Arif mailed me some moments of the tournament that he captured during the finals, which was played between Balinong Village Club and 9^th Mile Club of Assam, where Balinong Village Club defeated the Assam Club very convincingly by 3-0. The winning team carried away the trophy along with cash prize of INR 14000/- whereas runner-up team had to contend with cash award of INR 7000/-.

In his mail, Arif remarked that watching Arunachal football is an altogether different experience as he finds it more ‘dynamic’ and ‘dashing’, which I couldn’t agree more and it triggered a whole lot of thought process in me.

In a State where football is followed religiously and played with great zeal, I wonder, why is it not able to produce even a single footballer of repute from the state?

Let’s see what could be the reasons.

Is it because we lack talent or potential?

Like above Jainem Memorial Football Tournament, several other football tournaments are organized in the state like Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament, Dree Football Tournament etc. Having heard about the performance of teams and players in these tournaments and having closely followed Dree Football Tournament since long, where the teams displays very good coordination, skills and game tactics without any formal coaching or training, it doesn’t seem that the Arunachalee footballer’s lack talent or skills. All they need is proper grooming to show competitive performance in the national event and to win the tournament. Then……

Is it that the State lacks proper training institute or coaching centers to groom the players?

May be, but then, don’t we have Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy?

Does the footballer lack exposure?

Certainly, that’s what I feel. Though, the footballer of the state has the exposure to local tournaments, I feel they have very little exposure to national level tournaments or events from where they could learn and improve their game play. Also if exposed, they could show their true potential and talent to attract the potential Selectors of the football clubs or the national team.

Don’t we have Football Federation/Association to promote Football and footballers?

Well, we have Arunachal Pradesh Football Association with its office at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun and Jarbom Gamlin as President and G. Doke as Secretary. In the AIFF official website, it has been mentioned that there is lot of disparity in functioning of the State Associations with some of the Associations having only one room as it’s office where the attendance of the office bearer is irregular. Also, some of the State Associations regulation is not in conformity with the AIFF regulation.

“There is a lot of disparity in the functioning of the State Associations.

A few State Associations, which have the resources, have well equipped and well staffed office. Some have just one room office where the Secretary or any other office bearer comes after the office hours of his regular work/job.”

So, do our State Football Association fall in that category where the Association is formed and office bearer selected for the sake of it without doing much for promoting Football in the State?

Is it because the footballers have never thought of Football as their career option?

I was having a discussion with friend on what could be the reasons for Arunachalee footballers not exceeding in football despite having immense natural talent. His blunt reply was ‘physique’ which I felt, to a certain extent was true. Apart from that he said that the State Footballer has never taken Football seriously to be considered as their career option or profession and there is always no support from family to pursue the game as their profession.

Here, I would say there is lack of government support. I haven’t heard of any special initiative by the government to promote outstanding sportspersons (well, atleast not in my knowledge ). Perhaps this has dissuaded the aspiring footballers to take football seriously to be considered as their profession and has made their parents not to encourage them to follow football seriously.

Now coming to the question, ‘Would Arunachal ever be able to produce footballer of repute?’

Well, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. But, I feel with little support from government or individuals who are capable of sponsoring the talented sportsperson and little initiative of APFA we can produce footballer of repute. What do you say?

P.S. Well, I’ve poured in my thoughts and I would like to hear from you on whether Arunachal would be able to produce footballer of repute or on what could be the reasons that you are able to come up that is preventing the talented footballers from making it’s mark. Do pour in your comments.

Nampong 20^th January: Phusum Kimhun Chairman DoTC strikes the traditional gong to inaugurate the long awaited 2^nd Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2008 here in Nampong today. On this propitious occasion he released the POI (souvenir) and two audio albums. He further added that this kind of festivals augments cross culture relations and exposes tourism potential of the area. The other guests were DC, Changlang, SP Changlang and many others were also present in the inauguration.

Chief Guest Sri Poshum Khimhun inugurating the PPWF by striking the Gong

It has been highlighted that the PPWF 2008 is the gateway to the shrouded paradise of Arunachal Pradesh and it has been able to showcase the disparate tribes of the state. For the first time the locals and the guest have been able to witness such huge throngs of tribes belonging to different part of AP. Breathtaking performances by the indigenous groups mesmerized the audiences.

