IN SEARCH OF SOLACE !

Finished reading a bulky and heavy coffee table book “In Search of Solace” written for promoting tourism of Arunachal Pradesh.

It’s an interesting reading. Readers and tourists will come to know about state’s many unknown and less travelled beautiful places besides helping them to improve their general knowledge and information about Arunachal Pradesh.

Every chapter will transport you to different distant land with nothing around you but beautiful pristine natural beauty abundantly found in the state.

The authors have described and mentioned state’s beauty in such a way that every travel lovers and even the readers will be fascinated to make a trip to Arunachal Pradesh after reading this book. Detail information about important visiting places has been beautifully described.

Even after finished reading this book, the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh will virtually linger in your mind.

Images and experiences of those diversities including those chill water, lush green, misty mountain, thrilling hanging bridges, innocent people, gushing of mighty rivers, splashing of streams, colourful and enchanting festivals, enthralling chanting of the priests during different rituals, diversity of rare fauna and flora remain fresh and refreshing. One can virtually experience the diversity of Arunachal Pradesh while going through In Search of Solace.

However, all said and read; the book is not  sans mistakes. Many spelling mistakes in names and places are there.

For example, the author has mentioned Narmi Matmur Jamoh as Narmi Manmur Jamoh (page 84). Chongkham in Namsai district has been incorrectly mentioned as Chowkham though it was formerly known as Chowkham.

While mentioning about a brave warrior of the Indian Army’s 2 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Shere Thapa who fought against the Chinese in 1962; within a paragraph Shere Thapa becomes Siri Thapa (page 227)creating confusion among the readers.

One of the places in Anjaw districts, Kibithoo has been mentioned as Kibithoo and at the same time it been mentioned as Kibitoo.

Two inappropriate images have also been inserted while describing about the beauty of Anini in Dibang Valley; the Place of Idu tribes. Photographs clearly show that they either belong from Lohit or Anjaw district (Page 137)

Equal distribution of space is not given while mentioning many places and districts. Some districts and places are described at lengths while few are given only couple of paragraphs. Not much has been covered about Palin, Sangram, Koloriang, Lohit and Anjaw.

Describing about the importance of Thukpa, the author mentions about the Nyishis of Doimukh in Papum Pare district, seems inappropriate. The writers could have mentioned some other food items commonly consumed by the Nyishis in place of Thukpa.

Even I am confused if outsiders are allotted land in this state or not when writes mentions about Daporijo in Upper Subansiri  district, “The woman who migrated 20 years ago. Now the local tribal have taken her North Indian breakfast stable so well that not only her business roaring but she has got some land for herself”.

The blunder that I find in this book is mentioned below when editorial says:

“You would be delighted by the pastoral Khampti community in Dibang Valley and the hospitality of a people who even today plough their fields with help of Elephants”. The Khampti are found not in Dibang Valley but are the inhabitants of newly created district Namsai bifurcated from Lohit district.

While trekking through Namdapha, the writer finds, “Except squirrels we have hardly seen any other mammals and given the nature of the terrain, I am not very much optimistic (page116).The state government must put her attentions towards this issue to address the concern.

However, if these mistakes are overlooked, this coffee table book is an interesting reading that says many positive aspects of the state from tourism point of view.

One of the authors was so mesmerized by the beauty of snow clad mountain pass Mayodiya around 60 kilometres away from Roing in Dibang valley when the writer says, “Why film makers rush to Europe for shoot when they can get the best sight here in India.”

This bulky coffee table book is the compilation of these authors Aruraag Mallick, Sankar Sridhar, Anup Sharma, Anand Banerjee, Vaibhav Todi, Hamari Jamatia, Priyanka Joshi,Anup Kutty and Prena Singh Bindra.

Besides the writers themselves, Priya Ganapathy, Arif Siddiqui, Doli Ete, Vikram Gogoi, Jitendra Singh, Parvin Singh, Dhritiman Deori, Eric Kilby, Mike Jhonsing, Pankaj Kumar and Raju Singh have contributed their photographs.

