Govt opposes shifting of MoRTH regional office to Assam
NEW DELHI, Jan 22: Disappointed by the move of the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to shift its Regional Office (RO) from Itanagar to Tezpur in Assam, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has requested Union Minister of MoRTH Nitin Gadkari to review this decision on priority.
In a letter to Gadkari, Tuki mentioned that this unilateral decision of the Ministry
to move out the RO to Tezpur is contrary to the long-
"This move has come at a time when the Prime Minister has time and again reiterated the commitment of the NDA Government towards overall development of the North Eastern Region with added emphasis on improving connectivity," rued Tuki in his letter to the union minister.
"It is imperative that a project like the Trans Arunachal Highways -
‘Krishi Karman Award’ to Arunachal for fourth consecutive year
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Arunachal Pradesh has been selected for Krishi Karman Commendation
Award-
The award comprises citation and cash award of Rs. 1 crore which will be presented in a function to be held shortly, informed Hage Khoda, Commissioner, (Agri & Horti) Govt.of Arunachal Pradesh.
The state has produced 4.09 lakh MT of food grains in total during 2014-
Rice production during 2014-
The steady growth of production in agriculture and allied sector has been possible
through implementation of various central and state sponsored schemes besides Chief
Minister's Agri-
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India in an official communiqué has congratulated the State Agriculture Department for the achievement which was possible due to state government's constant support, including technical, to the farmers.
Fudged PMGSY road works, contends villagers
[ Karyir Riba ]
ROING, Jan 22: Expressing dissatisfaction over the quality of the ongoing PMGSY road
work from Hunli-
The villagers of New Elope, Apanli and Abrango, under the banner of Village Development Committee of Abrango submitted the complaint to the DC during his recent visit.
The villagers called for directing the executing company to construct brace walls and retaining walls alongside the school compound, which is at an extreme risk of landslide due to the ongoing project, and at other strategic points of the village that are prone to landslides due to earth cutting at the earliest.
According to the villagers, the materials used for construction of the brace wall and retaining wall are of inferior quality and not as per the laid norms of CPWD. The letter also stated that the gradient of the road at Zero Point Km is not up to the mark as the excess slope of the road may cause inconvenience and hardship to motorists in future, especially during the monsoons.
Further, the villagers are also aggrieved on the payments not made against the completed work as per the contract/agreement signed between the villagers and the executing company M/s GYT Co.
According to the villagers, they had been alloted sub-
Arunachal nominated as one of the best performing states in power sector
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Arunachal Pradesh has been nominated as one of the best performing states for its contribution to the Power Sector for the 3rd Annual Economic Times Power Focus Summit 2016 scheduled to be held on February 23 next at New Delhi.
In a communiqué to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Rajeev Mishra -
'Given the fact that the Government is now seeking at generating Green Energy by 2030, we would like to felicitate the State of Arunachal Pradesh who among the other states has all the potential to stand among the top state contributors. We are pleased to announce that this year again your Great state has been nominated by the Minister of Power,' stated the communiqué.
The Summit this year will witness the participation of 100 + senior visionaries, policy makers and industry leaders to discuss solutions that will help Power Sector chart future course of actions to meet the burgeoning power demand. This summit will also witness a high level panel discussion on the theme 'Celebrating Excellence in Power Sector' calling upon the Ministers, Bureaucrats and stakeholders from the Power industry on a common platform.
It may be mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh was also felicitated in the 2nd Annual Economic Times Power Summit 2015 held in New Delhi last year.
KRF draws huge crowd on second day
SEPPA, Jan 22: Braving the cold weather, a large number of crowd thronged the Kameng River Festival (KRF) ground here on the second day of the festival to witness the cultural programme and other events.
The day started off with river beach volleyball and river beach football competitions,
the finals of which will be played on the final day of the festival. From the beginning
of the festival, para-
During the cultural programme in the evening local women mesmerized the audience with their dances to Bollywood tune much to the delight of the energetic audience, while artist like Guru ken Riba and his party with their spontaneous rap, kept the audience up in their toe. Cultural items were also presented by various tribes residing in the district.
