ES Reporter

 ITANAGAR, Apr 25: The Puroik community in spite of few in numbers, braving inclement weather today celebrated Gumkum-Gumka festival with renewed zeal and enthusiasm showcasing a unique culture and shedding light into their long struggle for a place in society.

Hundreds clad in traditional dress irrespective of age gathered this morning at Nyokum Lapang Ground to celebrate that feeling of liberty.

 “Puroik people are moving equally alongside other tribal communities and progressing well in development scenario. There is also an increasing move among the youth towards better education and self sustenance. Hence they are no more ‘Nomadic’,”emphasized Minister for Rural development, Alo Libang while participating in the celebration.

Hailing the community for successfully maintaining much of their traditional  way of life and rich traditions & culture, Libang opined that the community once tagged as backward community is no more “vulnerable” and is only in need of special programs for their sustainable development.

The tribe is awakening and we should try to encourage in every way, pointed out Libang.

He also asserted that the government is looking forward to give every possible support in terms of health, education and other incentives to bring the community into the mainstream.

Underscoring Education as indispensable for helping tribal people cope with national integration, Libang emphasized that education can determine further prosperity of the community in the long run. 

Speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Secretary, Textiles and Handicrafts, Karya Bagang said that in tribal areas like Arunachal, education can be the basis for integrated development and stated that to bring overall development and prosperity we must eliminate exploitation among the marginalized section of society through education. 

Bagang who is long fighting for the rights and welfare of the Puroik Community, said that in comparison to olden days the community has successfully blended modern and traditional life and competing well in every sector,She informed that taking grievances of the community she once approached the then Chief Minister, late Dorjee Khandu, who assured to give full support for development of the community. However with his untimely demise all the assurances remain unfulfilled, added Bagang

The organizing committee on behalf of the community also submitted a memorandum seeking housing facilities, separate welfare boards, employment and educational facilities that could help upiftment of the community especially youths. In response to the memorandum, Libang said that government has already approved creation of welfare board and assured to look over their demands on need based.

Other attraction of the day was mega dance, various cultural items which was later followed by community feast.

 

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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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