Heritage Explorer VOL

Heritage Explorer VOL. IX. NO.4, 2020 28 Pages, Size - A4 Demy A Monthly News Bulletin Contents

Editorial 4 “The Meghalayan Age” Tourism Conclave – Importance of Value Oriented A gamchanging event 22 Education System 5 Tripura celebrates spring festival Re-Exploring Barak 7 of the Mizos 23 Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo Movement 10 Visva Bharati - an untold story of the benevolence of Tripura kings 24 Karbi’s Marriage System at A Glance 13 Pitapool celebrates Nyokum Yullow– The Evolution of Modern The pride of the Nyishis 25 Assamese Poetry since the 1980s to the Present 17 Chaitra Puja obseved in Tripura 26 Arunachal commits to develop the Kalyan Ashram Project bonded labour community 21 ‘Nirman’ Registers Success 26

Editorial Board Subscription may be sent by M.O./ Cheque / Chief Editor - Romen Chakraborty Demand Draft to : Editor - Amarendra Brahma Heritage Foundation, Members - Dr. Jnanendra Barman Bhuvan Road, Near GMC Office, Uzan Bazar Dr. Phirmi Bodo Guwahati-781001, Ph: 0361- 2636365 e-mail:[email protected], Website: Dr. Jyotirupa Sarma www.heritagefoundation.org.in Dr. Sodyong Kri (Please Mention Pin Code No. along with your full postal address in BLOCK Letters) Printed & Published by : Sri Rituparno Tamuli Phukan DDs/Cheques may please be drawn in favour of on behalf of Heritage Foundation, K.B.Road, Paltan Heritage Foundation. Bazar, Guwahati-781008 and Printed at: Angik Bank A/c with PNB, Guwahati, Prakashan, GNB Road, Guwahati - 781001 and A/c No. 3213 0001 0009 3631 Annual Saraighat Offset Press, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati - IFSC : PUNB0321300 Subscription 781021, Published from: Heritage Foundation, Or ```100/- K.B.Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati - 781008 (Assam). Heritage Foundation. e-mail: [email protected], Website: Bank A/c with SBI, Chenikuthi, Guwahati A/c No. 3598 1047 410 www.heritagefoundation.org.in IFSC : SBIN0007976 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345

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The world today is passing through a great turmoil, areas and difficult terrains. We are also aware that there unparalleled in the history of mankind. In past decades, are inadequacies of health infrastructure in our country, there were several annihilation of humanity due to shortage of Doctors and Para medical staff, shortage of epidemics, large scale mortalities due to unknown hospital beds and life saving equipments. The diseases, nature’s upheavals etc., that killed millions opposition of a section of religiously motivated people of people, but there was never one that is not only and callous attitude of the ignorant mass of our country invisible to the human as well as scientifically devised also makes it very difficult to enforce the lock down to highly powerful mechanised eyes but is also beyond arrest the spread of the disease. Despite all these all comprehensions including medical. In an age when shortcomings, what the Government of India has done the humanity is nearly on the verge of matching the so far is nothing short of magic. We must acknowledge almighty creator of the universe with its innumerable this unless we are ungrateful, pea brained or anti- inventions and discoveries in all spheres of human national. activities, the present unseen predator is bent on In the backdrop of COVID-19 scenario in our country teaching a lesson or two to human kind. where do our tribal brethrens of Assam and the North The recent developments arising out of COVID-19 East living in the Hills and the Plains stand? As we all viral attack, is not only endangering the human lives know the tribal communities of India are all children of around the world but is also slowly crippling the nature and genetically strong in physique and life force. economies of both the affluent as well as the poorer Their life style is more nature centric and for nations thus pushing them to penury. The consequent generations they have kept themselves far removed death toll due to the viral onslaught is rising alarmingly from adulterated and artificial foods, modern destroying the individual families and rupturing the medicines and harmful urban indulgences. They lived social fabric of most of the affected countries around in groups in villages located far away from each other, the globe. The disease spread and death toll in our which helped them avoid contagious diseases to affect country, though less in comparison to many other them from outside. Cleanliness and hygiene were their economically and scientifically advanced countries, hallmark. Unfortunately, with so called modernity cannot be construed as our invincibility because science making inroads into their societies, the tribal is yet to find a sure shot way to eradicate or control the communities are abandoning their time tested menace. We have only achieved a limited success in lifestyles and foraying into the uncharted territories. containing the rapid proliferation of the disease Consequently, malnutrition, alcoholism etc. is rising because of the fast imposition of lockdown regime in and their natural immunity to fight urban area friendly our country by the ever alert Narendra Modi diseases is diminishing. In addition to that people like Government. However, there is nothing to cheer about the Nizamuddin Jamatis’ are encroaching upon their this limited success because the Islamist Jamatis’ of territories rendering them vulnerable to the life Nizamuddin have shown us how fragile is our defence threatening diseases. They should note that the Corona and deterrence and how dangerous is the Islamic virus has reached the remote and deep Amazon design to destroy our country. rainforests, the Andamans, Meghalaya, Manipur, When we look at the overall results vis-a-vis the Chattisgarh and Uttaranchal and are waiting at their Government efforts to combat the life threatening doors. If they are really interested to save themselves, disease in our country, we cannot but bow our heads to their families and their community from the onslaught the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and those at the of this deadly disease, they should educate themselves helm of affairs of our states, for their commitment to about the do’s and don’ts and religiously follow the the cause of our countrymen. At the same time we regimes prescribed by the Government. If they fail to should not overlook the enormity of their task of saving do so or try to defy the rules of social distancing and the lives of 135 Crores of our countrymen spread over other precautions, their extinction is certain. hills and plains, Urban and rural areas, easily accessible Chief Editor

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Partha Pratim Mazumder

Children are made for the universe, not university. continue to making the description of value- education “Factory schools” are trying to preparing kids for a more adequate. future and miss out on teaching them how to live in Traditionally the objectives of value-education the present and excel. I feel the child learns best when were based on religion and philosophy. There was no he is allowed to explore on his own. Education is the secular value-education; but in today’s modern world, development of an all round and well-balanced this has been taken as very much essential. Again and personality of the students, and also to develop all again, like a boomerang, the question that bursts out dimensions of the human intellect so that our children is “where have the values gone?’ While making an can help make our nation more democratic, cohesive, attempt for answering this question, one notices a socially responsible, culturally rich and intellectually conscious and conspicuous shifts in the latter-day competitive nation. But, nowadays, more emphasis is educational philosophy from a cognitive to kinetic unduly laid on knowledge-based and information- development of the pupil. A wide range of values of oriented education which takes care of only the moral, aesthetic and social nature that have evolved intellectual development of the child. Consequently, during the marathon march of the human civilisation the other aspects of is posing before us a their personality like “Broadly speaking, we are in the middle of a race between crisis of priorities: physical, emotional, human skills as to means and human folly as to ends. The which of these values social and spiritual is to be cultivated and human race has survived owing to ignorance and incompetence, are not properly what is the but given knowledge and competence combined with folly, developed in appropriate stage of providing for the there can be no certainty of survival. Knowledge’s is power doing so? Hence, the growth of attitudes, for evil as much as for good. It follows that, unless men increase issue becomes all the habits, values, skills in wisdom as much as in knowledge, increase of knowledge more jumbled when and interests among will be increase of sorrow.” it comes to fixing up the pupils. It is here - Bertrand Russel of the that we talk in terms responsibilities: who of value-education. A complete description of what is to inculcate values? — parents, leaders, the affluent, value-education is, could entail a study in itself. Value- the business tycoons, thinkers, artists, teachers? The education is a many sided endeavour and in an activity easy and obvious answer is — “the teacher is the prime during which young people are assisted by adults or inculcator of values because the young are under his older people in schools, family homes, clubs and or her formal care”. Whatever may be the answer! religious and other organizations, to make explicit Really speaking, it is not enough just to know about those underlying their own attitudes, to assess the values, because values have to be practiced. Our effectiveness of these values for everybodys’ long term country is undergoing radical, social changes. So, the well-being and to reflect on and acquire other values students who are the future citizens of tomorrow have which are more effective for long term well-being. to be oriented to respond to and adjust with these Value- education is thus concerned to make morality social changes satisfactorily by equipping them with a living concern for students. Hence, what is needed desirable skills and values. The Modern India has is value-education. Despite many educators and committed to the guiding principles of socialism, educationists description regarding value-education, secularism, democracy, national integration and so on. it cannot be denied that continuing research will These guiding principles should be emphasised in the

