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2011
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April  -  23

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Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

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Please prove me wrong

Dear Editor,

This is in reference to a letter from APPSU leadership in response to an open letter published earlier. It is appreciable on the part of the leadership to show concern for all students especially for the lower strata. It is a great puzzle. No one is sure who is to be blamed for this sorry state of affairs. The political leaderships allege people come to seek employment for their children. The unemployed who complain illegal job appointments at the drop of hat would surely accept a job if offered on a platter.

This mayhem of a chaos is the making of our beloved leaders. It is open secret that they seek vote from the gullible villagers with the promise of securing their future with a Govt. job to their children. They create the impression that only they (read ruling candidate) can provide job to the unemployed youths. Sorry for taking the luxury of name dropping! But we all know who they are. Our poor villagers being oblivious of rule of law end up electing these cunning leaders for eternity. And relentlessly seek job for their children in return for their unflinching loyalty. We know all the folks out there are not illiterate and innocent. But it seems all are convinced that our Neta is capable of leveraging the system to have his ways, which is true to some extent. And when we talk of the system, we are all party to this sin.

This vicious cycle of allegation and counter allegation will never end. Call me a pessimistic; whatever. I see no change in the status quo if we don’t change ourselves. Leave others. Please prove me wrong.

Yours,

John, (on email)

 

 

Its not just us

Dear Editor

This is a reply to Suman Das on why only students from north east were being targeted.  

I didn’t get his/her point but it’s not just the students from Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are racially discriminated, abused, raped and harassed but also  the Tibetans and Nepalese.

They call us Chinkies and God knows what that actually means. Its true that we look different but that shouldn’t be the reason of discrimination because we live in a land of diversity with thousands of   languages, culture, hundreds of religion and of course people of different sizes and colors.

People from all over India live happily and earn in our states, we never discriminate them. We believe in harmony and unity, we come to Delhi to study and in search of better career options and nothing else.

We never enjoy living away from our family members, Well if you ever wish, please come to northeast and specially Arunachal Pradesh the land of rising sun. I am sure you will love it.

Yours,

Samil Jugli,  (on email)

 

 

Wake up from deep sleep of abysmal ignorance

Dear Editor,

I am emotionally frustrated and perturbed, so jotting down these few lines to draw the attention of those responsible authorities.   I am sure, as always this will also go to deaf ears once again and my   attempt is futile. I’m writing this with a hope for serious probe in the matter and initiation of genuine effort to revamp the air service.  

Tawang better known as Tourism hub of Arunachal Pradesh, entertains lakhs of tourist a year besides hosting many International, National and Regional conventions and events.  It sees influx of innumerable VVIPs, VIPs, Foreign Tourists, Domestic Tourists and High ranking officials quite often and so frequently. Therefore, need of the hour is safe, secure and reliable air connectivity.

Recent Tawang Chopper crash, adding one more to the list of consecutive crashes of chopper in the region has created insecurity among the travelers but cannot avoid it owing to many unavoidable circumstances.

Turning blind eye to the number of chopper crashes and deaf ear to the plea of many souls is uncalled for. This tragic incidence may not matter much to the Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited (PHHL) because the authority is focused more on the business part of the service rather than safety and   security measures. If suppose, you were to be a part of these families who lost their dear ones in this very unfortunate incidence, how would you react? Would you be able to bear the loss? The feeling and pain that these families are going through and the tribulation time families have to face in days ahead can never be bridged. But through our prayers, we can hope that Lord Buddha gives enough strength to the bereaved families to bear the loss and the departed souls may rest in peace.

For concerned authority, it’s high time to wake up from the deep sleep of abysmal ignorance. And shoulder the responsibility and pledge this time to let not happen such incidence in near future.

Today, it’s 17 lives, tomorrow it might be more lives if such negligence continues….

Yours

Rinchin Tsetim Khom,

Lhou, Tawang.

 

 

Break the silence

Dear Editor,

Kudos to AAPSU especially Takam Tatung for releasing to us "A letter written by first PM of India Pt. Nehru to the people of Tirap & Changlang".

Now we can be rest assured that the people of these two district is very much Arunachalese not Nagas. Thus, there is no point and NPF have no right claiming them as Nagas.

If NPF claimed people of these two district as Nagas then why being a fellow Naga, Naga insurgents torture and kill their own brethrens? Since my school days I been reading that Naga insurgents who been torturing, killing, blocking development schemes and snatching food from the mouth of these two district. I am sure people of these two districts know better and am still witnessing these.

