Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan Raffle Lottery Draw - Part 3

1 comments
As was expected and noted in my earlier posts (See Part-1 & Part-2), the re-scheduling and redrawal of DPVB Raffle Lottery Draw has been ruled out by the State Chief Minister Mr. Gegong Apang in the ongoing assembly session where the report of one man enquiry committee on this controversy was filed; terming the conduction of drawal transparent and fair.

Here, what I don't understand is that how the government has given clean chit to the organising committee of DPVBRLD despite the report stating that

"....most of the laws governing such private lottery have not been fulfilled............"

and in regard of change of venue and time -

"....although the said law prescribed a set of procedures to be followed, the said law does not provide any corrective course of action in case of such non-compliance of prescribed procedures."

And I'm equally amazed by the statement of our Hon'ble Finance Minister Mr. Kalikho Pul in terming the non-compliance of prescribed procedures as a minor "error" which is not punishable. (Source: - Echo of Arunachal dated 28-10-2006)

And when the conduction of this draw has been given clean chit by the Government isn't it an eyewash on the part of Government in saying that
the Government would leave no stone unturned to award punishment to those found guilty in the lottery fiasco?

Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan Raffle Lottery Draw - Part 3

1 comments
As was expected and noted in my earlier posts (See Part-1 & Part-2), the re-scheduling and redrawal of DPVB Raffle Lottery Draw has been ruled out by the State Chief Minister Mr. Gegong Apang in the ongoing assembly session where the report of one man enquiry committee on this controversy was filed; terming the conduction of drawal transparent and fair.

Here, what I don't understand is that how the government has given clean chit to the organising committee of DPVBRLD despite the report stating that

"....most of the laws governing such private lottery have not been fulfilled............"

and in regard of change of venue and time -

"....although the said law prescribed a set of procedures to be followed, the said law does not provide any corrective course of action in case of such non-compliance of prescribed procedures."

And I'm equally amazed by the statement of our Hon'ble Finance Minister Mr. Kalikho Pul in terming the non-compliance of prescribed procedures as a minor "error" which is not punishable. (Source: - Echo of Arunachal dated 28-10-2006)

And when the conduction of this draw has been given clean chit by the Government isn't it an eyewash on the part of Government in saying that
the Government would leave no stone unturned to award punishment to those found guilty in the lottery fiasco?

Monday, October 30, 2006

Literacy Race...

0 comments
Yet another North-Eastern state is striving towards setting a record of becoming the most literate State in the Country. With literacy rate of 90.27%, it is expected that Mizoram will surpass Kerala's literacy rate of 90.9% this fiscal. Read the story here.

Guinness Record on Highest Drum Ensemble

0 comments
Kudos to MTDF (Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum) for their effort in bringing in 7,951 drummers toghether to break the record of highest drum ensemble on 28-10-2006 which was earlier held by Po Leung Kuk Charity of Hong Kong, set with 7,727 drummers in February 2005 and for making us-North-Easterner proud. Their effort would be featured in 2008 issue of the Guinness Records.

For more stories read
kids drum up Guinness record and Guinness welcomes Shillong drummers

Literacy Race...

0 comments
Yet another North-Eastern state is striving towards setting a record of becoming the most literate State in the Country. With literacy rate of 90.27%, it is expected that Mizoram will surpass Kerala's literacy rate of 90.9% this fiscal. Read the story here.

Guinness Record on Highest Drum Ensemble

0 comments
Kudos to MTDF (Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum) for their effort in bringing in 7,951 drummers toghether to break the record of highest drum ensemble on 28-10-2006 which was earlier held by Po Leung Kuk Charity of Hong Kong, set with 7,727 drummers in February 2005 and for making us-North-Easterner proud. Their effort would be featured in 2008 issue of the Guinness Records.

For more stories read
kids drum up Guinness record and Guinness welcomes Shillong drummers

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Power-Cuts.......unexplained

2 comments

I'm quite awed by the unexplained power cuts that has been resorted to by Ziro Electrical Division in these past few weeks. Initially, I thought, may be line fault was the reason behind the power cuts. But, when it (power cuts) went on for more than weeks and at specified time (from 8 o'clock in the morning to 5 o'clock in the evening and again from 9 o'clock at night till 5 o'clock in the morning) I wondered, line fault may not be the exact reason. So, I enquired the enquiry section of Ziro Electrical Division - all I could learn from them was that it was due to load shedding. So, I checked local channel for any notice regarding load shedding and asked my friends if they knew anything about the Load Shedding Schedule. All of those whom I enquired had no knowledge about the load shedding schedule but one interesting fact that I came across in the local channel was that presently disconnection drive was going on. But, disconnection drive is no excuse for such power cuts. Is it?