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Such “a growing included in the students for promoting equality, social concern over the erosion of essentials and an justice, national cohesion and democratic citizenship. increasing cynicism in the society has brought to With these aims in view, radical reforms in the present focus the need for readjustments in the curriculum lop-sided education are to be introduced and all in order to make the system of education a fore full attempts need to be made for developing well- tool for cultivation of social and moral values”. Love, integrated personalities for our individuals. Hence, the compassion, sympathetic joy and even mindedness need for inculcating desirable values. India is known have obviously an unbalanced scope like wisdom and for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and the need require a long, strenuous training and dedication of for a value-system through education has been felt creative imagination and intuition. Such training in and recognised through centuries. Value system play the East has been both emotional and intellectual. an important role in any decision making process. In In the West, little attention has been paid to the fact, every human action is the reflection of personal cultivation and training of moral feeling, imagination and social values. Modern age of science and and intuition. In countries where there was but one technology has created many evils. Violence, official religion, the church, temple or mosque could immorality, egoism, self-centeredness, frustration are provide the necessary authority to impose a common rampant everywhere. It has been the victim of moral code on schools. But in most countries there passions and evils like violence, jealousy, national are number of religions and cultures which, from time superiority and arrogance. That is why, in spite of to time may have come into conflict. To assume wonderful, scientific achievements the world is a place peace and national unity, mostly countries have of violence, gloom and unease. In the midst of material established secular public education system. prosperity, a large section of humanity is under the Today, we all are living such a society where we grip of immorality, poverty and corruption. Thus, man find anxiety-stricken parents, frustrated jobless degree has been the monarch of entire world. Now, such holders, teacher’s strikes, dowry deaths, attraction of unsatisfactory situations have arisen due to crises of students towards private coaching classes, inability of values. our teachers to keep control over the overcrowded Dr. M. T. Ramji, in his book entitled as ‘VALUE classes, etc. etc. On account of the said circumstances, ORIENTED SCHOOL EDUCATION’ has there is very much a strongly felt need to develop value- mentioned that in the context of modern India which education policies and programmes which will seek is moving towards industrialisation and technology, to eliminate all types of discrimination in education. we need education that is based on spiritual, moral For this a planned action will be such where rights of and social values. According to him, the important minorities will be taken care of, where intellectual spiritual, moral and social values which form part of understanding will be promoted, where there will be the Indian Cultural Heritage are: Courage, Truth, tolerance for other religions. It is better to state in one Universal love, Respect for all religions, Dignity of sentence that we need to place the melting pot model manual work, Service, Purity, Courtesy, Peace and by a mosaic, rich in diversity but nonetheless having a Joy. All these values are to be taught in Primary and clear unifying pattern based on ‘global ethics’. The Secondary Schools and it is imperative on the part matter that has been discussed so far, brings out of the teachers as well as teacher educators to adequately the need for value education which will understand the school situation and also the lead to the regeration of values that have been lost in potentialities of school activities in promoting the the process of search of knowledge, power and values in schools. The schools can definitely play an material progress during this century and preceding important role in inculcating desirable values in the ones. It is because of this, it seems, Kothari pupils through effective organisation of different, Commission has rightly stressed — “A National System curricular and co-curricular programmes. Now, such of Education that is related to life, needs and a task must necessarily be the joint responsibility that aspirations of the people cannot afford to ignore this is to be shouldered by all teachers and not just the (Contd. to Page 20)

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Dr Ranga Ranjan Das

Assam, geographically possess a unique identity phase of association was highlighted in an essay due to the presence of two important river valleys entitled ‘Border Calling’- where I made an attempt to apart from hilly terrain known as Dima Hasao and narrate a journey to border areas-adjacent to Tripura Karbi Anglong districts. The significance of these and Mizoram, in order to finalize an exploratory work two valleys emerges as I grow and developed in the on Halam- a less known group, with different sub- socio-cultural environment of Brahmaputra valley. groups who is under serious threat of identity Two regions distinguish each other in terms of particularly in Assam due to intermingling with prevailing language, society, culture and vibrant ‘Kuki’ groups. The book came as ‘Discourse of a less heritage. Barak valley is significant by the presence known group of Assam: The Halams: Ethnography, of so many ethnic groups- with lesser in population Heritage and Customary Law’. The small effort on my with a trans-border presence with Tripura and part transformed into a book that brings lots of joy Mizoram being its border in many of the segments and happiness among a section of the populace in of Assam. I have no hesitation to reveal that I hardly the hinterland. This endeavour ‘Re-exploring Barak’ got an opportunity to explore Barak until I came close is an attempt to provide an account of the journey to a community residing in the Barak valley and of three days- that touches state of Tripura and three accomplished some exploratory work in the line of important districts of Barak: Karimganj, Hailakandi partial ethnography and auto-ethnography. However, and Cachar while travelling and reminiscences of an during student days, I have lost opportunities twice. extravagancy witnessed particularly during that Father was posted in Karimganj at the end of his particular book release function in one way or the service life under Assam Police. He retires from other. It encompasses the brief journey where Karimganj district Headquarters. Due to paucity of various known and unknown people came across- time outside academics, I never visited his boarding their sort interaction and unconditional admiration, place. He narrated about cordial relations and family love, space in their heart and my particular like environment with his house owner and observations. immediate neighbours. There is a personal narrative. This narratives, has its’ own base at its’ backyard. In home we used to arrange Satyanarayana puja in Efforts and hard work starts shaping and it is at the the auspicious tithi of Buddha Purnima every year. final phase. The peoples’ perception and anticipation That is a huge congregation of devotees in our own has some limitations followed by my own limitations. backyards every year involving a permanent priest Little delay of publication due to technical reason solemnizing the rituals. Once, my father was absent has brought some tense moment among the during the puja. He had made all arrangements for community crew. They are eagerly waiting for the the puja in his rented premises of Karimganj where book and want to release it ceremonially. The work he had managed a huge congregation with the same was accomplished under the direct supervision of enthusiasm. He found a very cordial immediate All Assam Halam Tribal Welfare Association neighbour with whom he maintained (AAHTWA), head office at Manikbond, Karimganj. communication after his retirement till he lost his Due to other problems, it took time to finalize the memory in a fatal accident. He possesses a good date. On 11th February, Jayanta Halam and Uttam articulation of local speech with an accent of ‘Syllet’. Ranglong, President and General Secretary of There is other way of connection with Barak as we AAHTWA came to my office. We finalize the date recovered our stolen car from the Katigorah, in as on 25th February considering all the logistics. We Karimganj district subsequently. That apart, the next had to leave Guwahati as on 24th early morning by

