RIMA, Nov 1: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein attended the Kathina Civara Dana-cum-Achariya Kanto Poi festival in Rima village on Thursday. The festival is celebrated by the Buddhist community of Changlang district at the Ashoka Vihara here in Nampong subdivision.
In his address, Mein urged the people to preserve their rich cultural heritage, and said “one should not feel shy to put on one’s traditional costumes or practice one’s customs and traditions.”
“Our government is a liberal government, and we are for equal and parallel growth of all religions and communities,” he said.
Mein highlighted the efforts of the Pema Khandu government in bringing development on all fronts, and lauded the support extended by the central government in improving connectivity in the state, adding that Changlang district was not an exception to it.
Commending the development activities in Nampong, he lauded local MLA Laisam Simai for his commitment to work for the welfare of the people of his constituency.
Responding to a memorandum, Mein assured to provide fund for renovation of the New Putok-Horu Putok road, and for construction of the road from Motongsa village to Kongmu (Standing Stone), in the next financial year.
He also assured to provide Rs 25 lakhs from his own resources for construction of the residence for monks at the Ashoka Vihara here.
Simai in his address exhorted the people to participate in such religious festivals and practice religious teachings in their life. He said “there should be visible change in one’s lifestyle after attending religious activities.”
Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom also assured to extend his support for the welfare and development of the people of the area.
Chief patron of the festival, Izmir Tikhak, said the festival is celebrated for the wellbeing, happiness and peace of all mankind. He also spoke on the teachings of Lord Buddha on non-violence and shunning evils.
Ven B Agadhamma, head priest of the Pariyatti Sasana Buddhist Vihara, Namsai, and Rumikham Tikhak also spoke.
Buddhist devotional songs were presented on the occasion.
Among others, former minister CC Singpho, ADCs T Jerang, SS Choudhury and Bijay Talukdar, Changlang SP James K Lego, and Buddhist monks were present on the occasion.
Earlier, the DCM along with others visited the temple at Ashoka Vihara and offered prayers. (PRO, DCM)
