeking Bank loans and urged the financial institutions to back schemes in Tirap district adding that the topography and climate of the district was conducive for horticulture, floriculture and other activities. He further said that NABARD may help in taking up schemes that may serve as alternative to shifting cultivation.

Later the participants submitted an action plan. The seminar was attended by PD, BDOs, HODs, Bankers and Panchayat leaders. (DIPRO)

Ecological Governance

ITANAGAR, Sept 01: A seminar on Ecological Governance was held in India International Centre in New Delhi. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh among others issues spoke on tribal rights and traditional practices. MLA Omak Apang who was among the participants shared the issue of interstate environment corridor. Prominent institutions and personalities in the field attended the seminar.

IG College Fresher’s Meet

ITANAGAR, Sept 1: Fresher’s Social Meet of I G College Tezu was organized on Aug 29. Speaking on the occasion, Principal S Khandu called on the students to display their talent in academic as well as co-curricular activities. He further shared the academic achievements of the institutions.

SP Lohit Isac Pertin appreciated the academic performance. He further threw light on ragging and informed that it is cognizable offence and anyone found indulging in it would be punished as per as law.

State NCP denies

ITANAGAR, Sept 01: Reacting to the news item “Sangma inching towards returning to Congress”, published in yesterday’s media, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Arunachal Pradesh general secretary Nabam Jollaw said that it was an fabricated statement, an attempt to tarnish the image of NCP national leaders and demoralize the party workers on the eve of the Assembly election in the state.

NCP state unit further informed that NCP national general secretary and NE incharge P A Sangma along with other party top leaders will arrive Itanagar on Sept 3 and clear the party stand and its policy.

Solung Archery competition

ITANAGAR, Sept 01: Anom Apang, Talom Tashing and Tabi Mize have been declared as 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners of the Kengki Megu Memorial Archery Competition held at General Solung-Mopin Ground Itanagar recently.

The competition was sponsored by Megu Welfare Society and organized by Itanagar Solung Committee under the technical guidance of department of sports and youth affairs, Arunachal Pradesh.

NABARD’s Skill Development Prog

ITANAGAR, Sept 1: NABARD has sanctioned one month Skill Development Programme for training of 25 women SHG Artisans in Jute Handicraft during September 2009 for livelihood promotion and income generation at Ziro, Lower Subansiri District. The programme is being implemented by Arun Kutir Udyog Co-opertive Society, Ziro. The agency is engaged in jute diversification and other handicraft activities in Arunachal Pradesh. The Agency will monitor the impact at the ground level and submit data to NABARD Regional Office on a regular basis. It will also facilitate in marketing of the products produced by these SHG groups.

Importance of Fish in Human Health

Satyendra Kumar and Dr. Sanjoy Borthakur Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Kameng

Awareness regarding importance of Fish in human health is increasing day by day. Nutrition labeling of foods is the talk of the day, especially in those areas where people can afford to choose their food. Through research over the years, it is now proved that many of the diseases and health problems of people today are due to unhealthy lifestyle, characterized by unbalanced diet or the diet is very low in calories, the animal component in it is alarmingly deficient. That is why when we talk about balanced diet, fish along with cereals is a proposition. Fish and its products are highly nutritious and are excellent and cheap source of high quality protein, vitamins and minerals.

According to a German Scientist Kunan, the percentage of protein in fish is next to the mother’s milk. Fish is easily digestible among all other animal flesh. The energy content of fish is more (193 Kcal/100gms) than that of beef (114 Kcal/100 gms) and chick egg (173 Kcal/100 gms). A serving of 100 gm of fish everyday could satisfy half the total protein required by the body. Fishes like Magur, Singhi and many more Catfishes are rich in iron. That is why nowadays, doctors advise to take such fishes to those who are suffering from anemia. Furthermore, due to presence of Omega 3 fatty acid, fish foods are often recommended to the people who suffer from heart disease and high blood pressure. Due to rich Iodine content of marine fish, fish eating people seldom gets Goitre. More consumption of fish results in stronger teeth. Recently, medical evidence suggests that high intake of fluoride containing fish prevent certain bone diseases too.

Thus, from child to old aged person should make a habit of eating fish and add fish as a component of their routine diet for enrichment of their health. So, in order to make fish easily available for us, we must go for rearing it in a scientific way so that we can meet up the demand of it.

Bandh illegal

ITANAGAR: While terming the 12 hours bandh call given by Arunachal Tribal Students Union on Sept 4 as unlawful and illegal, Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex has directed the union to abstain from organizing it.

Rebia resigns

ITANAGAR: Nabam Rebia, a former MP resigned from the post of Political Advisor to the Chief Minister citing compelling domestic reasons.

NERIST High Voltage Lab

ITANAGAR: NERIST has equipped its High Voltage Lab with 100 kV AC / 140 kV DC / 300 kV, 7.5 kJ, 1.2/50 µs impulse test set up for academic excellence in high voltage engineering and high voltage testing facility on Aug 31, Director, NERIST informed. He opined that the new lab, the first one of its kind in the north east, shall usher a new era of industry-institute interaction and research in the field of power. He congratulated the Department for installing this facility.

Plantation prog at Tawang

ITANAGAR: The Environment Protection Society (EPS) in collaboration with the NSS unit of Govt. Higher Secondary School Tawang, planted more than 1100 saplings of different varieties of temperate forests at the campuses of the School and 190 Korea Brigade.

Col.NK.Sharma of 190 Korea brigade and the Principal along with the other staff appreciated the society for taking the initiatives and assured to extend a helping hand in the future too.

ASUS endorse AAPSU

ITANAGAR1: Arunachal Students’ Union Shillong (ASUS) extended its support to All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union’s (AAPSU) demands on enhancement of stipend, yearly conduct of APPSCE. It also appealed the governor to take note of activity in Tirap and Changlang District regarding Naga People Forum Campaign.

Health camps

ITANAGAR: All Baririjo Area Students’ Union (ABASU) organized a free medical camp at Baririjo Circle recently.

Altogether, 300 patients benefited from the four days camp.

The union thanked state health Director for providing medicines and also thanked Anchal Samity Members of all concerned villages.