GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION , PUBLIC RELATIONS & PRINTING
NAHARLAGUN
NO.IPR(PR)86/2000
Dated Naharlagun the April, 06, 2005
Press Release No186.
Naharlagun : The three day Namdapha Eco-Cultural Festival begins today at
Miao, a sub-divisional headquarters of Changlang district. And an enchanting
paragon of natural beauty nostled in the easternmost tip of the country The
festival wont off to a colourful start for the second consecutive year with the
beat of gong by the state chief minister Gegong Apang amidst a cheering crowd
and blossomed in a riot of colours. Miao got a new leasc of life with the
festival showcasing the rich cultural heritage, textile & handicrafts of the
district. As many as 22 cultural troupes of various ethnic groups of Miao
sub-division proved the township as a mini India as mentioned by Chief Minister
Gegong Apang in his address. While appreciating the efforts to promote and
preserve the age-old cultural heritage of the people of Changlang district and
rich biodiversity through Namdapha Eco Cultural festival, the chief minister
termed it as 'a masaic of cultural diversity' which will make the place a
major spot of tourism. Shri Apang called upon the intelligentsia to adopt
certain resolutions to workout the solution to remove the developmental bottle
necks since the area is gifted with rich natural resources. He also assured that
he would appeal the Union Tourism Ministry to declare it as a national festival
on the line of Buddha Mahatsova and Brahmaputrya Darshan, as requested by local
legislator Kamlung Mosang, adding that the issue would be discussed in the next
cabinet meeting. Responding to the plea for state government's adequate
attention, Shri Apang promised that Tirap and Changlang would not remain
isolated and declared a tourist circuit immediately to boost the high-potential
tourism sector. The chief minister informed that the center is keen to consider
to extend the Quadra triangle corridor to Arunachal and open border trade with
Myanmar through the Pangsau Pass under its ' Look East' policy for the
improvement of the local economy of the state. Shri Apang further suggested the
celebration committee to advance the festival to the month of November -
December before the onset of monsoon so that it facilitatcs the participation of
the people from outside. He also justified the demand for a eco-cultural complex
at Miao and asked the tourism and cultural affairs departments to submit a
proposal immediately. The chief minister also opined that such festivals
should be organized in various parts of the district to promote the emotional
integrity and sense of oneness among the innumerable ethnic groups of the
district, adding that the proposal for a bridge over Noa-Dehing River would be
taken up soon with appropriate authority. Exhorting the environmentalists to
change their mindset and not to hinder development , he called upon the
environmentalists, politicians and elected leaders to strive a gulden means to
resolve the development - conservation , conflict to speed up development
without neglecting conservation. The Chief Minister, who announced a
contribution of Rs. 3 lakh towards the promotion of the festival besides Rs. 5
thousand each to all cultural troupes and Gaon-Buras participating in the
festival and Rs. 2 thousand to the children. He also pleaded the public sector
undertakings like Coal India, OIL, GEOENPRO etc in the area to donate generously
for such a good cause. The chief minister also released a Souvenir on
Namdapha-Eco Cultural Festival on the occasion. Earlier, speaking as the guest
of honour speaker Legislative Assembly Setong Sena said the festival provides a
platform to expose talents of the people through showcasing their rich cultural
and tradition to keep their identity intact. While emphasizing on peace and
development for future posterity and prosperity, Shri Sena strongly advocated
for a peaceful co-existence among the people urging them to join in the endeavor
for a peaceful and developed society. He also stressed on a need on a concerted
effort on drugs de-addiction for a better life for the populace. Earlier, the
local legislator Kamlung Mosang in his welcome address highlighted the aims and
objectives of the festival and said that the festival would not only promote
tourism and culture but also help the young generation acquaint themselves with
their own culture. He also submitted a memorandum to the C.M. for the redressal
of various problems relating to the promotion of the festival and pleaded Shri
Apang to declare Miao and VijayNagar as the Eco-Biodiversity hot spot and the
festival a national one. The Changlang Deputy Commissioner, Talem Tapok speaking
on the occasion informed that the festival is being organize for the second
consecutive term to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of various
ethnic tribes of the district without any govt. help besides creating awarness
on conservation and ecology. Later the ADC Miao, R.K. Sharma who is the driving
force behind the festival while extending vote of thanks to one and all,
appreciated the efforts of the people and various public sector undertakings and
NGOs for their active participation and support. Display of traditional dances
by 22 cultural troupes, erection of seven traditional huts and food stalls ,
exhibition of indigenous products besides ethnic fashion show were the high
lights of the eco-cultural extravaganza.
(C.M. Longphong )
Deputy Director, (PR)