From whatever understanding I have got about electricity, outage of electricity occurs because of the following factors: -

  1. Line fault
  2. Maintenance of Transmission or Distribution Lines
  3. Load Shedding
  4. Grid failure etc.,

Here in the case of present outages, there is no case of line fault or maintenance of line or of grid failure. The option that is left out, is the Disconnection Drive and Load Shedding.

In the former case, as mentioned earlier, it shouldn't be the excuse to cut-off the power of entire township but even if they resorted to this shutdown, is it really necessary to cut- off the power of entire township during the day to disconnect few illegal lines and line of revenue defaulters and that too in a particular sector? Shouldn't sector-wise disconnection drive be planned and intimated to the consumers' by the electricity department about the power-cut of particular sector in a particular day and in a particular time? What about the revenue losses that has been incurred by business establishments and other establishments owing to this unplanned power cuts? And who will pay for their losses? Is Power Department ready to compensate for their losses? I don't think so?

In the latter case, I'm still puzzled as to why the load shedding is resorted to during the off-peak hours? Doesn't the load shedding resorted to when the load demand is higher than that of load supplied? If yes, then I wonder if load shedding is the main reason behind these power cuts, as you get power during the peak hours.

Now even if, load shedding is the main reason for resorting to power cuts, shouldn't the electricity department informed the consumers about the load shedding schedule (electricity being essential service)?

This unexplained and illogical power cuts by Power Department during these past few weeks has just left me perplexed. If anyone has the answers, do let me know through their comments.

P.S. : - Did someone said - it is their gimmick to divert consumers' attention from the recent hike in electricity charges?

Power-Cuts.......unexplained

2 comments

I'm quite awed by the unexplained power cuts that has been resorted to by Ziro Electrical Division in these past few weeks. Initially, I thought, may be line fault was the reason behind the power cuts. But, when it (power cuts) went on for more than weeks and at specified time (from 8 o'clock in the morning to 5 o'clock in the evening and again from 9 o'clock at night till 5 o'clock in the morning) I wondered, line fault may not be the exact reason. So, I enquired the enquiry section of Ziro Electrical Division - all I could learn from them was that it was due to load shedding. So, I checked local channel for any notice regarding load shedding and asked my friends if they knew anything about the Load Shedding Schedule. All of those whom I enquired had no knowledge about the load shedding schedule but one interesting fact that I came across in the local channel was that presently disconnection drive was going on. But, disconnection drive is no excuse for such power cuts. Is it?

From whatever understanding I have got about electricity, outage of electricity occurs because of the following factors: -

  1. Line fault
  2. Maintenance of Transmission or Distribution Lines
  3. Load Shedding
  4. Grid failure etc.,

Here in the case of present outages, there is no case of line fault or maintenance of line or of grid failure. The option that is left out, is the Disconnection Drive and Load Shedding.

In the former case, as mentioned earlier, it shouldn't be the excuse to cut-off the power of entire township but even if they resorted to this shutdown, is it really necessary to cut- off the power of entire township during the day to disconnect few illegal lines and line of revenue defaulters and that too in a particular sector? Shouldn't sector-wise disconnection drive be planned and intimated to the consumers' by the electricity department about the power-cut of particular sector in a particular day and in a particular time? What about the revenue losses that has been incurred by business establishments and other establishments owing to this unplanned power cuts? And who will pay for their losses? Is Power Department ready to compensate for their losses? I don't think so?

In the latter case, I'm still puzzled as to why the load shedding is resorted to during the off-peak hours? Doesn't the load shedding resorted to when the load demand is higher than that of load supplied? If yes, then I wonder if load shedding is the main reason behind these power cuts, as you get power during the peak hours.

Now even if, load shedding is the main reason for resorting to power cuts, shouldn't the electricity department informed the consumers about the load shedding schedule (electricity being essential service)?

This unexplained and illogical power cuts by Power Department during these past few weeks has just left me perplexed. If anyone has the answers, do let me know through their comments.

P.S. : - Did someone said - it is their gimmick to divert consumers' attention from the recent hike in electricity charges?

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

www.nyishi.org

4 comments
Aahh!... finally a site of our own - how I longed for it.

Well, I almost gave up searching for the sites designed and maintained by our own people (here I'm excluding the Government sites, which are being hosted, designed and maintained by National Informatics Center (NIC) people) - be it relevant or irrelevant, well designed or not- but a site of and by our own people; whenever I get chance to log onto the net (the net connectivity being very poor at this part of the country), until I came across this site today.