The festival is being organised by EKSWCO, District administration and State Tourism deparment which was declared opened by Sikkim Tourism Parliamentary Secretary D N Sherpa yesterday.
Workshop on acting & filmmaking begins
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: The 20-
First of its kind in the state, the workshop is engaging the expertise of professional filmmakers and artist from mainstream cinema as resource persons which includes Ayyub, Bollywood actor Vikram Kochhar, actor Vivek Ram Kanuijiya, international theatre artist and director Riken Ngomle, Telugu film director Srikanth Tuppala, and director Partha Borgohain.
Gonyabin Cine Production proprietor Bindiya Ete Nalo informed that their main objective for organizing the workshop is to produce trained local artists which can be bank on for making films in the state.
While technicians can be hired from outside, artists from other states cannot be engaged for films having local characters. Therefore, having trained artists from the state is of utmost importance, added Nalo.
She also informed that after completion of the workshop, participants will be engaged in two short films and one play which will provide ample scope to see how much the participants have learned and how much they have retained.
Sharing his expectation with the workshop, Telegu film director Tuppala said that after the workshop participants should be confident enough to try film making by themselves, no matter the output is good or bad. Stating that the workshop will be an excellent platform to introduce the participants to various forms, styles and process of filmmaking, Tuppala informed that they will cover all aspects of filmmaking like story, production design, post production etc.
"Every form of art has its own kind of tools and styles which needs to be learned", said Tuppala. A person may be creative enough to make a film but training can further add to that for better output, he added while speaking on the significance of such workshop.
Regarding the challenges of the workshop, Tuppala said that their main challenge will be making the participants capable enough to convert their ideas into films and to make film making their, if not passion, then hobby at least.
When asked on which aspect of film making should state like Arunachal Pradesh focus, which is new in this field, Tuppala opined that focus should be on encouraging the film makers and promotion of the art.
Adding that the state government and the concern department can play a crucial role in this regard, he opined that they should get in touch with states holding events related to films and encourage local film makers and artists to take part in the same.
Among others, senior journalist Tara Chatung, Karpu Chisi (Editor) Look East Spark, Magazine, Tai Togung (Director of "O"Km) local film were present on the occasion.
Taloh inspects fire ravaged DEM Hr. Sec School
PASIGHAT, Jan 22: Education Minister Tapang Taloh accompanied by East Siang Deputy
Commissioner Isha Khosla, AAPSU president Kamta Lapung and host of local leaders
and officers today inspected the fire-
Addressing the school community in an iteractive meeting, Taloh expressed his immense sadness over devastation of the school in the fire saying that a school building can not be built overnight.
He suspected that miscreants might have set the school on fire and strongly condemned the act.
Taloh said, "Education is the backbone of any society and also tool for poverty alleviation. Destruction of the school has hurt the sentiment of our peace loving citizens. The government will not spare the miscreants at any cost."
"No one can demoralize the spirit and courage of our dedicated teachers and students and my ministry is committed to take forward education revitalizing their morale," he said and, directed the local administration for thorough investigation so that culprits are booked and exemplary punishment is given immediately.
Taking privilege on the occasion, the education minister said "Teaching is a lifelong commitment and teachers are creators of the society. They should take pride in teaching and impart quality education to students through their sincerity and dedication.
Posting in the Pasighat township is a matter of comfort and privilege while many teachers are working in hard places for years together. In many remote villages, our children are waiting for their teachers. Teachers posted at Pasighat should try to impress their authorities with their quality services, he said. Responding to Deputy Chief Councilor Kalind Darang's appeal, the minister informed that teachers in all schools will be made available soon after new recruitment process. The minister also informed that Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has expressed concern over repeated fire accidents occurred in Pasighat. He immediately approved Rs two crores for rebuilding of DEM Hr. Sec School and further assured to release some suitable amount shortly.
The minister also threw lights on achievements of the education department in particular. The CM has always shown special care and given priorities for overall development of Pasighat, he added. In his deliberation, the minister informed the gathering that the present government is enjoying absolute majority in the assembly. Fight for constitutional right is going on but truth always wins. There is no chance of change of leadership or formation of alternative government for the state, added the minister.
