Heritage Explorer October 2016

Heritage Explorer VOL. XV. NO.10, OCTOBER 2016 28 Pages, Size - A4 Demy A Monthly News Bulletin Contents Europe’s Ancient Nature Worshippers, Meghalaya Kids Shine in National The Pagans P-5 Yogasana Championship 2016 P-19

SISTER NIVEDITA P-7 Muslim girl from Kudla takes ABVKA’s Vision Document released yoga to Saudi Arabia P-19 by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal P-10 Bernadethe Khongsngi the Success Story of a Lady Farmer from Meghalaya P-20 Menacing Problem of Encroachment in Assam P-11 Tripura claims top literacy slot at 97.22% P-21

Conversion of Northeast Tribal Society P-12 Musical power and not Pakistan Killing the Intellectuals Muscle power is the need of and the History of the Baloch P-14 the hour…”Ishanya Symphony” P-22

Baluchistan: Baluch Movement Assamese Actress Shares Screen gets New Fillip P-15 with Sonakshi Sinha in “Akira” P-23

Solung Across Arunachal P-16 Statue of Martyr Durga Malla Funye (Fish Festival): An Unique Unveiled at Baksa P-24 Tradition of Chakhesangs P-17 Russian Court Declared Novel on Apatani Tribe of Arunachal Bhagwad Gita Legal! Dismissed wins UK Award for Historical Fiction P-17 the Christian Appeal for Ban! P-25 Japanese Students in Nagaland to India Successfully Test Fires learn traditional Naga lifestyle P-18 surface-to-air missile ‘Barak-8’ P-25 Sikkim’s Sushmita Rai wins Bronze at World Martial Arts Masterships, 2016 P-18 Of Crows and Owls P-26

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Edited by : Amarendra Brahma,C/o. Heritage Foundation, K.B.Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati-781008, Published & Printed by : Narayan Dev Sarma on behalf of Heritage Foundation, K.B.Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati-781008, Published at: Heritage Foundation, K.B.Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati - 781008 (Assam). e-mail: [email protected], Website: www.heritagefoundation.org.in, Printed at: Arindam Offset & Imaging Systems, Rajgarh, Guwahati - 781003 and Angik Press, GNB Road, Guwahati - 781001 and Saraighat Offset Press, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati - 781021

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The month of October is very sacred and inspiring for every right thinking Indian, for we found our loadstar in Sister Nivedita, who was born in this month and also attained her ‘Moksha’ in this same month. Born in Europe and reared in the religious environment of Christianity, she never felt free from the self doubts about her own religious beliefs since her childhood. However, her involvement in the ‘Tractarian’ movement that swayed the Christian world in the nineteenth century, appeased her hunger for spiritual contentment to some extent. Unfortunately this satisfaction did not last long for she started feeling suffocated when other invisible aspects of Christianity started revealing before her impressionable mind. She failed to reconcile herself with the religious intolerance towards followers of other faiths, lack of liberalism, the rigidity of religious doctrines, absence of heartwarming spiritual joy and above all the supremacy of the clergymen in all matters of the life of a follower. A question often arose in her mind, ‘is not there any religion which is above the pastoral meanness, fully humane and liberal at the same time’. When Margaret Noble was passing through this phase of self-doubt, Swami Vivekananda appeared on her spiritual horizon to guide her to her spiritual destiny. In 1895 Margaret Noble met Swami Vivekananda for the first time in London and her search for the messiah who can lead her to a total spiritual bliss, ended. She left her motherland and came to India, abandoned her name and became Sister Nivedita, ‘the dedicated’. As if to test the dedication and love for the humanity, Plague epidemic broke out in Calcutta. Abandoning the normal European instinct of maintaining distance from the unclean and afflicted Indians, that too during a dreaded epidemic of Plague, Nivedita joined the local volunteers to nurse the sick and the needy. Till the cursed disease did not die down, her zeal never faded and she worked day and night without a minute’s rest. This was only a beginning. The next task she took upon herself was the holistic upliftment of the poor and the needy and emancipation of the Indian women. She started a school for women, both married and young, taught History, English and occasionally sewing & stitching. As a part of her mass awakening efforts, she started writing in various magazines, both national and European, started giving lectures on Indian Culture, United India, the Women of India, Ideals for women, India’s problems and many other spiritual topics in elite institutions and not so elite platforms. Her in-depth knowledge of the Indian culture and spiritual wisdom, her total dedication to the ideals propounded by Swami Vivekananda and above all her immense love for India, the Bharat, endeared her to all irrespective of caste, creed or community. She wrote several Books, the most prominent among them was ‘The Master as I saw him’. Her close relations with poet Rabindra Nath Tagore and internationally acclaimed philosophers like Rishi Aurobindo, Industrialists like Dadabhai Naorji and scientists like Acharyya Jagadish Chandra Bose and her love and affection for the revolutionary freedom fighters are well known. Speaking about her, Swami Vivekananda once told that, “India shall ring with her”. Nivedita’s self-written epitaph for her last resting place in Darjeeling speaks unequivocally about her total dedication to India. “Here rests Nivedita in peace Who gave her everything to India.” It is true that she did not receive the Nobel Prize for service to the humanity or for women emancipation. Nether she was declared a saint by any of our religious institutions nor was acknowledged as a messiah of peace and harmony, but she was and continues to be a ‘Devi ‘, the Goddess incarnate for all of us Indians and all followers of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda.

Editor

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- York, Michael

As the Christian era slowly Hinduism. He cited discussions seeing Divinity in all and treating thaws, it’s springtime for the within Hinduism that all the Gods the earth as a friend, not an indigenous faiths of the planet. A (Shiva, Ganesh, Kali, etc.) are enemy. bubbly sort of euphoria has part of the One and proposed that possessed the pre-Christian Paganism be absorbed into that PAGAN (ism) earth religions. They survived discussion - especially with its Paganus = rustic, peasant, what to them has been a long Goddess-oriented sects. He heathen “HEATHEN”, from winter. Today they meet and added that Hinduism and Heath= “forested or uncultivated celebrate their rebirth, their roots Paganism have common roots - land” and connections with each other shamanic, ice-age, ecological, and with Hinduism. nature-worship, etc. and The term “Pagan” was coined envisages that Paganism could by the early Christians to On November 24th, the 2nd become a part of the World Hindu designate a non-Christian. The Annual United Kingdom Pagan Federation. Mediterranean peoples at that Federation convened at the time followed a lifestyle and University of London and The meeting’s setting was thinking very Hindu-like. Temples proposed that Pagans not only colorful. There were stalls to Gods and Goddesses were become aware of the Pagan/ marketing Pagan products from many. Religious festivals filled the Hindu overlap but take it another a range of different traditions. And year based on an agrarian step establishing a recognized everyone was glad the calendar. Mystery schools taught alliance. Author and Pagan Nigel Fundamentalist Christian the metaphysics of healing, yogic Pennick addressed the spirited Coalition didn’t disrupt the disciplines and the belief that all group of 300 stressing that for proceedings as they had done the life is sacred and interconnected. Pagans not being Christian or year before. Muslim was insufficient. According to the U.K. Pagan Paganism is a tradition in itself - Noted authoress Prudence Federation, there are roughly one for which he feels Hinduism Jones supported Nigel’s proposal 20,000 Pagans in Britain and constitutes its Eastern extension. and further stressed that 200,000 in Europe who call Pennick foresees the possibility Paganism is very similar to themselves Pagans, but possibly that Hindus may come to accept Hinduism and Japan’s nature- several million more - especially Europe’s Pagans as a European oriented Shinto religion as well. in rural life - who subscribe to branch of Hinduism. He pointed The tack this bold idea now Pagan thought. out that Hindus in Britain tend not takes is uncharted, but Prudence PAGAN/HINDU to be persecuted by the and Nigel are not alone. Other Assemblies of God and other indigenous faiths are also Similarities Belief In: Christian extremists because it is considering Hinduism as an ally * Existence of Myriads of Non- assumed that they have an as they reassert themselves in Physical Beings From Natures- “ethnic right”. He added that what some are calling a “Post- Spirits to Deities Pagans are assumed to be Christian era”. Collectively, they apostate Christians and it is feel Christianity buried them with * Karma and Reincarnation considered permissible - since a theology that masculinized God, the Justinian Reforms - to hunt separated man from Divinity and * The Oneness of All Creation them down. robbed the land of its sacredness. Pervaded by The Divine Force They promise the opposite: Pennick called for an alliance * No Dogma: Final Spiritual returning femininity to the Divine, between Paganism and Authority is Personal Experience

