Mein calls for bracing the spirit of 'unity in diversity'

Our correspondent

Itanagar, April 22: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein was part of the historic occasion at Kodungallur in Thrisur district of Kerala on Saturday with the release of 'Daiva Dasakam' - the ten verses on God, which has been translated in 100 languages including Tai Khamti language of Arunachal Pradesh.

Mein said that heartfelt prayer and exquisite poetry composed by Daiva Dasakam was unique which still stands unparallel even after its 100 years of existence and is accepted universally even today, an official report stated.

He said the preaching of one caste, one religion and one God for mankind is pertinent in the present context as it sends a message of universal brotherhood and oneness when the world is segregating day-by-day in the name of religion.

The Deputy Chief Minister said, "It is a proud moment for us as 'Daiva Dasakam' has been translated in Tai-Khamti script, which is the language of one of the major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh to which I belong."

He said Tai Khamti is one of the tribes having its own script called Lik-Tai, which is very rich and preserved in Buddhist monasteries as manuscripts, which are read in great reverence in melodious intonation and taught to the inmates in monasteries.

Informing that Arunachal Pradesh is home to 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, Mein laid stress on the preservation and promotion of tribal languages and dialects as some of them are on the verge of extinction.

He said the State government has taken significant measures to preserve and promote the age-old identity of various tribes of the State and also sought support and assistance from the Centre.

Mein said that the event would herald a new beginning by connecting the southernmost State of India with the Northeastern State.

He said that the cultural exchange programmes should also be conducted from time to time to strengthen the spirit of 'unity in diversity' among the people of different regions, the report added.