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The journey as revealed earlier resides separately in the same village. He is a teacher was quite fascinating. The serene beauty of Dima in a local government school. Mangal moni is Hasao district made it more refreshing. It was added associated with an NGO, he helped me a lot during by the taste of local fruits available when train my first stay. During the period, his wife was in her stopped in the Haflong. I had fresh fruits of parents’ house. I met her for the first time. The service pineapple, cucumber and ripe papaya. Our that she was rendering is praiseworthy that I had seen. destination was Sobri, a forest village located under Her son seems just started walking and seen most of the Lowarpuai Development Block in Karimganj the times in the seat of his three-wheeler without district. Most of the villages under this block are any complain. Six months ago, there was no electricity adjacent to Tripura border. The nearest train station connection. Now, the villagers got electricity. It was is Dharmanagar, in the North Tripura district of nice to witness. But, solar panel that I found earlier Tripura. Train stopped at Dharmanagar at 4.30 pm. was still there utilized when there was power-cut. We had a cup of tea to refresh ourselves. The kind Knowing our arrival many people came to welcome hearted Manjoylal Chorei and Ratan Chorei (Bulte) us. Some of them I met earlier. There were new also. came to pick us up. They have been a key part during We shared our thoughts. I had the opportunity to share my earlier visit. Bulte, is an expert driver who possess my thoughts to Nirendra Reang. He came there with own alto. He said he had to visit in the border area packets of books to be released in the function. He of Mizoram in the early hours of the day. As, our shared also the problems of the Reangs residing in journey started from Dharmanagar to Sobri, the the Barak valleys and also functioning of traditional places started appearing as I had a close connections. village control mechanism. I also reveal about It took less than an hour. We travelled through some meeting his fellow mate Birbahu Reang in my office. segment of national highway 8, in the north Tripura I also interacted with two fellow villagers of Sobri: district. The road condition is very nice. We came Ringsum Ring Halam and Bula Halam. Ringsums’ across places like Bagbassa, seen one English medium livelihood is based upon agriculture. Bula, on the school- Radiant, Tongcherra, Sanicherra, Chandpur, other hand shared his past and present. How he had Churaibari, in Tripura; perhaps Shiphinjan in managed adverse circumstances in his childhood Karimganj, later on reaching Hatikhera tea estate, I where his parents got separated and ties separated felt we were very close to our destination. As, our nuptial knot? He had no choice to accept new father car diverted through a sub-way in the midst of forest who was also from the same group but profess like environment, and finding a sand extracting place, Christianity. Now, he professes Catholic and educated I felt Sobiri was close at hand. The car was running enough to fetch a job of L.P school teacher at East parallel to Longai river. We stopped near a hillock- Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Uttam’s wife is his father’s that was the abode of Jayanta Halam. It was about sister. He has two daughters and a son, came mostly 5.35 pm. Jayanta Halam was waiting to receive us. I during winter vacation. He stayed back for another felt an extra energy standing and looking the day due to the function. Khonril moni Halam, (Moni) surrounding and his warm greetings. It is exceptionally a young boy who helps the Uttam’s family appeared a beautiful place that I always admire. Just adjacent in the scene by announcing dinner. I, felt tired and to his residence, I had seen the glimpses of the venue hungry also. I was told that D.C of Karimganj will be of the function scheduled on 25th February. I walked the chief guest where I was a special guest. It was following him to his small hillock enriching confirmed as revealed with some special beautifully with horticulture-like battle nut, arrangements for him. In later hours, due to some battlevines trees, lemon tree, and other plants with other administrative emergency, he had to skip the economic value, and domestication of fowls. Young function. They were a little bit upset but it was

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It was a nice congregation at the courtyard surprised. There was an atmosphere of festival. The appreciating my effort. After a heavy breakfast, we sound system, playing of Hindi songs, indigenously proceed towards the venue where the atmosphere builds stage, two separate spaces, and builds with was electrified with the assembling of the people from bamboo one – in a portion of elevating soil and other the various villages in the districts and some is like small pile dwelling house. Except sound neighbouring villages of Tripura. The enthusiasm of system and plastic chairs, all the decorations were people is quite indescribable. It is a festive like built by themselves under the banner of AAHTWA. occasion with displaying of swords and other gifts Looking at an out glance, I had made a move forward. items received as gift from Tripura king by the I found Moni joining me in the walk. After a few community, some rituals performed by Halam priest steps, I had to stop. I had seen a new concrete (ochai) by sacrificing hen and purifying the gift items religious structure which was absent during my first by smearing the raw blood and chanting of hymn, visit. It is established on 8th July 2019, as a part of prayer and worshipping, people’s participation by Ramkrisna Mission with a sign board inside, reflected offering money followed by dance performances of as Sri Ramkrishna Coaching Centre, vill-Sobri, F.V, different forms of vailam of different groups in the p.o. Isabheel and p.s Bazaricherra, pin 788720. I have rhythm of traditional musical instruments. There located Sivalinga inside along with portraits of Swami were performances of sapitalam- which is actually Vivekananda, and Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa As performed during Lakshi puia in traditional context, informed, a section of Halam youth had celebrated done by preparing artificial context by a young and Sivaratri as on it’s specified date. Besides, there is a aged couple to express their joy and happiness. Other weekly congregation for ritualistic prayer. It is a guests along with me, the portfolio bearer of wonderful development in religious perspectives. AAHTWA, and the various other headman and key Near the prayer hall, there is a patch of land where members of traditional social control mechanism rahar (a variety of pulse) locally known as Khoukhlei, from different villagers were invited to sit on the dice seen growing. Moni explained me about a local dish and ceremonially welcome us with traditional towel prepared out of it by boiling, adding dryfish, onion and flower garland. Without wasting any further time, the organizers announced for the release of the book (purum), chilly and tomato. He also reveal about kept confined in a covered bamboo basket. Nei lo another ethnic dish out of jongsa also known as longsa, lian Chorei, a leading person from the community seen growing in the horticulture garden of Uttam residing in Manikbond, in Karimganj have open the Halam’s residence, a big tree- vegetables hanging as lid and uncover the seal of book in the midst of large a branch- it is long and flat with pod inside it. The round of the applause from a massive gathering. I matured one is prepared as curry adding dry fish and could not belief my own eyes, is it real or virtual. I rice floor. I have seen selling of the fruits in Manipur thank god almighty who provides such an opportunity as well as by Meitei women near Manipuri basti of to witness such an event in my life time. I delivered Guwahati city. It possess high demand among Meiteis a long speech focusing on the particular book and eramba to prepare their ethnic food item- , as I heard its’ significance in the contemporary context and from my Meitei neighbours. revealing it is not conclusive, there are many more The phase of late morning began on 25th February. to areas to explore in the context of Halam society. I I returned back and sat sometimes in the courtyard. received the blessings and love for my hard work. I Many people started coming and seen some familiar had little time. As soon as meeting was over, I had faces like Bijay and his family from Balia, Manjaylal to go to Silchar for the night. The journey from from Magura, Binay Chorei from Kodomtola village, Karimganj to Silchar via land route was the first time. Manik Chorei from Rangamati village, Leina Halam (Contd. to Page 20)

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Er. Pai Dawe

The Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo; Donyi Polo are the best creation of the Ane Donyi. Therefore (Sun & Moon);Nyedar (purified) and Namlo we respect the rest creation of the Ane Donyi the (House/Temple); is a movement aimed at spiritual righteousness, peace. Cohesion and mutual renaissance for the Nyishi Indigenous Faiths and coexistence of diverse communities and its practical belief system. Its motto and objective is to revitalise practice is an ultimate aim to personality and human and resurrect the respect and faith in Donyipoloism development mission behind the worshiping of the as also to guide the believers in realizing the ultimate nature. Therefore the faith and believes system and Truth through the philosophy of DonyiPoloism and all the cultural and traditional characteristics and Mother Nature. moral values of the community are been driven from The Nyishi practices of indigenous religion had the characteristic and behaviorist of the nature. And long been cultivated and is basing on its customs, there has been a deep philosophy, spirituality, logic traditional practices of rituals on faith line revolving and science behind the worshiping of the Mother around Three Truths. The Tribe believes in the Nature. creation of Universe and worship the Ane Donyi as The prime philosophy of Donyi Polo and Mother creator . She created Sun (Donyi), the Moon (Polo) Nature is the unconditional services and life to every along with other planetary bodies including the Earth. animate or inanimate matter in the universe, Nyishi This creation is supreme & Centre of philosophy of believes that same is the reason behind the creation Ane Donyi called Hibu Donyi and Gyobu Donyi of the human being; to give unconditional life and meaning (Creator), is far beyond the physical Sun, services to the fellow beings. As such to imbibe upon which had been created to give light and energy to these characteristics of nature and expressing Universe. Hence the bodily existence of the Sun and profound gratitude for giving life to all creatures the Moon is merely a symbolic representative of Creator Nyishi worship nature. and objective replica of it. But in due courses of time this worshiping turned The Universal Law is regulated by five into a prayer (Yullo), wherein various forms of fundamentals viz (1) Wjwng (Sun), (2) Auju (Air) sacrifices in terms of animals began to involve which (3) Hayi (Water) (4) Changte (Earth) and (5) Dote was negotiated through a specific gifted section of (Sky). These five elements are incarnation of Ane people called Nyubu (Priest). Gradually with the Donyi through Wjwng Paanam. The spiritual role of advancement of modernity these priests became Ane Donyi is Paanam or Pabuq bo (to incarnate limited and other involvement during animal to any form including the above five fundamentals). sacrifices in Yullo (Rituals) became expensive. Thus playing the role of Wjwng Ane as omniscient Moreover performing Yullo became materialistic in her work of creation. And the above five elements oriented ie either to get healed from sickness or to constitute the Mother Nature and our belief revolves be prospered, healthy and wealthy. Hence slowly and in nature so we are also known as nature worshipers gradually the philosophy of unconditional services since his evolution as a human being. The basic of imbibing from the Donyi Polo and Mother Nature our culture and faith is omni-presence of Almighty. had taken a back seat and the individual and We feel, we sense, we see and we experience Her community urge for prosperity gotten over coupled presence everywhere in all forms through Wjang with the expensive economical involvement in rituals Ane (the Planner and Creator). We human beings (Yullo).

