Arunachal Diary congratulates Arif on being conferred with State Award

Arif receiving award from H.E. the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh

In recognition of the meritorious services to Arunachal Pradesh for promoting Tourism through photography, involvement of youths in community development, attribution in the evolution of computer literacy programs among tribal people and placing Arunachal Pradesh on the Butterfly Map of world, Arif was conferred with State Award (Silver Medal) on the occassion of Statehood Day at Itanagar on 20th of February, 2009.

It may be mentioned here that Arif has been associated with Arunachal Diary through his photographic contribution. His work in Arunachal Diary can be accessed here.

Arunachal Diary congratulates Arif on being conferred with State Award.

Would Arunachal ever be able to produce footballer of repute?

Jainem Memorial Football Tournament recently concluded at Jairampur which saw participation of teams from neighboring state Assam, besides the local teams. This Football tournament is being organized since past 3 years by an ASM of the area in memory of his daughter who departed for heavenly abode at a tender age of 6.

Arif mailed me some moments of the tournament that he captured during the finals, which was played between Balinong Village Club and 9^th Mile Club of Assam, where Balinong Village Club defeated the Assam Club very convincingly by 3-0. The winning team carried away the trophy along with cash prize of INR 14000/- whereas runner-up team had to contend with cash award of INR 7000/-.

In his mail, Arif remarked that watching Arunachal football is an altogether different experience as he finds it more 'dynamic' and 'dashing', which I couldn't agree more and it triggered a whole lot of thought process in me.

In a State where football is followed religiously and played with great zeal, I wonder, why is it not able to produce even a single footballer of repute from the state?

Let's see what could be the reasons.

Is it because we lack talent or potential?

Like above Jainem Memorial Football Tournament, several other football tournaments are organized in the state like Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament, Dree Football Tournament etc. Having heard about the performance of teams and players in these tournaments and having closely followed Dree Football Tournament since long, where the teams displays very good coordination, skills and game tactics without any formal coaching or training, it doesn't seem that the Arunachalee footballer’s lack talent or skills. All they need is proper grooming to show competitive performance in the national event and to win the tournament. Then......

Is it that the State lacks proper training institute or coaching centers to groom the players?

May be, but then, don't we have Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy?

Does the footballer lack exposure?

Certainly, that’s what I feel. Though, the footballer of the state has the exposure to local tournaments, I feel they have very little exposure to national level tournaments or events from where they could learn and improve their game play. Also if exposed, they could show their true potential and talent to attract the potential Selectors of the football clubs or the national team.

Don’t we have Football Federation/Association to promote Football and footballers?

Well, we have Arunachal Pradesh Football Association with its office at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun and Jarbom Gamlin as President and G. Doke as Secretary. In the AIFF official website, it has been mentioned that there is lot of disparity in functioning of the State Associations with some of the Associations having only one room as it’s office where the attendance of the office bearer is irregular. Also, some of the State Associations regulation is not in conformity with the AIFF regulation.

“There is a lot of disparity in the functioning of the State Associations.

A few State Associations, which have the resources, have well equipped and well staffed office. Some have just one room office where the Secretary or any other office bearer comes after the office hours of his regular work/job.”

So, do our State Football Association fall in that category where the Association is formed and office bearer selected for the sake of it without doing much for promoting Football in the State?

Is it because the footballers have never thought of Football as their career option?

I was having a discussion with friend on what could be the reasons for Arunachalee footballers not exceeding in football despite having immense natural talent. His blunt reply was ‘physique’ which I felt, to a certain extent was true. Apart from that he said that the State Footballer has never taken Football seriously to be considered as their career option or profession and there is always no support from family to pursue the game as their profession.

Here, I would say there is lack of government support. I haven’t heard of any special initiative by the government to promote outstanding sportspersons (well, atleast not in my knowledge :)). Perhaps this has dissuaded the aspiring footballers to take football seriously to be considered as their profession and has made their parents not to encourage them to follow football seriously.

Now coming to the question, ‘pan class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Would Arunachal ever be able to produce footballer of repute?’

Well, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. But, I feel with little support from government or individuals who are capable of sponsoring the talented sportsperson and little initiative of APFA we can produce footballer of repute. What do you say?

P.S. Well, I've poured in my thoughts and I would like to hear from you on whether Arunachal would be able to produce footballer of repute or on what could be the reasons that you are able to come up that is preventing the talented footballers from making it's mark. Do pour in your comments.

