Three-day Mahila Sammelan by Arunachal Vikas Parishad at Aalo
Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) organised a zonal Mahila Sammelan from January 31 to February 2 at Gumin Kiin, Donyi Polo Dere Campus, Aalo. About 415 women from more than 100 villages of 35 circles comprising of West Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang, Dhemaji and Upper Subansiri attended the three-day residential Sammelan. The Sammelan was inaugurated on February 1 by Shri Tomi Doke, DDSE, Aalo, Smt Gumter Ete Deka, First Lady Police of the state and Kumari Tine Mena, first Everester of North East from Arunachal Pradesh.
Tine Mena said the women have to shape their own future in proper direction. She shared her thrilling experiences of Mission Mount Everest as many of relatives were discouraging her. But she was determined and collected the needed amount by donations, prepared herself.
Smt Gumter Ete Deka said a woman’s role is very crucial in a family and she has to play the role of daughter, wife, sister and mother in her life. Today’s woman is going ahead in social, administrative and economical fields also.
Shri Tomi Ete said women are leading every walk of life and proved that they are also capable and have caliber to lead in various aspects. Their contribution in maintaining the traditions and culture of the society is unmatched. Yoga, Prayer song and patriotic song practice, social service, games, cultural programmes, group song and dance competitions were the main features of the camp. Drama competition on social and national issues and colourful procession in traditional attire in Aalo town were also the remarkable events.
Dr L Lollen, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital described in detail through powerpoint presentation about the types, reasons, bad effects and solutions of Drug addiction. Dr.Smt Ila Chundawat PhD, explained the greater aspects of women health care, family planning and child development etc. Smt Mama Tang Ete, Advocate Guwahati High Court, Naharlagun Bench spoke on the legal provisions for women and procedures to avail them.
Smt Madhavi Joshi, all India Mahila Pramukh of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram presented the history of Kalyan Ashram and its relevance in North East region. She cited some examples from Jhalod (Rajasthan), Bastar (Chhatisgarh) that how women workers of Kalyan Ashram brought changes in the areas like eradication of TB, solution on drinking water problem. She also appealed to protect, preserve and promote one’s indigenous faith and rise as social leaders in local area.
Shri Ramesh Babu, Shraddha Jagaran Pramukh of Kalyan Ashram, North East, also spoke in a session saying that all the power lies within you, there is a need to materialised it in noble cause of our age old glorious faith and culture. Shri Sandeep Kavishwar, state organising secretary of AVP, defined the role of women in social changes and eradication of social evils by giving some examples of changes brought by the women of Arunachal Pradesh.
Shri Tumge Loya, EAC, Town Magistrate Aalo and Smt. Rangnya Tato, Chairperson Women Handloom Co operatives, Aalo graced the valedictory function. Shri Loya said it is a very good start for the women society of Arunachal Pradesh through AVP. In some cases, husband and wife may get separated from each other through court, but it is a great defeat of both as family cannot be called as family without any of these. He called the ‘Mahila Sammelan’ as ‘rising day’ for Arunachalee Women. He also alerted the people of Arunachal on increasing dependency on the housemaids for the domestic works. It is breaking the bond of love and affection in family as regular food is also being prepared by the servants, saying that preparing and serving the food for family by mother of the house is very necessary to maintain that bond. Shri Loya also criticised the rampant issuing of trading licenses for wine shop in Arunachal Pradesh and appealed to all to maintain time culture.
Smt Tato said it is our birth right to protect and preserve our own faith and culture. She appealed to realise the spiritual goal. Smt Jumken Ete said the AVP has shown us the right path; we have to make it brighter through our efforts. Shri Moji Bagra, president of Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), West Siang district also spoke.