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Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this Divinity within. Strength is life, weakness is death. Fear nothing, stop at nothing. You will be like lions. We must rouse India and the whole world. Never say ‘No’, never say, ‘I cannot’, for you are infinite. - Swami Vivekananda

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Bhagini (Sister) Nivedita spiritual consort of teachings of the East, found (Bengali pronunciation: [sister Ramakrishna and one of the nothing quite new in what she niÐbediÐt*aÐ] was born major influences behind heard on this occasion. What Margaret Elizabeth Noble on 28 Ramakrishna Mission and also was new to her was the October 1867. She was a with all brother disciples of personality of the Swamiji Scots-Irish social worker, Swami Vivekananda. She died himself. She attended several author, teacher and a disciple of on 13 October 1911 in other lectures of Swami Swami Vivekananda. She spent Darjeeling. Her epitaph reads, Vivekananda. She raised a lot of her childhood and early days of “Here reposes Sister Nivedita questions whose answers her youth in Ireland. From her who gave her all to India”. dispelled her doubts and father, and her college established faith and reverence professor, she learned many for the speaker. She started valuable lessons like – service taking interest in the teachings to mankind is the true service to of Gautama Buddha, Swami God. She worked as school Vivekananda as alternate teacher and later also opened a source of peace and school. She was committed to benediction. Vivekananda’s marry a Welsh youth who died principles and teachings soon after their engagement. influenced her and this brought Sister Nivedita met Swami about a visible change in her. Vivekananda in 1895 in London Seeing the fire and passion in and traveled to Calcutta her, Swami Vivekananda could (present-day Kolkata), India in foresee her future role in India. 1898. Swami Vivekananda gave Swami Vivekananda felt Meeting with Swami her the name Nivedita (meaning extreme pain by the Vivekananda “Dedicated to God”) when he wretchedness and misery of the initiated her into the vow of In November 1895 she met people of India under the British Brahmacharya on 25 March Swami Vivekananda who had rule and his opinion was that 1898. In November 1898, she come from America to visit education was the panacea for opened a girls school in London and stayed there for all evils plaguing the Bagbazar area of Calcutta. She three months. On a cold contemporary Indian society, wanted to educate those girls afternoon, Swami Vivekananda, especially that of Indian women. who were deprived of even basic on an invitation, was explaining Margaret was chosen for the education. During the plague Vedanta philosophy in the role of educating Indian women. epidemic in Calcutta in 1899 drawing room of an aristocratic Travel to India Nivedita nursed and took care of family in London. Lady Isabel the poor patients. Nivedita had Margesson, a friend of Margaret, Responding to the call of close associations with the invited her for this meeting. Swami Vivekananda, Margaret newly established Ramakrishna Margaret described her decided to travel to India leaving Mission. However, because of experience on the occasion. A behind her family and friends, her active contribution in the field majestic personage, clad in a including her mother. Mombasa, of Indian Nationalism, she had saffron gown and wearing a red the ship bringing Margaret to to publicly dissociate herself waist-band, sat there on the India, reached Calcutta on 28 from the activities of the floor, cross- legged. As he spoke January 1898. On 22 February, Ramakrishna Mission under the to the company, he recited Margaret visited Dakshineshwar then president Swami Sanskrit verses in his deep, temple, the place where Brahmananda. She was very sonorous voice. Margaret, who Ramakrishna did his sadhana. intimate with Sarada Devi, the had already delved deep into the Swami Vivekananda devoted

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The ‘Vision Document for The so on in context to the other Highlighting the various issues Janajatis (ST’s) of Bharat’ sections of the society, to make related to the Vision Document, prepared by the Akhil Bharatiya them aware of their duties and he said that the document is not Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (ABVKA) rights and to nurture the feeling an administrative guideline, but a the parent body of Kalyan Ashram of patriotism in a proper channel. reference for prioritization. He Assam released in a graceful It aims at creating a sense of opined that only certain service program by Shri Sarbananda ONENESS among all the projects by govt or other Sonowal Hon’ble Chief Minister Bharatiyas – tribal, non-tribal, organizations shall not solve the of Assam in a function at Lions villagers, metropolitans, rich- perennial issues of the tribal Club Auditorium Chatribari. poor etc. As the ABVKA is communities, but there must be working for the all-round a clear vision, dissemination of On the auspicious day of development of all the tribal the required information, ‘Universal Brotherhood day’ communities of our country, it prioritization of the measures which is also symbolic of the has conducted a series of and a strong will power among cultural victory of Bhrat’s seminars at different levels all the establishment to bring out the spirituality through the historic over the country to develop a required permanent solution. He speech of Swami Vivekananda in VISION DOCUMENT for ST’s of also referred to the recently Chicago function started with India. Eminent scholars from introduced share of profits issue Assom Sangeet presented by various sectors such as leading with local-displaced people in Girls student of the Udalguri Girls universities, legal experts, social way of royalty in MMDR Act 2015 Hostel of Kalyan Ashram. Sh service sectors, Bureaucrats, and informed the house that the Sonowal lighted the lamp in front Techno-crates & NGO’s have efforts of ABVKA led to policy of the image of Bharat Mata participated in those seminars; intervention which has facilitated which was followed by Mantra from Assam 06 scholars had mobilization of a huge fund of chanting. While welcoming the attended the national level more than six thousand crores Guest and dignitaries Advocate workshop at Mumbai. It covers through such royalties for the Sh Vinod Jain President of the sectors of Education, Health, welfare of tribal communities, Guwahati Mahanagar Samitee of Water management, Forests, which is even more than the total Kalyan Ashram Assam asked Mining, Administration, and budget of the Union Ministry of active cooperation from the well Reservation policies. Tribal affairs. wisher and donors of the orgation. While addressing to the The All India Joint General Addressing the elite audience audience Sh Nagendra Nunisa Secretary of ABVKA Shri on the occasion as Guest of President of Kalyan Ashram Vishnukant in his key note Honour, Chief Minister stated that Assam threw light on the origin address highlighted the various the Vision document by ABVKA and development of the Kalyan issues related to the Janajati is in the larger interest of the Ashram as well as its social (tribals) and asserted that state and Nation. Our society activities presentely going on in organization has been working need to have a debate why the the state. for the last 65 years to improve constitutional provisions for tribal the fate and welfare of the tribal are not materialized. Sustainable The ABVKA is founded to bring people. He further stated that the development must be ensured all the janajati communities of our principle of “Nation First, India by exploring and exploiting the country at an equal & graceful First” is the guiding principle of resources in our areas. We must level in all aspects such as the Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram and not miss this opportunity to turn educationally, economically, all its service projects. governance, service sector and (Contd. to Page 20)