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Heritage Explorer April-May 2020 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456710 Thus taking the advantage of dying philosophy philosophy of our ancestral faiths and believes and spiritualism coupled with the growing expensive system. economical involvement in Nyishi traditional rituals Therefore with the principle of Change and (Yullo) system. During 1920 Christianity came into continuity, the intellectuals and pioneers of the and offered an alternative way of faith and believes community started a movement of an intense and with a spiritualism of Jesus Christ in Nyishi continuous search for a true and meaningful platform community and Sensu Nar became the first Nyishi or an institution from where a man or women grow beliver in 1919 who was baptized in 1920. And today step by step in spirituality and to provide alternative after 100 years the percentage of Nyishi practicing way of prayer to heal the sick without sacrifices and Christianity has gone upto 75%. The Nyishi Christian with minimal economical involvement. As useful and found the Christianity spiritualism in platter through responsible member of the society our faith and the best of the Bible preaching and other relevant beliefs can be practiced and awaken the power of documents of the Ane Donyi and transform into Christianity which played a spiritual way of life to every vital role in the individual and Donyi Poloism transformation of as religion. Today this oldest behaviorism and living surviving religion is facing the standard of Nyishi Christian. crises that may end up in But at the same time they had destruction, because it lacks been made to develop a the inner depth of organized sense of doubtful on Nyishi consciousness. Indigenous Faiths and Hence, to identify the Believes system and its destiny of Tani society, philosophy as well spirituality. particularly Nyishi Whereas the philosophy and Community, a few intellect spiritualism of Nyishi members of the society had Indigenous Faiths and tried and put lot of efforts to believes system is beyond the reform the society through doubt; The Ane Donyi the various social organizations Creator, Tani (Inheritor and like All Nyishi Youth Preserver) and the Association (ANYA), Nyishi Swchangne (Mother Earth), Elite Society (NES), Nyishi the Supreme Abode of all Cultural Society (NCS) etc. human beings after their deaths. One or other day all But through these organizations the required decadence of living organism is bound to enter into objective of the of the society could not be achieved. the lap of the Swchang ne. This is the Absolute Truth of all souls realized in philosophical understanding It was in the year 1999 when a group of voluntary by the believers of the Ane Donyi. social workers namely; Shri Techi Tedi, Shri Techi Gubin, Shri Nabam Atum, Shri N.E Tana, Shri Rekhi But unfortunately the conversion had blinded the Tana Tara and Shri Tana Showren along with other philosophy, spirituality and morality of our own likeminded intellectual members of Nyishi Society indigenous faiths, believes and traditional system, formed a platform called Nyishi Indigenous Faith and rather they have been criticized and desecrated in Cultural Society (NIFCS). Through this organization the garb of adopting Christianity. As such younger the social and indigenous cultural movement started generation has been drifted far away from the to grow stronger and stronger in the society.

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Dhaneswar Engti

Karbis are one of the major several times with the gift of regulatory rule of association and most indigenous but higly wine in ‘Bongkrok’ and finally unites a whole series of distinct scattered communities, living in fixed for the marriage and thus clans or lineages of marriage on different parts of Karbi Anglong, whole procedure had ended with the basis of wife-taking and Dima Hasao and almost in all ‘Peso Riso Kachethon. And wife-giving correlationship. It parts of Assam. They are also thereafter, the first people to was stricktly followed during the found living in Arunachal follow this system of Karbi olden days in the Karbi society. Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, marriage were two friends named Karbis have 5(five) major Manipur and other parts of the Welongbi and Harlongbi, also clans which is called as ‘Kur’ and North-East India. They are a known as Sumphong and marriage is prohibited between major tribal community to hold a Sumphi, who were on the way to the same clan. The five major very distinct culture and social wage war against the enemy. But clans of the Karbis are – Lijang, order that are exclusive. they met an old woman on their Hanjang, Tungjang, Kronjang and Preservation of the interesting way by the bank of Marley River. Ejang. Thus Lijang clan has four tradition and culture of the Then the old woman asked them sub-clans and those sub-clans are community for the posterity is not to accompany her to witness a Engti Hensekh, Engti Kathar, only essential for continuation of marriage ritual that took place at Engti Taro, and Engti Killing. So their identity but also for scientific Miring Rongsopi. So, both of also, Hanjang and Kronjang clans research and investigation to them, Welongbi and Harlongbi, have 6 (six) sub-clans each while understand more about the accompanied her to witness the Tungjang and Ejang clans have 30 deeper meanings of the marriage rituals at Miring (thirty) sub-clans each. It is worth philosophy of this particular Rongsopi and returned home the mentioning that these Karbi clans indigenous tribal community of next day. They introduced the are completely exogamous and the north-east India. marriage rituals and popularized marriage between a boy and a girl As per the legend, Welirbon, among the Karbis. Hence, they belonging to the same clan never the queen of king Rangmukrang are called the inventors of the takes place as per the Karbi visited Langmingpo’s house one Karbi marriage system and thus customary Laws, because, the day seeking Rasinja’s hand for they became immortal in the children of the same clan are marriage to her son, Karbi society. In Karbi marriage considered to be brothers and Longmukrang. Langmingpo rules, there is a close sisters of their own. And sought Rasinja’s consent and relationship of the kinship violation of this Customary Law after obtaining so, asked to come terminology with the Karbi obviously leads to ex- with ‘Bongkrok’, the container matrimonial cross-cousin communication of the couple she has made from the dried marriage system consisting of a involved from the Karbi society wild guard in which she stores man to marry his maternal and has to encounter a severe rice beer that her daughter uncle’s daughter. At every punishment. It is still in vogue in Kareng and Kading had learnt to generation a man is advised to the Karbi society and this make the wine. Then Welirbon choose his wife from the same marriage taboo is rarely violated went to Langmingpo’s house clan of his mother’s clan. Such a by the Karbis due to fear of