Setong Sena, Speaker Arunachal Pradesh Assembly in his speech extended his apologies on behalf of Tako Dabi, who cancelled his trip due to bad weather and thanked Sri. Khimhun for gracing the occasion in such a short notice. He also extended his appreciation to all the crowds and the workers who made this festival a reality. Further more, he said that this kind of cross cultural festivals will definitely enhance the relationship with Myanmar. Sri Tonko Bahadur Rai, Speaker Assam Assembly also graced the occasion and inaugurated the Indigenous Food Fiesta.

The traditional dances presented by the various tribes of AP enthralled the audiences specially the Foreigners who were high in numbers loitering around the festival ground appreciating the breathtaking displays of ethnicity. The Masses also enjoyed the performances of the Myanmar’s cultural troops.

The dignitaries signed for Peace, a signature campaign entitled “We stand and Sign for Peace and Unity”. It was a successful campaign as almost all the visitors present in the festival ground left their signatures and massages.

The VIP entourage than went to visit the Tangsa Hut where the people belonging to various sub-tribes of Tangsa performed SAWI (old traditional songs) that elaborated the histories of migration. Thereafter he inaugurated the Photo Exhibition presented by Arif Siddiqui. The timeless pictures of Stillwell Construction period and Contemporary Jairampur, collected from various sources, throughout the day it was the major attraction of the visitors.

The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival has so much to proffer. The extravagant event unveils the shroud from the concealed world of the Tangsa. The warm smiles of the Tangsas let forget the freezing temperature. Appreciate and admire the simplicity and hospitality. The myriad sub-tribes of Tangsas hypnotizes with the foot tapping beats of drums to the haunting melodies.

The grand event fascinated the visitors and the locals alike. The blazon of Tangsas spirit was on full swing. The multi-cultured traditions flaunted. The brandish of age-old traditions captivates the imaginations. The PPWF highlighted the cultures and cuisines of the Tangsas and the various tribes of AP. The War Cry and gunshots of the Tikhaks enthralled the audiences and the haunting song of the Pangwas, which expressed the saddest thoughts, compelled to recuperate the bygone era of nomadic life.

As the festivals attracts hundreds of visitors from in and out of AP, the remaining two days promises many more visitors from far and near. Practically its economic boom for local traders and if the things persisted the way it is now than the future of this festival is bright enough to enhance the economy and cross border relations.

The final countdown of 2^nd Pangsau Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) 2008 has commenced. Six more days (20th to 22^nd January) and the spectacular PPWF 2008 will be officially unveiled for the whole world to glimpse the spectacular display of cultural carnival, traditional sports and indigenous delicacies. The ethnic extravaganza is geared up to enthrall the guests from across the globe. Its festive time as the New Years begins blended with ethnic amusement celebrating ethnic diversity. The dedication, determination and perspiration of the locals have created a magnificent stage for the ethnic cultures to hurtle the hurdles and triumph over the emotions. The concept of the PPWF is not to get contained within an area & favor a tribe, but it desires to spread its wings and fly beyond the horizons to disclose the mysteries of amazing AP.

Sri Tako Dabi, Minister for Water Resources Development and Parliamentary affairs has consented to grace the occasion as chief guest and will inaugurate the three days Winter Festival at Nampong starting on 20^th January.

The decisive moment has arrived that the youths of Arunachal consider and defend sincerely their ancient heritage because it’s a marvelous endowment from the exodus era. Few years back who might have thought that the forgotten customs of the isolated tribal people dwelling far away from the maddening crowd would fascinate the urban masses to travel around the secluded countryside just to witness the indigenous dances, traditional dresses and taste a glass of U or Apong? It’s a moment of truth, a triumph of tribal heritage and a time to celebrate ethnicity. Disregard the craze of highlife, overlook being highly qualified, forget the appetite of urbanism but be proud and be grateful that somehow ethnicity still survive and thrives in this part of the world. So, be there to celebrate the moment of pride. Don’t be stunned or surprised of inheriting the primeval legacy but be pompous and proud that you are one of the tribes that still can cause ripples worldwide.

Unfortunately, AP is not renowned for its nightlife or fast life but it is famous for the lively tribes, the organic foods, the terrace cultivations, the incredible landscapes, the thatched bamboo houses, the unique dialects, the innocent smiles, affable natures etc. The PPWF 2008 is working on this track to promote or showcase the matchless characteristics of tribal peoples and the indigenous resources used for survival. The cultural carnival is sure enough to mesmerize with its colorful presentation.