So, I would like to request the people of these two district to break the silence and come forward and decide own fate/future. Keeping silent won’t help rather it may worsen the situation. The time has come to question those who been keeping you in the dark and reach out of development for so long.

Yours,

Hage Tuka

Guwahati,  (on email)

 

 

Digging graves

Dear Editor,

Y Mosang, who calls himself the president NPF state unit, I am sure is digging his own grave yard. The reason behind him to become a mouth piece for NPF is not tough to understand by the people of state. He is not only selling himself but digging the graves for the young generations of the state. He has betrayed not only his own people of Tirap and Changlang but the whole state. The people of Arunachal should boycott him socially or let him live in Kohima and campaign for NPF. He knows that he will be backed by Naga UGs but don’t forget that the pet dog does not recognize the owner when mad.

So it is high time that he should do a self assessment and reconsider his decision before it is too late.

Yours,

A youth of Arunachal,

(on email)

 

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

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News Impact

TCS appeals AUSDSU to withdraw boycott call

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: Tagin Cultural Society (TCS)  has appealed to the All Upper Subansiri District Students Union (AUSDSU) to  withdraw its proposed decision to boycott the Subansiri Youth Festival for greater interest of the society. It also appealed to all the NGOs, including students’ bodies, public leaders and general public to extend their cooperation in making the event a grand success.

Meanwhile, All Tagin Students’ Union also appealed other students organizations, youth and general public to participate in the festival. Every section of the society of Upper Subansiri district  should extend cooperation to the organizing committee to make the festival a grand success, the union said and also requested AAPSU  leaders to participate in it.

 

Associations demand action

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: All Tali Pipsroang Capital Dwellers Association (ATPCDA), All Taraku Welfare Association (ATKWA) and All Tali-Popsorang Youth Welfare Association (ATPYWA) jointly demanded arrest of the persons who allegedly beaten up one Yura Sha at Lobi this morning. The associations alleged that Yura Sha was mercilessly beaten by one Zabring Vania and others without any reason. He is now undergoing treatment at R K Mission, Itanagar, they said in a release today.

While condemning the attack, the Associations in a letter addressed to Chief Minister demanded immediate arrest of the attackers for justice.

 

Demand endorsed

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association, Capital Complex Unit has endorsed the demand of its parent’s body for release of pending  Hills Transport Subsidy bills  within a month. The people friendly  Govt should abide by the court orders and release pending bills of carriage contractors, the Association said.

 

APTOA to discuss core issues

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) is going to organize its Annual General Body Meeting here on April 24.

The AGM will discuss core issues related to tourism development in the state vis a vis tourism and hospitality industry, opening of Tirap – Changlang circuit for foreign tourists, commissioning of green field airports, communication and transportation bottlenecks, participation in tourism conferences and exhibitions within and outside India, institution of State Tourism Award,  APTOA corpus fund, etc. Chairman Tsering Wange and President John Panya along with host of APTOA delegates and registered tour operators under the Department of Tourism Govt of Arunachal Pradesh will  attend the AGM.

 

AUSDSU opposes

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: All Upper Subansiri District Students Union has strongly opposed the construction of 100 bedded girl’s hostel at Dumporijo and another girl’s hostel being constructed at general ground of Maro.    The authorities should select some other location within the school campus in stead of  selecting school ground for construction of girls’ hostel at Maro, the union said and  requested the Upper Subansiri deputy commissioner to look into the matter.

 

May Day

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: Public leader Maga Hakom and Rekom Maro have consented to attend as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour in the May Day celebration at Dumporijo on May 1.

 

Office inauguration

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: The Office of Nyapin-Sangram Blcok Congress Committee will be inaugurated by Tatar Kipa, Political Adviser to CM,  on April 27.

 

DAYO invalidated

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: Damin Area Youth Organization, Interim Committee Chairman Yamra Ejok responding to appointment and formation of Damin Area Youth Organisation that appeared on this daily yesterday said that the youths of the said area nullified the declared youth organization as most of the colleges going youth are pursuing their annual examination.

 

Chopper crash victims mourned

ITANAGAR: The Education Minister Bosiram Siram and Member of Parliament Ninong Ering and Deputy Commissioner Onit Panyang today expressed their deep shock at the demise of  passengers and crew members who died in helicopter accident in Tawang. They prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and enough strength to the bereaved families at the time of sorrow. DIPRO

 

BJP to celebrate Panchayati Raj day

ITANAGAR: The Panchayati Raj Cell of the BJP Arunachal Pradesh  will celebrate National Panchayati Raj Day Cum Women’s Political Empowerment Day at party headquarters on April 24.

