Knowledge is the Power House

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chakma Autonomous District Council: A tale to tell

The Chakma Autonomous District Council is an autonomous council for ethnic Chakma people, formed under the sixth schedule to the Constitution of India on April 29, 1972. The Council exercises legislative, executive and judiciary powers over allotted departments within the territory of CADC.

The idea of jotting down this article is to preserve and share my experiences with my pen pals who are yet to come and would be curious about the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chakma Autonomous District Council.

I. How it begun: Inaugural Programme (29/04/2022-30/04/2022)

A year ahead of the celebration, several meetings and discussions took place, various committees and sub-committees were formed.

Importantly, on 6th December, 2021, a meeting attended by all Members of Chakma District Council, heads of department, CADC and representatives of Central Young Chakma Association, Chakma Mahila Samilti, Mizoram Chakma Student Union, Mizoram Buddhist Association, Chakma District Employees' Association, Chakma District Pensioners Association, TARUM was held under the chairmanship of Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the then Chief Executive Member, CADC in the conference hall of CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar to discuss the celebration of CADC Golden Jubilee. CADC constituted on 29th April 1972 have completed 50 glorious years on 29th April, 2022.

An emblem to commemorate the occasion of Golden Jubilee of Chakma Autonomous District Council was unveiled on 18th April, 2022 in a programme organized by Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee in the CADC Conference Hall, Kamalanagar.

CADC Golden Jubilee Emblem

Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the then Hon’ble CEM, CADC and Chief Guest of the programme, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, the then Hon’ble Chairman, CADC and Guest of Honour of the programme, Executive Members, CADC, MDCs, Head of Departments of CADC have attended the programme.

The emblem was designed with the figure 50 written in Chakma script with a torch bearing man running, clad in dhoti, enclosed by the digit five while the zero housed the CADC emblem. The number 50 has been traced with the tri-colours of the CADC flag. The running man symbolizes progress and the torch held by the man symbolizes wisdom.

The CEM announced in the programme that the emblem will be used in all official correspondences throughout the Golden Jubilee year to mark the momentous occasion.

II. The celebration time:

On 29th April, 2022 the Chakma Autonomous District Council kicked off the celebration of 50 years of CADC’s existence with an inaugural programme organized at Kamalanagar Halipad. Pu Lalrinliana Sailo, Hon’ble Speaker, Mizoram graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Distinguished guests Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the then CEM, CADC, Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA, West Tuipui Assembly Constituency, Dr. Buddha Dhan Chakma, MLA, Tuichawng Assembly Constituency, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, the then Chairman, CADC have attended the programme.

The celebration started with chanting of prayers by Bhikkhus and release of gas balloon for peace by the Chief Guest. In tribute candles were lighted before the framed photographs of pioneers of CADC autonomy movement and Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, Member, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee offered condolences to all the deceased councilors.

The programme showcased the varied aspects of tradition Jhumma life of the Chakmas performed by the Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti in collaboration with Art & Culture Department, CADC which included the different stages of Jhum cultivation, fishing, spinning of thread from cotton and weaving, dragging of a country boat over a shallow rapid and marriage rituals.

The CEM, CADC while speaking of the great sacrifice and pain endured by the pioneers of CADC autonomy movement narrated in detail how the leaders like Dg. Kristo Mohan Chakma, Dg. Hari Kristo Chakma, Dg. Gaur Nitai Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma and Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma maintained a sustained demand for autonomy for the Chakmas of Mizoram through constitutional means by making trip after trip to Shillong and Guwahati despite the wretched condition of the Chakma community then.

“It is our duty that we make ourselves worthy of the great sacrifice made and the legacy left upon us”, he emphasized.

“The Chakma Autonomous District Council has restored partially the Chakmas their right to self-determination which was once enjoyed by them prior to the British subjugating the Chakma king by treachery”, he stated while adding, “None of us should harbour even by a trace that any favour has been done on us by having been granted the autonomy in the form of CADC, as such thinking can take toll upon our morale and dignity”.

He further added, “It is our natural right and all princely states existing during the time of India’s Independence were granted the choice for self-determination”. The programme can be viewed here.

The celebration was continued in the evening with a cultural programme scheduled.

Next day, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the then Chief Executive Member, Chakma Autonomous District Council unveiled the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar to commemorate the occasion of CADC Golden Jubilee installed in the premises of New CADC Secretariat Complex.

He termed the installation of the statue one of the most appropriate and significant actions taken by the CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee to mark the golden jubilee of Chakma Autonomous District Council.