As PPWF is synonyms to Eco-tourism thus the ADC Sri M.Roy, Jairampur, has decided to keep the entire area POLY FREE ZONE and in this regard he has prohibited the use of POLY BAGS within the Festival area. This will gradually be implemented in entire Sub Division very shortly. It is a huge step towards creating an unpolluted and greener environment.

Curious Children looking at the hoarding of festival: The Nampong and Jairampur are excited and inspired for the 2nd PPWF – Photo : Arif Siddiqui

Find more on Pangsau Pass Winter Festival here.

Jairampur December 12: An odyssey of discovery, unfolds a fascinating tale of attraction involving the global jetsetters and the alluring tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The sturdy temptation to comprehend about the ways of ethnic subsistence is inspiring the globetrotter to scout the remotest areas of the pristine state. To research and dilate the unassuming lifestyles of the naïve natives, their complex cultures and perplexing rituals, celebrated traveling scribes from Germany will arrive here on 14 December.

Mr. Stefen Loose a famous German writer whose Handbook is the most popular travel guide book, mainly read in German speaking countries, Mrs. Renate Loose (travel photographer & writer) and Mr. Klaus also a German national and an expert on rural tourism waste management in Nepal Himalayas, will meander through the verdure woods of Jairampur, Nampong, Manmao and Pangsau Pass to retrace the routes of migration, research the nomadic past and the ethnic heritage of the tribes residing near the Indo-Myanmar border.

In 2009, Mr. Loose will accomplish glorious 50 years of traveling and the Eastern India and the Northeast India will be the major attraction to commemorate his astounding achievement. But prior to that with three famous travel writers including Mr. Tony Wheeler the founder of Lonely Planet Guide, he desires to traverse Myanmar and Thailand via Pangsau Pass.

The convoluted indigenous culture attracts worldwide attention that inspires to stoutly append the glorious past with the mystified present. Apparently, the popularity of spectacular Pangsau Pass Winter Festival has been successful to impress inquisitiveness that obligates undivided attention of curious minds and gallivanting souls and enforces them to travel towards the panoramic valley dwelled by wonderful tribes renowned for their heartening hospitality.

Gradually, the legendary tribal hospitalities are crossing geographical barriers, connecting peoples from across the globe and winning admiration.

Thereafter, the Hon’ble Chief Minister advanced ahead to address the massive throng who were waiting and preparing for this propitious day since a month. In his inaugural speech, the Hon’ble Chief Minister extended his greetings to the gathering. He stressed further in his speech that the opening of border trade with neighboring countries will definitely upgrade the stagnant economy of Changlang district in particular and Arunachal Pradesh in general. He favored and supported the concept of “Look East Policy” of the Central Government which enables India to expand its trade and commerce affinity with the South East Asian countries. He also appreciated the perception of promoting eco-tourism in the district because the eco-tourism industry has the feasibility to elevate greater height and minimize the employment tribulation of the state. He inched further and focused to fabricate and meliorate the standard of infrastructure for eco-tourism so that utmost backpackers from India and abroad influx the region and contribute to accelerate the constant economy of the district and the state. He concluded his address by complimenting the mass convention and installed hope by announcing development schemes and allotting fund for the district.

In addition the Hon’ble Speaker, Mr. Setong Sena, forwarded his gratitude towards the Hon’ble Chief Minister for his stopover at his constituency.” The inauguration of ADC complex is a blessing for the people of the region,” He added. He continued that the tourism industry plays pivotal role in bolstering the economy of the modern world. Thus, the state should initiate and sponsor such projects in district level and the state resources be utilized appropriately to create more employment prospects for the educated unemployed youths. Certainly, tourism industry is one of the most feasible industries in the world and it has immense potential to spread out in Arunachal Pradesh because the shrouded paradise is conspicuous and marked as the 10^th bio-diversity hot spot in the world. He elaborated further that the tourism should be introduced in the grass root level so that entire populace gets a piece of pie from this major change over.

In his address Mr.Tsering Gyurme, Chief advisor to HCM, suggested all the villagers to concentrate in orange orchards & tea cultivation plantation etc. as the soil of the territory is also favorable for horticulture and agriculture.

For details of the festival contact: -

Arif Siddiqui
Media & Publicity In charge
Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2008
Land – 03800-222770, Hand – 09436057366

Email – arunachal.arif@gmail.com