State level BJP leaders including party office bearers, National Council members, Women SHG leaders, Mahila Morcha, Yuva Morcha, ST Morcha, Kisan Morcha, and party workers would join the programme. All the party MLAs,  PR leaders of BJP are also expected to attend.

NLCPR fund allocation for

North East modified

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: In view of latest population figures as per census 2011, Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Bijoy Krishna Handique has approved the revision of the allocation for distribution of Non- Lapsable Pool of Resources (NLCPR) Funds among the states of the North Eastern region. There is a budget provision of Rs 800 crores during the year 2011-12 for NLCPR for all 8 states of the region.

Handique  said  “It has been our priority to lend objectivity to the distribution of NLCPR funds among the eight states of the region. The NLCPR Fund was conceived to ensure speedy development of the region by increasing the flow of budgetary financing with a focus on physical and social infrastructure sectors. We remain committed to meeting this objective.”  

The NLCPR Committee of the Ministry in its 93rd Meeting held on April 13 reviewed the existing allocation for notional distribution of NLCPR Funds among the NE states and had recommended the revision. (See Table)

The revised allocation has been calculated on the availability of data on various parameters like Census 2011, Human Development Index 2006, Road Density 2008, Number of Beds in Hospitals (Allopathic), Electrified Villages and Completion Rate of NLCPR Projects.

The NLCPR Fund was constituted vide an approval from Parliament in the year 1998-99. The Fund is administered by the NLCPR Committee headed by Secretary, Ministry of DoNER and has representation from Ministries of Finance, Home Affairs and the Planning Commission. Since the inception of the fund, Rs.7305 Crores have been released for projects encompassing different sectors in the Region, according to an official source.

 

Resentment against inaction on

Sharmila's struggle

NESO to hold candle-lit vigil in

solidarity with ‘Iron Lady’

GUWAHATI/ITANAGAR, Apr 22: Expressing "resentment" over the country's leaders as well as fellow citizens alleged apathy towards Manipur's Irom Sharmila’s decade-long fast demanding repealing of AFSPA, the North East Students Organization (NESO) today alleged that very freedom of expression was being stifled in the region.

The NESO strongly feels that there is persistent discrimination and injustices against Irom Sharmila and people of North East by Govt. of India. The demand for repealing of AFSPA is very long pending demand of the people of North East and NESO strongly reiterated it’s demands to repeal AFSPA.

As a mark of solidarity to Manipur’s 'Iron Lady', the NESO will hold a sit-in protest in Guwahati on April 25 and candle-lit vigils will be held in all NE state capitals the same evening. In Arunachal Pradesh it will be observed by All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU).

The students group also demanded the visit by an all-party delegation to meet Sharmila and study the issue closely.

"The Central government as well as fellow countrymen are not giving due attention to Sharmila’s struggle," NESO chairman Samujjwal Bhattacharyya said.

He also charged the national media of not highlighting the more than 10-year-long struggle by Sharmila, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act (AFSPA) from Northeast.

While refusing to react on the government readily conceding to Anna Hazare’s demand for the Jan Lokpal Bill, Bhattacharyya said, "Anna Hazare is a great Gandhian leader and we have full regard for him. The NESO has extended its support to the anti-corruption movement."  "But we do have resentment over the government's inaction in case of Sharmila, who has been in indefinite hunger strike for more than 10 years for a just cause," he added.

"She is being put in judicial custody and the fundamental right of freedom of expression is being denied to her," the NESO chairman said.

He said Sharmila has proven that people of NE were capable of non-violent, democratic movement.

Bhattacharyya said it was high time for all to pay proper attention to the issues and problems of NE.

He demanded that the Centre must send an all-party team to meet Sharmila and understand the issues being raised by her.

NESO secretary general Gumjum Haider, while demanding the scrapping of AFSPA claimed that the ‘draconian law’ did not bring the desired result, rather it aggravated the situation.