DC Isha Khosla informed the minister a magisterial inquiry has already been ordered to ascertain the main cause of the accident.
It is our testing time and we must defeat all odds to provide uninterrupted education to our children, said the DC adding that PHED has been instructed to provide outlet below the every overhead tanks of the township to provide easy access of water supply to the fire fighters, during disastrous situation.
AAPSU President Kamta Lapung donated Rs. 50,000 for welfare of the school and assured to continue to extend support to the student community.
Among others, DSE Lendo, ZPC Kaling Dai, Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk, Dy. Chief Councilor Kaling Darang, Principal AP Rukbo and VP Aroti Padung also spoke and shared their view on the occasion. DIPRO
Arunachal to participate in Kolkata Book Fair
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: The Department of Research, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh is ready to participate in the 40th Kolkata International Book Fair, 2016 scheduled to begin on January 27.
The Department will put on display as many as 180 publications during the book fair depicting the cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes and publications of Directorate of Information and Public Relation highlighting the developmental activities of the Government will be on display.
The Department of Research is also pride publishers of five books of Dr. Varrier
Elwin. The state's display stall hosted by the Directorate of Research will be at
Hall No. 3, stall No. 7. The theme of Arunachal Pavilion this year will be -
Kolkata International Book Fair occupies third position after Frankfurt Book Fair and London Book Fair in terms of accumulation of Books.
As per man counting machine, the 39th Kolkata International Book Fair 2015 was foot stepped by as many as 19 lakh visitors in twelve days.
Operation Smile-
Correspondent
ROING, Jan 22: Operation Smile-
The awareness programme on police and community linkages coordination for better child protection will go on till the end of January and will cover every part of the district by conducting programmes at Mayu, Koronu, Abali, Jia, Bolung and Parbuk villages.
Addressing students and their parents and guardians, DSP Roing, Habung Hailyang spoke on the aims and objectives of the programme. SP Roing, T. Ringu informed about the role and duty of each person in the society as a parent, a neighbour, a teacher, a principal, as panchayat member etc., in combating any kind of abuse against children. He informed that more activities under this programme will be regulated and each panchayat member will soon be alloted roles in assisting the police department by keeping a record and statistics of the population falling under their jurisdiction to have a better and exact account of the number of children, and to curb any trafficking.
Advocate Rukmini Linggi spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act that was formulated in order to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children.
DD ICDS, Savitri Khamti urged the people to approach her office in case of any kind of problems regarding children and women, and mainly those who face domestic violence.
According to the department, all police officers of the district will be trained on the actions that have to be taken by the police on receipt of a missing child and applicability of provisions of the POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Protection of Child Right Act, and other relevant laws, advisories issued by the MHA etc. At the same time, a team of police personnel will also be detained to keep watch at bus stands, work places, religious places, hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, game parlours and any other crowded places, to find any missing or abandoned children in the district.
MoU for generation of remote sensing and GIS based data
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: The department of Environment and Forests entered into a MoU with North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Shillong for generation of remote sensing and GIS based data.
The MoU was signed in a meeting of the consultative committee on e-
The generation of remote sensing and GIS based data will be for density class, vegetation type and growing stock of all the 24 territorial forest divisions and 3 wildlife divisions i.e. Namdapha National Park, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Dibang Biosphere Reserve. The NESAC will also generate Digital Elevation Model and layering of all above mentioned data which in turn will facilitate the preparation of working plan of all divisions.
