HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Feb 16: Arunachal Pradesh forest minister Wanki Lowang on Monday made a fervent appeal to the people of the state to go for massive plantation drive and shun the practice of age-old jhum cultivation in order to deal with one of major problem – water crisis – across the state.
Rampant felling of trees had resulted in water crisis across our state, and I am afraid if the situation continues, we are going to face a major crisis in the days to come.
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Lowang said this during his speech as chief guest of the 51st Central Oriah Celebration held at the General Ground in Longding on Monday.
Lowang also stated that the Oriah festival provides an opportunity to the people to pay rich tribute towards nature and thanked the organizers for organizing the festival in such a grand way.
MLA Thangwang Wangham, as the chief patron, also wished the people in his speech and appealed to the people to keep up their age-old traditional and cultural values so that the newer generation could learn from it.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Wangnyem Wangsu, President of the Celebration Committee. The guests were welcomed beating of the log drum, which is known as kham in Wancho language.
The traditional group dance by women groups dressed in their beautiful traditional attires from Niaunu and Zedua was a treat to watch by the crowd, which included some foreigners too.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd), too extended his warm greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh in general, and to Wancho brethren in particular on the joyous occasion of Oriah Festival,
He wished that the vibrant festival strengthen emotional bonds, reinforce the spirit of brotherhood, and usher in peace, prosperity, and harmony in our society.
In his message, the Governor said that festivals are jubilant expressions of joy, compassion, and our shared humanity.
Tribal festivals, in particular, keep alive age-old legends, traditions, and ancestral wisdom, passing them on to future generations.
The Oriah Festival, celebrated to seek the blessings of Almighty Rangwa for a bountiful harvest, fills the Wancho community with hope and pride while safeguarding its rich cultural heritage.
It nurtures respect for elders, strengthens bonds within and across communities, and brings people together in a spirit of unity to protect, celebrate, and rejuvenate the vibrant traditions of the Wancho people.
On this auspicious occasion, I pray that Almighty Rangwa bestows His choicest blessings upon all, bringing happiness, good health, and prosperity to every home, the Governor said in his message.