 

Good Friday observed in state Capital

ITANAGAR,  Apr 22: The faithful of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Nyokum Lapang Itanagar took to the streets and enacted the Way of the Cross bringing back the suffering of Lord Jesus from 33 AD to 2011 AD into reality. They acted out the Jesus of Nazareth 2000 years ago bringing into live show. As the faithful sang hymns and said prayers, the 2011 Jesus carried the cross all across Itanagar streets. While the soldiers pushed and beat Jesus who was carrying the cross. The shopkeepers, bye standers and the Vehicle drivers looked on to the enactment of suffering and humiliated Jesus.

The Caravan of mob started from St. Joseph’s Church at Nyokum Lapang then went up to Bank Tinali near Heema Hospital and returned to Dree ground at Nyokum Lapang, where Jesus was crucified. There the faithful carried the body to be buried in the Church. In silence the faithful went to their homes keeping a day of fasting and mourning until Easter, the day when Lord Jesus will be raised from the dead.

The enactment though very simple but looked serious and there was an atmosphere of prayer and sorrow among the faithful that followed the Way of the Cross.  

 

Home stay operators coordination

meeting held

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: A coordination meeting of the home stay operators was conveyed under the Chairmanship of Lower Subansiri District, Deputy Commissioner Nila Mohanan at Ziro recently.

She advised the home stay operators to modify the existing home keeping structure as per the expectations of the tourists. She further briefed about the financial supports and advised the operators to invest from their own sources at the initial stage and ask for financial support from financial institutions for further development of the home stay in the region.

The district administration further urged NABARD branch, Itanagar to allot additional fund for the exposure trip to Sikkim so that all the participants can avail the opportunity as a part of the ongoing training.

District Tourism Officer Tater Mize highlighted the importance of tourism and appealed for mutual cooperation amongst stakeholders of home stay operator to tap the existing tourism potential of the district for the benefit of the local people.

Young Mission Adventure Club, Secretary Yomjum Yongam, highlighted the details of training imparted to the home stay operator and the progress made so far in home stay sector.

Rural Tourism Management Committee, Ziro President Hibu Lailang urged the District Level Tourism Development Committee to fix the rent of the various home stay operators.

National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) Itanagar Manager Kamkhogin Vaiphei informed that Arunachal Pradesh is having much potential than Sikkim in the field of tourism.

He appealed to the District administration to place more proposals for creating awareness in the field of tourism and appreciated district administration for extending the co-operation and support to the implementing agency in the ongoing phase wise training on rural tourism.

Pratigya Trusted Group representatives Anandya Nandy and J.P.Singh, Branch Manager of the Co-operative Apex Bank of Hapoli also spoke on the occasion.

The meeting was attended by home stay operators, tour operators and hoteliers.

 

Learn good English for  brighter

career : Siram

PASIGHAT, Apr 22: Learn good English for limitless opportunities, said the Education Minister Bosiram Siram while inaugurating the VT Institute of Spoken English recently at Pasighat.

He further said that English as a universal language has become the key tool of globalization. For a brighter career one must learn how to speak good English rather than just knowing it. In many countries one is considered as highly educated if he/she speaks English properly. He hoped that through the advanced courses of the institute students would be highly benefited in speaking, reading and writing skills.

 

KKSU demands MO at Yomcha CHC

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: Kargu Kardi Students Union (KKSU) has appealed to the state Health Minister and Director Health Services to immediately post a medical officer at Community Health Center (CHC), Yomcha in  West Siang district.

As per the provision of the CHC guidelines a particular CHC has to be facilitated with 3 specialist doctors, 5 general (OPD) doctors and other supporting staffs. But the CHC Yomcha is run by a single doctor  (Dentist) only, the  Union  claimed.

“Is this the act of discrimination towards the people of our area by the concerned authority or there is acute shortages of doctors at our state?” questioned Binya Ronya, President KKSU.

Meanwhile, the union strongly pleaded for a nationalized bank at Yomcha for benefit of  around 10,000 population and administration.  Both the administration and general public are equally facing problems due to absence of a nationalized bank at Yomcha, it said adding that  they all are dependent on the district headquarter, Aalo for the banking related work.

Union further said that banking institute will not  find any problem in setting up of its branch office as there is enough govt. land at Yomcha. The people and administration will also extend all possible assistance to the bankers, it added.