I won't say that www.nyishi.org is a very cool site as being in a very nascent stage, lots has to be done (most of the pages are under construction) but I would definitely say that this is a very humble effort by NES (Nyishi Elite Society) based at Nyirobjolli (is it Nirjuli?- as we know) to showcase their rich tradition, culture, history etc., to the entire world through this site.

This site would be helpful for those who wants to know about the tradition, culture, rituals, history etc., of Nyishi Community of Arunachal Pradesh.

"Nishi.org - A Home for the Nyishi's on the Net" being the tagline of the site, it should have incorporated Chat Room so that Nyishi Community across the globe may hang around to share their views. Also, a mailbox/e-mail account would have been an added attraction.

Overall, I would recommend this site if you are interested to know more about Nyishi Community.


P.S.: If anyone knows about sites of other communities of Arunachal Pradesh do let me know.

www.nyishi.org

4 comments
Aahh!... finally a site of our own - how I longed for it.

Well, I almost gave up searching for the sites designed and maintained by our own people (here I'm excluding the Government sites, which are being hosted, designed and maintained by National Informatics Center (NIC) people) - be it relevant or irrelevant, well designed or not- but a site of and by our own people; whenever I get chance to log onto the net (the net connectivity being very poor at this part of the country), until I came across this site today.

I won't say that www.nyishi.org is a very cool site as being in a very nascent stage, lots has to be done (most of the pages are under construction) but I would definitely say that this is a very humble effort by NES (Nyishi Elite Society) based at Nyirobjolli (is it Nirjuli?- as we know) to showcase their rich tradition, culture, history etc., to the entire world through this site.

This site would be helpful for those who wants to know about the tradition, culture, rituals, history etc., of Nyishi Community of Arunachal Pradesh.

"Nishi.org - A Home for the Nyishi's on the Net" being the tagline of the site, it should have incorporated Chat Room so that Nyishi Community across the globe may hang around to share their views. Also, a mailbox/e-mail account would have been an added attraction.

Overall, I would recommend this site if you are interested to know more about Nyishi Community.


P.S.: If anyone knows about sites of other communities of Arunachal Pradesh do let me know.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

The Cat has finally been belled........ A step towards reformation

0 comments

With the passage of time, the system, the culture and the tradition changes- albeit some for good and some for worse - to accommodate the changes that are taking place in this ever-changing world. And the Apatani culture, system and tradition is no exception.

With increase in earning power, the rituals, which were otherwise being conducted in a very simple fashion, were made extravagant creating hardship for those with less or almost no income source except for agricultural produce (Apatani’s being highly egoist and snobbish would try to equal the extravagancies of the rich even if they have no source of income inviting more hardships). Everyone felt that this extravagancy in the celebration of rituals be curbed. But the million dollar question was “who will bell the cat?” No one was ready to perform the rituals as was done before – God knows why?- even though they criticized the extravagancy in the performance of rituals.

Now someone had to take the initiative and bell the cat.

After lots of deliberations by the Apatani Literary and Cultural Society, village elders, intellectuals and others alike, Hari Village Welfare Committee initiated the process of fixing the escalating rates of marriage system for Hari Village and brought out a resolution on 05-10-2006. The brief of resolution are as below:

I. Mabo Iinchi Nii (Social Recognition of Marriage): Mabo iinchi member was restricted to 5 (five) from earlier unspecified number of members and Mabo ilyo was fixed either a Tibetan sword (ilyo chiri) or Rs. 3000.00/- (Rupees Three thousand) only in lieu of the sword.

Aari Paniing:

  1. Diirang: Either Rs. 22,000.00/- or one he mithun and one she mithun with about 4-5 inches length of horn as Datii Mida (Santii Siipa)

or

either Rs. 12,000/- or one she-mithun with about 3 inches long horn as Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

or

Rs. 6000/- as Diirang Diipa either for Datii or Dachi Mida.

  1. Lache-1(One) no.:Either Rs. 22,000.00/- or one he mithun and one she mithun with about 4-5 inches length of horn as Lache for Datii Mida (Santii Siipa)

or

either Rs. 12,000/- or one she-mithun with about 3 inches long horn as Lache for Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

or

Rs. 3000/- as Lache Diipa either for Datii or Dachi Mida

or

Rs. 8000/- without Alla Agga or Rs. 9000/- with Alla Agga as Myoko Elli.