However, how I wish some local writers and travelers were also involved and engaged in editorial board in making this coffee table book.

The forward notes are given by Pema Khandu (A Diverse experience), PD Sona (Jewel of the North East), Sonam Chombay (Go on an Adventure) and Taru Talo (Festival of Life) which are not only interesting but portrays true positive picture of Arunachal tourism.

Released in 2014, this coffee table book In Search of Solace is published and produced by CMYK Printech Ltd with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Finally minor yet important drawback that I observed is the price of this coffee table is missing if any case anyone desires to buy this book.

"Itanagar 0KM”: A Review

It  was a nice  experience to watch a local  Hindi  film made in Arunachal.  Though  Ticket was  costly (500 bucks) but enjoyed thoroughly. Here is a review,  read along:Ever since eye teaser of Itanagar 0KM was released, it kept everyone curious about the film. Finally, the film was released on July 11 last; and it did excellent business. 

With simple storyline, the film begins with flashback of 1987 revealing about the friendship between Chima and Jumar, who is going back to hostel. Chima writes a letter to Juamar and tells him about his helplessness about not being able to go back to hostel again with a popular song “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todengey” played in the background. Itanagar 0KM depicts the story of Chima (Tai Tugung) and his struggle within the Capital Complex. Though Heartbroken and shattered; the film gives clue that he has a good life ahead. 

Major chunk has been given to unemployment problem with different treatment. The protagonist does not sit idle waiting for some politician’s help or any miracles to happen. In spite, he does all odd works including selling bamboo, giving tuition, engaging in poultry farm, even work as a cobbler but succeeds in none. Chima’s struggles are symbol of every youth’s struggle giving a message not to surrender during adversity.

Still from Itanagar  0 KM

Distinctively, Itanagar 0KM has been made in Arunachalee Hindi and it has gelled well with the audiences’ taste. 

Dialogue between grown up Chima and Jumar talks about the present day ground reality. “Tum Kitna Lucky Hai Nah M.A. Bhi Pass Kar Liya, Job Bhi Meel Gaya, Laal Colour Ka Bike Bhi Hai. Aur Humko Dekho, Salah Bachpan  Sey Itna Mehnat Kar Raha Hai, Jene Tene Graduate Hai. Aajkal Jene Tene Graduate  Ko Kon Poochta Hai. Tera Life to Bahut Jhilik Milik Hai  Nah. Lekin Mera Kya Hoga, Yeh Oopar wala Bhi Nahi Jaanta Hai.” 

Another conversation between them is interesting and hilarious but also portarys about a frustrated youth’s pain, “Pata Hai Jumar Yeh Kon Hai? Chaddi Man! Chaddi Man; Iska Life Aur Mera Life Mein Ek Similarity Hai. Kya Similarity Hai? Mera Life Mein Bhi Koi Change Nahi Hota Hai. Iska Chaddi Ka Colour Bhi Change Nahi Hota Hai”.

Tugung has acted well and shines in the film.  The film will help him come out of his Dr Abo image. Other characters are equally impressive and made their presence felt. Flawless acting by Margam (Nabam Ana) is clearly noticed. Her impressive acting in ‘Itanagar 0KM’ will surely fetch her more films in days to come.       

Besides acting, film’s script has also been written by Tugung. Lyrics are also penned by him. Words are simple and will touch everyone’s heart. Words like: “Sehney Ka Zimma Har Baar Meri Yeh toh Saraasar Galat Baat Hai” are beautiful. Audiences and listeners will love all tacks.

Music  has been  composed  by Ashok Sonam, Niranjan and Sajan Ali with bunch of state’s new talented singers. All the singers have done justice to their singing. Tai Gungte’s cinematography is brilliant and Paree Khuman’s editing is remarkable.                             

Produced under the banner of Space Miracle Studios, the film has been produced by Alision Welly. Directed by Tai Gungte and Taba Manglam, ‘Itanagar 0KM’ will surely remain as one of the best films from the state. 