 

Arunachal finds its name in Britain

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: The state of Arunachal Pradesh find its name in Britain as the quest to find the next winner of the UK’s biggest and best- respected wildlife conservation prize entered its final stages today in London, when the Whitley Fund for Nature announced the shortlist for its Whitley Gold Award 2011. The list shows that seven men and women – from Argentina, Belize, Borneo, Croatia, India, Russia and Uzbekistan – remain in the running for the British charity’s top accolade, and a share in project grants worth a total £230,000. Each of the finalists now faces an interview with a panel of experts in London in May, after which the judges will select the 2011 winner of the £60,000 Whitley Gold Award and confer other Whitley Awards worth £30,000 each. For state of Arunachal this is a proud moment too as the nomine from India Dr Ramana Athreya is associated with projects to save wildlife in the state.  

Dr Ramana Athreya, a 43 year old associate professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education in Pune and the co-ordinator of Eco-Systems India is one of the finalists. Dr Ramana has been working for landscape and biodiversity protection in India’s northernmost and least populated state Arunachal Pradesh, by forming conservation alliances with Himalayan tribes-people.  He is credited for discovering Bugun Liocichla , a rare species of bird at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary spread over West and East Kameng. Ramana first saw the liocichla at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, in the year 1995, but it was more than a decade later that he sighted it again at the same place, whilst carrying out the Eaglenest Biodiversity Project. The only bird that looks remotely like it is the Emei Shan Liocichla, which is found in few mountains of central China, more than 1,000 km away from Eaglenest. During the time when he was studying to be astronomer Dr Ramana visited Arunachal on a holiday and fell in love with the beauty of this state. Since then he has visited many times and is working towards saving rich biodiversity.

 

Crook  arrested

Tom Simai

JAIRAMPUR, Apr 22: Within a span of 9 days,  a  team of Jairampur Police headed by OC KM Das apprehended one Manik Chetia @ Monak @ Bhojen from an interior village in Assam on Tuesday morning. Chetia who hails from Sripani Mathadang village under Silapathar PS in Dhemaji district was working as a driver of Nampong ZPM Khingra Nong Tikhak since last five months. He stole cash amount of Rs 49500 from his employer and a case No JRP/PS C/No. 10 US 379 IPC was registered against him in this connection. The Arunachal Pradesh Police Team consisting of Head Constable HS Yadav, Ct MG SIngpho, Ct W Hanchik, and Ct S Rongrang was assisted by SI Atul Hazarika I/c Police outpost Sisiborgaon, Assam to arrest the culprit from his hideout.

The culprit after stealing the money eloped with a girl from Jagun to his village where he was arrested by the police team, informed OC Das.

 

Maundy Thursday observed

with religious fervor

Nirjuli, Apr 22:  Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter Sunday was observed with religious fervor at various churches in Itanagar Diocese. Most Rev. Dr. John Thomas, Bishop of Itanagar performed the washing of the feet ritual at St. Peter’s Church, Nirjuli while presiding over the Eucharistic celebrations. The ritual is seen as a pious re- enactment of the Christ washing the feet of his twelve disciples at the Last Supper. Rev. Fr. Jacob Mattathilany, Vicar General, the Parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Naharlagun concelebrated the Mass.

The faithful take the ritual as a symbol of the Christ’s message of humility, service and love for his disciples. Maundy Thursday also symbolizes the Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and Judas’ betrayal. To commemorate Christ’s agony ‘Night Vigil’ is held in all churches. ‘Night Vigil ‘usually goes on till the commencement of the Good Friday services in the afternoon.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the events in which Jesus Christ ate the Last Supper with his disciples on the occasion of Passover, a major festival of the Jews. Maundy derives from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “New commandment”. During the Last Supper, Jesus gave a new commandment to his disciples that they `love one another’ and it has become the central theme of Maundy Thursday. The institution of the Eucharist took place during this meal. Jesus’ prayer amidst intense agony took place in the garden of Gethsamane on this day. He acquired from this prayer mental strength and spiritual power to face the forthcoming excruciating pain and barbarous ill treatment of the executioners.

On Maundy Thursday, all over the world, Christians celebrate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with a special Eucharist, during which the main celebrant will wash and kiss the feet of chosen people from the community. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the infinite God who became man. He became man not only to die for us on Calvary; he became man to live with us in the Holy Eucharist. His divine power is accessible in the Holy Eucharist to those who have humility to believe.

 

APPDSU hits back at APCC

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) today hit back at Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) for criticizing the union’s activities as well as intruding into internal issues of the union that too without knowing real facts.

Clarifying his stand on the alleged demolition of the under-construction mini stadium at Sagalee Govt. Hr, School premises, APPDSU president Nabam John said that he had never led such type of illegal activity and whatever happened is a case of highly ‘coincidental and unfortunate’.