Scientist, NESAC, Shillong, Dr. K.K Sharma formally handed over the draft report
on remote sensing and GIS based inputs for the preparation of e-
All the DFOs, Conservator of Forests and Chief Conservator of Forests, Arunachal
Pradesh participated in the consultative committee meeting in which the progress
of e-
While reviewing progress on e-
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Working plan & Conservation) and
Nodal Officer State CAMPA, Dr. Bipin Behari made a presentation asking all the DFOs,
CFs, CCFs to complete the writing of working plan and other associated activities
in time bound manner and also submit the progress report of CAMPA activities along
with utilization certificate for successful continuation of CAMPA activities with
the uninterrupted availability of fund from the Ministry of Environment, Forests
and Climate Change. The officers were also asked to submit Annual Plan of Operations
(APO) of CAMPA for 2016-
Speaking in the meeting, PCCF and Principal Secretary (Env. & Forests), Dr. Sashi
Kumar emphasized on the importance of working plan and exhorted all DFOs and CCFs
of territorial divisions to take keen interest in completing targets within prescribed
time limit. He further stressed for preparation of Working Plan, uploading of assets
created under CAMPA on e-
Governor & CM greet on National Patriotism Day
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have extended warm greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of National Patriotism Day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
The Governor expressed hope that the celebration will strengthen the sense of patriotism amongst all. Remembering Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Governor said that Netaji has been a great symbol of patriotism, who infused the spirit of unity amongst all Indians, who encouraged all to rise above religious, factional and regional barriers and prepare themselves to fight for and to sacrifice self for the common cause of India's freedom from the shackles of British imperialism and fight for their rights. He wished that the youths would continue to be inspired by Netaji's leadership, ideals and sacrifice in the service of the Nation.
On this special occasion, I join my brothers and sisters of Arunachal Pradesh in paying our glowing tribute to the Netaji and all other freedom fighters of our Country. May their spirit of sacrifices and commitment, reinforce the bond of brotherhood and nationalism among the people of this frontier State and inspire us to continue as the sentinels of freedom, in this easternmost State of India, the Governor wished.
Paying rich tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on whose birthday the day is observed as the National Day of Patriotism, Tuki said that Netaji's greatest achievement was the deep sense of national unity that he was able to kindle in his countrymen and the profound love and loyalty, he was able to inspire in his army.
The CM also remembered and paid rich tribute to all the great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for a free India we live in today. He expressed his salute to the valiant arm forces for their sheer patriotism in guarding our borders and paid respect to those who laid their lives in the line of their duties while guarding our motherland.
DC warns officials against non-
ZIRO, Jan 22: The Lower Subansiri DC Kanki Darang has warned that non-
It was organized in order to take stock of the implementation of various schemes
in the district by the department of Education as well as to consider new proposals
for the coming AWP&B 2016-
The DC further exhorted the Block Education Officers of Raga, Ziro and Ziro-
UDISE coordinator, Chiging Tangu and Planning Coordinator, Gulab Longku in their joint presentation highlighted the statistical analysis of the Unified District Information System of Education (UDISE) as per the data capture format submitted by the schools of the district.
Further, Coordinator for Inclusive Education, Chera Tajam highlighted the need for developing a mechanism whereby the departments of Health and Child Welfare and Social Justice could be involved in the process of identifying children with learning disabilities to help them procure disability certificates which will enable them to avail the various facilities offered by the state and central government. (DIPRO)
DC for proper checking of medicines supplied to school under RBSK
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Lohit Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak today held a meeting to
review infant mortality rate (IMR) and implementation of various schemes, such as
Miday Day Meal, RBSK, RKSK etc and immunization of children under Mission Indracanush-
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need of checking expiry dates of tablets and other medicines that are supplied to schools under RBSK. He also suggested for proper checking of procured drugs at district level before dispatching them to various health centres/facilities.
He said that the reaction of polio vaccine after its administration as reported in some areas may be due to usage of expired drugs.
The DC asked the health authorities, including ASHAs and Anganwadi Workers at village level to keep proper records of births and deaths of infants. Tatak said that the name of best performing ASHA would be recommended to the state government. He also assured incentives to all health workers to motivate them to work harder.
Meanwhile, the DC lamented the poor network connectivity of BSNL and other private service providers.
Wakro, PHC officials requested for up gradation to CHC and accordingly the DC and DMO has assured to take up the matter with the higher authority.
Earlier, DMO, Lohit Dr. S.Chai Pul gave a PowerPoint presentation on Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
DRCHO Dr. S Nayil highlighted the performance of IPPI-
DC calls meeting of sector incharges for 'Clean Arunachal Fortnight' campaign
TAWANG, Jan 22: Tawang DC Duly Kamduk has asked the sector-
The DC was addressing a meeting held in his office chambers today for the ensuing 'Clean Arunachal Fortnight' campaign slated to begin from Feb 1 next as a curtain raiser to the 30th Statehood Day celebrations.
