ITANAGAR, Sep 1:India is a conglomeration of people with unique cultures, traditions and languages spread in vast geographical area, like Hindi is a ‘sangam’ of many languages, said  Eastern Sentinel founding editor, Jarpum Gamlin.

Addressing the inaugural function of NHPC’s Hindi Pakhwada here today, he said “We all should remember that we are nationalists first and nation is above all. None could undermine the importance of Hindi, the commonest among multi-ethnic and culturally rich Arunachalees. All union ministers get surprised to hear fluent Hindi from Arunachalees.”

Gamlin regretted that not a single Hindi newspaper is published from the state while there are nine dailies and many local weeklies, all in English.

However, Chief Minister Pema Khandu in 2017-18 budget has sanctioned Rs one crore for promotion of Hindi. 

Reacting to the media buzz on Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy, Gamlin who happens to be the General Secretary of the state BJP said ‘it has been only adopted by the Cabinet, adding the interest of indigenous people would not be compromised when implemented.’ 

Arunachalees speak in 200 languages, highest in the world, senior journalist Pradeep Kumar said, adding Arunachalees greet each other with ‘Jai Hind’ while Arunachal is best speaking Hindi state in NE according to Rashtriya Hindi Prashar Samiti.

Appreciating NHPC for its efforts to popularise Hindi, he suggested a weekly sitting of officials/officers to promote the language.

Hindi is the lingua franca of this state, said Itanagar Market Welfare Association president, Yumlam Achung, adding locals speak in Hindi in remotest part of the state. Arunachalees do not face any problem in communication in any part of India, he said, adding Arunachal has been free from imposition not to speak Hindi, unlike in other NE states.

Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern most hilly state of India, is a symbol of patriotism, NHPC executive director Ronel Kumar said earlier and  praised Arunachalees for celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day with great enthusiasm even in villages.

Hindi essay, noting and drafting competitions would be organised as part of the celebration to popularise Hindi, NHPC environment officer said, adding winners would be given prizes - Rs 3,500 (fisrt), 3,000 (2nd), 2,500 (3rd)  and four  consolation prizes with Rs 1,000 cash, but 50% in cash and rest Hindi books. 

Comparing language with bone marrow, NHPC’s Md Shahjahan said that human existence would stand challenged without language to communicate. Hindi national language has kept  crores of Indians united since independence, he said. 

Hindi Pakhwada is being celebrated in India since 1953.

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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
Phone: 0360-2212313

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