  1. Mechu- 2 (two nos.): Either Rs. 22,000.00/- or one he mithun and one she mithun with about 4-5 inches length of horn each as Datii Mida (Santii Siipa)

or

either Rs. 12,000/- or one she-mithun with about 3 inches long horn each as Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

or

Rs. 1000/- each as Diirang Diipa either for Datii or Dachi Mida

s="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center;">or

either Rs.2000/- each without Alla Agga or Rs. 3000/- each with Alla Agga as Myoko Elli

or

Rs. 6000/- as Konchi Mida Aari Sarnii.

II. Mida: A ritual ceremony performed in reciprocation to Aari Paniing wherein, the well being of bridegroom's family is prayed upon for. There are three types of Mida as under:

  1. Datii Mida (Santi Siipa)
  2. Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa) and
  3. Konchi Mida (Peja Siipa)

Dati Mida (Santi Siipa):

  • Yapyo Pyota : Yo Anii Bare
  • Danii : Rs. 6000.00/-
  • Dapo : Rs. 6000.00/-
  • Punko Biyu : Rs. 4000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  • Alla Agga : Rs. 4000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  • Bujje (5 nos.)
  1. Bujje Hengi Nanii : Rs. 4000.00/-
  2. Bujje Tanyi Nii : Rs. 3500.00/-
  3. Bujje Tahingnii : Rs. 3000.00/-
  4. Bujje Tahpinii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  5. Bujje Tanghonii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  • Saapi (5 Nos.)
  1. Saapi Hengi Nanii : Rs. 3500.00/-
  2. Saapi Tanyi Nii : Rs. 3000.00/-
  3. Saapi Tahingnii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  4. Saapi Tahpinii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  5. Saapi Tanghonii : Rs. 1500.00/-
  • Nima (4 nos.) : Rs. 1000.00/- each i.e., Rs. 4000.00/-
  • Anii-Aba : Rs. 3000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  • Gyuntang : Rs. 3000.00/- or Rs. 2000.00/- plus yo gohye soye
  • Sii Bonii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  • Yo Kanii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  • Mijji : Rs. 1600.00/- plus yo soye
  • Liihi (5 nos.) : Rs. 1000.00/- each (i.e., Rs. 5000.00/-)
  • Mabo Yallo Majji : Rs. 2000.00/- or One Majji

Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

  1. Yapyo Pyota : Yo Anii Bare
  2. Danii : Rs. 6000.00/-
  3. Dapo : Rs. 6000.00/-
  4. Alla Agga : Rs. 4000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  5. Paanyi Asso (10 nos.) : Rs. 700.00/- each (i.e., Rs. 7000.00/-)
  6. Anii-Aba : Rs. 3000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  7. Gyuntang : Rs. 3000.00/- or Rs. 2000.00/- plus yo gohye soye
  8. Sii Bonii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  9. Yo Kanii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  10. Mijji : Rs. 1600.00/- plus yo soye
  11. Liihi (4 nos.) : Rs. 1000.00/- each
  12. Mabo Yallo Majji : Rs. 2000.00/- or One Majji

Konchi Mida (Pejja Siipa)

  1. Mihi-Millo Pa : Yo anii barnhye
  2. Gyuntang : Rs. 600.00/- or yo soye
  3. Mijji : Rs. 500.00/- or yo soye
  4. Sii Bonii : Rs. 500.00/- or yo soye


III. Elli Baniing:

  1. Emmo Kulyiho (Nesu Arang ho) : Rs. 20.00/- each
  2. Ude ho : Yo pernhye plus papu (egg) puye
  3. Alli patre punii mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  4. Diirang diinii mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  5. Lache diinii mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  6. Mechu diinii mi (2 nos.) : Rs. 100.00/- each or kubu gaye each
  7. Aato Aayo mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  8. Doi ajing (Max. 4 nos.) : Rs. 50.00/- each
Note:
  1. Takhii and Yajju are mandatory in all midali>
  2. Distribution of Extravagant (additional) miscellaneous items such as bottle of wine, packet of tea leaves, powder milk, tobacco, salt, sugar, biscuit etc., presently being practiced are totally banned and violator will be imposed a fine of one full grown mithun or Rs. 15,000.00/- by the Committee.
  3. The resolution will be reviewed after 5 years from the date of constitution of the Committee.
(I have tried to reproduce exactly the same word as printed on the resolution, however, at certain part I've taken liberty to modify the words for sake of clarity)

The adoption of resolution for solemnising marriage by "Hari Village Welfare Committee" is being appreciated by almost every individauls of this plateau and the people from Hari Village, those who performed the marriage rituals this year, followed the rituals strictly as per the rules set in the resolution and it is being heard that the other villages are also following suit.

