PAPU NALLAH: It was a day to rejoice for the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh as some of their rich folk legacy, long passed down through oral tradition, was finally compiled into two books.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein released these books during the Golden Jubilee Capital Complex Dree Festival celebration at Dree Ground on Friday.
Titled Gangu Ellu and Miji Nando, the books feature lyrical verses of fifty Apatani songs by Taro Tallo and shamanic verses & folktales of the tribe, respectively.
Compiled by author Dr. Hage Tabyo, Miji Nando promises to be a riveting read, offering a glimpse into Apatani culture with rare folktales spanning generations.
Mein lauded the efforts put into the publication of the books as means to preserve the rich folk legacy of the Apatani community.
“Prior to this, most of the literature pertaining to the indigenous communities was passed down orally through generations. These books serve as powerful preservation mediums to capture the rich cultural heritage of the land and should be utilised to cover extensive literary works by the various tribal communities of the state,” he said, citing the potential for cultural and research tourism in the state.
Apart from the books, a music album was also released by the Deputy Chief Minister. Titled Ane Aba, the album has been produced by Punyo Krah & Medu Foundation School.
During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated the Apatani Heritage – Souvenir Shopping Complex and the Golden Jubilee Dree Heritage Gate.
The new complex will serve as a platform for local artisans to display their unique crafts, fostering sustainable livelihoods and cultural exchange, he said.
In addition to these programmes, the gathering also saw the conferment of Lifetime Achievement Awards to a slew of individuals associated with the conceptualisation and continuation of the Central Dree Festival.
Among the recipients were Former Director of Arts & Culture Lod Kojee, who served as the First General Secretary of the Central Dree Festival Committee, along with Hage Kojeen, IAS (Retd), Bamin Kano, Joram Lalin, Dr. Bengia Tolum, and Shri P.G. Tago.
Posthumous recipients included Late Gyati Challa, Nani Challa, and Tasso Grayul, recognized for their visionary efforts.
Exemplifying the government’s commitment, Mein also highlighted the government’s efforts to preserve and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage through various initiatives, such as the creation of the Department for Indigenous Affairs, Gurukul Schools, the introduction of local dialects as the third language, and honorariums for priests.