Meanwhile, Dg. Buddha Lila Chakma became the Chief Executive Member of Chakma Autonomous District Council after the removal of Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma from the office of CEM in no-confidence motion on 9th June, 2022 and subsequently Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya was elected as Chairman, CADC on 17th June, 2022. However, Dg. Buddha Lila Chakma, the then CEM, CADC tendered resignation from the post of CEM, CADC following the withdrawal of support by 5 (five) MDCs on 7th October, 2022.

With his resignation the current Executive Committee, CADC stand dissolved and came under Governor's Rule from 16th December, 2022.

On 10th November, 2022 the Chairman, CADC who was also Chairman of the the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee had notified that the owing to the resignation of the CEM, CADC and the consequent dissolution of the Executive Committee of CADC, the planned celebration of the Golden Jubilee in the sub headquarters of CADC is postponed. Meaning the celebration of closing ceremony of Golden Jubilee of Chakma Autonomous District Council have to be celebrated without the Executive Committee which was an extraordinary event in the history of CADC.

Earlier, it was decided that the Golden Jubilee celebration will be held throughout the year with the opening and closing ceremony to be organised at Kamalanagar. In between celebration programmes will also be organised at the sub-headquarters.

III. How it ended: Closing Ceremony (21/12/2022-22/12/2022)

After months-long political tussle, a meeting pertaining to the celebration of closing ceremony of the CADC Golden Jubilee was held on 7th December, 2022 at the Conference Hall of CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar. The meeting organized by the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee was attended by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC who is also the Chairman of the CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, all Head of the Departments, representatives of the Sub-Committees of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee among others.

It is to be mentioned here that the employees of CADC have contributed one day pay amounting to Rs. 33,85,165 for the celebration of closing ceremony slated from 20th December, 2022 to 21st December, 2022 at Helipad Ground, Bajeisora.

CADC Flag

The Flag of CADC was distributed to each and every household of all the 88 villages under CADC to mark the occasion. Sign Board bearing small account of the village was put up at entry and exit point of every village. The Entry Gate at Boranasury, Kamalanagar and Longpuighat which was to be constructed and completed before closing ceremony remain incomplete as the gate at Kamalanagar which is the main Entry Gate to Chakma Autonomous District Council was partially completed without a trace of any Gate at Longpuighat is questionable!

The closing ceremony of Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chakma Autonomous District Council was a two-day long ceremony held at Kamalanagar Helipad.

Day 1: The closing ceremony was kicked off by unveiling the CADC Golden Jubilee Memorial Pillar at CADC Secretariat Complex by Dg Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee.

Dg Robert Romawia Royte, Hon’ble Minister of State i/c Sports & Youth Services graced the occasion as Chief Guest for first day.

Distinguished guests Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA, West Tuipui Assembly Constituency, Dg Suhash Chakma, Founder, Chakma Development Foundation of India; Dg Devjan Chakma, TPS (Retd.), Rejyo Karbari, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg Shanti Bikash Chakma, Rejyo Kabideng, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad, Dg. Nirmal Chakma, Ehjal Karbari, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg. Madhu Sudhan Chakma, Member, Advisory Board, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad have attended the programme.

At the main venue, the celebration started with chanting of prayers for peace by Bhikkhus, followed by Message of Gratitude to the Founders of the Chakma Autonomous District Council by Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, DCSWO, CADC and Member, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, 2022.

The programme showcased the varied aspects of the Chakmas performed by the students from various Schools and Chakma Mahila Samiti in collaboration with Art & Culture Department, CADC which included the demonstration on Unity in Diversity by the Students of Vijoygiri Academy, dance performance by the Students of KMM Comprehensive Middle School.

The programme also showcased cultural items presented by Chakma Mahila Samiti and Arts & Culture Department, CADC.

Day 2: It was the crux of the closing ceremony of Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chakma Autonomous District Council.

His Highness Raja Devasish Roy, the titular Raja of the Chakmas and former Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) graced the occasion for second day as Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Dg. Reetesh Roy, Dgb. Arjyashree Chakma, Dg. Rubel Chakma, Dgb. Tejashree Chakma, Dg. Tanak Chakma, Dg. Rupayan Tongchangya, Dg. Trishila Chakma, Dg. Nikhut Dewan, Dg. Somantor Chakma and Dg. Cyrus Edward Naji.