It is a matter of great regret that a case has been registered against me on criminal charges, said John while informing that he was not present at all on the spot while the incident occurred.

“We never opposed the project. We just opposed construction of the stadium within the school complex as it will reduce the school land for future infrastructure development. Further, we wanted that the project be constructed as per the DPR. Before the incident, we had served ultimatum to the Sagalee ADC for stopping the on-going construction work for a fruitful negotiation. But in vain. The authority did not listen to our demand,” he said.

John also vehemently refuted the charge that he had ever criticized PWD Minister Nabam Tuki.

We regard Tuki  as a very good public leader. We also respect him as a senior citizen and sometime we take good advice from him on non-political issues. Hence, the allegation of criticizing a reputed figure like Tuki is totally baseless, he said.

APCC  should refrain from intruding into internal matter of the students union and misleading students by provocative words who are the backbone of the society, the union leader said.

Being a president of a district students union, I’m always ready to sacrifice my life for the cause of the student community in particular and the society as a whole, he said.

 

Maintain Kimin-Pohumara road’

ITANAGAR, Apr 22: All Kimin Youth Welfare Association (AKYWA) has  appealed to the  Border Road Organisation (BRO) to issue directive to its subordinate  authority to renovate the  Kimin-Pohumara road.

Expressing  displeasure over the road renovation works carried out by the  GREF, the Association said the minor road maintenance were done in recent past,  but rain damages a portion of road within a week after renovation.  

 

Significance of Easter Sunday

Rubu Challa

Easter Sunday is a day set aside by the Christian community to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time to celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ over death. Viz -- Spiritual death which implies eternal separation from God.  Good Friday was the day when Christ died on the Cross as a substitution for the whole mankind in order to atone all our sins. But death could not keep him to the grave and his resurrection commenced a revolution which is still going in all part of the world.

A believer in Christ is assured of remission of sin and guaranteed to continuous fellowship with God in this life and also beyond death.

Cold reality of death confronts us daily. People joke that only two things are certain in life -death and taxes. But we can evade tax collectors, but death can never be cheated. Talks about death and the possibility of life after death are atrociously boring topics. And I run the risk of being called either a religious fanatic or a freak. Am I just “Whistling in the dark”? We remember scary moment during power failures or we recall times when we have to walk down a lonely street in the dark night. We fear the worst and hope for the best. Is that what I am doing when I write about heaven and hell ?

An atheist, of course would say that man and animals are products of chance and destined for the same fate - Extinction! Dear reader, are you only a lump of mass or matter! What about that powerful will power that characterizes your personality? What about emotions such as the smile or thaw tears that has been part of your life ? What about those wonderful moments with your family and friends? Are you just-matter? Being a believer, I see many people die on the house beds. At those moment when life is slowly ebbing out of them. Try telling them about extinction and if sound so ordinary and rude. But if we tell them about love and hope, and caring God it makes sense to them and calms their trouble minds.

A skeptic has no proper conclusion without positive verification. A hardened criminal scoffs at the idea of hell saying  “I don’t just as soon go to hell, since that’s where all my friend are”.

A playboy laughs at the thought of heaven and lives only for the pleasure of the moment.

Most of us are so overwhelmed by the diversity of religious beliefs that we lose all certainty of where we are heading and of course, not to speak of busy men and women who say “I have no time to think of death and heaven and stuff like that”.

Do you know where are you going after you die? The Bible says “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his life? There was a pilot who lost his navigation equipment, become disoriented and then announces to the passenger,” Ladies and gentlemen, the bad news is that we don’t know where we are going. The good news is that we are making great time”.

People may say that all talk about God and life after death is garbage. As far as most of us are concerned, religion is the foolish man opiate and God is dead.

The reality of my own experience with Christ has taught me to trust him when he said “In my Father’s house are many mansions, If it were not so I would have told you, I go prepare a place for you.”

When we return home after a long journey, and as we look through the window of the bus or the train we see the expectant face of our loved ones waiting for us. And when our eyes meet, they spontaneously wave at us and we also wave back at them, we all have experience the joy of returning home.

My faith in God assures me a wonderful journey not withstanding all the problem that I may have to face in this life. My assurance in God, lead me to believe that one says, when I shall close my eyes and die, the very next moment I will find my Jesus waving at me, and welcoming me home.

Easter Sunday for me is a time to celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the grave and also it is a time to declare the future joy and hope that lies ahead of me.