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Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, SEP 9: The 60th Central Solung Festival began here on Wednesday with traditional rituals, cultural performances and community gatherings, bringing together generations of the Adi community to celebrate its heritage, agricultural traditions and collective identity. Jonai MLA Bhubon Pegu attended the inaugural programme as chief guest, while former Nari-Koyu MLA Kento Rina was the Guest of Honour. The programme brought together community elders, cultural practitioners, artists, public representatives, invitees and members of the public. The opening day featured the gathering of Solung Committee members and Po parties, reception of senior citizens and invitees, inauguration of festival stalls, traditional rituals, unfurling of the Solung flag and a community Po. A public function, community feast and cultural competitions involving young participants followed. Addressing the gathering, Central Solung President Jorsing Moyong highlighted the historical significance of Solung and its deep connection with the traditional way of life of the Adi people. He said the festival is rooted in agriculture, traditional knowledge, social values and the community’s relationship with nature. Moyong said Solung is not merely an annual cultural celebration but an important platform for transmitting customs, traditions and history from one generation to another. As the festival reached its 60th edition, he called upon the younger generation to actively participate in its rituals, songs, dances and traditional practices and ensure that modernisation and technological advancement do not lead to the loss of indigenous knowledge. Pegu stressed the need to protect indigenous culture amid the growing influence of globalisation, the internet and rapidly changing patterns of entertainment among the younger generation. He expressed concern that traditional long songs, stories and cultural narratives are receiving less attention as young people increasingly spend time consuming short-form digital content. He said traditional songs and oral narratives are not merely entertainment but repositories of history, knowledge, values and community identity. The MLA also called for greater recognition and support for local artists, observing that community artists often do not receive the same appreciation or financial support as popular performers from outside. He urged people to encourage and honour local singers, musicians and cultural practitioners as important carriers of indigenous traditions. At the same time, Pegu said cultural preservation should not be seen as opposition to modernisation. He noted that the Adi community has talented contemporary singers and musicians producing quality modern music and said traditional and contemporary forms should progress together. Referring to the cultural interpretation associated with Kaling Borang, particularly the significance of Solung and the reference to Lune as girl and Solung’s association with harvest, Pegu said traditional knowledge should be presented in forms that the younger generation can easily understand and relate to. He suggested using songs and other creative forms to preserve and communicate cultural stories, history and indigenous knowledge. Pegu also called for greater unity among the Tani communities, particularly on issues concerning land and community interests. He said such matters should not be reduced to disputes arising from political or administrative boundaries and called for collective discussions and appropriate resolutions through an apex-level community body. He stressed that while administrative boundaries may separate areas, they should not divide the shared identity, history, culture and traditional connections of the people. Linking the future of indigenous communities with environmental protection, Pegu called for greater cooperation among the northeastern states on common concerns including global warming, agriculture, livelihoods and sustainable development. He suggested constructive dialogue among the leadership of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland to address challenges affecting communities whose livelihoods remain closely linked with nature. Pegu described Solung and similar festivals as more than cultural gatherings, saying they provide an opportunity to reconnect society with land, agriculture, nature, tradition and community values. He also said it was an honour to attend the 60th Central Solung Festival, noting that it was his first visit to the celebration despite having served as an MLA for several years. The inaugural day concluded with solo and group dance competitions and traditional Po performances. The 60th Central Solung Festival thus opened with a strong emphasis on preserving Adi cultural heritage while encouraging the younger generation to engage with tradition, support local artists and maintain a connection with their roots.  