Distinguished guests Dr Buddha Dhan Chakma, MLA, Mizoram; Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Former Minister Govt. of Mizoram and current National President, Chakma National Council of India (Central Committee), Dg Suhash Chakma, Founder, Chakma Development Foundation of India; Dr. Munmun Chakma, Commandant, Assam Rifles; Dr. Falguni Chakma, Commandant, Assam Rifles; Dg Devjan Chakma, TPS (Retd.), Rejyo Karbari, Tripura Rejyo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg Shanti Bikash Chakma, Rejyo Kabideng, Tripura Rejyo Chakma Samajik Parishad, Dg. Nirmal Chakma, Ehjal Karbari, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg. Madhu Sudhan Chakma, Member, Advisory Board, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad and others have attended the programme.

The closing day programme showcased the demonstration on the transition of the Chakma society from past to present by Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti. The programme also showcased cultural items presented by Chakma Mahila Samiti and Arts & Culture Department, CADC.

There was an inauguration of Exhibition Hall on Chakma Traditional Wares by the Chief Guest displayed varied implements and tools of which some of them are obsolete and rarely used in the family chores now.

Various brain-storming and rousing speeches on Socio-cultural aspects and Chakma nationalism by the intellectuals gathered from different states of India and Bangladesh have been witnessed.

His Highness Raja Devasish Roy spoke about the need of unity amongst the Chakmas irrespective of their countries and states, formation of International Chakma Language Board to check the original dialect, amendments of Chakma Customary Law in line with Human Rights among others. He mentioned that the Chakma Autonomous District Council should flourish in all directions not only for its people but for the entire Chakma community across the globe.

A Chakma documentary – ‘Changma Zinghani Gonghanir Hideb’ (A documentary film on the socio-cultural and economic life of the Chakma people) was released by the Chief Guest showcasing the various aspects of the life of the Chakma people from birth to death.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma reminded the youths referring a Chakma song – ‘Ami Dejor Gabusse-Gaburi, Ami Bobissot; Ami Dejor Maan-Somman Ragebong Ejjot’, that it is their responsibility to carry forward CADC and the Chakma society in the years to come. He implored them to contribute to the CADC, instead of asking what the CADC has done for them. It is their duty to spread Chakma nationalism.

He appealed to all to contribute to the society irrespective of their profession and ward-off all evils which will spoil the brand of the Chakma community.

Dg Suhash Chakma while speaking recalled Raja Administrative System and need for its revival, from where at some point of time in history, the Constitution of India originated and thus gave birth to this piece of land for the beautiful confluence of culture.

He referred that even during undivided British India the Chakmas were at par with the European due to their legal expertise and administrative system during that time. It is high time; we protect and preserve our cultural identity and give equal rights and opportunity to the women community too.

“Dg. Sneha Kumar Chakma, a founder of CADC was a member of the Constitution Drafting Sub-Committee for the Excluded Area which is under Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India now. This may be one of the reasons for the creation of Chakma Autonomous District Council,” he added.

In a nutshell, the closing ceremony of Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chakma Autonomous District Council was more jubilant, vivid and memorable than the inaugural programme. However, it's time to think and retrospect whether we have come across and achieved as much as it needed to achieved in last 50 years or not and learn from it.

Monday, October 24, 2022

Participation of CADC in 1st ISPL, 2022: A lesson for all

It was about a week before the Football tournament begin, this message reached me that there will be the 1^st Inter Sixth Schedule Councils Premier Football League, 2022 (ISPL, 2022) Season 1 in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) scheduled from 9^th October, 2022 to 23rd October, 2022 and Chakma Autonomous District Council (hereafter CADC) is taking part in it.

First of its kind, the 1^st Inter Sixth Schedule Councils Premier Football League, 2022 is being incubated by the Govt. of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) as the pioneer host of the Series tournament to be organized by the member Councils under Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India in a rotation manner in the years to come.

However, it was two days before we set-out for the tournament, I got a call from Dg Durjya Dhan Chakma, Executive Member i/c Sports & Youth Services Department, CADC asking me whether I would like to be a part of this epoch-making. Truly, I couldn’t express then how I was feeling happy and chilling about the tiding for which I have been waiting for to be a part of the team that will be representing CADC in the first ever such Inter Sixth Schedule Councils Premier Football league being organized. Next day, I rushed to the Office of the District Sports Promotion Officer, CADC as instructed where I learnt about the selection of players of the CADC Football Team. That time it was not a matter of concern. Due to paucity of time, it was despairing to think to form a Selection Committee for the purpose. I have seen many naysayers’ comments or ridicules mongering in various social media platforms particularly on Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. regarding the selection of the Team. We were unprepared for such an event!