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Heritage Explorer April-May 2020 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456714 to oblige the mother of the girl Karbi marriage system to be sacred montros seeking to be given in marriage to her son. carried out immediately after permission and blessings from She generally goes to her brother’s ‘Nengpi Nengso Kachingki,’ Hemphu-Mukrang and Rasinja house for asking his daughter for provided that no disagreement has Arnam for solemnizing the happy marriage to her son. She also tries come up between the parents. marriage between the boy and the to enquire about her willingness This stage is called seeking of a girl by pouring of horlang from to marry her son. She makes an girl for marriage to a boy. At this the womb of the dried gourd in effort to know whether she is free stage of Karbi marriage system, the name of Almighty God, from any engagement with any the parents of the boy must carry Hemphu Arnam. It is a very solem other boy or not from nearby with them a Bongkrok (a dried occasion to witness and people village. It is a preliminary process bitter gourd) filled with pure rice eagerly wait for this auspicious of confirmation about the beer and Horbong, a bottle of moment to take place. possibility of getting marriage homemade wine, especially 3. Kepatini: - Kepatini is between a boy and a girl. It is a prepared for this purpose with another important stage of crucial phase for both the parties betel leaves and nuts duly placed Karbi marriage system to be to ascertain precisely about the on a pure banana leaves and is to performed by the Karbis; this possibility of giving marriage of be offered with due respect and stage is called final confirmation a girl to a boy or not. At this stage honour to the father of the girl, of the girl’s consent of her no formality is required to be while a bottle of homemade wine marriage with the boy. During observed and ‘Bonkrok’ and rice (Arak) and betel leaves and nuts the Kepatini stage, Horbong- beer are not offered to the mother are to be offered to the mother horthe, cereals and betel leaves of the girl, however a bottle of of the girl by the bridegroom’s and nuts are required to be wine is to be offered to her during side. At this stage, the Village offered to the parents of the girl this preliminary stage. The Headman or ‘Rong Asar’ and as did during the Piso Kehang importance of the father of the others dignitaries are invited to stage. Kepatini isthe third stage boy and the maternal uncle or the function as witnesses. The of Karbi marriage system which father of the girl is out of role of ‘Klengdun and is carried out immediately after reckoning at this stage. Klengsarpo’ is essential and ‘Piso Kehang,’provided there is In the olden days, there was a indispensible part of duty to be no any divergence between both ritual of ‘honjeng kekok’ wherein performed during the the parents. This stage is called a girl, much before her celebrations of Adam Asar; they seeking of the girl for marriage marriageable age, has tied with have to carry the ‘Horbong- with the boy. At this stage of five round of white cotton thread Horthe’, other cereals and betel Karbi marriage system, the on the hand of the girl and six leaves and nuts to the maternal parents of the boy must carry round of white cotton thread on uncle’s house, as per Karbi with them a ‘Bongkrok’, a dried the boys hand as a mark of traditional custom. Gourd, filled with pure rice beer betrothal between the two young At this stage, the opinion of in the womb and ‘Horbong’, a cousins as per the Karbi custom. the girl is sought whether she is bottle of homemade pure It was the custom for a man to ready for the marriage to be distilled wine and a good marry the daughter of his maternal entered with and if she has no numbers of betel leaves and uncle which is a non existent ritual objection against the marriage, nuts, which is especially now. then only the father of the girl can prepared for the marriage 2. Piso Kehang: - ‘Piso perform ‘Bongkrok Arnam Kepu’ purpose and it is to be offered Kehang’ is the second stage of means he can start chanting with much respect and honour to

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Subhajit Bhadra (Contd. from Previous Issue)

Bipuljyoti Saikia (born 1966) started writing people. He has portrayed a picture of the loneliness poetry since middle of 1980s and his poetic oeuvre and broken dreams of modern life. Even though is colorful. His poetic universe consists of a quest to Gogoi basically talks about the melancholy of human understand the meaning of existence and the bitter life yet he is optimistic about man’s future on earth. and sweeter experiences of life. His poetry bears He can be called a painter of the darker realities of witness to the Assam agitation movement of the rural life and he has been able to exhibit a strong 1980s and the communal strife which gives a sense of realized experiences of life. historical framework to his works. He has never tried Gangamohan Mili (born 1968) has exhibit a to be apolitical in his poetry and his poetry acts as sensitive style, a lucid language and expression of the sentinel of contemporary society. Some of his folk culture in his poetry. He has himself said about poetry can be called protest poetry but he never his poetry, ‘I feel it unethical to betray people by degenerated to slogan or clichés. Many of his poems portraying the false realities of life.’ He depicts the bring forth the theme of war and it is known by rural realities of life and brings alive river, forest, everyone that war is harmful and that is why his trees and parallel to this he talks about the sorrows poems talk about peace. and broken dreams of people. Nilima Thakuria Haq (born 1961) is a familiar He has expressed the lived realities of rural people name in the domain of Assamese poetry. Her poems who basically live on the basis of agriculture and bring out fresh images and she tries to deal with that is why a tone of regionalism can be found in contemporary society in her poetry. She also talks many of his poems. There is a touch of sensitivity to about the evil tendencies of human beings but she is fellow human being in his poetry and he basically thoroughly grounded in her root. She has painted the sympathizes with the oppressed class of society. He picture of death, dread and violence in her poems belongs to the Miching Tribe and their culture but she has also tried to transcend those. She had customs are revealed in his poems. He had given satirized the evil trends of consumerism and its bad expression to the lived realities of his own tribe which effects. has added a unique charm to his poetry. The basic tone of Lutfa Hanum Selima Begum Jeeban Naraha (born 1970) has expostulated a (Born 1962) is romantic. She is not conscious of the fresh idiom and subjects matter in his poetry. He also harsh realities of life and she speaks about the depicts rural life and that is why his poetry is devoid bitterness and happiness of human life. Her language of artificiality. The folk life portrayed in his poetry is is lucid and one can find a picture of rural life his strength and his poems appear to be natural. He combined with a romantic spirit on her poetry. has advanced towards a sense of modernism through Among the post ‘Ramdhenu’ poets of second the use of contemporary images and symbols. Even phase Ajit Gogoi (born 1968) is remarkable for his though there are regional portrayals in his poetry yet simplicity of style. But he seems to be serious against he is free from provincialism. His poems are universal the lighter tendencies of some of his contemporary in nature and some of his poetry brings out a sense Assamese poets. He has satirized the artificial culture of desolation. His poetry also shows social awareness. of contemporary society. He has also given voice to Rajib Borah (born 1970) has portrayed in his the sense of pain, anguish and desolation felt by poetry the human response to life and the world. He

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Heritage Explorer April-May 2020 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456717 avoids complexity but uses the experience derived poetry. In one of his poems titled ‘Time’ he began from the knowledge of nature and human life. His with a line by the Maxican poet Actavio Paz which poems have a smell of the soil and he feels unique reveals his grasp of western poetry. He has also attraction to common man. He has used tradition in written a few experimental poems and we can say a modern way and his poetry can be a mirror of that his poems will be more mature over the years. contemporary Assamese rural life. It would not be Bivarani Talukdar is a strong voice in the realm an exaggeration to call it Assamese life-scape. Some of recent Assamese poetry and she seems to combine of his poem emanate from a strong sense of history. both tradition and modernity in her poems. A strong Kushal Dutta (born 1975) is a significant name feminine sensibility dominates her poetry but she in the realm of contemporary Assamese poetry. His cannot be called a feminist. There is a balance poetic sense has evolved from a combination of between subject matter and style in her poetry and emotion and intellect. He has discarded complexity one has to wait for the complete flowering of her and experimented with new subject matter and poetic talent. technical innovation. He has consciously attempted Apart from the poet discussed above some other to break tradition and he had tried to weigh certain poets are also writing good poetry since middle of philosophical ideals in his poetry. He tries to move the 1980s to the present time. Some of the names closer to the spoken language of common people. of those poets are Arup Kumar Nath, Anupama Das, He does not give place to unnecessary images and Alokesh Kalita, Ajit Bharali, Ajit Kumar Bordoloi, symbols. Ankur Rajen Changmai, Abedul Rehman, Amrita Biman Kumar Doley (born 1971) is another Basumatary, Archana Baruah, Uday Kumar Sharma, significant name in this context. He has given Uajjal Paogam, Utpola Bora, Kaustav Mani Saikia, expression to childhood experience based on the rural Prem Narayan Nath, Cheniram Gogoi, Junmoni Das, life. Even though he lives in urban location yet he Mira Thakur, Prajal Sarma Basistha, Bijoy Shankar has taken recourse to the imaginative life. His poetic Barman and others. universe consists of folk life and its various nuances. Kamal kumar Tanti also hails from a tea tribe He has also dealt with Miching life and its various community and in his poem we find materials drawn rituals in his poetry. from folk life. There is also reference to history Mridual Haloi has adopted a different trait in injustice and he looks at this from a post- colonial his poetry. Harkrishna Deka says about Haloi’s poetry perspective. He also reacts in his poems to the that, ‘His poetry has created faith in my being and immediate socio-political incidents. He has at the he is a strong contender to take a major place in the same time, experimented with theme and technique. domain of Assamese poetry.’ His poetic expression, Ranjit Gogoi’s poem present before readers a his language and his sensitivity appealed to the sense of despondency and through such melancholy seasoned readers of poetry. he indulges in self- introspection to find out the Kabita Karmakar (1987) has expressed the difficult answers of life. The familiar folk-life of confluence of life and youth in her poetry. The most Assam in reflected in his poetry and the smell of soil significant point to that she has expressed the lives emerges thoroughly. He has given a Mobile of common man and she can be considered as the dimension to his poetry which he derives from a deep daughter of the soil. She has also expressed the sense of rootedness. A Sense of inquisitiveness terrible picture of violence and dread, exploitation dominates the texture of his poems. It has given him and subjugation. a sense of realization regarding the gains and losses Pratim Baruah is serious poet who has been quite of life. His imageries are drawn from the rural life of consistent regarding the quality of his poetry. He has Assam and he can intricately design the form of been writing in various magazines for quite some time poetry. His poems are also popular because he is now and he has a unique style which has been deeply rooted in a particular secio cultural milieu. inculcated through his reading of various kind of Debaprasad Talukdar is remarkably original