Going by the reactions of people to this initiative, it is felt that it won't be long when there will be uniform system for solemnising the marriage in each and every villages of Apatani Plateau. Also, may I presume (I'm taking liberty in presuming the things) that this initiative has awakened the people and now the people will try to bring in changes in the system if it is felt that the system has some drawbacks that has to be set right; instead of just criticising the system and waiting to see "who will bell the Cat?"

The Cat has finally been belled........ A step towards reformation

0 comments

With the passage of time, the system, the culture and the tradition changes- albeit some for good and some for worse - to accommodate the changes that are taking place in this ever-changing world. And the Apatani culture, system and tradition is no exception.

With increase in earning power, the rituals, which were otherwise being conducted in a very simple fashion, were made extravagant creating hardship for those with less or almost no income source except for agricultural produce (Apatani’s being highly egoist and snobbish would try to equal the extravagancies of the rich even if they have no source of income inviting more hardships). Everyone felt that this extravagancy in the celebration of rituals be curbed. But the million dollar question was “who will bell the cat?” No one was ready to perform the rituals as was done before – God knows why?- even though they criticized the extravagancy in the performance of rituals.

Now someone had to take the initiative and bell the cat.

After lots of deliberations by the Apatani Literary and Cultural Society, village elders, intellectuals and others alike, Hari Village Welfare Committee initiated the process of fixing the escalating rates of marriage system for Hari Village and brought out a resolution on 05-10-2006. The brief of resolution are as below:

I. Mabo Iinchi Nii (Social Recognition of Marriage): Mabo iinchi member was restricted to 5 (five) from earlier unspecified number of members and Mabo ilyo was fixed either a Tibetan sword (ilyo chiri) or Rs. 3000.00/- (Rupees Three thousand) only in lieu of the sword.

Aari Paniing:

  1. Diirang: Either Rs. 22,000.00/- or one he mithun and one she mithun with about 4-5 inches length of horn as Datii Mida (Santii Siipa)

or

either Rs. 12,000/- or one she-mithun with about 3 inches long horn as Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

or

Rs. 6000/- as Diirang Diipa either for Datii or Dachi Mida.

  1. Lache-1(One) no.:Either Rs. 22,000.00/- or one he mithun and one she mithun with about 4-5 inches length of horn as Lache for Datii Mida (Santii Siipa)

or

either Rs. 12,000/- or one she-mithun with about 3 inches long horn as Lache for Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

or

Rs. 3000/- as Lache Diipa either for Datii or Dachi Mida

or

Rs. 8000/- without Alla Agga or Rs. 9000/- with Alla Agga as Myoko Elli.

  1. Mechu- 2 (two nos.): Either Rs. 22,000.00/- or one he mithun and one she mithun with about 4-5 inches length of horn each as Datii Mida (Santii Siipa)

or

either Rs. 12,000/- or one she-mithun with about 3 inches long horn each as Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

or

Rs. 1000/- each as Diirang Diipa either for Datii or Dachi Mida

or

either Rs.2000/- each without Alla Agga or Rs. 3000/- each with Alla Agga as Myoko Elli

or

Rs. 6000/- as Konchi Mida Aari Sarnii.

II. Mida: A ritual ceremony performed in reciprocation to Aari Paniing wherein, the well being of bridegroom's family is prayed upon for. There are three types of Mida as under:

  1. Datii Mida (Santi Siipa)
  2. Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa) and
  3. Konchi Mida (Peja Siipa)

Dati Mida (Santi Siipa):

  • Yapyo Pyota : Yo Anii Bare
  • Danii : Rs. 6000.00/-
  • Dapo : Rs. 6000.00/-
  • Punko Biyu : Rs. 4000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  • Alla Agga : Rs. 4000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  • Bujje (5 nos.)
  1. Bujje Hengi Nanii : Rs. 4000.00/-
  2. Bujje Tanyi Nii : Rs. 3500.00/-
  3. Bujje Tahingnii : Rs. 3000.00/-
  4. Bujje Tahpinii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  5. Bujje Tanghonii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  • Saapi (5 Nos.)
  1. Saapi Hengi Nanii : Rs. 3500.00/-
  2. Saapi Tanyi Nii : Rs. 3000.00/-
  3. Saapi Tahingnii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  4. Saapi Tahpinii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  5. Saapi Tanghonii : Rs. 1500.00/-
  • Nima (4 nos.) : Rs. 1000.00/- each i.e., Rs. 4000.00/-
  • Anii-Aba : Rs. 3000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  • Gyuntang : Rs. 3000.00/- or Rs. 2000.00/- plus yo gohye soye
  • Sii Bonii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  • Yo Kanii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  • Mijji : Rs. 1600.00/- plus yo soye
  • Liihi (5 nos.) : Rs. 1000.00/- each (i.e., Rs. 5000.00/-)
  • Mabo Yallo Majji : Rs. 2000.00/- or One Majji

