ITANAGAR, Sep 1: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday said a silent revolution among the youths can be seen across the state for the need to preserve, promote and propagate the rich culture, tradition and heritage.
"On such occasions, we must ensure participation of the youths who are our future and will shoulder the responsibilities of the younger generation," he said.
He exhorted elders and intellectuals of the community to take this opportunity to pass on the legacy to younger generation to learn from them about the annals of their own community, language, cultural ethos and traditional values. 
The deputy chief minister said this while attending the Solung festival celebration here in the state capital Itanagar.
Stating that the Covid pandemic restricted grand celebration of local festivals in the last  two years, the deputy CM said that it however gave us the opportunity to introspect and look for new ways to celebrate our festivals in more innovative and modern way. 
"Festivals are fond ways of celebrating the glorious heritage, culture & traditions and also the carriers of rich traditions & cultural contexts to new generations," he said.
Mein said festivals also provide an opportunity to showcase our distinct identity & culture, I am optimistic that celebration of the Solung Festival will strengthen the preservation, promotion and rejuvenation of the age-old customs & traditions of the tribe.
State Government has taken many initiatives in order to preserve & promote culture.  3000 priests have been registered and  allocation for honorarium to registered indigenous priests has been increased to Rs. 4 Crore, he said. He also announced that application for Geographical Indicator for five products namely, Khamti Rice known as Khao-Tai, Yak Churpi, Adi Kekir Ginger have already been filed with the Registry. "We have also filed a record number of 9 applications for GI Registrations including handlooms & handicrafts in this year of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' namely, Monpa Handmade Paper, Wancho Woodcraft and Beads-Craft, Nyishi Handloom Textiles, Handwoven Woolen Carpets, Apatani Textiles and Tangsa Handloom," added Mein.

Mein said that ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahatsov’ has also given us an opportunity to recognize our unsung heroes. History Department of Rajiv Gandhi University has been entrusted to do research on Unsung Heroes of Arunachal Pradesh and they have been doing it meticulously so far.
He informed after extensive research works and consultations & field visits and archival collections, Rajiv Gandhi University have identified 15 Unsung Heroes, 100 freedom fighters & 64 martyrs from various communities which have been recognised by the Govt of India. The name of Unsung Heroes have been uploaded in their portal too. 
“We salute all our forefathers for the sacrifice they have made,” said Mein.
He termed the Adis as great warriors, as they have defended Lower Dibang Valley District and Siang belts from British Intrusion. 
He informed that from the Adi community, the Govt has recognised Matmur Jamoh as Unsung Hero, around 44 others as Martyrs and around 22 as Freedom Fighters.
He said we are proud to say that our forefathers have revolted against the Colonial rule/Britishers since the very beginning. 
He said we are going to give our heroes, freedom fighters and martyrs a befitting tribute in the coming Statehood Day celebration. 
Earlier, Mein participated in traditional Adi ritual to seek blessings from KI:NÉ NANÉ and DOYING BOTÉ.
Besides Ponung and Tapu dances, cultural display by various other tribes enthralled the gathering.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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