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In spite of having laws and a regions of Assam. For example, evict such encroachers. The government with its administrative the district administration of passive role of the State Gov- machinery, there have been Darrang has admitted that about ernment has been encouraging growing cases of encroachment 77,420 bighas of government land the land hungry Bangladeshi on the government vacant land, have been encroached by the migrants to come over to Assam grazing land, wetland, chars, land suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators. and easily occupy any kind of land of the Satras and forest area, and But no step has been taken so far without any restriction. It is alleged also the transfer of legally by the government to evict the not only by the people and different possessed land of the indigenous encroachers. The report also said organizations, but even by the people, even within the tribal belts that a section of government Supreme Court and the Gauhati and blocks. Such illegal occupation officials and politicians are involved High Court that the governments’ of land is facilitated by the rampant in this nefarious design. Because intention has been to capture a corruption of the revenue officials, of the help and cooperation large number of votes of the sheer inaction of the policemen extended by such a corrupt nexus, migrants in order to have political and the tacit political patronage to the infiltrators can easily enlist their power even at the cost of the the encroachers. This inaction to names in the voters’ list, get indigenous people. As a result, take stern measures to evict them allotment in their encroached lands thousands of hectares of lands promptly not only endangered the and all other kinds of facilities have been encroached, settled existence of the genuine extended by the government to the and cultivated. Another glaring indigenous people but also genuine citizens of the State. example of encroachment of lands affected adversely the natural Moreover, it is surprising to see that is that out of 6.32 lakh bighas of environment of the state. It is villages after villages of the land belonging to 865 registered alleged in the field-based report of suspected infiltrators have sprung Sattras, 6,792 bighas of 26 Sattras the Upamanyu Hazarika up in the fallow lands of the have been encroached. It may be Commission appointed by the government on both sides of the mentioned here that the Gauhati Supreme Court that the infiltrators National Highways, thus enabling High Court on March 27, 1997 in from Bangladesh are the main them to claim to be the permanent its historic verdict on a writ petition group behind such settlers of Assam. The praying for eviction of the encroachment. They are found to administration seems to be totally encroachers from the lands be most aggressive to occupy indifferent to such pernicious belonging to the Sattras, plots of land in Assam because of encroachments. According to the namghars, Kirtanghars and thans, the obvious reason that the density data provided by the Press directed the State Government to of population in Bangladesh from Information Bureau of the evict all such encroachers and where they have been intruding Government of India, forests, char also to provide security to all Assam is about 1,222 persons per lands, government grazing Vaishnavite institutions. sq km as against only 397 in reserves, etc., have been Unfortunately, the government has Assam according to the Census encroached by the Bangladeshi been doing nothing so far to 2011. Because of the vote bank immigrants. It is also expressed in implement the High Court’s politics, neither the government in the same source that 7790 mandate. The Hazarika the State nor in the Centre is hectares of Kaziranga, 800 Commission has pointed out that serious enough to evict such hectares of Nameri, 1,700 as it is not possible to transfer encroachers, not to speak of their hectares of Manas and 300 lands from tribal to nontribal detection and deportation to their hectares of Dibru- Chaikhowa people or occupy lands within the home country. The report further reserves are under tribal belts and blocks because of mentions the hideous data of encroachment. It is very the Tribal Belts and Blocks encroachment into the unfortunate that the government Regulation incorporated as the government lands in different has not taken any effective step to (Contd. to Page 21)

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Tribal societies and tribal larger phenomenon of on the forced assimilation of people are often more conversion with the native people into Western vulnerable to crises. These days Northeastern tribal society as a ways. The goal of Christian they are being greatly exposed backdrop. missionaries often viewed as to vigorous agents of change in Tribal societies in the something not in the best the form of development Northeast have been interest of the convert. However, programmes. To them, such experiencing a diametrical instances of forced assimilation abrupt changes are a source of division along religious lines. leading to conversion are cultural shock, which usually The conflict emerges when one relatively rare now. Today, causes inner conflict in tribal part of a society embraces international organizations like peoples’ lives. Their simple Christianity while the other part UNO and the national societies fail to find an tenaciously protects the governments in most of the alternative in a short time. Unlike indigenous faiths and practices. countries promote individual complex societies, these simple The latter group draws upon, dignity and protect cultural rights societies do not possess a overtly or covertly, many Hindu through legal provisions. Any mechanism to accommodate organizations that are actively type of coercion is despised and and absorb shocks during engaged in protecting earns condemnation from all transitional phases. So they fall indigenous and ethnological quarters, with the result that no easy victim to missionary cultures. Conversion either to open force can be applied for propaganda which promises an Christianity or to other religions any type of conversion apparently attractive alternative. like Buddhism, Islam or nowadays. So the question In static tribal communities, the Hinduism is a large scale and arises why are Northeastern internal dynamics of change get widespread phenomenon today, tribal communities still activated when the society especially in tribal and backward converting to other faiths? becomes larger and more societies. These religious differentiated, and experiences Conversion Through the groups have well-defined and more failures over a long period Prism of the Sciences robust cultural identities, and of time. People who experience their strong socio-cultural The conversion of inner conflict veer towards an networks prevent conversion to Northeastern tribal societies has alternative that comes in the any other faith. In contrast, tribal various dimensions. That is a form of conversion. or backward societies are seen narrow sense as well as a broad The crisis in Northeastern as lacking the inherent dynamics one, both of which have to be tribal societies has various to beat back the onslaught of properly understood. In the dimensions. The causes may proselytizing forces. Conversion broad sense, it goes beyond be different, but they is mostly used in a narrow mere religion; it is something nonetheless play relentlessly on sense to mean religious with multi-disciplinary the mind. The end result is the conversion. Since the dimensions. crisis that basically stems from Northeastern conversion Conversion in syllogistic or an aspiration for change. As an narrative is almost exclusively traditional logic means analyst puts it, “Conversion about Christianity, historical and interchanging the subject and consequent upon the crisis has ethno-historical studies have predicate of a categorical a link with “tradition” and treated religious conversion — proposition or statement. For “transformation” and gets especially by Christian example, the converse of the ultimate expression in missionaries — as a proposition “No men are component of colonialism. “Transcendence.” Here is an immortal” is “No immortals are attempt at understanding the The studies generally focus men” and that of “Some men are

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An “identity crisis” looms before for Baloch people, said, “Our history would tell their children a fairy tale. the Baloch people as Pakistan is is being suppressed and this is part But a Baloch mother while putting killing their intellectuals and of their strategy. Baloch people are her child to sleep tells about how strategically suppressing their voiceless and Pakistani media can’t the forefathers got this land, this history, says a Baloch freedom help us.” is how they fought and got activist, adding that they will “not let martyred. So this is how the “They are confining our 700- Pakistan take our cultural identity children there are brought up. This year- old history to 70 years which from us”. is how a sense of sovereignty is is not even ours. Our children are inherited in their blood, he According to prominent Baloch told that Jinnah was our founder, explained. freedom movement activist Mazdak while it was Mir Miro Baloch who Dilshad Baloch, the lullabies of founded the kingdom of Asked why he opposes the Baloch mothers “are the only Balochistan in 1410”- Mazdak said, China Pakistan Economic Corridor source of history lesson for the new adding that while Baloch people (CPEC), a project that allows generation” of their people. love education, they resist the China to access the Gwadar Port Pakistani syllabus. in Balochistan from its western “As per Pakistani text books, province of Xinjiang, the activist in Balochistan is a barbaric nation “They teach us about Ahmed exile called it a conspiracy to loot and Baloch people are barbarians Shah Abdali. He was a great person our resources. who fight among themselves. That’s in history and should be celebrated what they (Pakistan) teach their by Afghans. We have nothing to do We are not against economic kids, a manipulated history of with him, Sher Shah Suri, Mahmood activities or anything that would Balochistan” Mazdak told IANS.. Gaznavi or Mughals. You can’t just uplift the economic condition of the snatch someone else’s history and region, but for this they have to talk The issue of manipulated history make it your own. to Baloch, not the people in in text books was also raised in the Lahore. It is a conspiracy to loot Pakistan Parliament earlier this “We have our own history, our resources as with this move year, after the 12th standard culture and lifestyle. You can see there is no economic benefit to the Sociology books defined Baloch as our clothes and carpets — they Baloch people, he said. “uncivilised people who engage in have the same pattern and murder and looting”. geometry as were in Mehergarh (an Army and government of ancient site in Balochistan). Our Pakistan only want our land and “There is total crackdown on historic finger prints are still intact. our resources. Saying that while journalists, lawyers, doctors, Our culture and language is never they want to nurture a free engineers and students. The figure dying and we will not let Pakistan Balochistan as a democratic, of missing people has crossed take it from us, Mazdak said. secular and & gender-balanced 25,000 and about 25 Baloch nation, Mazdak calls Pakistan an journalists have been killed. They He also speaks of Hindu shrines artificial country. are killing our intellectuals, in Balochistan including the famed educated ones who could take us Hinglaj or Nani Mandir. Hindus in If they (Pakistan) teach correct forward in the future” said Mazdak, Balochistan are not Indian or history then people will ask why it who was in the Indian capital. Pakistani, they are Baloch Hindus. even got separated from India, with We have been protecting and which it shares history. Even He said most of the Baloch celebrating the centuries-old ethnically and genetically they are leaders and intellectuals are either legacy. The town of Mastung, where same. This shows how ignorant dead, underground or have fled I come from, has a Mahadev Pakistan is and what kind of Pakistan fearing for their life. temple. We protect and respect artificial country it is, he said. Terming the Pakistani media a them because it’s part of our (http://www.madhyamam.com/en/ “puppet” and Pakistan an “artificial heritage, he said. interview/2016/aug/28/pakistan-killing- nation”, the young activist who was All around the world mothers our-intellectuals-and-history- baloch- in Delhi to garner support of Indians freedom- activist)