Would Arunachal ever be able to produce footballer of repute?

Jainem Memorial Football Tournament recently concluded at Jairampur which saw participation of teams from neighboring state Assam, besides the local teams. This Football tournament is being organized since past 3 years by an ASM of the area in memory of his daughter who departed for heavenly abode at a tender age of 6.

Arif mailed me some moments of the tournament that he captured during the finals, which was played between Balinong Village Club and 9^th Mile Club of Assam, where Balinong Village Club defeated the Assam Club very convincingly by 3-0. The winning team carried away the trophy along with cash prize of INR 14000/- whereas runner-up team had to contend with cash award of INR 7000/-.

In his mail, Arif remarked that watching Arunachal football is an altogether different experience as he finds it more 'dynamic' and 'dashing', which I couldn't agree more and it triggered a whole lot of thought process in me.

In a State where football is followed religiously and played with great zeal, I wonder, why is it not able to produce even a single footballer of repute from the state?

Let's see what could be the reasons.

Is it because we lack talent or potential?

Like above Jainem Memorial Football Tournament, several other football tournaments are organized in the state like Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament, Dree Football Tournament etc. Having heard about the performance of teams and players in these tournaments and having closely followed Dree Football Tournament since long, where the teams displays very good coordination, skills and game tactics without any formal coaching or training, it doesn't seem that the Arunachalee footballer’s lack talent or skills. All they need is proper grooming to show competitive performance in the national event and to win the tournament. Then......

Is it that the State lacks proper training institute or coaching centers to groom the players?

May be, but then, don't we have Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy?

Does the footballer lack exposure?

Certainly, that’s what I feel. Though, the footballer of the state has the exposure to local tournaments, I feel they have very little exposure to national level tournaments or events from where they could learn and improve their game play. Also if exposed, they could show their true potential and talent to attract the potential Selectors of the football clubs or the national team.

Don’t we have Football Federation/Association to promote Football and footballers?

Well, we have Arunachal Pradesh Football Association with its office at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun and Jarbom Gamlin as President and G. Doke as Secretary. In the AIFF official website, it has been mentioned that there is lot of disparity in functioning of the State Associations with some of the Associations having only one room as it’s office where the attendance of the office bearer is irregular. Also, some of the State Associations regulation is not in conformity with the AIFF regulation.

“There is a lot of disparity in the functioning of the State Associations.

A few State Associations, which have the resources, have well equipped and well staffed office. Some have just one room office where the Secretary or any other office bearer comes after the office hours of his regular work/job.”

So, do our State Football Association fall in that category where the Association is formed and office bearer selected for the sake of it without doing much for promoting Football in the State?

Is it because the footballers have never thought of Football as their career option?

I was having a discussion with friend on what could be the reasons for Arunachalee footballers not exceeding in football despite having immense natural talent. His blunt reply was ‘physique’ which I felt, to a certain extent was true. Apart from that he said that the State Footballer has never taken Football seriously to be considered as their career option or profession and there is always no support from family to pursue the game as their profession.

Here, I would say there is lack of government support. I haven’t heard of any special initiative by the government to promote outstanding sportspersons (well, atleast not in my knowledge :)). Perhaps this has dissuaded the aspiring footballers to take football seriously to be considered as their profession and has made their parents not to encourage them to follow football seriously.

Now coming to the question, ‘Would Arunachal ever be able to produce footballer of repute?’

Well, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. But, I feel with little support from government or individuals who are capable of sponsoring the talented sportsperson and little initiative of APFA we can produce footballer of repute. What do you say?

P.S. Well, I've poured in my thoughts and I would like to hear from you on whether Arunachal would be able to produce footballer of repute or on what could be the reasons that you are able to come up that is preventing the talented footballers from making it's mark. Do pour in your comments.

Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2009-Transcending Boundaries

Down the memory lane by Tom Simai

As I flip through the nostalgic pages, I feel glad to tread down the memory lane and find myself striving diligently like many others to accomplish the petite and simple concept called Pangsau Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) to reinstate the ‘Cultural Identity’ of the Tangsas as well to reinvent this picturesque precinct as the base for ‘Tourism Industry’. I presume, every individual involved will reckon the truth that the grueling itinerary of ‘Cultural Resurrections’ was an emotional journey mingled with pain, pride and pleasures. In fact, the year 2007 was an incredible phase of indigenous awakening and ethnic bonding, all the breathing souls of Tangsa community regardless of age, status and religion amalgamated with committed intentions to revive and celebrate the spirits of ethnicity as well to disclose the serenity of Tangsas Inhabitation. Gradually, PPWF has revolutionized the conventional mindsets and social taboos of a generation. Without any controversies, it has alighted to prove that any religion and many tribal traditions can commingle and co-exist together. As a result, the social merger of all the tribal communities without any religious differences has rejuvenated the social sentiments of unity, integrity and communal harmony, delineating the worthiness of tribal heritages.