Dachi Mida (Tama Siipa)

  1. Yapyo Pyota : Yo Anii Bare
  2. Danii : Rs. 6000.00/-
  3. Dapo : Rs. 6000.00/-
  4. Alla Agga : Rs. 4000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  5. Paanyi Asso (10 nos.) : Rs. 700.00/- each (i.e., Rs. 7000.00/-)
  6. Anii-Aba : Rs. 3000.00/- or Yo Anii Bare
  7. Gyuntang : Rs. 3000.00/- or Rs. 2000.00/- plus yo gohye soye
  8. Sii Bonii : Rs. 2500.00/-
  9. Yo Kanii : Rs. 2000.00/-
  10. Mijji : Rs. 1600.00/- plus yo soye
  11. Liihi (4 nos.) : Rs. 1000.00/- each
  12. Mabo Yallo Majji : Rs. 2000.00/- or One Majji

Konchi Mida (Pejja Siipa)

  1. Mihi-Millo Pa : Yo anii barnhye
  2. Gyuntang : Rs. 600.00/- or yo soye
  3. Mijji : Rs. 500.00/- or yo soye
  4. Sii Bonii : Rs. 500.00/- or yo soye


III. Elli Baniing:

  1. Emmo Kulyiho (Nesu Arang ho) : Rs. 20.00/- each
  2. Ude ho : Yo pernhye plus papu (egg) puye
  3. Alli patre punii mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  4. Diirang diinii mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  5. Lache diinii mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  6. Mechu diinii mi (2 nos.) : Rs. 100.00/- each or kubu gaye each
  7. Aato Aayo mi : Rs. 100.00/- or kubu gaye
  8. Doi ajing (Max. 4 nos.) : Rs. 50.00/- each
Note:
  1. Takhii and Yajju are mandatory in all mida
  2. Distribution of Extravagant (additional) miscellaneous items such as bottle of wine, packet of tea leaves, powder milk, tobacco, salt, sugar, biscuit etc., presently being practiced are totally banned and violator will be imposed a fine of one full grown mithun or Rs. 15,000.00/- by the Committee.
  3. The resolution will be reviewed after 5 years from the date of constitution of the Committee.
(I have tried to reproduce exactly the same word as printed on the resolution, however, at certain part I've taken liberty to modify the words for sake of clarity)

The adoption of resolution for solemnising marriage by "Hari Village Welfare Committee" is being appreciated by almost every individauls of this plateau and the people from Hari Village, those who performed the marriage rituals this year, followed the rituals strictly as per the rules set in the resolution and it is being heard that the other villages are also following suit.

Going by the reactions of people to this initiative, it is felt that it won't be long when there will be uniform system for solemnising the marriage in each and every villages of Apatani Plateau. Also, may I presume (I'm taking liberty in presuming the things) that this initiative has awakened the people and now the people will try to bring in changes in the system if it is felt that the system has some drawbacks that has to be set right; instead of just criticising the system and waiting to see "who will bell the Cat?"

Monday, October 23, 2006

Psychedelic?

0 comments
This festival of light (Deepavali), creativity in me poked and I picked up my Canon Camera and went out to explore the creativity in me. But, alas, all I could capture was the snaps below, that too, all shaky and it was all because of chilly weather, sounds of cracker outside and to save myself from crackers being thrown at me (people were throwing crackers at the passerby). Aren't the pictures psychedelic? ;-)

View of Hapoli Township at Deepavali night











Psychedelic?

0 comments
This festival of light (Deepavali), creativity in me poked and I picked up my Canon Camera and went out to explore the creativity in me. But, alas, all I could capture was the snaps below, that too, all shaky and it was all because of chilly weather, sounds of cracker outside and to save myself from crackers being thrown at me (people were throwing crackers at the passerby). Aren't the pictures psychedelic? ;-)

View of Hapoli Township at Deepavali night











Friday, October 20, 2006

Where has "Chai Wala" gone....?

1 comments

One fine day I found this young local gentleman, carrying a can and disposable cups, going around the market selling tea (which is very rare in case of local youth here at Ziro-Hapoli). I was told that this young gentleman was having Masters Degree and he was selling tea to get rid of his unemployment. I was truly impressed by his endeavour and for setting example to those unemployed youth who just don’t seem to take up job below their qualifications and doesn’t seem to know how to set up their own business.