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, SEPT 9: The first day of the 60th Central Solung Festival in Pasighat witnessed the release of two books authored by veteran writer and social worker Olom Perme of Gune village, highlighting the need to preserve the Adi community’s traditional knowledge, oral history, language and cultural heritage for future generations. The two books, Sopi Yekpi & Binngyat and Adi E Kensupenam, are based on the 85-year-old author’s decades-long memories, observations and understanding of Adi traditions, beliefs and history. Perme said he had written a book as early as 1990 but faced difficulties in getting his writings typed and edited as he was unfamiliar with computers and modern technology. His long-pending work eventually took shape after he met Tayom Dai, who helped collect, organise and edit his writings. Explaining Adi E Kensupenam, Perme said the book documents traditional accounts concerning the origins of the Adi people and their relationship with the creation of the earth and the heavens. The narrative draws upon stories and knowledge he heard during childhood from the Miiri of Donyi-Polo, which remained deeply embedded in his memory. Perme said such knowledge should not remain confined to one generation and must be documented so that younger Adis can understand the stories, beliefs and traditional knowledge that have shaped their community. He also recorded traditional accounts and prophecies he had heard in his childhood, hoping to prevent them from being lost with the passing of the older generation. Dai, who has served as Vice President of the Adi Agom Kebang since 2016, played a key role in editing and organising the two books. He said Perme’s original writings presented challenges related to spelling, unique sounds and the long sounds characteristic of the Adi language. He worked on editing the text, arranging its sequence and preparing the layout while retaining the essence of the author’s original work. Dai said the initial material for Adi E Kensupenam was limited, but discussions with Perme led to the incorporation of writings from his earlier work and decades-old notes, allowing more of his accumulated knowledge to be preserved. Describing the publication as an important message to the younger generation, Dai urged young people interested in literature, art and writing to document their experiences and traditional knowledge in the Adi language. He also encouraged them to translate their works into Hindi and English to make Adi history and cultural knowledge accessible to a wider audience. He stressed that language and culture are closely interconnected and called for greater encouragement, motivation and specialised writing opportunities at the village level to help young people develop the skills needed to document their traditions and dialects. The publication was supported by Tobuk Dai of Boying village, who sponsored the initiative in recognition of Perme’s efforts to document Adi heritage. Perme’s life reflects a long association with education and community service. He began his career as a teacher after undergoing Buniyadi Shiksha training at Changlang in 1959. During the 1962 India-China war, he left his teaching job to contribute to restoration and social work in the war-affected areas. He subsequently served as General Secretary of the Bogong Banggo Kebang from 1968 to 1970, Member Secretary of the Ramro Tulap Committee in 1971 and General Secretary of the Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang from 1995 to 2000. He also served as Chief Advisor of the Central Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang and was recognised as a renowned social worker by the East Siang district administration in 2010. He currently serves as Tabé Aabu of Bogong Gangging. At 85, Perme’s effort to put decades of traditional knowledge into written form underscores the urgency of documenting indigenous history and cultural memory before it is lost. The two books released during the Central Solung Festival thus go beyond literary significance, seeking to connect the knowledge and memories of the older generation with the cultural consciousness of younger Adis.  

LONGDING, SEP 9: An outreach-cum-awareness session on the Gems of India Challenge was held at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Longding on Wednesday to mobilise students to participate in the contest, which offers attractive cash prizes. Around 50 senior secondary students from Classes XI and XII of GHSS Longding and Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Longding attended the session conducted by Longding i/c District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) Jamwang Lowang. The students were briefed on the eligibility criteria, terms and conditions and submission procedure of the challenge. Lowang also introduced the concept of the Orange Economy, explaining its potential and significance for the younger generation through examples drawn from everyday activities. The students were further briefed about the Government of India’s WAVES initiative and its objective of providing an integrated platform for stakeholders in the creative or Orange Economy. The session was followed by an interaction to address the students’ doubts and queries. Concluding the programme, Lowang encouraged the students to participate in large numbers so that the heritage and identity of Longding could be showcased on the national stage and beyond. (DIPR)      

ITANAGAR, SEP 8: The Arunachal Pradesh assembly on Tuesday passed three key bills aimed at facilitating the growth of MSMEs, strengthening fire and emergency services and promoting planned development around airports in the state. The bills were passed by voice vote after being introduced and taken up for deliberations in the House. Industries Minister Nyato Dukam presented the Arunachal Pradesh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Facilitation, Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2026, which seeks to create a more facilitative environment for setting up and operating MSMEs in the state. The proposed legislation provides for exemption from certain approvals and inspections for MSMEs, with the objective of promoting inclusive economic growth, generating employment and encouraging entrepreneurship. The Bill, however, seeks to retain existing safeguards relating to public health and safety, tribal land rights, forest laws and labour welfare. Home Minister Mama Natung introduced the Arunachal Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services (Amendment) Bill. The legislation seeks to amend provisions of the existing Fire and Emergency Services law, particularly those relating to references to the National Building Code. The Arunachal Pradesh Airport Area Development Authority Bill was presented by Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja. It proposes to establish an authority for planned development of the new township around Hollongi Airport. The authority will be responsible for planning, coordination, execution, supervision and financing of township development in the airport area, besides managing and supervising urban services. The legislation also seeks to facilitate infrastructure development and the upgradation of existing facilities in and around airports in the state. (Source: PTI)