While informing that three best performing sectors would be awarded during the Statehood Day celebration, the DC further advised that school children be made aware about the importance of cleanliness for a clean and healthy environment during morning assemblies. He further asked the HoDs to direct the officers serving outside the headquarters to also take part in the campaign.
Later in the day, the DC also chaired a district level meeting regarding the conduct
of National Deworming Day. In the meeting, the DMO apprised that mass deworming of
children aged 1-
Cautioning about the possibility of those not enrolled in schools/anganwadi centres being left out, he further advised to chalk out a suitable strategy to avoid the same.
He also informed that Mission Indradhanush (phase-
6 lakh mosquito nets distributed by DHS
NAHARLAGUN, Jan 22: Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) are being distributed free
of cost to the needy people in high-
Sponsored by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Directorate of National Vector
Borne Disease Control Programme, around six lakh LLINs are being distributed as part
of the multi-
LLIN is one of the newer and effective interventions to prevent human-
R-
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: The Capital Police have banned carrying of lethal weapon, food packet, water bottle, cigarette, match box, tobacco items, pencil, lady's purse, hand bag etc inside IG Park during the Republic Day celebration.
Further, traffic will be blocked during the movement of Governor at Mithun Gate,
D-
No wrong doing, says school owner
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Ram Tagi, accused of subjecting young school children to watch pornographic movies and indulge in questionable physical act has denied any wrong doing. The allegations are unfounded and I had not shown any porn films to children nor subjected them to mental or physical harassment, Tagi, who runs a private school, said in a statement today.
He further alleged that he and one of his teachers were assaulted by a parent of one of his students.
The administration has since shut down his school.
GoAP directed not to pay land compensation
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Itanagar permanent bench of Gauhati High Court has directed Arunachal government to not pay any compensation for the land acquired at Hollongi for the proposed Greenfield airport till January 27 next when the next hearing has been fixed. The direction comes as a breather for the president of Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum Tadar Takio who has filed a PIL against the state government claiming that the land acquired at Hollongi for the proposed Greenfield airport comes under the reserve forest area and that the state government is proposing to pay land compensation to 500 individuals for it.
Students demand departmental inquiry
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Alleging irregularity in distribution of rice and other PDS items to ration card holders, the All Namsai District Students' Union (ANDSU) has demanded a departmental inquiry into it.
The students' union alleged that rice is being distributed to family card holders
much less than what was allotted to them. As per allotment a family card holder should
get 35 kg of rice in a month whereas the beneficiaries are getting only 15-
"When enquired, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies and the Cooperative Society concerned are blaming each other for it," ANDSU said in a release.
RGU students education excursion conducted
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: The Students Education Excursion 2015-
A total of 32 students from different departments of RGU and from RGU Students Union escorted by Dr. Sambhu Prasad (Assistant Professor) Department of Physical Education travelled to Guwahati, Howrah, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty and Chennai.
The main purpose of the excursion was to explore different places while knowing the culture, custom, tradition and education system of different places across India. This will help the students to develop maturity and understanding about different states, stated a release.
Be disciplined to excel in life: DSE
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: DSE BL Lendo urged students to develop determination, self confidence,
dedication and discipline to succeed in life while addressing over 200 students of
5 VKVs from various districts of the state after inaugurating a three-
During the camp, resource person Swami Swatmananda of Chinmaya Mission from Mumbai and subject experts from various VKVs will guide the students in self transformation through different life skills and give academic tips.
VKVAPT Education Officer, PM Unnikrishnan also spoke on the occasion.
IPPI: 93.01 pc immunization coverage in Tirap
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: A total of 5341 children below five years were administered pulse polio drops during the first phase of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization drive in Tirap district.
Besides the 121 polio booths set up for the purpose of administering polio vaccines, two days house to house immunization drive was also carried out to ensure maximum coverage. The percentage of coverage was 93.01.
The second round of IPPI campaign is scheduled on February 21.
