Lummer Dai Literary Award 2023 goes to Jumsi Siram | Govt introduces ‘Achiever Award’ to encourage budding talents: Mein

ITANAGAR, Jun 01: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein Thursday informed that to encourage the budding talents of the state, the government is introducing the ‘Achiever Award’ from this year for which a provision of Rs one crore has been kept in the budget.

Attending the Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award ceremony here, organised on the occasion of the 83rd birth anniversary of Lummer Dai, by Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) here, Mein highlighted the government’s active role in reviving the stories of state’s unsung heroes and restoring the folklores of the state pertaining to the various indigenous communities.

The deputy chief minister praised the literary contributions of Dai and stressed on the importance of promoting literature and education in the state.

He also highlighted the achievements of individuals from various sectors including sports, education and business, who brought laurels to the state.

Born on June 1, 1940, Dai had been a renowned literary icon in the state, who made significant contributions to the field of literature. His debut novel ‘Paharor Xile Xile’ is the first novel written by an Arunachalee.

After his demise in 2002, the Assam Sahitya Sabha and the APLS have been honouring his lifetime contributions through various awards and celebrations and the Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award is being one of the prominent ones.

Dai reinforced the role of literature in cultural preservation by passing on cultural heritages to future generations in the state and holding on to ancestral roots.

Mein later handed over this year’s award to Jumsi Siram, who has also remained a recipient of the Vishwa Hindi Samman at the 12th World Hindi Conference in Nadi, Fiji.

Mein also released the latest edition of ‘Pravas’, the only literary magazine in Arunachal Pradesh, along with three other books.

The event was also attended by APLS President Y D Thongchi, Itanagar Smart City Development Corp CEO Dahey Sangno, Assam Publicity Board Secretary Pramod Kalita, Cultural Affairs Secretary Tai Kaye and Sahitya Akademi Awardee Mamang Dai among others.

At Pasighat: Noted litterateur, novelist and the doyen of journalism in the state, Lummer Dai was remembered on his 83rd Birth Anniversary here on Thursday, organized by the East Siang unit of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS).

Floral and musical tributes were paid at the portrait of Dai by the Pasighatians.

Among others, prominent personalities including retired joint director (ICDS) Ponung Ering Angu, Kaling Borang, retired JDHS Dr Kaling Dai, Bismillah Khan Awardees Delong Padung, former ZPC Kaling Dai, noted writer Sharad Khaund from Assam, renowned public leader Tobuk Dai, academician Manju Lata and many prominent writers and poets were present on the occasion.

Born in Siluk village under Mebo subdivision in 1940, Dai was one of the first generation educated people of the state and is regarded as an indispensable name in the field of literature.

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 Dai and his contribution towards the growth of literature in the state.

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