SHILLONG: The state-level celebrations of the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas, 2023, were participated in through a series of activities and events held in the state capital. The Chief Secretary, D. P. Wah Lang, flagged off the cultural procession, which consisted of cultural troupes representing art and craft villages, educational institutions, ethnic associations, and tableaus depicting the three bravehearts and freedom fighters of the state, including the Mobile IEC van of the Viksit Bharat, which was launched simultaneously in 75 predominantly tribal districts of the country, which include East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills, and North Garo Hills Districts.
The formal programme kicked off with the laying of floral tributes at the life-size statues of the three Meghalaya freedom fighters by the Chief Guest, Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Minister Arts & Culture, in the presence of the Guest of Honour, P. N. Syiem, Deputy CEM, KHADC, Commissioner & Secretary, Arts & Culture, F. R. Kharkongor, IAS, Secretaries and Directors of various Departments, and other stakeholders.
At the beginning, a short video message from the Governor of Meghalaya was also aired. The speech of the Prime Minister of India, made at the birthplace of Birsa Munda, was also streamed at the function. In his keynote address, Chief Guest Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Arts and Culture, emphasised the importance of showcasing the state's unique tribal legacy and heritage, which is being increasingly noticed and celebrated, even at the national level. He drew the attention of the audience to the PM's interest in Meghalaya's rich textile heritage in recent exhibitions held at the national level. He also underscored the importance of highlighting the state's culture and heritage so that the state and its culture are not confined to a footnote, but their rich legacy should be amplified and resonate far and wide through events such as the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas and the upcoming Tri Hills Ensemble II, which will be held on November 24 and 25.
Earlier in the programme, the Commissioner and Secretary, in his welcome speech, outlined the objectives of the 10-day-long Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas, which will be celebrated through a display of craft, culture, cuisine, folklore, folksong, and folkdance in the subsequent days, culminating in the Tri Hills Ensemble II on November 24 and 25, which will be graced by the CM and Minister of Arts and Culture with the theme of "stories that matter". He also announced the names of six art and craft villages, comprising Mustoh, Nongkynrih, Ialong, Babadam, Umladkhur, and Wahkhen, as newly recognised art and craft villages that will be awarded on November 24.
Various stalls of the respective departments containing IEC materials were also visited by dignitaries and the public. Other highlights also included musical performances by the AROHA Choir on Tirot Sing, winners of the inter-school traditional singing competitions, and performances on the harp by MLCU. Awards and recognition were also given to winning schools, the best-performing SHGs and VECs, social welfare workers, cooperation workers, etc, stated a press release.
KOHIMA:The celebration of 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2023' commenced in Kohima in unison with the rest of the country. The event was inaugurated with a grand 'Tribal March', flagged off by Nagaland's Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, and Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi. The march, which started at Kohima College and ended at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly gate, saw enthusiastic participation from hundreds of people representing various tribes.
Deputy Chief Minister Nagaland TR Zeliang said that the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas is a day set apart to remember and honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters in the country.
"The Government of India has rightly chosen this date, the 15th of November, which is also the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a tribal freedom fighter revered by his people, to celebrate this Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas," he said. "While we remember many great personalities in the struggle for independence, some tribal leaders are rarely remembered in honour of their contribution", he added, and he maintained that there may be such personalities from the Naga community who may have gone unnoticed, so we should trace back, keep a record, and set aside a day to celebrate their lives. Zeliang also said that "the coming together, marching, and participation by all the tribals from Nagaland, comprising of 18 tribes, will bring more unity, and in the future, the togetherness can be maintained further."
The Tribal March was organised by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Nagaland, Department of Tribal Affairs, and funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
The 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' is celebrated every year to recognize the efforts of the tribals in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality. (ANI)..
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