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Heritage Explorer April-May 2020 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456718 poet who has exhibited his reaction to the changing children are playing complex games through internet pattern of society and he graphically chronicles his and recent Assamese poetry is not altogether silent heart-felt realizations. He has not written cheap about this. More and more people are driving their poetry for the sake of popularity and he has written children to study in English medium and internet is stronger poems based on his own experiences. In used to a large extent by these small kids. Recent some of his poems he has offered a pan- Indian Assamese poetry is highlighting these issues. panoramic view and his poems offers a sense of The rise of Ambedkarism during the 1990s freshness. He has been able to cement his place in affected Assamese poetry of the time. The the realm of contemporary poetry through his grasp exploitation of the so called lower caste and over both traditional and modernity. He also laments communities gave birth to an awareness of Dalit the loss of something vital from the life of Assamese paradigm. The poets wiring during that period gave people and their culture. full expression to those sensibilities in their poems. Jyotsna Kalita writes intellectual poems which Some of the other trend which have been have cerebral appeal. She never writes poetry for the observed in recent Assamese poetry are as follows; sake of writing it or for the sake of mass 1. The number of poet writing in newspaper and consumption. Her poetry shows the contemporary magazine has increased though there is a lack of urban landscape and her total output can be judged quality. Emotion has become the predominant motif on the basis of quality, not of the basis of quantity and it seems as if the recent poets are cut off from as she writes only when she feels the urge to write. the tradition. She is well read poet and that reflect in her poetry. She has never drifted apart from the particular After the 1990 there is a sense of stagnation in standard of poetry. Assamese poetry. There is very little experimentation regarding form and technique. But it does not mean Ajit Bharali is another addition to the list of the that contemporary Assamese poetry is bereft of contemporary Assamese poetry. He does not write substance. Some of the contemporary Assamese sensational poems but his poetry reveals a deep poets are not well read. That is why some of the realization of life’s varied experiences. He does not poems are ordinary. Recent Assamese poetry has commodify poetry; rather he tries to present become more and more attuned toward societal issue contemporary life as it is. Some of his poems are full which is a good sign. of sensitivity and compassion as he writes from the core of his heart. In some of his poems the nostalgic In the conclusion we can say that Assamese poetry streak manifests itself. since the mid 1980s to the present has presented to us a wide spectrum of poetry which is both original We can also identify some of the major trends in and thought provoking. The effect and impact of contemporary Assamese poetry. Globalization has globalization can be evident in recent Assamese made the world a global village but it has also given poetry. The economic liberalization which gave a rise to a new sort of opening up of economic different hue to Assamese poetry in the post 1990 structure and these things are reflected in Assamese scenario is to be considered cautiously. Popular poetry of the recent time. The rise of consumerism culture brought about by the cross- current of post is a major factor in this context. modernism becomes evident in recent Assamese The cultural invasion of English has also affected poetry. Recent Assamese poetry of the contemporary contemporary modern Assamese poetry. Some of the period displays a wide hue and the prospect seems words found in present Assamese poetry reflect this to be optimistic. However, one has to be on guard to development. Poets are unhesitatingly using English make any generalization about recent Assamese words in their poems. poetry. This entire survey is a humble attempt to The Proliferation of knowledge ushered in by the make the non-Assamese reader aware of the cross- internet is also a major factor in this context and this current to Assamese poetry from the mid-1980 to has affected recent Assamese poetry. Even small the present. There may be many short-comings as it

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Heritage Explorer April-May 2020 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456719 is not a definitive survey, nor it claims (Contd. from Page 6) to be one. ¢ Works Cited: Importance of Value Oriented 1. Barua, Hem. (ed.). 1960.Modern Education System Assamese Poetry: An Anthology. Kavita. purposeful force — viz. VALUE”. 2. Basumatary, Anumapa. Rupali Schools should be induced to create a climate of Ratir Ghat. 1994. Web Sourse. values which should run various activities and would 3. Goswami, Arup Kumar.ed be conducive to the promotion of values among Dr.Kabin Phukanar Kabita students, teachers, parents and educational Somalochana Aru Kavyatatwa Bisayak administrators. Programmes of value- education should Rachanavali. Guwahati: Bhabani incorporate values of integral personality in all its Books, 2013. Print. dimensions — physical, vital, intellectual, aesthetic, 4. Kumar, Nilim. “Narakasur”, ethical and spiritual. The question now jumps up How Guwahati: Banlata, 2005. exactly the implementation of such value-education 5. Neog, Maheshwar. (ed.). 1971. could be done in schools and what are the various Sanchayana: An anthology of activities to be undertaken in different classes? The Assamese poetry. Sahitya Akademi. process of valuing is what we go through when we make 6. Phukan, Kabin. Asomia Kabitar judgement about things, events and people that we Prabah. Guwahati: Student stores, encounter in our day-to-day life. ¢ 1995. Print. ****************************************************** 7. Phukan, Nilmani. Gulapi Jamur (Contd. from Page 9) Lagna. Guwahati: Student Stores, 1976. Re-Exploring Barak Print. — ed. Kuri Satikar Asamia Kabita. Guwahati: Publication Board It was a journey of about more than hundred km where I Assam, 2005. Print. — Sampurna have explored new places in the three districts of Barak. Kabita. Guwahati: Arthat Press, 2006. The places are right from Lowairpua, Dengarbond, Print. Kanibazar via Kalibari road, Baraigram, Nilambazar, 8. Sarma, Sasi. Kuri Satikar Kayasthagram, Suprakandi, Chorgola, Bhanga, Srigouri Samrajyabadi Sinta. Kolkata: bazaar, Badarpur, some places in Hailakandi district- Cambridge India, 2000. Print. Panchgram, Kalinagar, Katakhal bazaar, thereafter Silchar 9. Saikia, Nagen. Background of of Cachar district, seen Sri Kona daily bazaar, Ramnagar, Assamese Literature, Purbanchal Taramandir Kali mandir near railway gate, Sani Mandir at Publishers, Guwahati, 2nd revised edn., Tarapur, Ukil Bazar and the tennis club. Near the club, I 2011. Saikia, Nagen (ed). Jonâkî, Assam stated the night at Banabashi Kalyan Ashram admist a Sahitya Sabha, Guwahati, 2001. group of school going children and their well articulated 10. Tulsi, Anubhav.ed. Kabir Bacan. behavior. The warm hospitality of Sridharan ji who takes Guwahati: Banphul Prakashan, 2012. care of the entire hostel of the north east was quite th Print. illuminating. On the 26 we had the train in the morning. Re-exploring Barak within a day is really impossible. It is (The author of this article is an just a testament of a journey. While leaving, it was felt Assistant Professor in Post Graduate that it needs actually many more days to explore the rich Department of English, Bongaigaon and vibrant heritage of Barak created by the ancestors College, Assam and can be reached at residing in the valley and prevailing different ethnic groups. ¢ [email protected])