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The tenth martyrdom Governor of Baluchistan A large number of Party activists, anniversary of Shaheed Nawab Province. On August 26, 2006, UK citizens and Baluch leader Akbar Bugti, former minister and he was brutally killed in a military Sardar Bakhtiar Khan Domki Governor of Baluchistan, was operation. His killing led to participated and expressed their observed with shutter down widespread unrest in the area solidarity with Baluch people. In strikes and demonstrations all and a surge in the nationalist another major protest in Europe, across the world including sentiment in Baluchistan. the Party Chief Nawab Baluchistan, US, UK and other Brahumdagh Bugti, other Twitter response to PM European countries. Reiterating activists and a large number of Modi’s I-Day Speech their vow to continue the struggle German citizens organised following the ideology of their # Dawn (leading newspaper of events in Germany. Addressing national leader, activists paid Pakistan) @dawn_com. Former the gathering through a video tributes to Bugti who sacrificed Afghan President (HamidKarzai) message, Nawab Brahumdagh his life for the Baluch nation. After says India has every right to Bugti said that China- Pakistan bringing up the Human Rights respond to Pak’s provocations Economic Corridor (CPEC) was violations in Baluchistan in his being built on the dead bodies of Red Fort speech, Prime Minister # Karima Baloch (Chair- Baluch civilians who opposed the Modi has been receiving a person, Baloch National Front) project that goes against their zealous and exciting response @KarimaBaloch. Thank you will. BRP Germany Chapter also from the affected areas of @narendramodi for raising held a protest after the event in Pakistan’s state-sponsored Leipzig. The protesters # Baluchistan’s issue. Hope violence. After different groups of highlighted human rights the world will follow and help us Baluchis collectively observed violations and military operations get our freedom. the martyrdom day of Bugti, it in Baluchistan and chanted appears that Modi’s speech has # Nawab Brahmdagh Bugti slogans against China and given a united voice to the (President, Baloch Republican Pakistan for oppressing the different factions of Baluchi Party) @BBugti. We appreciate Baluch nation. freedom movement. the statement of PM of India, The people of Baluchistan world’s largest democracy and Baloch Republican Party hope that India will support the being a responsible neighbour. which was at the forefront of Baluch cause. It has now been India should intervene in organizing these events espoused on Twitter with the Baluchistan. People staged remembered the lifetime struggle hashtag massive agitation in Sui, Dera and ultimate sacrifice of this Bugti, Jafarabad, Nasirabad and # India for Balochistan. leader under the auspices of other locations in Baluchistan. Meanwhile, BJP assured the various chapters in Europe and According to reports, protesters people of Baluchistan of its South Korea. were seen carrying Indian flags support and castigated Pakistan Who was Bugti? and Prime Minister Narendra for brewing unrest in its largest Modi’s pictures along with those province. It also urged the Nawab Akbar Shahbaz Khan of the Baloch martyr and international community to build Bugti (July 12, 1927 – August 26, freedom fighter Akbar Bugti pressure on Islamabad to take 2006) was the head of the Bugti during the protests. The Baloch steps to address the grievances tribe of Baluch people and a Republican Party’s United of the Baluchi people. freedom fighter who served as Kingdom chapter held a seminar both the Chief Minister and (http://organiser.org//Encyc/2016/9/5/ paying tribute to Shaheed Bugti. Report-Baluchistan- — Baluch- Movement- gets-New- Fillip.aspx)

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Solung, the popular and main and suggest the government in Pema by performing Taku-Tabat, agricultural festival of Adi evolving such a mechanism. an offering ceremony at festival community was also celebrated altar. Among others, Dambuk The Chief Minister exhorted the with traditional gaiety and religious MLA Gum Tayeng and ABK youths to concentrate on studies farvour in various parts of the president Kangir Jamoh were and not to sway away from the state. Addressing the festive also present. mainstream. He called upon the revelers in Solung Festival elders to guide them in right BOMDILA: Solung festival celebration at Solung-Mopin direction especially during their was also celebrated at district Ground here on Thursday, the growing stage. Education Minister headquarters Bomdila on Chief Minister Pema Khandu gave Honchun Ngandam said that Thursday with pomp and show. a clarion call to promote ‘one festivals bind us together and Speaking on the occasion, MLA Arunachal, one Identity’ for peace bring unity, peace and Japu Deru exhorted the people to and harmony. He said that the cooperation. Without culture, we stay rooted in their own culture, need of the hour is to send the cannot form a society. Therefore traditions and preserve them for message of ‘one Arunachal, one we have to protect and preserve the future generations. Deputy Identity’ to rest of the world. our rich cultural heritage, he said, Commissioner Sonal Swaroop “Unity in diversity is our adding that education can be used reiterated the importance of strength. Let us make this as a tool to preserve the culture, maintaining unity and living in diversity strength by bonding festivals and traditions. Likar perfect harmony among the together in peace and cooperation Angu, Chief Engineer WRD (WZ) community members for peace, with mutual respect and love for emphasized on preservation and progress and prosperity. each other”, said Chief Minister promotion of rich cultural ROING: MLA Mutchu Mithi, Pema Khandu. Arunachal is a heritage. “We must adapt to the who joined the Adi brethren in place of multi-tribes and a changes but it should not be at the celebrating Solung at Gidii Notko potpourri of varied cultures, Pema cost of original cultural fabrics,” Midland here, expressed the hope said and appealed to all to make he opined, and called for that the festivity will usher in good this diversity strength by learning transmission of the local dialect, harvest, peace, prosperity and to live together in peace and genetic traits and indigenous happiness for all. Lower Dibang perfect harmony as members of beliefs to the younger generation Valley Deputy Commissioner Ravi one big family. in its original form. Dhawan exhorted the young While calling to preserve Tapi Gao, president, Solung generation to preserve their rich culture and tradition, he said, “In Festival Celebration Committee, cultural heritage. Solung the pursuit of materialistic world Itanagar narrated the Solung Celebrations Committee, Roing and individual life, we must not let mythology. On the occasion, president Tobang Pertin said that our cultures and traditions erode Solung Souvenir, “DiigokRoli” Solung, like other festivals of the away.” (The call of the dawn) was state, is also an agricultural released by the Chief Minister festival and it is celebrated for “It is our responsibility to while an Adi Audio Album, “Gi:Di bumper harvest and well being of preserve our rich cultural heritage Tapung Roli” was released by the humanity. Secretary Nibang Pertin and to pass it on to the next Education Minister. Varieties of called upon the community generation,” he added. He also cultural programme including folk members to showcase their age emphasized on imparting moral dances Pemi-Nobo, Nuni Pipi old traditional attire. Other education to the children and Yoyo Gaga and Delong Kiine apart attractions of the festival were folk mooted for evolving a mechanism from Solung mega dance and Adi dance and colorful cultural items. to impart education on indigenous modern dances added flavour to Superintendent of Police S. Sain, cultures and traditions. He called the celebration. Earlier, Solung ADC Ruchika Katyal, ZPC Sipi upon all community based Festival was inaugurated by organizations to come forward (Contd. to Page 24)

