TAWANG, 3 Oct: Department of Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung urged the youths of Tawang to remain rooted in their age-old traditions, preserve local dialects and culture, and take pride in the Himalayan region’s Buddhist heritage, which has flourished for thousands of years.
After inaugurating a three-day ‘Monpa youth educational conference’ here on Friday, the minister said such platforms foster knowledge-sharing and provide direction for social development.
The conference is being organized by the Monpa Youth Educational Conference and the International Tibetan College Students Association, in collaboration with various NGOs of Tawang district, and is supported by the Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Natung reminded the participants of India’s historic legacy of great universities like Nalanda, Taxila, and Vikramshila, which flourished centuries ago when many modern civilizations had not yet emerged. He called upon the youths to work in unity for the positive development of the state and the country. He also encouraged the organizers to share the outcomes and recommendations of the conference with the government through their respective MLAs.
Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering in his address said that the conference would provide a meaningful platform for the youths to share knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of relationships with neighbouring regions, and strengthen cultural bonds. He stressed the need to preserve and promote local traditions, culture, and dialects.
Tawang DC Namgyal Angmo in her address described the themes of the three-day conference as highly relevant to the entire Himalayan region. She emphasized that, beyond environmental issues, the preservation of culture, traditions, and way of life is vital for future generations.
Tulku Tenzin Gyurmey Rinpoche spoke on two fundamental teachings of Lord Buddha -impermanence and dependent arising – and their relevance to modern life. He elaborated how wisdom helps in facing the challenges of inevitable change.
Over the course of the conference, eminent intellectuals from the Central Institute of Himalayan Cultural Studies, Varanasi and Dahung, along with other universities and senior citizens from the region will be sharing their knowledge and insights.
The conference is poised to serve as a milestone in empowering youths, fostering cultural preservation, and promoting constructive dialogue for the future development of Tawang and the wider Himalayan region.
The inaugural programme was attended also by Lungla MLA Tsering Lhamu, ZPC Leki Gombu, DoKAA Vice Chairperson Sange Chodup, MMT Tawang unit president Pema Chowang, monks, nuns, intellectuals, senior citizens, and members of the International Tibetan College Students’ Association.
‘Work with greater dedication’
Meanwhile, the home minister urged the officials of Tawang district to work with greater dedication and sincerity to realize the vision of ‘Mission Viksit Arunachal 2047’.
Chairing a review meeting with all heads of offices of the district at the DC office conference hall here on Friday, Natung, who is also the guardian minister of Tawang, assured that the concerns raised by the MLAs during the meeting would be discussed with the ministries concerned for necessary action. He also expressed satisfaction with the district’s progress.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo presented a detailed account of the developmental activities being carried out in the district across various departments and agencies. The DC also apprised the minister of key challenges faced in implementation of development activities.
MLA Namgey Tsering expressed satisfaction over the progress of developmental projects in the district despite the limited working season.
He urged the heads of departments to keep the local MLA informed of new proposals submitted to the government. The MLA requested the guardian minister to consider providing winter allowances for government employees serving in Tawang, and to expedite the filling of vacant posts arising from transfer or retirement of employees.
MLA Tsering Lhamu raised concern over the Atmanirbhar schemes, emphasizing the need to “provide interest-free options and ensure procurement of high-quality fruit plants to support the farmers.”
She stressed the importance of streamlining the tendering process, “curbing mutual compromises among bidders that impact work quality,” and sought tailoring schemes like vegetable seeds and polyhouses to local climatic conditions.
She also highlighted the urgent need for science teachers at the Lungla Higher Secondary School, where the science stream had to be closed this year due to staff shortage.
ZPC Leki Gombu and senior officials also attended the meeting. (DIPRO)