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Shri Alo Libang, Social Justice Empowerment their owners. The JD (U) member added that the and Tribal Affairs (SJETA) Minister informed that community members even do not have the right the government of Arunachal Pradesh is to exercise their adult franchise and so far only 34 concerned about the socio-economic emancipation people from the community are employed in the of the Puroik community (bonded labour) and is government sector. “The high powered committee committed to developing them at par with other constituted by the government had recommended communities of the State. for providing them housing facilities. Though the Responding to a request for short duration government settled them at Naharlagun and in discussion on the issue of the socio-economic other places, their houses were taken away by backwardness of the community by JD (U) MLA other communities at throwaway prices or Hayeng Mangfi in the Assembl, the Minister forcefully,” Mangfi pointed out and added that the admitted that Puroiks are subjected to social and resettlement of Puroiks was a futile exercise by economic discrimination. Shri Libang informed the government. that the state government during 2017 had Mangfi suggested the government for constituted the Puroik Welfare Board to carry out acquisition of land to settle the community with welfare activities for the community. the proper demarcation of boundary besides The Puroiks, erstwhile called Sulungs, has a providing better health care, education and road total population of 8, 977 as per census data and infrastructure in their settlement areas. He further is one of the indigenous tribes of the state who suggested for job reservation in Group C and D have been identified as a slave tribe. category of posts for the community members. Empirical shreds of evidence suggest them as Responding to Mangfi, Shri Libang informed socially, economically and educationally backward that the state government had imparted vocational which resulted mainly due to exploitation. The training to 80 Puroiks for their livelihood while 8 very inhumane practice of slavery, though it was members of the community were selected for skill officially banned since 1976, reportedly still exists development training and already engaged in jobs. in different parts of the state. Owing to this, the “We are constructing one Boys’ and one Girls’ overall livelihood of the Puroiks is severely hostel with intake strength of 50 students each. affected. They are deprived of the privileges that The government is also planning to provide two is rightfully entitled and endowed by laws. The lakh each to 120 members of the community as marginal community is found in East Kameng, one time grant to start a business,” Libang disclosed West Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, and adding, five girls of the community were sent to Papum Pare districts of the state. Karnatak to undergo GNM course who would be Initiating the discussion, Mangfi lamented that recruited soon. the community is being suppressed politically, The minister appealed to the MLAs of the socially and economically as they are deprived of Puroik inhabited districts to initiate efforts to the privileges. “They are treated like an animal and motivate the people so that the community they can be sold and purchased by the owner to members are not treated as their property. He also meet up domestic and other needs,” Mangfi said asked them to forward suggestions on how to adding, though the community members have improve the status of the community members and economic independence they live at the mercy of (Contd. to Page 23)

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A gamechanging event titled “The Meghalayan for concerted development and growth of the region. Age Conclave” was recently organised by the The Chief Minister said, “The Meghalayan Age Government of Megahalaya to popularise the state is an attempt by the Government to provide an as tourism destination in presene of tourism opportunity for visitors to experience Meghalaya.” stakeholders and government officials. While “We had big plans for the event. However, due to attending Conclave at Thadlaskein, near Jowai, the the health advisory on Corona virus, we restricted Union Minister of State DoNER Dr. Jitendra Singh the event for invited stakeholders, which comprised said, “The ‘Meghalayan Age’ is an event that would of media professionals, tour operators, bloggers, go a long way in positioning the State of Meghalaya etc., who will share our stories to the world.” as a much sought after tourism destination.” During Talking at length about the ‘Act East Policy’ the the conclave, a book on tourism titled ‘Glimpses’ Chief Minister stressed the need to explore the was also released. possibility of working collaboratively with India’s Talking about the concerns across the country neighbouring countries in the field of tourism, due to the coronavirus, Dr. Singh said, “The event boosting cultural and economic ties. “We as a was planned in a very big way but due to the advisory government have realized the potential we have issued by the MoHFW, the event has been scaled with our immediate neighbour Bangladesh. The down to a conclave, where different stakeholders country is moving very fast; they have a growth were given an opportunity to delve deep into the rate of almost 8 percent; its GDP is about 400 immense potential that Meghalaya can open up to billion dollars. We have to look at the opportunity the visitors.” next door and build relations that would Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister economically benefit our people.” Narendra Modi, Dr. Singh said, “In the last five On initiatives Meghalaya has taken to take the years, the Government of India has provided State forward, the Chief Minister said that adequate thrust for creating better infrastructure emphasis is being laid to attract investments and and promote the development of the Northeast. ensure sustainable development model of growth It is through a synergistic approach of the in sync with nature. “We are blessed with nature government and the right motivation from the and we want to work on initiatives that would be States, the vision of the Prime Minister would be economical for our people as well as promote accomplished.” growth and development,” the Chief Minister Dr. Singh said that under the leadership of Modi, exhorted. Talking about tourism being one of the the Ministry of DoNER’s budget was increased two- priority sectors, the Chief Minister said that the fold. “Prior to the formation of the NDA government is working on models to boost high- government, the budget for NEC was roughly end tourism infrastructure in the State that would around Rs 700 crore. However, we have today be remunerative for the people and also ensure increased the budget to about Rs 1,400 crore. We that Meghalaya being labeled as the sought after have different plans to promote and ensure the tourism destination not only in the country but welfare of the region,” Dr. Singh emphasized. globally. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in his address, During the 10-day event, renowned cave explorer said that the Government of India has accorded top Brian Kharpran took selected guests on a unique priority to the Northeast and this is paving the way (Contd. to Page 23)

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 (Contd. from Page 22)

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234Tripura celebrates spring festival

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 Tourism Conclave –

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234was celebrated in Tripura on Saturday.The most popular

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234spring festival of Mizos, “Chapchar Kut” is celebrated in caving experience. Kharpran, who 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234Mizoram every year in March. Chief Minister attended spoke during the conclave today said 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234the festivities during “Kut Pa” (father of the festival). that in the past two decades they have

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234Mizos in Tripura with financial and logistical support

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 which has led to discoveries of unique 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234from the Tripura government’s Tourism and Tribal Welfare

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234northern Tripura’s Jampui hills adjoining Mizoram. Tripura the discovery of the largest cave- 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 Khongthong, popularly known as the

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234told IANS that since last year, the mega “Chapchar Kut” of the people. He said that the event 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234states.

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chandni

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234Chandran graced the Saturday’s “Chapchar Kut” festival

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234tribals and non-tribals, took part in the carnival, where

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234biggest among the festivals of the

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234Mizos and Mizoram, shines through with plenty of 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 contest in panchayat elections.

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234mass dancing and music to keep everyone in good spirits.

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234According to historians, “Chapchar Kut” is said to

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 schemes to the government to be

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234have originated 1450-1700 AD in a village called Suaipui 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 taken up for the welfare of the 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234in Mizoram. When Christianity came to Mizoram in the 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 community,” Libang said adding,

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234late 1890s, they discouraged the festival citing it as

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234detrimental to Christian values. However, it was revived

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 the owners so that Puroiks are freed 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234in 1973 on a mass scale against animistic practices and 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234 labourer. ¢

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It is not known to many that the royal family of he would take necessary initiatives in this regard,” Tripura had contributed immensely towards the the release added. blossoming of the Viswa Bharati, an world University The Chief Minister in his response to the of holistic education dreamt by Nobel laureate poet “Purvaudaya” delegates said, “Our government Rabindranath Tagore. The BJP-led Tripura already working to take forward the ideals and government has therefore decided to take steps to contributions of the former Tripura Kings and will recognize the contributions of Tripura’s kings for the also take necessary steps to meet the demand.” development of Viswa-Bharati University, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said on recently. According to the historians, many Tripura kings had given huge funds to world famous bard The Chief Minister told a delegation of The Rabindranath Tagore for the development of “Purvaudaya”, a socio-cultural body, that the Tripura Visva-Bharati University. Historian and writer Salil government would take necessary steps so that the Debbarma told that at the end of the 1355-year- contributions of Tripura’s kings are recognized by rule by 184 kings, on October 15, 1949, the the Visva Bharati University in Shantiniketan in West erstwhile princely state of Tripura came under the Bengal’s Birbhum district. CM Deb announced this control of the Indian government after a merger when a delegation of “Purvaudaya”, led by its agreement was signed between regent Maharani President Alka Sinha met him at his official residence. Kanchan Prabha Devi and the Indian Governor The “Purvaudaya” delegates urged the Chief General. Another historian and writer Pannalal Minister to take appropriate step by the state Roy said that Rabindranath Tagore had visited and government for recognition of erstwhile Tripura stayed in Tripura capital Agartala and Meghalaya Kings’ contributions to Visva-Bharati University, capital city Shillong several times between 1899 which is run by the Government of India. and 1927. “Tagore’s close relations with the “The Purvaudaya delegation informed the Chief princely state of Tripura and its successive Tripua Minister that on February 21 a team of the kings form an important chapter in the state’s organisation led by its General Secretary Niti Deb history. This relationship prompted him to visit had visited Visva-Bharati University and had the state as many as seven times between 1899 requested Vice Chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty to and 1926.” He said : “Tripura had a special place recognise former Tripura King’s contributions in many of Tagore’s songs and he wrote a number towards the development of the Visva-Bharati,” of novels based on the then princely state’s history an official release said. Niti Deb, a bank official- as the theme. Some of these are ‘Bisharjan’, turned-social activist, is the wife of the Chief ‘Rajarshi’ and ‘Mukut’.” Minister. The “Purvaudaya” team had requested The 103-year-old “Pushpavant Palace”, which until the Vice-Chancellor to take appropriate steps so recently was the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s house), is that the contributions of Tripura Kings from proposed to be turned into a museum and research Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya Bahadur to centre dedicated to Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur are Tagore. The Nobel laureate during his last visit to the properly and adequately recognised by the Visva- state in February 1926 stayed in the “Pushpavant Bharati. “The Vice Chancellor of Visva-Bharati Palace”, which was built in 1917 by then king Maharaja varsity assured the Purvaudaya delegation that Birendra Kishore Manikya (1909-1923).

