Rs 1 cr allotted for studying state’s dialects: CM
ITANAGAR, Apr 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday announced that Rs 1 crore has been allocated to the research department for studying the status of different dialects of the state, in view of the UNESCO categorizing 26 of them as highly endangered.
Addressing the Mopin festival celebration at the Mopin-Solung ground here, the CM also said that the state government is ready to provide teachers to teach local dialects in the schools.
He lauded the elders of the Galo community for preserving their rich culture and tradition, and said his government has increased the allocation of fund for celebration of indigenous festivals to Rs 6 crore, from the earlier allocation of Rs 1. 5 crore.
“The funds will be disbursed to all the districts, and then to all community-based organizations,” he said.
The CM also informed that the state Cabinet has approved the creation of Lepa Rada district, to be carved out from Lower Siang district, and that the move will be passed in the coming monsoon Assembly session.
The chief minister informed that exercise for implementation of the Rs 2,500-crore budget announcements and schemes under SADA have already begun.
“Funds will be sanctioned by 31 May for all approved schemes for commencement of work, so that there is no last-minute rush in execution of work,” he said.
Art & Culture Minister Dr Mohesh Chai also spoke.
In Naharlagun, Sagalee MLA and former chief minister Nabam Tuki greeted the people on the happy occasion and said, “The celebration of local festivals promotes brotherhood, integrity and peace among all.”
He appealed to the people to preserve their rich traditions and cultures.
“Arunachal has 26 tribes and over 100 sub-tribes; each has their distinct flavour and tradition which is unique in the entire world,” said Tuki, and stressed the need to make the celebration of local festivals a platform to enhance tourism in the state.
He appealed to the youths to desist from alcohol and drug addiction and work for the betterment of the society and the state.
In West Siang, MoS for Home, Kiren Rijiju unveiled the golden jubilee Mopin commemoration pillar, Lot Lomen, at the general ground in Kamba.
He urged the people to preserve their tradition and culture by celebrating local festivals “in the best possible way every year.”
He said the Centre and the state are working hand in hand to meet the aspirations of the people. He also informed that the government has sanctioned Rs 32 crore for the Kambu bridge and for ensuring connectivity to Sesi Likar village.
He said the government is also making efforts to re-tender the work on the highway connecting East, West and Upper Subansiri districts.
“The state government has worked out Rs 60 crore for repairing the deplorable stretches of the road and has called for early tendering of the work again to start work before the onslaught of monsoon,” he said.
Rijiju later released the golden jubilee Mopin song, ‘Kaju Mopin jiaye jamen laju’, and an audio album by Jelly Kayi.
Late Jomya Nomuk (the first political zamadar), Boya Karbak (the first Bango secretary), Bijum Tato (zamadar), and Lito Ninu (the first Pingi Nerii), who were instrumental in shaping Kamba town and celebration of Mopin at the community level, were felicitated on the occasion.
In Bomdila, MLA Japu Deru, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop, and SSP PN Khrimey attended the Mopin celebrations.
Conveying Mopin greetings, the dignitaries lauded the members of the Galo community for maintaining their rich cultural traditions. They expressed hope that the celebration of the traditional festivals would go a long way in fostering the message of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
In Pasighat, the Galo community celebrated Mopin festival with traditional gaiety at the Engo Takar Hall, Central Ganging.
Extending warm greetings to the people, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Taga called upon the people to rededicate themselves to the unity and prosperity of the society.
“Such celebration provides an opportunity to reconcile ourselves to promote a sense of unity and strengthen the feelings of friendship and brotherhood,” he said.
ZPC Kaling Dai said that festivals of tribal communities are similar in nature which signifies the peace and prosperity for mankind. He urged community people to keep such celebrations alive for social harmony and peace.
Prominent leader Taniya Dabi presented a brief history of Mopin and urged the community to preserve their rich culture and tradition. CMFCC president Minkar Doji and general secretary Jumli Riram also spoke.
Among others, MLAs Kaling Moyong and Kento Rina joined the festival. (CMO & DIPROs)
Our Correspondent adds: In Nari in Lower Siang district, Deputy Director of Civil Supplies Tojir Kadu urged the youths to shoulder the responsibility in preserving their age-old traditional culture.
In his speech, Nari ADC Bani Lego put emphasis on wearing traditional attires to important occasions in order to promote unity and discipline among the community members.
Tax & Excise Superintendent Kento Nyido also spoke.
Mopin was also celebrated with traditional fervour in Ruksin in East Siang district.
