ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today while releasing ‘Flights of Fantasy: Heroes of 1962 Indo-China War, Abu Tani’s Speaking Tree and other Articles’, a book authored by Group Captain (Retd.) Mohonto Panging Pao reiterated that school textbooks should necessarily contain chapters on Arunachal Pradesh reflecting the state’ history and culture.
Releasing the book here at the DK Convention Hall, Khandu while emphasizing on the need for the state’s school students to grow up knowing about their state and its past, observed that about 80-90% of the people are not aware of the state’s history and its rich cultural diversity. The state government’s priority is to make aware the younger generations of their state’s past and cultural diversity from the very early stage, he said. “I have already instructed the Education department to compile and introduce chapters on the state in the primary level to begin with,” he informed. The Chief Minister also assured that in the NITI Aayog General Council Meeting scheduled on Saturday which will be chaired by the Prime Minister, he will urge for inclusion of the history and culture of the Northeast region in NCERT syllabus. “If done, people from outside the region will come to know about the rich history and culture of the Northeast. Unfortunately, even today most of the people of other states are unaware of the region, its contributions to the freedom struggle and rich cultural diversity,” he said.
Lauding the author, Khandu observed that the book which is a collection of articles on Arunachal Pradesh besides being a chronicle of the unsung heroes of the 1962 war and folklores, will go a long way in educating not only the state’s people but also others on Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. Citing the recent foundation laying of the ‘Bob’ Khathing memorial in Tawang, he said till the time of the event, 90% of people including those in Tawang were not aware of Khathing or his contributions to Arunachal Pradesh. “There would be many unsung heroes like Major Khathing. We need to honour them and write about them so that people recognize and appreciate their contributions to our history,” he said. Assuring the author the state government will procure copies of the book and distribute to all district libraries, Khandu requested him to print at least 5000 copies exclusively for the state government. ‘Flights of Fantasy’ is a compilation of 91 articles spread over 10 chapters. Group Captain (Retd.) Pao has penned the book in five years with weekly episodes published in the state’s leading newspapers by now.  
MLA Pasighat Kaling Moyong, renowned authors and Padmashree awardees Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi and Mamang Dai, Adi Baane Kebang President Gautam Borang and members of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) were present in the release event. CMO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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