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Nagaland, a land of mountains deities) in the month of Ngéhã way the Chakhesangs carry their and deep valleys, is inhabited by (November). Fünye is a unique unique culture and tradition that is more than 17 delightful tribes. The and rare festival as hardly any the integral parts of a society’s land is also known as land of fairs other society celebrates it. Initially, richness and pride. and festivals as celebration of this Fünye is practiced by the festivals in Naga society extends Chokr- sect of Phek District but Novel on Apatani throughout the year, with each tribe now practiced by all Chakhesangs celebrating their own set of sects. 15th November is set for its Tribe of Arunachal wins festivals. celebration for the convenience. UK Award for Historical As Almighty has bequeathed with After getting the good harvest, Fiction all the good setting necessary for we the Chakesang people go in higher yield, so after harvesting Stuart H Blackburn’s novel “Into festive mood as feasts and good yield of paddy and fish, the Hidden Valley”, explores the festivals are the most fundamental gratitude is expressed by the impact of the colonial history of elements of our lives. All the community in the form of British India on Apatani tribal celebrations are the part of offering celebration. Programme start with settlement in Aruanchal Pradesh, prayer and thanksgiving to bountiful thanksgiving prayers to God for his has won the M M Bennetts Award nature. Farming is the main generosity and bountifulness. As for Historical Fiction 2016 in the UK. occupation and paddy cum fish water signifies richness and fish culture is commonly practiced in The award was presented to the is regarded to be clean and holy terraces and wet land farming. American author at the HNS because it lives in water as well This ensures the practice of Fünye Conference in Oxford. The novel as traditionally, fish also signifies since the olden days. Every dramatises the colonial encounter money and wealth, so it is offered household rears mostly mud fish between the British and Northeast during celebration. Thus, partaking in their wet paddy fields. Farmers tribes. Many of the main events fish with the first grain of the new raise the fishes in their wet rice described in the novel are either harvest is believed to bring good terraces. A small pit is dug out in true or based on true events. fortunes. the middle of the rice field and fish Blackburn revealed that he first fingerlings are put in the fields. Every household equally became interested in the Tibeto- When the water is drained out participates in the celebration with Burman- speaking tribes of from the fields before harvesting reared/unreared fish. Normally Northeast India when he went to of the paddy, fishes move in to the people go for fishing in morning Arunachal Pradesh in 1999. He did pit. Usually farmers get yield of and they bring the fishes to home. various stints of research in the about 60 – 80 kg fish and 20 After fishing people dress nicely, Apatani valley, recording oral quintals paddy per hectare in gather at village center and there stories and documenting ritual paddy cum fish culture. they organize feast, dances, songs ceremonies. and traditional sports like; long Khilüvatü or Fünye (Fish He is also the author or editor of jump, high jump, wrestling, Festival) is celebrated right after 16 books on Indian culture and climbing on bamboo that is paddy harvest. So after getting folklore, mainly in South India and smoothed and lubricated with lard good harvest of paddy we use to Northeast India. (pig fat) etc. The curry prepared celebrate Fünye and enjoy the from fish and rice is eaten during Currently, the novel is available beauty that the seasons have the celebration. People exchange on Amazon. It is also available from bestowed on us. It coincides with their curry and ShìdzØ (grain- Speaking Tiger Books in New Delhi, the observation of Vatö/Kevãketö brewed wine) with friends, near who published the Indian edition. (grain-gather) and Kh)yîtî and dear ones, and also offer to (Partaking the first grain from Barn/ (http://sevendiary.com/apatani-tribe- the old and needy people. This arunachal-wins- uk-award- historical- Container with thanksgiving to the fiction/ )

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Mokokchung: In what can be administration institutions, Professor at the Department of defined as a wonderful community land-use and Centre for International Education. opportunity for cross cultural resource management systems, She expressed gratefulness to the learning and sharing of the ways cultures and traditions of the village community for hosting her of life in two completely different community, arts and crafts of the team. She also expressed worlds and cultures, a 7-member community, challenges and appreciation for Amba Jamir, team from Waseda University, opportunities of the community, founder Executive Secretary of Tokyo, Japan are on a two-week and overall development SDFN who she has known since study tour to Nagaland during challenges and pathways of early 2000s, for making their visit which they will be staying at Nagaland, among other things. possible. The students from Mopungchuket village under The visitors’ experiences and Waseda University, Tokyo include Mokokchung district and the state observations are expected to be Koisi Yoshitaka, a student of capital, Kohima. The visiting team reflected in journals and Literature, Yoshida Yuto, a political from Japan comprises of 6 academic documents that may science and economics student, University students and a open windows of opportunity for Miki Nakamura, a student of the Professor. They arrived at future collaboration, learning and School of Liberal Studies, Mopungchuket village on August progress. Natsuho Muraoka, a student of 18. The team is being hosted by The team will be leaving Humanities and Social Sciences, the Mopungchuket Village Council Mopungchuket on the morning of Saki Matsuoka, a student of and their tour is being facilitated August 24 for Kohima where they International Law and You by the Sustainable Development will be staying for another two Haichao, a Chinese national from Forum Nagaland (SDFN).During more days. During their stay in Shanghai studying Political their stay at Mopungchuket, the Kohima, they are expected to visit Science and Economics at visitors will be engaging in and the War Cemetery, State Waseda University. learning the traditional ways and Museum, Naga Heritage Village (http://thenortheasttoday.com/ life of a typical Ao Naga village, Kisama and Dzulakie. The visiting japanese-students- in-nagaland- to-learn- village governance and team is led by Dr. Takano Takako, traditional-naga- lifestyle)

Sikkim’s Sushmita Rai wins Bronze at World Martial Arts Masterships, 2016

Sushmita Rai from Mazitar, village of Bhasmey of Majhitar, East Sikkim won a Bronze medal East Sikkim under West Pendam at World Martial Arts Masterships Constituency. Currently, she is 2016 which was held at pursuing her Bachelors in Arts Chenzou, South Korea today . from the Sikkim Government She was among the 12 member College, Tadong-Gangtok. She is team who were representing India also engaged as a Coaching in the International event. Instructor of Rey Valley Sushmita Rai had also won the International School. Phurba Silver Medal last year in the Asian Sherpa the current National Kickboxing Championship 2015 Champion from Sikkim is also which was held in Pune, Maharashtra. ( ( selected for Asian Championship to represent India Along with Sushmita Rai, Sherpa had also participated in the event. (http://thenortheasttoday.com/sikkims- another National Kickboxing sushmita- rai-wins- bronze-at- world- Champion from Sikkim, Phurba Sushmita Rai hails from the martial- arts-masterships-2016/)