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Nyokum Yullow –the pride of the Nyishi Tribe, in Taba Tedir, the local legislator and present the celebration that conveys the message of ‘Being Education Minister. Human’ is ‘Being Nyishi’, was recently celebrated at The Chief Minister however regretted that due Pitapool, a small town in Lower Subansiri district in to various reasons the lifeline of Lower Subansiri, the august presence of Shri Pema Khandu, the Chief Kra-Dadii, Kurung Kumey, Kamle and Upper Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Incidentally, Pitapool Subansiri districts – the Potin to Pangin stretch of is the hallowed location where the first ever Trans-Arunachal highway is still waiting to see the centralised Nyokum Yullow festival was celebrations light of day. Speaking frankly without mincing words, 53 years ago. Shri Khandu cautioned those going for ‘illegal’ land The grandeur and pride of the Nyishis attached compensation and urged those who have already to their culture was in full bloom as every ritual that taken huge compensation amounts against non- were conducted in its original form and men, women existent land and property, to return the amount to and children defied all barriers to join the celebration. the government voluntarily. He further cautioned that To add to their joyous celebrations, Chief “I announce here today that the state government is Minister Pema Khandu arrived from Itanagar along serious on the note and soon law will take its course. with Namsai legislator Chow Zignu Namchoom at I request those who have received excess payments the General Ground decorated to the teeth. It needs for land compensation without having any land or a special mention that the ground was developed and property, to return the same before police arrive at dedicated to the people years ago by former Chief their doors.” Reiterating his uncompromising stance Minister Late Dorjee Khandu, the father of the on corruption, Khandu regretted that few incumbent Chief Minister. CM Khandu lauded the government employees mislead the people, who are Nyishis for zealously preserving their tradition and actually innocent. culture and taking pride in their roots. He, however, Referring to the recent Staff Selection Board (SSB) urged the younger generation to continue the fiasco, the Chief Minister said ‘he was hurt the most’. tradition and preserve their culture for posterity. He “I was in Tawang attending a meeting when I came proclaimed that “No one from outside can help. If to know about the incident. I immediately left by Nyishi culture is to be preserved, only the Nyishis road and reached Itanagar late at night. I couldn’t can do it.” Khandu underscored the significance of practicing local dialects, which he pointed, is the sleep properly,” he revealed. Khandu said that SSB strongest connect to one’s culture. He starteds that was constituted to offer a level playing field for while it is necessary for today’s generation to go educated unemployed youths irrespective of social outside for higher and technical education, it is also background. “How could few employees dare to necessary that they learn and and speak in their native indulge in corruption in this, is beyond my languages. comprehension. I reiterate no-one involved will be spared,” he said. CM Khandu informed that “The state government is committed to preserve and promote Taking advantage of the celebrations, Shri indigenous culture through promotion and teaching Khandu felicitated the local priests of the festival of local dialects’ and appealed that “I request and also those who were members of the organising community based organisations and intellectuals to committee of the first ever centralised Nyokum come forward and suggest or help us in this Yullow celebration at Joram in 1967. The festival endeavour.” While assuring all out support in also witnessed and enjoyed the renderings of the development of the region, the Chief Minister melodies presented by popular yesteryear singers congratulated the people for having an able leader Bengia Hemanta and Bengia Tab. ¢

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Heritage Explorer April-May 2020 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456725 Chaitra Puja obseved in Tripura Kalyan Ashram Project ‘Nirman’ Registers Success The traditional Chaitra Puja, a ceremony mainly patronised by the Jamatia community of Tipura state was recently celebrated with devotion and dedication Project ‘Nirman’ run by Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra at the Mata Tripureswari and the Shiv Bari temples Ranchi was started on 15 November, 2016, the Birth in Udaipur, in presence of thousands of devotees anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda with an attired in their traditional dresses congregatin there objective to train janjati students for the various to participate in the august celebration . competitive exams & administrative services Pradyot Bikram Kisor Debbarman, the scion of conducted by the state government. The project is the State’s royal family was the main attraction of being run at free of cost at Ranchi, the capital city the day as people in large numbers gathered there to of the State of Jharkhand. have a look at the royal representative. Executive As the project started, 40 aspirants from janjati Member of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous community were selected for the first batch. District Council Shantanu Debbarma, members Joy Experienced teachers have been conducting Kishor Jamatia and Jay Bahadur Jamatia also offered classroom coaching regularly to train such students. puja in the Tripureswari Temple along with Later it was thought to provide coaching to the thosandsds of devotees. students belonging to economically backward families Describing the history and tradition, secretary of along with the janjati students. As of now, the three Jamtia Hoda Biswajit Jamatia said soon after batches of students have been trained at Nirman. Maharaja Krishna Manikya shifted the capital of the Weekly exam and evaluation pattern is followed then princely Tripura from Udaipur to Agartala in to assess students’ grasping regularly. Student’s hard 1760, Jamatia Hoda incepted this long-established work and dedication and teachers’ commitment is tradition of performing an annual Chaitra Puja for leading to desired outcomes. Shri Vikas Sharma, Shri the welfare of society. Krishnakant Choubey, Smt. Garima Chaudhary, Shri It is learnt that earlier, Bengali priests used to Sanjeev Jorad & Shri Amit Kumar have been perform the much-awaited annual Chaitra Puja but providing services at Nirman with dedication. this erstwhile tradition was changed by Jamatia Hoda Till date 10 students have been recruited in the in 1988 and since then, it is the Jamatia priests who Jharkhand Public Service Commission and other have been performing the rites and rituals of the administrative services. Recently declared result of aforementioned festival. JPSC exams Praksah Hembram and Manisha Tirkee The month of Chaitra is the month of worshipping both belonging to the janjati communities have been Baba Garia and it is in this month that Lord Shiva and added to the tally. Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Maatri Shakti Devi is worshipped in the form of Baba congratulate the both. Garia, Jamatia said. According to the social custom In the past two years, four students were selected of Jamatia Hoda, people never worship any other deity for the post of Police Sub-Inspector. Also one was during the 7-day long festival. During the royal era, selected in CRPF-UPSC exam, one was selected in Air the festival was popularly referred to as Ram Puja. Force and one more was selected in the Audit service. This puja is also performed in Gomati, Burima and We cannot forget the mentor Late Mohansingh Kasma (Khowai) rivers with a view to not only Muda, Vice President of Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra who establish peace and harmony in Tripura but also to conceived the idea of Nirman Project. Presently the enrich the State with crops, fodder, flora and fauna. Management Committee of Nirman involves Dr. Above all, there is no tradition of animal sacrifice Sukhi Uraon, Vice-President, Shri Sajjan Sarraf, Vice- in Chaitra Puja and it is in this way that Jamatia Hoda President,Shri Satendra Singh, Organizing Secretary, performs the worship of both Lord Shiva and Maatri Shri Alok Gupta, Secretary, Shri Omprakash Agarwal Shakti Devi in the form of Baba Garia Puja. ¢ & Shri Pranay Dutt. ¢

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