Audiences will surely enjoy this 130 minutes (approx.) film which is not only entertaining but completely paisa vasool.

HUM HI NAVODAYA HO !!!!!

Jawahar Navoday Vidyalaya Mahadevpur, Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh is part of my life and is part of me. Life would be incomplete  if I  miss to mention Mahadevpur. At that time  the place was not  so beautiful. At that time not more people were educated there. Small shops, few video halls and  few  schools were there. And those places were Centre of Universe  for everyone of us. One   school among those is  Jawahar Navoday Vidyalaya (JNV). I was schooled in the same school. Now I am a man! But, life  as a school boy, they were altogether really great, interesting and  funny too. My school years, like  most of us have, were the best years of my life. Now they are gone and will never come back again. We  cannot   redo the things. Worth of earth altogether cannot bring the same for me.

!! My Batchmates!!

They are my vivid memories. Sometime, I miss my teachers, my  friends, our cooks, office staff and  above all the school. In fact till date my closest friends are the ones I made in hostel. Academically I was sound and  did well till class X. The lowest marks which  I scored was in Class XI.  I  had scored only 04 in Mathematic in half yearly examination.  And in class 12th, it was the worst result of my life.

!!Our Share of Fun!!

I was  less popular among my seniors and  friendly  with my classmates. But to my juniors and I used to crack jokes and made them laugh. Sometimes I used to  help them in their studies. But  I shared all my emotional feelings with classmates. One among them was was Monindra Masia. Many friends are there but I  had  good bondings with Tushar Kumar Jha, Rupam Talukdar, Sudershan G. Bose,  Dimbeswar Das, Ai Thown Gohain, (Our Leonardo Di Caprio) and many more to mention.  Plabita Konwar (now Gogoi) was also very close to me. She was the  tallest girl in the entire school( I guess). She was beautiful, gorgeous and always happy.  She  used to have really good handwriting. The most striking feature about her was_-her braod smile.The most unforgettable persons are my classfriends.  Don’t know if they  miss our friendship or not. The good thing is that We are still in Touch and and still good friends. Don't know if they remember those days or not but I will always and forever!

!!Choti Choti Yaadein !!

I don’t expect them to remember me but I will always. Those friends and their  friendshipare unforgettable for me.Those parties, celebrations, those laughters, funs, jokes, tears and sadness,  worries, joy and pain, jealousy and conspiracy, cheating friends, fooling teachers, all those anger against teachers,  cooking illegally (meat, egg, puri, halwa,  chana, fish in a  glass using wax), going out of  school campus  to watch movies in  video halls,(and sometime  getting   caught red handed -Film  Dilwale is an example) plucking berries in the jungle, going to Namsai, swimming in Noa Dihing River (all activities without  teachers' permission). Watching movies in dinning hall late at night, watching  programmes likeChandraKanta, Shaktimaan, Rangoli, Chitrahaar, Geet Bahar, Miss World Contest besides football and cricket. Stealing eggs from the mess and getting caught by the cookmen(Rupam knows it well; Amarkant Bhaiyya  caught him), celebrating Holi with tooth paste(Colgate), Ujala, Blue Powder(neel), with meat ka Jhol, and even with quadriderm , enjoying flood, fishing, getting  shifted from JNV to Government Higher Secondary School during   flood, taking   double breakfast, taking lunch and dinner without  being in a line saying CBSE ka Maamlaa Hai and our All time  favourite soaps- OK  and Lifebuay... All memorable !!! :( :(

!!Joy of Togetherness !!

Tour (Migration) to Uttar Pradesh (Gorakhpur) with 21 other guys by Train are all vivid and Memorable. And that was my  first Journey by Train !! They cannot be compared with anything on the earth. And  all of a sudden  I realised that I had already spent more than six years in JNV Mahadevpur and  had to leave the  Hostel Life !!. Now, We have our own ways to move. And I know I have to move on. No one will be  guiding me anymore, no teachers, not even those closest friends of mine. No one will come to guide me, to show the way. I loved the way I was and still I love the way I am now! Life seems to get more Complex and Intricate after school days. Sometimes feel like  giving up but NO I will not, as I always  say Such is Life !!!  