Dr. N. Lowang, DMO, Khonsa appealed to the parents and guardians to cooperate with the vaccination team and get their left out children immunized against pulse polio. DIPRO
State level training on oil palm held at Pasighat
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Jan 22: A two days state level training on oil palm production technology was held at College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat on January 21 and 22.
The training organized by Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research under ICAR in collaboration of CHF Pasighat, National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil palm, Ministry of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare mainly dealt on scientific cultivation of oil palm.
Scientists from Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research Dr. M V Prasad, Dr. K Suresh and Dr. P Naveen Kumar besides Assistant Professor of CHF, Pasighat Dr. Barun Singh attended the training as resource persons.
Around 35 agriculture officers including staff of oil palm processing units, officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and CHF staffs attended the training.
Free Operation Camp by Arun Jyoti
ITANAGAR, Jan 22: A Free Surgery cum Endoscopy camp was organised by the Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti, Arunachal Pradesh at Central Hospital, Coal India Ltd., Margherita, Assam from Jan 18 to Jan 22.
A total of 72 patients were screened and out of them 42 were operated successfully, while 36 endoscopies were done by the Gastroenterologist. The other specialists examined patients and free medicines were distributed accordingly.
The camp was conducted by a team of doctors from USA and India. Four surgeons, two anesthetists, one gastroenterologist, one pediatrician and two medicine specialists from Remote Area Medical Corp., Knoxville, USA participated voluntarily for the humanitarian cause, stated a release.
Most of the patients were from Changlang and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh and from remote and rural areas of Tinsukia district, who cannot afford to go for quality medical services.
DDMC meet on FDR cases
YUPIA, Jan 22: A district executive committee on Disaster Management meeting of Papum Pare district was held today at the DC's Conference Hall, Yupia.
The committee under the chairmanship of DC cum chairman District Disaster Management
Committee, Tai Kaye minutely reviewed and discussed all FDR cases received from various
sub-
Veterinary cases pertaining to Mithun from Kimin Sub-
Earlier, DDMO Preetha Menon briefed the members on the number of cases to be taken up for recommendation. DIPRO
January 23
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Editorial
Need of hour is long term solution
After a gap of few months, the issue of non-
At that time Arunachal government had released Rs 28.93 crore as the state's share
against various centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) under health and education sector.
This includes Rs 2363.80 lakh under SSA, Rs 343.21 lakh under RMSA, Rs. 124.00 lakh
under NRHM, Rs 42.75 lakh under RUSA and Rs 19.10 lakh under AYUSH. This should have
taken care of the salary issue. State government is well aware of the problems being
faced by the SSA teachers. The non-
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Deluge of casteism
Dear Editor,
The “educated” Indians who gloat over Hyderabad’s “modernity” by citing its luxury shopping malls, multiplexes and IT Sector; the “nationalist” Indians who zealously beat the trumpet of India’s “elitism” by advertising the “conquer” of Mars orbit should hang their “proud” heads in shame by witnessing the tragic suicide of the innocent Rohith Vemula — another victim of the philistine caste system grandly flourishing in this “great” country since centuries! After all casteism is one of the “greatest” “glorious tradition” of India! We should never forsake our roots and legacy!
Apart from the amending the definition of “progress” which gets wrongly equated with
launch of satellites, clicking of selfies or construction of high-
In all reputed engineering, medical and management institutions of the country (that
includes IITs, IIMs, AIIMS); along with the “best” brains who are the “future” of
this country, even professors and readers taunt the poor students who belong to certain
castes or tribes and go all-
Thus the tragic end of Vemula, though highly unfortunate, arrives hardly as a surprise.
Less said about the philistine mentality of ragging among the “jewels” of the student
community the better! On the other hand many “uneducated” and illiterate are learned
enough to regard the whole human race as one by rising over narrow boundaries of
race religion caste or colour, reside at the furthest distance from communalism or
pledge to donate their bodies after death for medical cause. That person is truly
educated who value human rights, remain humble and courteous, know the difference
between right and wrong and also practically practice it in daily life. This is the
very reason why many degree-
Mere earning of university degree;career-
And last but not the least. The zealous cry of “My India is Great”(that too in the
“national language” — the status of which is recognized neither by the Constitution
nor the judiciary!) will not automatically transform the country to a “Mahaan” nation.