Two remarkable years down the line, I’m in cloud nine because of the ripples the 3^rd edition of PPWF’09 is creating worldwide. The credit for this grand success goes to every members of the tribal society, the business fraternities and the Govt. Employees because they’ve toiled together to glide PPWF to the pinnacle. From a petite fete, depicting the Tangsa ethos to the colossal canvas, limning the many colorful tribes of the dawn lit mountains, the journey has been gorgeous and gratifying. Fortunately, the assiduous attitudes of the local inhabitants have coerced the utopian dreams as PPWF to transmute into pleasant reality. Now it sails upon the sea of changes, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has sponsored this to expand the perimeter of PPWF to the next level, signifying the beginning of a new era. I believe, with the fleeting years, under the aegis of Tourism Department it’ll rectify the past flaws and augment it’s horizon by transcending the unknown frontiers.

In fact, if exploited by the book the assorted aspects PPWF renders, then perhaps in the next decade it’ll change into an ample source of economic amplifications as the timely undertaking or change of guard has meliorated the vast scopes of commerce and culture. Optimistically, it is definite to influence the local economy as in the days to come; it is speculated that the economy will revolve around the several scopes created by it. Of course, the widening of commercial spheres will broaden the merry grins, demising the financial groans. “Winning starts with beginning”

Photo Feature by Arif Siddiqui

H.E. Governor of AP is accepting the welcome offered by gathering at festival ground.

H.E. Gen. (Retd.) J.J. Singh in full Tangsa Traditional attires.

PPWF is being declared open by beating the traditional Gong by H.E.

A Tangsa damsel in cheering mood.

Adi dancers performing a spectacular dance.

Dynamic war dance of Wanchos was the best attraction of the day.

Apatani dancers delighted the audience by their fascinating performance.

Lesser known Lisu (Yobin) man with his traditional guitar.

Lisu men and women were admired by every one for their musical talent and handicraft skills.

Longri youths presented a breathtaking dance sequence.

A Tibetan lady enjoying the PPWF.

Enticing Aji-Lhamu dance drew great attraction of crowds as it was never seen before in the vicinty.

The Burmese Naga tribe of Sagiang Division of Mayanmar.

Pretty Lisu girls were the point and shoot targets for all shutterbugs.

This gentleman is in awe and mesmerized by seeing such ethnic extravaganza.

Lady Governor drawing a sketch of tribal man on the "Let Peace Prevail" signature campaign.

Retd. General of Army admiring the rare collection of WWII photographs.

A decorated food stall of Tangsa's delicious foods.

Assam Rifles located in Jairampur promoted the youths' cultural and sports activities and sponsored the  marathon "Run for Peace".

Riders from Itanagar on expedition from Itafort to "Lake of No Return" added a new flavor to the PPWF 2009.

Arunachal Bullet Club thumping the historic Stilwell road on their way to "Lake of No Return"

Bikers of ABC (Arunachal Bullet Club) near mysterious lake along with Speaker A.P. Legislative Assembly, Secretary Tourism, Sri Kipa Babu MLA, Itanagar and officials of Myanmar Army.

Kids from Golden Land enjoying the sail in "Lake of No Return"

On the concluding day, Tangsa beauties presented a tantalizing fashion show choreographed by Pinna and Aton.

Abhinanda Sarkar, a Bollywood singer magnetized Nampong by her rocking performance on concluding night.

The "Driving Dorce" behind the success of PPWF, Sri Setong Sena, Speaker A.P. Legislative Assembly and Ms. Bandhana Deori, Secy. Tourism & UD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Find more pictures of PPWF 2009 here.