I was so impressed that the very next day I thought if I come across him, I would buy a cup of tea from him. But that day I didn’t come across him. I waited the next day also and the day after the next day, but he was nowhere to be found. So, I asked my friends at market- “Where has Chai Wala gone? Have you seen him?” I only got a negative reply. No one had seen him after that day.

Then yesterday, to kill my time I was just surfing the channels when all of a sudden I came across a face in local channel. I said – “Hey! I have seen this fellow”. Yes, he's the same “Chai Wala”. But, what on earth is he doing on a TV Channel. Later, after watching the show I came to know that he was selling tea that day for the camera. And that he is an editor of one local weekly. He did all that to show the unemployed youth that white collar jobs are not the only job that can earn you bread and butter but you can earn your livelihood even in a very low profile job (as selling tea is being said) if you put aside your shame. He said by that endeavour on that day he was able to earn around Rs. 300.00/- with an investment of around Rs. 50.00/- for sugar and tea leaves, which totals to monthly income of Rs. 9000.00/-.

Though, I sincerely appreciate his sincere effort but I wonder if it would send right message to the unemployed youths.

If he wanted to set example, shouldn’t he continued for some more days and that too in the absence of camera? In the absence of camera, would the earning equal that days earning? Incidentally, I too, tried to earn my pocket money during my school days-school break by setting up a makeshift road side stall to sell betel nuts and leaves and I could hardly earn 8 bucks a day. Had a camera put up in front of my stall I guess I would have earned say about 100 bucks. ;-) Wouldn’t people think that his effort is a publicity gimmick?

Anyways, I hope his effort sends right message to the unemployed youths and motivates them to become a good entrepreneur and be self employed.

Where has "Chai Wala" gone....?

1 comments

One fine day I found this young local gentleman, carrying a can and disposable cups, going around the market selling tea (which is very rare in case of local youth here at Ziro-Hapoli). I was told that this young gentleman was having Masters Degree and he was selling tea to get rid of his unemployment. I was truly impressed by his endeavour and for setting example to those unemployed youth who just don’t seem to take up job below their qualifications and doesn’t seem to know how to set up their own business.

I was so impressed that the very next day I thought if I come across him, I would buy a cup of tea from him. But that day I didn’t come across him. I waited the next day also and the day after the next day, but he was nowhere to be found. So, I asked my friends at market- “Where has Chai Wala gone? Have you seen him?” I only got a negative reply. No one had seen him after that day.

Then yesterday, to kill my time I was just surfing the channels when all of a sudden I came across a face in local channel. I said – “Hey! I have seen this fellow”. Yes, he's the same “Chai Wala”. But, what on earth is he doing on a TV Channel. Later, after watching the show I came to know that he was selling tea that day for the camera. And that he is an editor of one local weekly. He did all that to show the unemployed youth that white collar jobs are not the only job that can earn you bread and butter but you can earn your livelihood even in a very low profile job (as selling tea is being said) if you put aside your shame. He said by that endeavour on that day he was able to earn around Rs. 300.00/- with an investment of around Rs. 50.00/- for sugar and tea leaves, which totals to monthly income of Rs. 9000.00/-.

Though, I sincerely appreciate his sincere effort but I wonder if it would send right message to the unemployed youths.

If he wanted to set example, shouldn’t he continued for some more days and that too in the absence of camera? In the absence of camera, would the earning equal that days earning? Incidentally, I too, tried to earn my pocket money during my school days-school break by setting up a makeshift road side stall to sell betel nuts and leaves and I could hardly earn 8 bucks a day. Had a camera put up in front of my stall I guess I would have earned say about 100 bucks. ;-) Wouldn’t people think that his effort is a publicity gimmick?

Anyways, I hope his effort sends right message to the unemployed youths and motivates them to become a good entrepreneur and be self employed.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Power Project and God...?

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I came across this story and it made me roll out in laughter.


Isn’t it funny that “the God” is amongst those who are affected by a mega project (I thought only people and environment are affected by any hydroelectric power project).

And isn’t it still funnier and ridiculous that “the God” is not willing to talk to a person below the rank of Chief Minister (even Deputy Commissioner won’t do).

Kya hoga is desh ka, koi to bataye?

Power Project and God...?

0 comments

I came across this story and it made me roll out in laughter.


Isn’t it funny that “the God” is amongst those who are affected by a mega project (I thought only people and environment are affected by any hydroelectric power project).

