Author name: OnlineAge

TEZU : Chairman of the Centre for Cultural and Literary Studies on Mishmis (CALSOM) and Convenor of the Lohit Youth Library Network Sokhep Kri on Monday urged young people to document more local stories to create future volumes of Mishmi-land Musings, describing the anthology as “a book of our own life stories.” Kri was speaking after releasing the second edition of the anthology at Bamboosa Library, Tezu. He said the book had received appreciation from eminent writers Y D Thongchi and Mamang Dai, adding that the anthology was written by library readers when they were studying in Classes VI to VIII. “The young writers could achieve this because they were active library readers,” he said, encouraging students to visit libraries regularly to improve their academic performance, self-confidence and public speaking skills. Referring to senior library volunteer Keselo Tayang, who was invited by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, to address Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer trainees on promoting rural libraries, Kri said the achievement reflected the growing recognition of the library movement in Arunachal Pradesh. On the occasion, Kri dedicated book gift sets received from the Association of Writers and Illustrators for Children (AWIC), New Delhi, to the Lohit Youth Library Network. He thanked the organisation for supporting young readers in the district and acknowledged the contributions of founder patron Prashant Lokhande, Indian Administrative Service officer, and senior IAS officers Kaling Tayeng, Nila Mohanan and Mitali Namchoom for facilitating the safe transportation of the books from New Delhi to Tezu. Kri also distributed prizes to winners of a rapid-fire quiz in the Kaman Mishmi language. Roshanso Tega secured first place, while Bomsaiso Bellai and Meena Mam jointly won second prize. Sopliam Manyu received the third prize. He congratulated the Forum of Library Activists for organising programmes to promote literary traditions in the Kaman and Tawra Mishmi languages. Speaking on the occasion, Lohit Youth Library Network Coordinator S Mundayoor recounted the publication of the first edition of Mishmi-land Musings. He thanked eminent writer and Padma Shri awardee Arup Kumar Dutta for editing the anthology and paid tribute to the late Padma Bhushan awardee Prof Manoj Das for his message of encouragement to the young contributors. Receiving the newly released edition, Forum of Library Activists chairperson Keselo Tayang thanked Kri for his sustained support to the library movement and expressed gratitude to the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Indigenous Affairs for providing financial assistance for the publication. Earlier, senior volunteer Bethem Marai highlighted the Forum’s initiatives to promote literary activities in the Kaman and Tawra Mishmi languages, while Banika Kri welcomed the gathering.    

KOLORIANG/DAPORIJO : The 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee was observed with patriotic fervour and reverence at separate programmes held in Kurung Kumey and Upper Subansiri districts on Monday. At Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Koloriang, the commemorative programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by the school principal, who highlighted the significance of Dr Mookerjee’s contributions as an educationist, parliamentarian and nationalist leader. Kurung Kumey District Art and Culture Officer (DACO) Taba Yalar delivered the keynote address, outlining Dr Mookerjee’s role as a statesman and advocate of national unity. He urged students to draw inspiration from his ideals of patriotism, integrity, selfless service and commitment to the nation. Teachers and students paid tribute to the leader by reflecting on his life and legacy. The programme concluded with the rendition of Vande Mataram and the offering of floral tributes. The event was jointly organised by the Kurung Kumey Department of Art and Culture and the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO). In Upper Subansiri district, the birth anniversary was celebrated at Government Secondary School, Taliha, under the theme “One Nation, One Constitution.” The programme was organised by the District Art and Culture Office with active participation from students and teachers. Taliha Circle Officer Deewan Mara attended the programme as the chief guest, while Block Education Officer T Bagbi was the guest of honour. The celebration commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, floral tributes to Dr Mookerjee, and the singing of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem. The school headmaster welcomed the gathering and spoke on the significance of the occasion Students presented talks on the life and legacy of Dr Mookerjee, followed by patriotic cultural performances. Essay writing, painting and Preamble recitation competitions were also organised to promote awareness of constitutional values and national unity. Addressing the gathering, Mara urged students to uphold the ideals of patriotism, national integration and constitutional responsibility. He emphasised the importance of discipline, education and active citizenship in nation-building. Upper Subansiri DACO Ama Nungnu appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students and teachers and encouraged young people to uphold the values of unity, integrity and respect for the Constitution. (DIPR)        

TENZINGAON : The 91st birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was celebrated with spiritual fervour and cultural splendour at the Tibetan Settlement in Tenzingaon, West Kameng district, on Monday. The event drew a large gathering of monks, devotees, public representatives, government officials and local residents, reflecting the deep respect and admiration His Holiness continues to command across Arunachal Pradesh. Attending the celebration as the chief guest, Home Minister Mama Natung extended his greetings to His Holiness and lauded his lifelong commitment to peace, compassion, non-violence and universal human values. Natung said the teachings of the Dalai Lama continue to serve as a guiding light for humanity and acknowledged his enduring spiritual association with Arunachal Pradesh, noting that it has significantly enriched the state’s Buddhist heritage while strengthening the values of harmony and peaceful coexistence. Among those present were Tali MLA Jikke Tako, Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow, Kalaktang MLA and chief patron of the celebration Tsetan Chombay Kee, North Eastern Council Member T N Thongdok, State Election Commissioner Rinchin Tashi, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar, West Kameng Superintendent of Police D W Thongon, senior government officials, religious leaders and members of the community. The programme featured traditional Buddhist prayers, ceremonial offerings and cultural performances by artistes from MIPA, SIMPA and cultural groups from Rupa, Kalaktang, Shergaon and Tenzingaon, reaffirming the ideals of compassion, tolerance and universal brotherhood championed by His Holiness. The celebration concluded with special prayers for the long life and good health of the Dalai Lama, as well as for universal peace and the well-being of all sentient beings. (DIPR)

ZIRO : The Ziro Tourism Organisation (ZTO) marked a major milestone in community-led tourism by launching the valley’s first Tourist Information Centre during the annual Dree Festival, held from July 1 to 5 at the Hanoko Dree Ground in Hong. The initiative, aimed at making one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most celebrated cultural festivals more visitor-friendly, was implemented in collaboration with the District Tourism Office, the District Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and the Hapoli Forest Division. Throughout the five-day festival, the Tourist Information Centre provided domestic and international visitors with travel assistance, local information, safety guidance and logistical support, enhancing the overall visitor experience. A key highlight of the festival was the release of the Ziro Tourism Digital Directory by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tai Tagak, the chief guest of the 37th Hong Dree Festival. Developed by the ZTO, the digital directory serves as a comprehensive guide to local homestays, hotels, tourist guides, transport services and major attractions, enabling visitors to plan their trips more conveniently while promoting direct engagement with local service providers and the Apatani community. Despite heavy monsoon rains and flash floods that disrupted traffic along the Potin-Poosa road, the new tourism initiatives received an encouraging response. More than 100 independent and group travellers registered at the Tourist Information Centre during the festival, underscoring Ziro Valley’s growing popularity as a tourism destination. While the Dree Festival remains a deeply significant agricultural and cultural celebration of the Apatani community, the ZTO said the new initiatives are intended to promote responsible tourism by improving visitor services without compromising the valley’s ecological balance and cultural heritage. The organisation also noted that improved road, rail and air connectivity has made Ziro increasingly accessible to tourists, and initiatives such as the Tourist Information Centre and the Digital Directory are expected to further strengthen sustainable tourism while creating greater livelihood opportunities for local communities.