By Pradeep Kumar

ITANAGAR, Nov 24: The culture, identity of ethnic-rich Arunachalees, could break boundaries if the propagator reflects her love for the time-tested traditions (parampara) for which Arunachal Pradesh is known globally.
This has been proved right again by Hyderabad-based Sudha Vinjamuri aka Sudha, an expert Bharat Natyam dancer, journalist and founder-trustee of London-based Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence (SCCE), engaged in advocating protection and conservation of environment through dance forms for the survival of universe, has been a culture ambassador of India in the United Kingdom for last many years.
It may be recalled here that the SCCE had presented traditional dances Miji and Rongmei (Manipur) at cultural wing of High Commission of India in London in July, 2019.
Sudha, on returning from London, told this editor from Hyderabad that: Apatani and Adi culture and heritage were showcased in House of Lords of British Parliament on the night of November 21 as part of ‘World Heritage Week’, themed Hasta Shilpam, organized by SCCE, that included demonstarion of weaving and textile traditions of India.
She could manage Apatani girl Taba Menia, presently studying in Oxford University, who explained Adi weaving techniques, textiles and garments, Gakong Gelong and Doket, dyeing colours used and insertion of duput with demonstrations to the applause of the gathering.
It was followed by presentation of Apatani dance by Ananya Vilina. The SCEE had highlighted Tai Khamti language reflecting cultural diversity of Arunachal Pradesh on ‘World Day for Cultural Diversity’, organized by SCEE few months ago.
UK’s former energy and climate change minister Baroness Verma, present Roehampton University Chancellor of and UN Women UK Chair, who hosted the event, underscored the importance of preserving traditions and heritage while appreciating SCEE for its continued efforts to achieve the goal by various cultural initiatives.
Handlooms and weaving traditions of Rajasthan, Sindh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Odisha tribal Santhali were also presented by women of respective states living in London now, who all were felicitated, she said, adding the event, first of its kind, received overwhelming feedbacks for its rich and meaningful content.
    Moreover, Union Ministers Arjun Munda (Tribal Affairs) and Piyush Goyal (Textiles), Arunachal Pradesh  Culture Minister Taba Tedir and Odisha Culture Minister Aswini Kumar Patra have conveyed their best wishes for success of the event.
   It may be recalled here that Sudha, during her five day trip to Arunachal Pradesh in August 2019 accompanied by social activist Subata Sen, had visited Lower Suabnsiri district HQs Ziro for her research on Aptani culture. On her return, she had visited Naharlagun-based Oju Welfare Association, interacted with chairperson Anya Ratan about traditional dresses and bought  Nyishi dresses and beads as part of her research.
She had also called on state’s Culture Minister Taba Tedir and Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Dairy Development & Fisheries Minister Tage Taki, who had applauded  her initiative in popularizing Arunachalee culture aboard and assured any help needed in future in that aspect

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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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