ITANAGAR, SEP 8: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan arrived in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday on a two-day visit, during which he will address a special session of the state assembly, officials said. Radhakrishnan was received at Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi by Governor KT Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, among others. He was accorded a guard of honour at the airport before proceeding to Lok Bhavan, where he will stay overnight, officials said. “Warmly received the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri CP Radhakrishnan Ji, at Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar. A warm and heartfelt welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun, Arunachal Pradesh,” Khandu said in a social media post. The chief minister expressed hope that Radhakrishnan’s visit would be memorable and meaningful, marked by the warmth of the people, the state’s mountains and its rich tribal heritage. The state government will host a dinner in Radhakrishnan’s honour at the Lok Bhavan. The governor, chief minister and members of the state cabinet will attend it, officials said. On Wednesday, Radhakrishnan will attend a special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly and visit the Assembly Gallery-cum-Museum. His itinerary also includes visits to Nyedar Namlo (Prayer Hall), the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and the Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired. Radhakrishnan, who arrived in Arunachal Pradesh from Manipur, is scheduled to leave for New Delhi at around 4.30 pm on Wednesday. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Itanagar for the vice president’s visit. Itanagar Capital Region SP Jummar Basar said adequate security forces had been deployed at all venues in Radhakrishnan’s itinerary. “Night patrolling has also been conducted throughout the capital city for the past few days,” he said, declining to disclose details of the security deployment. Later, the Vice President received a traditional welcome at Lok Bhavan from members of various indigenous communities dressed in their traditional attire. Welcoming Radhakrishnan to the State, Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik expressed confidence that his visit would inspire the people of Arunachal Pradesh and strengthen their confidence in the State’s development aspirations. He particularly highlighted the potential of the Vice President’s interaction with the people to motivate the younger generation. A specially curated cultural programme titled ‘The Land of Cultures and Traditions’ was organised at the Durbar Hall of Lok Bhavan in his honour. The programme showcased India’s cultural unity and Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse heritage through music and dance. Students of the Department of Fine Arts and Music, Rajiv Gandhi University, presented two Hindustani classical compositions. Students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya and Jomu Norbu Khrimey Public School, Itanagar, presented Bharatanatyam and Kathak performances, while artists showcased Rikam Pada, a traditional dance of Arunachal Pradesh. Staff artist of the Department of Art and Culture Mibi Nyodu Taring presented a patriotic song highlighting national unity and pride. Later, Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik hosted a State Banquet in honour of the Vice President at Siddhartha Hall, Lok Bhavan. Members of the State Cabinet, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries attended the banquet. The occasion also provided an opportunity for interaction and exchange of views on the development, progress and future aspirations of Arunachal Pradesh. (Source: PTI/PRO of Raj Bhavan)  