!!Finally Out to face the Real World !!

Movie Review: ‘Crossing Bridges’

In the beginning Tashi, protagonist of the film even could not gear up his courage to cross a log bridge to reach his home. 

The film ‘Crossing  Bridges’ revolves round a young man who returns to his village after spending many years in Mumbai at the pretext of taking break from his busy schedule, though reality is something else.

Uncomfortable, less-confident among with his own folks, Tashi in the beginning tries his best to go back to Mumbai as soon as possible and keeps asking his friend, Amit who lives in Mumbai, to help him in this regard.

With the series of event and happenings, Tashi, ultimately, finds his roots in the village where once he belonged.

Thought Tashi gets an opportunity to leave his village and his folks but he decides to remain as one among those villagers helping school children in teaching them what he learnt from his experiences. Few shots with school children have been captured very naturally and beautifully. Finally, Tashi can cross the same log bridge confidently which once he was not curtained of.

In every aspect, ‘Crossing Bridges’ is an excellent movie. Excellent cinematography, excellent music and best among them is an outstanding depiction of beautiful landscape of state’s natural beauty.  Besides nature’s beauty, beautiful Gompa, colourful holy   flags and dances of Buddhism have been excellently captured by the director.

Each and every shot and frame will make you fall in love with the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh and can also used for promotingArunachal Tourism.

Besides the  main  theme and content, ‘Crossing Bridges’ also depicts many sub themes like lost love, fulfilling someone’s wishes, influence of  coming modernity in village as shown  though television and direct to home services,  PCO being  replaces by cell phones, development regarding  Trans-Arunachal Highway.

At the same time the film also depicts how village people are still  could not shed their age old customs and beliefs through a minor character Dorjee.

The only problem with the movie is that sometimes the frames change abruptly from one scene another breaking the rhythm and continuity of the film. But that can easily be ignored.

After watching ‘Crossing  Bridges’ one feels that Arunachal Pradesh can also produce and make films par excellence to other parts of the country.

This 1 hour and 44 minutes film has been produced by Tenzing Norbu Thondok under the direction of Sange Dorejee Thonduk and will be completely paisa wasool if screened in theatres.

Know AIDS and accept the Positives

More than spreading knowledge about AIDS, what is necessary is perhaps to create a society that accepts HIV-positive people as normal fellow humans.

Back in the 1980s, while watching television, you would come out of your house and move the antenna pole to get the best signal. You would turn the pole around and ask: Aaya? or Hua? (Is the picture clear?), and somebody from inside the house would shout yes or no.

Today, we can watch different channels with a remote control in our hands without worrying about the antenna giving up on us. This is development.

It was also back in the ‘80s that the entire world was surprised by a new finding - the emergence of the HIV among human beings. And since then, the human race is trying find out the panacea for it. Occasionally, it is rumoured that medicine against AIDS has been invented, but the increasing number of the HIV positive people flies in the face of such bogus claims. HIV/AIDS is spreading its tentacles globally.

Arunachal Pradesh is no exception, either. The number of HIV/AIDS infected people in the state is increasing alarmingly. The official record says Papum Pare leads followed by Lohit.

 The first AIDS case in Arunachal was detected in Anini in 1998. The person was infected through blood transfusion. Various steps have been taken so far to check it from spreading in the state.

In this regard, Arunachal Pradesh State Aids Control Society (APSACS) is rendering its yeoman service in the sate in creating awareness among the mass against the HIV/AIDS. APSACS funded seminars and workshops are held every now and then at different schools, colleges and other institutions in the state. Every district medical officer is asked to carry out the task according to their convenience.

APSACS aims to cover the entire state in creating awareness against HIV/AIDS. The campaign on Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC), aimed at drawing people towards ICTC for information on HIV/AIDS, has started showing positive results.

