Itanagar, June 1: The literary icon of Arunachal Pradesh, ‘Sahitya Surjya’ late Lummer Dai was remembered on his 83rd birth anniversary on Thursday.
Commemorating the icon’s birthday, the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) conferred the ‘Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award, 2023’ on Jumsi Siram, the first Hindi writer from Arunachal Pradesh, in a function at the State Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall here.
The award that carries a memento, a citation, a collection of books and a cash prize of Rs 10,000, was presented by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
The Deputy Chief Minister, APLS President and Padma Shri awardee Y D Thongchi, Assam Publication Board Secretary Pramod Kalita, Secretary Cultural Affairs Tai Kaye, noted writer & Padma Shri awardee Mamang Dai, Itanagar Smart City CEO Dahey Sangno and other dignitaries present paid floral tributes to the portrait of late Lummer Dai.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister, while recalling his close relation with the late novelist, said late Lummer Dai is the source of inspiration for young generation. “Late Dai could not only speak Assamese language fluently but he was also a great contributor in the field of Assamese literature, which promotes brotherhood between the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.”
Commending the APLS for its activities in the field of literature, Mein said the literary bodies like APLS should play a pivotal role in promoting harmony and brotherhood among the people of the two neighbouring states.
Referring to the state government initiatives to promote culture, tradition, literature and languages of the state, the Deputy CM called upon the academicians, scholars and social thinkers to come forward and suggest the government towards its endeavour to promote culture, literature and tradition of Arunachalee people.
He said that the government has already taken steps to present award to the young achievers whoever brings laurels to the state. “The achievers’ award being initiated by the State Government will encourage more and more young people to explore their hidden talent,” he said.
APLS president Thongchi, while paying his rich tribute to late Dai and extending felicitations to the Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award winner Jumsi Siram, gave a brief snippet about the literary journey of the apex literary body of the State.
“During the last 2-3 years, we have been able to spread our literary activities due to the patronage by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein,” he said, adding that during the period, APLS could also spread its wings to several districts by opening new district branches as well as to the national capital.
The APLS chief exuded hope that with the participation of young writers and support from state government we will be able to achieve new heights in days to come. 

He also informed that the APLS is contemplating to institute an award in honour of late Tagang Taki, the first writer from the NEFA (now Arunachal Pradesh), to immortalize the latter’s literary contributions.
Journalist-turned-APCS officer Dahey Sangno (CEO, Itanagar Smart City), in his speech, highlighted the journalistic contributions of late Lummer Dai to Arunachal Pradesh, while Assam Publication Board Secretary Pramod Kalita gave a brief on late Dai’s literary contributions to the world of Assamese literature.
In his acceptance speech, Jumsi Siram expressed his gratitude to the APLS for choosing him for this year’s Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award. He also called upon the young generation to work hard with sincerity and dedication to excel in their chosen field of creative activities.
On the occasion, the Dy CM along with dignitaries also released the latest edition of the APLS’ literary magazine ‘Prayas’ (Vol. 6 No. 2), also the only literary magazine in Arunachal Pradesh, and four other books published by the Research Department. The books are ‘Compendium of Indigenous Culture of Arunachal Pradesh’ (editors: Batem Pertin, RN Koley, Dr Radhe Yampi, Hage Ampi), ‘Indigenous Houses in Arunachal Pradesh: Manifestation of Traditional Architecture’ (edited by Kanggo Tayeng, RN Koley, Dr Radhe Yampi, S Chanda), ‘Apatani Folk Songs’ by Dr Radhe Yampi’ and ‘The Khampti -- the Theravada Buddhist of Arunachal Pradesh’ by Jonom Rondo.
In the second session, the ‘rainbow’ recitation programme was held under the chairmanship of Batem Pertin wherein more than 15 participants including school children recited their self-composed poems. 
PASIGHAT: 
The East Siang unit of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) also paid tribute to late Lummer Dai at the Pasighat Donyi Polo Ganging.
Among others, many prominent personalities including retired JD (ICDS) Ponung Ering Angu, Kaling Borang, retired JDHS Dr. Kaling Dai, Bismillah Khan Awardees Delong Padung, former ZPC Kaling Dai, noted writer/translator Sharad Khaund from Assam, renowned public leader Tobuk Dai, academician Manju Lata and many prominent and budding writers and poets were present on the occasion.
Born in Siluk village under Mebo subdivision in 1940, Lummer Dai was one of the first generation educated people of the state and is regarded as an indispensable name in the field of literature in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Dai had several literary achievements. His contribution towards the print media will also be remembered for ever who gave birth to the first newspaper in the State, a gateway towards the dissemination of news encouraging many to establish news agencies in the state.
In her keynote address APLS President (East Siang) Ponung Ering Angu briefed about the aims and objectives of the event while APLS Advisor (East Siang) Kaling Borang highlighted the life story of Late Lummer Dai and his contribution towards the growth of literature in the State. Among others, Sharad Khaund, Manju Lata and others also spoke and presented self composed poems and stories on the occasion.

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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.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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