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Shillong, Sep 16, 2016 : Two maintained that it was a tough Lamenting on the lack of kids from Shillong made the state competition with over 80-85 support from the state proud by securing the 6th and participants in each age category. government, she said, “Even 13thposition in the 29th National though the government is She informed that around 20 Yogasana Championship 2016, spending a lot of money states from across the country held from Sept 10 till 12 at Sailen celebrating Yoga Day every year had participated in the Manna Stadium, West Bengal. in the state, however, till date we championship. The total strength are yet to receive any support In the age group of 6-10 years of participants from Meghalaya from the government.” old amongst girls and boys, taking part in the championship is Ekaparnika Das managed to 10 both boys and girls. Roy learned her trade in the art secure the 6th position while, in of Yoga from the Hitman Physical According to her, the students the age group of 10-15 years old, Institute located at Jail Road and selected to participate in the Bikran Biswas secured the is currently imparting the championship were chosen 13thposition. knowledge towards her students based on their performance for the past 5 years now. “When I Addressing media persons, during the Sate contest in first started teaching yoga 5 years Chinmoyee Gupta Roy, Coach of Meghalaya. “The people of the back, I had only 3 students Meghalaya Yoga Association state are more aware of the however at present I have more while lauding the efforts of her benefits of taking up yoga as there than 40 students learning yoga,” students for their success, said has been an increase in the she said. that these kids displayed a spirit number of people learning yoga of competition and rose above all in the state,” she observed. (http://thenortheasttoday.com/ challenges even as she meghalaya-shillong-kids-shines-in- national-yogasana/)

Muslim girl from Kudla takes yoga to Saudi Arabia

MANGALURU ,Sep 13, 2016 : Remembering her first attempt women and says that these She is the only Muslim certified at teaching yoga in her first class, women get some time for yoga instructor in Jeddah. Hailing she said, “It was a flop and people themselves to open up. “From from Belvi, a small town near rejected it. But, my colleagues teenagers to senior citizens, now, Moodbidri, Fatima Shaikh Abdul gave me the motivation to try everyone comes to my fitness Majeed is making yoga popular again and eventually, it gave studio to learn the art.” among the people of Saudi Arabia. positive results.” “I don’t teach any yoga asanas “However, initially, it was not Fatima said that she had which has chantings as I believe easy to convince people to take limited knowledge about yoga only the ancient Indian science is up yoga. People found it difficult during her school days. I a healthy exercise. There is a to accept it, although they thought developed interest in it gradually misconception among people that it to be an out of the box idea. and became curious to learn our religion has many restrictions Later, when they realized the more. Three years ago, I enrolled especially for women. But in positive outcome of yoga in at the Avishkar Yoga and Holistic reality, it allows us do what we getting a healthy mind and body, Centre in Bejai and learnt more. want to as long as we don’t cross they included it in their lifestyle, Whenever I get time, I try to learn our boundaries. It gives women a said Fatima, a commerce more about advanced yoga lot of respect,” she adds. graduate, who has been in Saudi techniques,”she said. (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ Arabia all her life as her parents city/mangaluru/Muslim-girl-from-Kudla- She conducts classes only for are settled there. takes-yoga-to-S-rabia)

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Shillong, Sep 17, 2016, Carnations and Hyacinth. With the foliage plants. She had also Paulami Dutta :Bernadette greenhouse and resources in started a PCO when the mobile Khongsngi’s story is that of hope, place Bernadette phones were not so much in vogue. of women’s empowerment and Fondly called Kong Ber, the inspiration. Today she is a leading lady has now put an end to other Bernadette has had the hunger lady agriculturist-entrepreneur of activities such as poultry and brick to grow and innovate and realizing Meghalaya. Bernadette’s story is making and is fully dedicated to the demand for potted plants she otherwise like millions of other growing more flowers. In 2004 also travels to nurseries in Assam women in India. This one Bernadette along with five of her and sources exotic plants and housewife and mother of seven friends formed SHG called works her magic on them. Apart children is married to a teacher. Kyntiewlang Women’s Group. from that she participates in Originally from Sohra they later This group has now expanded seasonal flower shows organized shifted base to Umran. and grows strawberries etc. by the Regional Rural Training Center (RRTC). Her average per Bernadette initially tried her Bernadette has set up Sloan day sales range from Rs. 500/- hand at traditional crops grown in Flower Nursery cum to Rs. 1000/ and Bernadette has the region such as paddy and Vermicompost as well as to supported her seven children ginger. She also tried her hand at potted plants and seedlings. She through school and college and poultry, raising pigs, brick making has also taken up the cultivation has even provided them with a etc. While working on these things of Anthurium, Leather leaf, computer. Bernadette also hopes without much success Heliconia, Roses and to open a small tourist shop where Bernadette came across an Strawberries. Bernadette’s people can relax and enjoy a cup advertisement about a nursery is located on the national of tea, sample her flowers or buy government scheme to support highway which also gives the them. farmers to build greenhouses advantage to showcase her made of polythene. Bernadette flowers and potted plants and Bernadette is also inspiring was selected as a floriculture tourists passing by as well as women of her region to work and beneficiary under the Technology people from the city regularly stop loves guiding them. She is indeed Mission in 2002-03 and was to buy her plants. With the an inspiration for us. provided with one low cost proceeds from her sales, she has (http://www.nelive.in/meghalaya/ shadehouse, 6000 bulbs of constructed a small showroom to business/bernadethe-khongsngi- Gladioli, 5000 Liliums, Amaryllis, house her more exotic pots and success-story-lady-farmer-meghalaya)

(Contd. from Page 10) ABVKA’s Vision Document Released by Hon’ble Chief Minister ...

our society into a well developed Referring to the proverb that a lucid manner by Sh Premji society. The Chief Minister a Journey of a thousand steps Khajanchi, Member Guwahati thanked the ABVKA for the noble starts with a single step, he said Mhanagar Samittee of Kalyan venture of preparing the Vision that the present initiative of Ashram while Sh Brajen Bora Joint Secretary of Kalyan Ashram Documents for the Schedules developing the vision document Assam gave vote thanks and the Tribes and hoped that it would shall definitely bring out the expected results in the coming programme ended with Vande definitely serve as a reference Mataram by the house which years. guide in formulating the govt’s was led by the girls student of policies and programs. The programme anchored in Udalguri Girls Hostel.

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The Tripura government on state’s literacy movement has Chakroborty said the state’s Thursday claimed that it has been completely a voluntary effort total literacy drive was launched surpassed Kerala and Mizoram to of a cross section of people to for people aged between 15 and become the highest literate state achieve 100% literacy for the last 50, who have lost the chance of in the country by achieving a two decades. He added that the having formal education. A special literacy rate 97.22%. Left Front government has programme called improved pace planned to bring all literate people and content learning (IPCL) was Education minister Tapan under skill development designed to provide basic Chakraborty said Tripura programme for ensuring their education to such people after the achieved this feat in the mid-term livelihood. third Left Front government came annual assessment of states to power in 1993, he added. submitted to the Union HRD Sarkar said when most states ministry. As per the 2011 census joined the race of abstract model Besides opening up new , Kerala and Mizoram had a of development to achieve high schools and colleges, the literacy rate of 94% and 92% GDP, Tripura silently strived to government had targeted to open respectively against Tripura’s ensure that every child in the state an anganwadi centre in each 87%. goes to school. “The programme village to ensure 100% enrolment was not just implemented to of children, said the education “We are on a mission to make the state literate but to minister. He added that the achieve 100% literacy before the ensure that all citizens have a government provided midday next census in 2021,” he added. certain basic minimum level of meal in all schools with eclectic Addressing a gathering chief education,” added the chief menu to attract more students. minister Manik Sarkar said the minister. (Times of India, 09.09.2016 ) (Contd. from Page 11) Menacing Problem of Encroachment in Assam