The “patriotic” Indians, who constantly utter the shrill rhetoric of India’s “liberal”
credentials and “glory” and accuse the Australians of being “racist” following any
assault on a person in Sydney/Melbourne who co-
With the deluge of casteism, communalism and regionalism plaguing throughout the
length and breadth of this “modern” country; Indians undoubtedly nurture one of the
largest racist societies in the world. It is high time all the culprits, who dare
to practice casteism directly/indirectly through words or deeds, should be awarded
exemplary punishment so that others do not dare to indulge in it. The Who’s Who of
the country’s education sphere should necessarily provide stress to value-
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
Animal rights and the hypocrites
Dear Editor,
Continuous abuse of animals in religious and cultural festivals has been a topic seriously debated in the media in recent days. The discussion got warmer as Jallikattu of Tamilnadu has been stopped by the Apex Court citing sadistic human enjoyment involved in it. Up to some extend it is true and we need to check the impact of such practices in a changing world. In fact animals should also enjoy equal living rights on the planet as that of human beings. Therefore, the topic discussed in the Readers’ Forum (January 19) on “Continuous animal abuse for cultural and religious practices” needs to be stretched further.
Since from time immemorial, animals have been a part of the civilization of the humankind. There has been no dispute with regard to this. Man had used animals in his farming works. He discovered how to plough and variety of animals became instrumental in it. As the days of civilization changed with changing times, animals were partners in his warfare. They became active in wars and the depictions of such wars are plenty in epics. Thousands of them were brutally killed in the Warfield. The human races have always dominated animals and (mis)used them for their socioeconomic welfare. Therefore, the animal kingdom has always been associated with man’s social life. India has always been a country which considered animals with great respect and also worshipped them. The pictures of gods and goddesses leave behind this great message of greater coexistence with animals. Animals such as elephant, snake, bull, cow, eagle, rat etc can be seen in those pictures. Even temples dedicated to rats, bulls, snakes and spiders can be seen in India.
It seems the writer is totally unaware of the devotional aspects of festivals like Jallikattu. It is not only a fun filled thrilling game but it also has certain devotional element in it. The bull involved in the game is devotedly worshipped, well fed and decorated before it is brought to the field. It is just a sporting event in which no brutality is involved.
It seems the writer is totally unaware of the use of animals in temple festivals and rituals in South India. I suggest him to visit any South Indian temple where animals are used and see if any brutality is done on them. Elephants are used to carry the symbol of the presiding deity of the temple all over the area in a devoted manner and the animal is also worshipped with great reverence. But outcries against brutality on animals have never been heard anywhere when animals are butchered to decorate the dining tables. Again, we become seasonal hypocrites and shed crocodile tears. But who will help those animals from reaching the dining tables in the form of chopped and fried delicacies. Vegetarianism is a topic often seriously discussed about, but millions of animals and birds are killed every day to satisfy the human tongue. It is a fact that we have temples and there are religious practices in which animals are still sacrificed. But we should stop preaching holistic social living while the governments allocate licenses for new butcher shops.
Engaging animals in South Indian temples especially in Kerala is not at all superstitious.
The world famous Trissur Pooram in Kerala, where a large number of elephants are
decorated and brought for a procession is always seen with great adoration. The famous
Guruvayoor Krishna Temple feeds more than seventy elephants in its campus. The elephants
are very well taken care of by the temple management with great socio-
Yours,
M.R.Lalu,
VKV Sher
Feed the tigers on time
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the article ‘Tourism value estimated for biological park’ published in your news daily.
I’m very glad to know that over 70000 tourists visited the Biological Park, Itanagar
during 2014-
Two weeks back, I’ve visited the zoo with two of my friends, one from Gujarat and other from Andhra Pradesh.
There we saw the tigers and they were very thin.
After watching the tiger, one of my friends asked me whether the tigers were fed. And I asked the same question to one of the guards. But his answer was hard to agree with.
So, my request is to the concern authorities are that please look into this matter seriously and feed the animals nicely and timely so that they are healthy.
Yours,
Tana P Tagru
Itanagar