Though the CADC Football Team has performed worst amongst the participatory teams but, the sojourn was full of outmost care and hospitality, which may be felt by all teams shall be etched in our hearts forever. Indeed, it was a new experience for all of us. There was so much media attention to our team especially in the night when our team played against the BTR Team at Kokrajhar District Sports Complex. Our Team Manager Dg Prityrup Chakma, Assistant District Promotion Officer, CADC stole the show for a moment in the field when he said this – “We have come to win your heart, not the Tournament.” And eventually there was continuous media interview which we have never encountered even in our home state. Impressive Chakma song by Tatu Chakma, a player from CADC Football Team. Frankly speaking, before departure our team has sent a Press Release to several media house in our state out of excitement but, it was not published by any of them which is very sad. Anyway, we are on our own which we must realize before it is too late which is a glaring fact. In total, our team had played three matches against the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Team, the Lai Autonomous District Council and last the Bodoland Territorial Team.

By and large, it is high time that we think with common interest not only for the upliftment of our society but also for improving our lives by thwarting any kind of petty vendetta whether political, social or religious barriers pervading today which is causing our society poverty-ridden, debilitate and regression one which is detrimental for one and all. This need to be eliminated soon as it will impair our society slowly and perpetually until we are completely annihilated as a community or assimilated into other's society.

Altogether, there are 10 (ten) Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India in Northeast. Out of which, only 8 (eight) teams participated in the tournament. They are namely – the Bodoland Territorial Council (now Bodoland Territorial Region), the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council from Assam; the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council from Meghalaya; the Chakma Autonomous District Council, the Lai Autonomous District Council and the Mara Autonomous District Council from Mizoram and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council from Tripura. Of all, The Bodoland Territorial Region is the most developed and powerful one and the Chakma Autonomous District Council is the weakest and unstable one in all respects. The Bodoland Territorial Region was constituted in 2003 whereas, the Chakma Autonomous District Council was formed on 29^th April 1972. This year, the CADC is celebrating its 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of existence along with her sister Councils MADC and LADC. Apparently, we are lagging behind in all respects in comparison to BTR or other sister Councils under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. But we can learn many things from them in order to push our Council forward and develop at par with the rest of the sister Councils.

Almost, the other 8 (eight) Councils have their own Civil and Revenue District except the Lais and Chakmas, both of them housed in One District i.e., Lawngtlai District in south-western part of Mizoram bordering Siaha District to the north-east, Bangladesh to the west and Myanmar to the south-east. First of all, to become free and emancipation we have to have our own district i.e., administrative unit separate from the Lais or vice-versa and if possible, all the Chakma concentrated areas be included in one such District named after the Chakmas. This will not only relieve burden for the Lais as they had to share all available resources with other community like the Chakma, which is unenthusiastic. Consequently, the Chakmas are becoming vulnerable and struggling for their survival as they have less to enjoy their share where starts our poor performance in such an event representing Chakma like this time at 1^st Inter Sixth Schedule Councils Premier Football League, 2022 in BTR. Until recently, we had no Football ground to promote and develop Football in CADC. Local grounds do not suit due to varied reasons.

As we entered in Bodoland in the mid-night of 8^th October, 2022, we have passed by many Football grounds with permanent goal-post netted. There we could feel the aura and realize the importance of Football in BTR. As informed by one of the officials who came down all the way from Udalguri to Guwahati to received us that after the insurgency period or post Memorandum of Settlement between the Bodoland Liberation Tiger Force (BLTF) and Government of India and Assam, almost all the villages have at least one Football ground and every household has an aspirant and thus produced many District-level and State-level Football players from BTR. Whereas, we have none to name as a professional Football player from CADC. Then how could our players outperform any of them. Reportedly, I have learnt during the tournament that there are unbeknownst aspirant players who are now playing under many Sporting Clubs in different parts of the Country, which is a positive sign for us in this field. We need more such aspirants in other Sports too, though it entails continuous hard work, grit and dedication along with huge monetary involvement. Due to lack of communication, this time they were left out but, I believe that next time they all will be invited and given a chance to represent CADC.

Through this article, I ardently appeal to the Authority to promote Sports culture and support Athletes in CADC under different Schemes from Central Government like Khelo India and create platform for our aspirant Athletes and Sportspersons, if possible, with allowance which will bolster them in time.

RESULTS OF THE 1^ST ISPL, 2022:

WINNER – Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam

1^ST RUNNER UP – Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC), Mizoram

2^ND RUNNER UP – Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Assam

Friday, February 18, 2022

Visit to Manali: Through my lens

A tour may be of any kind; personal, official or adventurous! However, a tour become adventurous and enjoyable when you are longing for it from long time and you're able to take part as you wish...

This tour to Manali comprising of adjoining areas like Kasol, Manikarn, Solang Valley and some parts of Lahaul of Himachal Pradesh, India is related to personality development and training.