10th Chapter of the Assam Land Bangladeshi infiltrators in a in any part of Assam. The cut-off and Revenue Regulation Act, planned way killed hundreds of year of the land rights in Assam 1886, such a provision should also indigenous people and destroyed must be 1951, the year when the be extended to the areas inhabited houses and other properties. Thus first NRC was adopted. Besides by the nontribal indigenous people. peace has not been restored yet the encroachment menace But what we see in reality is that in the BTAD areas. Similarly, the created by the infiltrators, large- large areas within the tribal belts Muslim infiltrators now have scale encroachment on the lands and blocks have also been either become majority in the Tiwa tribal of Assam by almost all the occupied (vacant areas, forests belt of the Morigaon district which neighbouring States has become and wetlands) or transferred from can be clearly seen if we observe a growing danger to the security the poor tribal cultivators to the the present population of the people and the territory of nontribal people, mainly the land composition of the Nelie, Mayong Assam. In this way, the patronizing hungry infiltrators. As a result, the and Pabitora areas. So the role of the earlier governments in Bodo and several other tribes have Hazarika Commission report has the case of encroachment by the now become minority and the non- rightly suggested that in order to infiltrators and its weak and tribals, mainly the Muslim safeguard the existence of the passive role in defending the infiltrators, have become majority indigenous people, importance territorial integrity of the State have within the BTAD areas. That is should be given on providing land been jeopardizing the existence of why the ethnic clashes in Udalguri rights to them and on the other the indigenous people of Assam. in 2008 and in Kokrajhar in 2012 hand the infiltrator/encroachers (The Assam Tribune, 01.09.2016) had happened in which the should be deprived of land rights

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- Shruti Bujarbaruah

With a noble message of the Vivekanand Institute of Social Dr. Khare further maintained “Musical power and not Muscle Sciences Research, Pune and that Poorvanchal was a very power is the need of the hour”, a Veteran actor and a renowned strategic region esp. in the context musical audio MP3 CD album artist in Assam, Shri Pranjal of international relations. titled “Ishanya Symphony” has Saikia, who is also the President However given the region, music been launched on 27th August of Assam Unit of Samskar and not muscle power could bring 2016 at Guwahati. Bharati, presided over the about social harmony and peace , albeit it has to be tried. The 23 The Chief Guest of the function function. Jana-Jati communities in their was Assam’s Cultural affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley youth have shown the way. Now Minister Nabakumar Doley, who delivered his short but thought it needs to be pursued released the musical treat provoking speech. In his speech, relentlessly. “Ishanya Symphony” Album audio he gave much importance to the MP3 CD and the compendium of need for arranging such a 13 young artists to the lyrics-Booklet published , first of programme. He congratulated all audience in the Hall who had its kind in Devnagari script. He the singers gathered from come all the way to Guwahati from also released another audio CD different states. far away Arunachal Pradesh, produced by Samskar Bharati Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, “Development of the tribal Assam Prant , songs rendered in and far-off district places in communities leads to the overall Asamiya language. The title of the Assam too. development of the society, and CD was “Jayatu Janani” therefore, as the Culture Minister, Nationalism, Bharatmata, organized by Ms.Babita Sharma I will always try my best to do for Dr.Hedgewar and Shri Guruji’s from Guwahati. the development of such inspiring life for all mankind, were First of its kind in Poorvanchal communities” the scintillating themes of the region (all seven Sisters States songs and music rendered in the viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, He highly encouraged all the Album, Dr.Khare submitted. Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram , singers who travelled all the way The artists who performed in Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim) the from Assam to Pune to record the music album were introduced music album of patriotic songs their songs. He also and felicitated in the function. from North East is produced by a congratulated ‘Sanskar Bharati of Pune based Public Trust called Assam Prant’ for arranging such The performers are namely- ‘Samshodhan Dnyan Vichar a wonderful programme. Ms. Malini of Karbi, Oyien Pertin Pratishthan’, was organized at Explaining the idea Dr. Sharad from Adi of Arunachal Pradesh, the Vivekanand Hall in Guwahati Khare said that it was an idea Ahungle Palme from Zemenaga , on Saturday the 27th August initiated by RSS Sarvashri Balaram Phangcho 2016. Sahsarkaryavaha Dattaji Hosbale from Karbi, Dwaimalu from Bodo Land, Dharanidhar Bordoloi, The album was released in the and Shri Bhagaiaji which was Tapan Bordoloi and Burman Pater august presence of Shri executed by the Pune based from Tivalalung, Saurabh Chinte Swantranjan, Akhil Bharatiya Samshodhan Dnyan Vichar from Missing, Romen Kemprai Boudhik Pramukh, Rashtriya Pratishthan, Trust. from Dimasa, Sahil Bay from Swayamsevak Sangh, Dr.Umesh Dr Khare told that the songs, Karbi,T.Dineshwar Singh and Chakrawarti, Assam Prant its lyrics, the lyricists did belong Jeevan Singh from Manipur, Sanghchalak, who graced the to RSS thought and the theme, Chiranjeev from Garo Hills , occasion. and It took two years for its Neeranand from Khasi Hills and Dr. Sharad V.Khare, Director of completion. Mrs. Mallika Thakuria Das of

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Assamese Actress Shares Screen with Sonakshi Sinha in “Akira”

Popular Assamese actress appearances in various critically Urmila Mahanta will be seen acclaimed short films including sharing the screen with Bollywood Aaliya, that won the Special Critic actress Sonakshi Sinha in the Award at the 2012 Mumbai movie Akira which was released International Film Festival. Ms. this month. Urmila is an alumnus Mahanta was also seen in of Film and Television Institute Assamese singer Tarali Sarma’s (FTII), Pune, and has worked in album Henguliya. Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Tamil Among the short features and Malayalam films. Mahanta had Urmila has worked in include- been acting in plays since her Their Story, Seng Kurthy, Makkhi, childhood and won many awards. Fishing Surmai, Let me Twist, She has also featured in several Lipstick, Chataak, Thow. She has (http://thenortheasttoday.com/ television serials such as Murder also worked in the popular Indian assam-assamese- actress-shares- and Tejimola for Doordarshan crime series ‘Patrol’, ‘Savdhan screen-with- sonakshi- sinha-in- (NE), which were followed by India’ and ‘CID’. akira/)

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Balidan Divas was observed at Pagladiyapaar LP School. Bhabani Prasad Sarma of Khairani in Baksa district recently A statue of Major Durga Malla Bongaigaon College and others to commemorate the martyrdom was unveiled by Loknath released the souvenir of the of Major Durga Malla of Azad Hind Upadhyaya, chairman of Gorkha programme. Fauz, who was hung by the British Development Council. A seminar Speaking on the occasion, CK on August 25, 1944 in Delhi for his entitled, ‘Contribution of Gorkhas Shrestha said that Balidan Divas anti-British activities during the in Nation-building and National is observed to pay tributes to all Freedom Movement. Under the Security’ was chaired by the martyrs of India’s Freedom aegis of Durga Malla Smriti Netrabhushan Khadka. Struggle along with Major Durga Sangha of Khairani, Balidan Divas The open session, chaired by Malla. He added that although a was observed with a two-day Raghunath Sarma, was statue of Major Durga Malla has programme to pay tribute to the inaugurated by Krishna Bhujel, been erected in the Parliament Gorkha martyr. The observation vice president of Bharatiya premises in New Delhi, much was marked by a mass Gorkha Parisangha (BGP) and remains to be done to familiarise cleanliness drive, drawing was attended by Baksa Deputy Major Durga Malla like other contest, sapling plantation Commissioner Mahadananda martyrs of the Freedom programme, quiz, games and Hazarika, CK Shreshtha, eminent Movement at the national level. sports, open meeting and many writer and one of the founders of other programmes at (http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/ BGP from Kalimpong, Professor detailsnew.asp?id=sep0216/state053) (Contd. from Page 16) Solung Across Arunachal