The taboo regarding HIV/AIDS, however, is still the same as it was before. When people talk about HIV/AIDS, the first impression that comes to the mind is Sex.

No doubt sex plays the major role in spreading the AIDS virus. But there are many other reasons which the people are not aware of. The impression of sex being the only reason must be removed from the minds of the people.” 

Whether the names of HIV-positives should be made public or not, many are in favour while many others are clearly not in favour of the idea.

Many argue, if it happens, the sky will fall upon them and their lives would become like hell. They would be deserted by their own parents and relatives. Nobody would accept them. The patients would get nothing but hatred from every corner of the society. So the names of the patients have been kept confidential.

 But who can be sure whether or not they might be spreading it to others out of frustration and anguish?  The greatest hurdle anyway is that nobody wants to be tested for AIDS. Also, in most cases, doctors cannot find out whether the patients are locals or non-locals, since they know about it through the blood samples received through donation.

No doubt there is ignorance about AIDS but, so far the state has succeeded to make people aware about it to some extent. APSACS, on its part, is trying its best to check it. Besides this, other organizations and NGOs must lend their hands to fight against the menace of AIDS.

 The student community has the most important role to play in preventing it as they can teach and talk to their parents and illiterate friends openly and frankly about AIDS. The people must be convinced that AIDS doesn’t spread if we sit with patients, touch them or share meals with them.

Programmes like Haath Se Haath Mila and movies like Phir Milenge and My Brother Nikhil could be screened by the state government and other organizations to make the common people aware and informed about the syndrome. 

Yumrin Nokma of Arunachal, who has been an HIV positive for the last few years and is open now, when he knew that he was infected with the virus his world had broken into pieces. However today, he is living happily because of the cooperation he gets from the society and now he works for creating awareness among the mass and advises them not the repeat the mistake which he   did years back.

That, perhaps, is the key: an understanding society.  For it may take time to make the earth free from AIDS - if not today, tomorrow; and if not tomorrow, the day after - but certainly a cure will be invented because, as Napoleon said: “The word impossible is found only in the dictionary of the fools.”

And human beings are no fools.

Freedom is meaningless when no one is Aazad !!!

When I was passing out from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), I asked a Deori friend of mine coming from Assam to study in RGU how did he feel staying two years in Arunachal Pradesh?  Happily he replied, “I really enjoyed being here. I like Arunachalee contrary to what was told to me by my relatives when I told them I took admission in Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh. People here are simple and straight forward sans cunningness and deceitfulness. I enjoyed every freedom here and loved being here.”

Time changed! Today, somewhere inside our hearts, many of us find we cannot enjoy the real freedom. Many feel, the state is not as safe as it used to be, though many may claim. Inside our hearts we, somehow, believe and accept that the place is becoming insecure for us irrespective of caste, community or region.

Recently, while buying chana-matar-badam from a chanawala at Nahralagun roadside, I  asked him, “Bhaiyya kitna kama liya,” he looked upset and replied, “Kahan sir, abhi abhi ek ladka aaya thaa, haath  mein beer bottle thaa aur pura nasha mein thaa, usne mera jeb check kiya aur sab  kamaya hua paisa le gaya aur saath mein ek bada sa chana ka  packet bhi le gaya”. Surprised by his answer I asked why he didn’t protest. He was afraid of protesting. The man was scared of being beaten up by that drunken guy. How free he feels, only he knows!

Journalism in Arunachal Pradesh is clear example of how freedom is curved, pressed and twisted by few people for their self interest. Journalists work hard risking their lives in mirroring the reality. But everywhere freedom of press is chained. Hard working media persons are threatened and humiliated at every drop of a hat. Not only this, they are warned and intimidated and threatened of being killed or tortured. Do they really enjoy the freedom of press and freedom of expression? Answer is crystal clear.

Concerned parents are always worried about their children’s well being. If they are late by any means particularly at night, many horrible imaginations start coming to their  minds. Their children being in trouble, beaten or killed are few scariest imaginations that haunt these parents. Their minds are not free.