And isn’t it still funnier and ridiculous that “the God” is not willing to talk to a person below the rank of Chief Minister (even Deputy Commissioner won’t do).

Kya hoga is desh ka, koi to bataye?

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Oh! how I wished...

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Oh! how I wished these 365 days in a year be the days when some VVIP's visit this small township 'cos when they visit

  1. the entire potholes in the road around Ziro gets miraculously filled overnight,
  2. there is less frequent power cuts (the position which I said earlier was much stabler than the Capital Complex but in recent days it's not so),
  3. the garbages and litters disappear as if by magic,
  4. the township becomes cleaner overnight..................

Oh! how I wished these 365 days in a year be the days when some VVIP's visit this Ziro-Hapoli Township 'cos then people (Govt. Departments) would see to it and make this place the coolest place to live on earth.

Amen

Oh! how I wished...

0 comments
Oh! how I wished these 365 days in a year be the days when some VVIP's visit this small township 'cos when they visit

  1. the entire potholes in the road around Ziro gets miraculously filled overnight,
  2. there is less frequent power cuts (the position which I said earlier was much stabler than the Capital Complex but in recent days it's not so),
  3. the garbages and litters disappear as if by magic,
  4. the township becomes cleaner overnight..................

Oh! how I wished these 365 days in a year be the days when some VVIP's visit this Ziro-Hapoli Township 'cos then people (Govt. Departments) would see to it and make this place the coolest place to live on earth.

Amen

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Google Earth to the rescue of Raigad farmers

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With technology so advanced, can government cheat its people? No...

That's what I found out. The farmers from 45 villages of Raigad District putting up common front against acquisition of land by the government after they found out using Google Earth that their land is fertile, unlike as claimed by the authority. Find the story here.

Guess, the authority undermined the prowess of technology.

Another example of childish approach of the authority and not understanding the prowess of technology is the apprehension of authorities in making some maps public and branding those maps "classified". When asked about the map of Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) by a French Journalist Claude Arpi, the local authority was unable to produce it, as the map was classified and only Army had access to that map. (10 things I hate about India).

With lotsa sattellite images thrown across the net and with access to Google Earth, isn't it foolish on part of the government to think that the map of Tawang cannot be accessed?

Google Earth to the rescue of Raigad farmers

0 comments
With technology so advanced, can government cheat its people? No...

That's what I found out. The farmers from 45 villages of Raigad District putting up common front against acquisition of land by the government after they found out using Google Earth that their land is fertile, unlike as claimed by the authority. Find the story here.

Guess, the authority undermined the prowess of technology.

Another example of childish approach of the authority and not understanding the prowess of technology is the apprehension of authorities in making some maps public and branding those maps "classified". When asked about the map of Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) by a French Journalist Claude Arpi, the local authority was unable to produce it, as the map was classified and only Army had access to that map. (10 things I hate about India).

With lotsa sattellite images thrown across the net and with access to Google Earth, isn't it foolish on part of the government to think that the map of Tawang cannot be accessed?

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

12 pc free power... Is it really free?

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this is in continuation to my earlier post titled "Hydroelectricity at Arunachal Pradesh-I"

"Apang seeks more than 12% free power from center"-The Arunachal Times dated 22-09-2006, citing the free power to the tune of 19% that has been promised by Independant Power Producers (IPP) - the request though, was politely turned down by Power Ministry citing Central Government Norms. Now let's see what does this Central Government Norms says.

According to to this norm 12% of the hydro power generated in a state is to be provided free to the host government. In case of projects having unviable tariffs in the initial years, the 12% free power to the home state can be staggered in a manner such that it is kept low in the initial years and higher in the latter years so as to average 12% over the life of the project.

Now as per the norms, the Center couldn't have provided free power more than 12 % as sought by the Chief Minister. But, is it really a free power?

I had been told that this 12% free power given to the host government where hydro-electric project is developed, is actually a
water royalty - water being state subject. Now, what's Royalty? According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary Royalty is ~
  1. a right or perquisite of a sovereign (as a percentage paid to the crown of gold or silver taken from mines)
  2. a share of the product or profit reserved by the grantor especially of an oil or mining lease.
  3. a payment to an author or composer for each copy of a work sold or to an inventor for each item sold under a patent.
If we go by the definition, this 12% power should have been right/share of the state as it is the percentage that has to be paid to the State Government in lieu of profit made out of utilisation of water resource (read mine in the definition) of the State.

If it is the case, then where is the question of free power being given to the state? Isn't it a misnomer? Is the term "free" technically correct? Shouldn't we use the term '
power share of the state' instead of 'free power to the state'?