P.S. -Thanks Tom and Arif -AG

Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2009-Transcending Boundaries

Down the memory lane by Tom Simai

As I flip through the nostalgic pages, I feel glad to tread down the memory lane and find myself striving diligently like many others to accomplish the petite and simple concept called Pangsau Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) to reinstate the ‘Cultural Identity’ of the Tangsas as well to reinvent this picturesque precinct as the base for ‘Tourism Industry’. I presume, every individual involved will reckon the truth that the grueling itinerary of ‘Cultural Resurrections’ was an emotional journey mingled with pain, pride and pleasures. In fact, the year 2007 was an incredible phase of indigenous awakening and ethnic bonding, all the breathing souls of Tangsa community regardless of age, status and religion amalgamated with committed intentions to revive and celebrate the spirits of ethnicity as well to disclose the serenity of Tangsas Inhabitation. Gradually, PPWF has revolutionized the conventional mindsets and social taboos of a generation. Without any controversies, it has alighted to prove that any religion and many tribal traditions can commingle and co-exist together. As a result, the social merger of all the tribal communities without any religious differences has rejuvenated the social sentiments of unity, integrity and communal harmony, delineating the worthiness of tribal heritages.

Two remarkable years down the line, I’m in cloud nine because of the ripples the 3^rd edition of PPWF’09 is creating worldwide. The credit for this grand success goes to every members of the tribal society, the business fraternities and the Govt. Employees because they’ve toiled together to glide PPWF to the pinnacle. From a petite fete, depicting the Tangsa ethos to the colossal canvas, limning the many colorful tribes of the dawn lit mountains, the journey has been gorgeous and gratifying. Fortunately, the assiduous attitudes of the local inhabitants have coerced the utopian dreams as PPWF to transmute into pleasant reality. Now it sails upon the sea of changes, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has sponsored this to expand the perimeter of PPWF to the next level, signifying the beginning of a new era. I believe, with the fleeting years, under the aegis of Tourism Department it’ll rectify the past flaws and augment it’s horizon by transcending the unknown frontiers.

In fact, if exploited by the book the assorted aspects PPWF renders, then perhaps in the next decade it’ll change into an ample source of economic amplifications as the timely undertaking or change of guard has meliorated the vast scopes of commerce and culture. Optimistically, it is definite to influence the local economy as in the days to come; it is speculated that the economy will revolve around the several scopes created by it. Of course, the widening of commercial spheres will broaden the merry grins, demising the financial groans. “Winning starts with beginning”

Photo Feature by Arif Siddiqui

H.E. Governor of AP is accepting the welcome offered by gathering at festival ground.

H.E. Gen. (Retd.) J.J. Singh in full Tangsa Traditional attires.

PPWF is being declared open by beating the traditional Gong by H.E.

A Tangsa damsel in cheering mood.

Adi dancers performing a spectacular dance.

Dynamic war dance of Wanchos was the best attraction of the day.

Apatani dancers delighted the audience by their fascinating performance.

Lesser known Lisu (Yobin) man with his traditional guitar.

Lisu men and women were admired by every one for their musical talent and handicraft skills.

Longri youths presented a breathtaking dance sequence.

A Tibetan lady enjoying the PPWF.

Enticing Aji-Lhamu dance drew great attraction of crowds as it was never seen before in the vicinty.

The Burmese Naga tribe of Sagiang Division of Mayanmar.

Pretty Lisu girls were the point and shoot targets for all shutterbugs.

This gentleman is in awe and mesmerized by seeing such ethnic extravaganza.

Lady Governor drawing a sketch of tribal man on the "Let Peace Prevail" signature campaign.

Retd. General of Army admiring the rare collection of WWII photographs.

A decorated food stall of Tangsa's delicious foods.

Assam Rifles located in Jairampur promoted the youths' cultural and sports activities and sponsored the  marathon "Run for Peace".

Riders from Itanagar on expedition from Itafort to "Lake of No Return" added a new flavor to the PPWF 2009.

Arunachal Bullet Club thumping the historic Stilwell road on their way to "Lake of No Return"

Bikers of ABC (Arunachal Bullet Club) near mysterious lake along with Speaker A.P. Legislative Assembly, Secretary Tourism, Sri Kipa Babu MLA, Itanagar and officials of Myanmar Army.

Kids from Golden Land enjoying the sail in "Lake of No Return"

On the concluding day, Tangsa beauties presented a tantalizing fashion show choreographed by Pinna and Aton.

Abhinanda Sarkar, a Bollywood singer magnetized Nampong by her rocking performance on concluding night.

The "Driving Dorce" behind the success of PPWF, Sri Setong Sena, Speaker A.P. Legislative Assembly and Ms. Bandhana Deori, Secy. Tourism & UD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Find more pictures of PPWF 2009 here.

P.S. -Thanks Tom and Arif -AG