If in an emergency one has to go to any place during night time, one has to think time and again before stepping out from home. No one feels secured or safe to move out during such an emergency. Where is one’s freedom?

Law abiding citizen don’t feel free to drive along the main highway. They are afraid of being hit or smashed by law breakers of traffic rules. Sometimes their minds are preoccupied of being killed or being fined if something goes wrong. Are they really free? You know the answer better.

Only few days back I read a joke about a school going child saying to his mother, “School sey darr nahi lagta hai Maa, Mid Day Meal sey lagta hai”. Joke apart, somewhere between the lines one realises how scared school going children and their parents are regarding their lives. Parents are not free from fear of losing their children. Freedom is confused here.

Rapes and murders were unheard of in the land of rising sun till few years back. Time has changed. Rape, murder and other criminal activities make headlines in most of the state’s local dailies.

Womenfolk cannot move freely at night hour which makes mockery of Gandhiji’s vision, “The day a woman can walk freely at midnight on the roads, that day we can say that India achieved independence”.  They are not free from the clutches of greedy and lecherous eyes. Does freedom hold any meaning for these women?

In many parts shopkeepers cannot keep their shops open till late night. They start shutting their shutters as soon as the sun hides beyond the western horizon. How free and secured they feel is still a mystery.

And finally, where is the actual freedom when a rickshaw puller has to pull another fellow being for earning livelihood even after India achieved freedom many years back? Freedom is meaningless for him. 

However, having said all these, all is not dark and depressing. There are freedoms that we enjoy everyday. We must be optimistic. Let everyone enjoys the things they love doing it without obstructing another person’s freedom. Let each of us feel secured, safe and free. Let there be an environment where each of us can enjoy the happiness of being free and pleasure of freedom or else what is this freedom if no one is aazad in reality.

Somebody’s Mother !!

I was upset seeing her troubled state, though I did not know her at all. She looked so frail, so weak, so rickety and poor in health. She was trembling. She was standing outside my door, in front of me with a help of a long stick when I opened the door after hearing the knocking.

Her innocent smile with all folded skin and wrinkled face drew my attention. Seeing her, the first impression that came to my mind was that she might have lost her way! Bu I was wrong!

She started speaking in a particular local dialect that I didn’t understand. She started smiling. I smiled! She kept smiling! Aesthetically she looked beautiful and attractive! For a moment, for me, she was the finest example of a beautiful aged woman.

I was without any idea and didn’t know what to say to her. Her smile which looked so beautiful just few moments before looked annoying and bit painful. Ultimately, she fished out something from her dirty tattered rag. She showed to me a ten-rupee note. I got the hint! I did not hesitate to give her money. When I went near to her she hugged me. She almost gripped me. Honestly and truthfully, her body odour was so repelling. At once I tried to untie her hand from the grip. But I failed! There was something arresting in her hug. Was that my hypocrite act to make her feel good or was it the power of her pure love? Whatever, I could not resist myself reciprocating her filthy physical but true and natural hug! I almost became emotional.

Once again she said that I did not understand. She put her right hand above my head touching my hair softly. It felt so comforting and relaxing!

It also made me speculate if her relatives or children are aware about her ruined condition. When she needed them the most, she was moving from door to door pleading for help! All alone and begging!

I helped her coming down stairs from my quarter. I saw a local basket full of local green leafy vegetable. She hinted me to buy few bundles. I didn’t buy any as I had enough at my room. I helped lifting the basket. She touched me again and said something and walked away!

For a few moments I stood there silently. Didn’t she deserve her children’s or relatives’ care? Ironically and unfortunately, she is ignored and left at the mercy of her own fate.

She will visit someone’s house next time and beg! The saga might go on and on! Even the god will surely not come to lend his helping hand to her.

The situation also reminded me of a poem called “Somebody’s Mother’ I had read when I was a school child:

The woman was old and ragged and gray

And bent with the chill of the winter’s day.