ITANAGAR, SEP 8: Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung on Tuesday said that a call for a strike cannot be considered legal, and warned that the law would take its course against those resorting to such practice. When the matter of frequent calls for bandhs disrupting normal life in the state was raised by Congress MLA Kumar Waii during Zero-Hour discussions in the Assembly, the minister said the Supreme Court held in 1997 that there was no legal right to call or enforce a bandh when it interferes with the fundamental rights of others. Natung said frequent calls for bandhs were a matter of concern as they affected normal life and could also discourage companies from operating in the state. “Peace is the prerequisite for development,” he said, adding that some companies involved in development activities, such as National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd, were keeping their offices outside Arunachal Pradesh because of frequent disruptions. The Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, provides for the prevention of certain unlawful activities, and specifically covers bandh enforced through intimidation, psychological fear or threat, along with disruption of essential services and damage to public or private property. Natung added that the Arunachal Pradesh Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 2020, was enacted to deal with damage to property and recovery of losses. “If any union gives an illegal call for bandh, the law will take its course,” the minister said. He said the present government stood for accountability, transparency, reform, transform and perform, and maintained that it was always ready to hear the grievances of unions and organisations and make efforts to resolve them. He referred to the recent consultations with stakeholders, including the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, ST Bachao Andolan Committee and Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum, saying the government had been engaging with organisations to address their concerns. A high-level consultative meeting involving these groups was held on May 27 and May 29, during which the government decided to constitute four high-powered committees on APST certificate re-verification, the non-APST offspring issue, strengthening the Inner Line Permit system and reviewing the ILP Guidelines 2026, besides concerns over infiltration. Natung said the number of bandh calls had reduced significantly, and appealed to all to discourage the practice. Raising the issue in the House, Waii said unrecognised unions were calling for bandhs even over petty issues, causing considerable hardship to the common people. The government should take the matter seriously and make efforts to address the grievances of such organisations before they turn into bandh calls, he said. Waii alleged that some unrecognised unions were using bandh calls to put pressure on the government and claimed that crores of rupees were sometimes paid to persuade them to withdraw such calls. “This culture should be stopped,” he said. (Source: PTI)    

NAMSAI, SEP 8: The Namsai Journalist Welfare Forum celebrated its first Foundation Day at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall here with the participation of media persons, public representatives, government officials, Heads of Offices, Community-Based Organisation (CBO) representatives, students and other stakeholders. Namsai Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Chow Sujana Namchoom was the chief guest, while Namsai Superintendent of Police and Piyong-Lenkang ZPM attended as special guests. Addressing the gathering, the Namsai SP highlighted the media’s role as a pillar of democracy and an important medium for informing and educating the public. He said the power of the media comes with responsibility and urged journalists to uphold ethical journalism, accuracy, impartiality and professionalism. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) Nodal Officer Dr M Thaumoung spoke on drug abuse and the need for collective efforts to prevent substance abuse, particularly among young people. He stressed the importance of awareness, community participation and coordinated action in building a drug-free society. Namchoom appreciated the contribution of the media in highlighting issues of public interest and serving as a bridge between people and the administration. He urged journalists to maintain professional ethics, impartiality and credibility while reporting on issues concerning society and development. The celebration provided an opportunity for media persons and stakeholders to reflect on the role of journalism in promoting public awareness, accountability and inclusive development. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to responsible journalism and constructive engagement among the media, administration and community.

GANDHINAGAR, SEP 8: Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) Member Secretary D Dohu Robin, who also serves as Member Secretary of the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), Arunachal Pradesh, visited the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) here on Tuesday and held detailed discussions with senior officials on environmental regulation and digital monitoring mechanisms. The meetings were held at the GPCB Conference Hall and the SEAC and State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) Secretariat, Gandhinagar. Discussions focused on Environmental Clearance (EC) for Category-B projects, sand mining, preparation of District Survey Reports (DSRs), environmental safeguards and other regulatory matters. SEAC Gujarat Chairman D M Thaker, a former Member Secretary of GPCB, briefed the visiting delegation on the functioning of SEAC Gujarat and the projects handled by the committee. It was informed that GPCB receives an average of 20,000 applications for Consent annually, while SEAC receives around 2,200 applications for Environmental Clearance. The discussions also explored the possibility of developing a Dashboard Portal for Arunachal Pradesh on the State Government website with technical support from the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The proposed portal would enable online monitoring and tracking of applications other than Consent applications, which are currently processed through the Unified Consent and Authorization Management System (UCAMS) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The interaction also covered regulatory and environmental management issues relating to hazardous substances, Bio-Medical Waste (BMW), Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste. Officials from GPCB, SEAC Gujarat, SEIAA and NIC participated in the discussions. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange institutional experiences and best practices and explore digital regulatory mechanisms for strengthening environmental clearance, monitoring and regulatory systems in Arunachal Pradesh.