Elapara, IMCLS president Enju enjoyed the celebration. Linggi, officials from NHPC, ACLS TEZU: Solung was celebrated and ABK’s district unit president, at Amik Ringiya Hall, Tezu with HoDs and general public of Lower great enthusiasm and traditional Dibang Valley attended the fervor. Local MLA, Dr. Mohesh celebration. Chai, who attended the festival, JAIRAMPUR: Solung was called for preservation of age-old celebrated here on Thursday with regarding cultural conservation. culture and traditions that have traditional fervour by the Adi-Galo Simai also suggested passed down from generation to bequeathing strong cultural community of Jairampur. MLA generation. Festival brings unity in legacy to the posterity that has the Laisam Simai, who attended the diversity and bonds of friendship history of succumbing to the festival, applauded both the among the local inhabitants, he pressure generated by modernity. communities living in Jairampur said, and appealed to all to for keeping their culture alive In order to attract the youths, he participate in such celebrations despite being handful in numbers ideated the concept of cultural irrespective of their caste creed and far away from home. He also modification to match the taste of and religion. Dr. Chai also urged lauded them for pioneering the time. “By disappointing and people to maintain communal cultural preservation method as neglecting the youth population harmony for peace and well as serving the state and the we are only paving the path for prosperity. Festival Organizing locals as government officials in cultural disappearance, we must Jairampur. He appreciated the be careful while scripting the Committee Secretary Otem humble efforts put up by handful changes and concentrate on the Apum read the mythology of of people to preserve their culture concepts that will attract and keep Solung. in far off land and advised the them hooked,” Simai said. HoDs (http://www.arunachaltimes.in/ locals to learn from them and Panchayat leaders also solung-across- arunachal/)

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September 3, 2016: Russian International Society for Krishna The Bhagvad Gita, one of the court has dismissed a call to ban Consciousness. most popular texts for Hindus, an edition of the Hindu holy book takes the form of a conversation Hare Krishna followers in Bhagvad Gita, in a case that between the god Krishna and Russia saw the case as part of triggered protests in India. prince Arjuna. efforts by the Russian Orthodox Prosecutors in the Siberian Church to restrict their activities. Earlier this month Indian MPs city of Tomsk wanted the edition demanded the government India voices concern to be ruled “extremist”. That protect Hindu rights in Russia, would put it in the same category The trial began in June and had shouting: “We will not tolerate an as Hitler’s Mein Kampf. been due to conclude on 19 insult to Lord Krishna.” December, but it was delayed until The Russian foreign ministry Ambassador Kadakin, quoted 28 December at the request of the said it was the commentary on by the AP news agency, Russian ombudsman for human the text, not the text itself, that was distanced himself from the rights. under scrutiny. Tomsk prosecutors, saying “any The edition – Bhagvad Gita As But neither the ombudsman holy scripture, whether it is the It Is – is used by the Hare Krishna Vladimir Lukin nor his Tomsk Koran, Bhagvad Gita, the Bible, movement. colleague Nelli Krechetova was Avesta or Torah cannot be present in court for Wednesday’s brought into court”. A lawyer representing the ruling. movement in Tomsk, Alexander The Russian translation of the Shakhov, welcomed the judge’s On Tuesday India’s Foreign book was at risk of being placed decision, saying it “shows that Minister, SM Krishna, complained on the Federal List of Extremist Russia really is becoming a to the Russian Ambassador to Materials, which bans more than democratic society”. India, Alexander Kadakin, about 1,000 texts including Mein Kampf the Tomsk prosecution. The controversial commentary and publications by the Jehovah’s on the text was written by A C Mr Krishna said Indians had Witness and Scientology Bhaktivedanta Swami reacted very negatively to the movements. Prabhupada, the founder of the alleged infringement of Hindu (http://indiaarising.com/big-news-russian- court-declared-bhagwad-gita-legal-dismissed- movement, whose full title is the rights in Russia. christian-appeal-ban-hindu-book/)

India Successfully Test Fires surface-to-air missile ‘Barak-8’

Bhubaneshwar, September Multi-Functional Surveillance and Bengal and more tests of the 20 : India on Tuesday successfully Threat Alert Radar for detection, missile will be carried out today test-fired the most advanced tracking and guidance of the and tomorrow. surface-to-air missile ‘Barak-8’, missile. As a precautionary measure, developed jointly with Israel. Barak-8 was successfully test Balasore district administration It was launched at 10:13 AM fired twice on June 30th and once had made adequate from a mobile launcher at the on July 1st. arrangements to temporarily shift Integrated Test Range in 3,700 people residing within the According to reports, the Chandipur in Balasore district. 2.5 km radius. missile swung into action after The 4.5-meter missile weighs getting a signal from the radars The fishermen were also around 3 tonnes and can carry a to intercept a moving aerial target advised to not venture into the payload of 70 kilograms. supported by an unmanned air sea during the launch. vehicle ‘Banshee’ over the Bay of The system also includes a (http://www.business-standard.com)

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Once upon a time, all the birds being accompanied to the throne meeting serves no purpose. Let us - the swans, cranes, parrots, to be crowned, a crow arrived. He think awhile and meet some other cuckoos, owls, peacocks, doves asked curiously, “Please let me time.” and the rest of them - decided to know the reason of this great One by one, the birds started meet. They had to discuss a gathering, and lavish celebration!” flying away. Even the Brahmins subject of most Importance. The crow was indeed known for and beautiful maidens started to Unfortunately, no crow had joined his smartness, and the birds leave. The crow was still sitting on yet, but they could not wait any decided to explain and take his the branch of a tree. Unable to longer. opinion. understand the commotion, the owl They debated, “Garuda, who is and his wife were still waiting to be The birds explained, “O Crow, the king of all birds, is always busy crowned king and queen. Garuda has no time to bother about in serving his master. He has us. So, we have decided to The owl asked his wife, “What neither the time, nor the interest denounce him as our king and is happening? Why is the crowning to bother about us! There is no have elected the owl to be our new ceremony yet to begin? Why have point in having a king who does not king. Since, you have just joined, all the birds left?” protect and remains at the position please provide us with your of the king only as a namesake”. His wife replied, “As I opinion also” understand, the crow put an And so the birds discussed, The crow smiled and replied, “In obstacle in the crowning ceremony. “Let us choose a king amongst us” my opinion, I should advise against He persuaded all the other birds On this, they started looking at crowning the owl as our king!” to fly away. Only he, with ulterior each other; suddenly the features motives, stayed behind. We should He continued to explain, “The of owl attracted everybody. He was return home, too.” owl is blind by the day. And look at powerful, had impressive features, him. Why have an ugly king, when On hearing this, the owl got very and most importantly he could see the birds are known for their disappointed. He shouted to the at night, when they were most beauty. We have the peacocks, crow, “You are a wicked bird. I did unsafe. They agreed that the owl swans, nightingales, pigeons and not harm you in any way, and yet would be an apt king for so many more who look so you put obstacle to my crowning themselves. beautiful. And look at him, he looks ceremony. From today, I end all They shouted, “The owl should so cruel with his crooked nose and friendly relationship with you. From be our king! Let us prepare for the squint eyes. How would he look if now onwards, our kind and your coronation at once!.” he was angry? I certainly advise kind will be nothing but enemies.” against crowning him.” As decided, the birds collected The owl left with his wife, to 108 holy roots, water from the holy The other birds started return to his home. The crow was rivers, and prepared a lavish and considering his points, and the left alone. highly decorated throne. They crow continues with his arguments, With everybody else gone, he even spread the ground in front of “And what do we gain from electing decided to leave too. While flying the throne with tiger skin. The him as our king? We already have off, he thought, “Why did I speak Brahmins, they had invited, started Garuda as our king. The mere my mind? My advice to the birds chanting from holy books, while the mention of his name would keep was not required. It is because of birds beat drums, and beautiful our enemies away! It is not my advice, that crows will always maidens blew conches and sung necessary at all, for us to elect a have the mighty owls as their songs of joy. With a map of all the new king and denounce Garuda!” enemies.” continents and oceans drawn, the On hearing his logic, the birds owl was prepared to be crowned. The wise indeed say: Keep started pondering, “His arguments your counsel to yourself and thus At the moment the owl was are right. The entire reason of our stay away from trouble.

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