Naharlagun-Tai Ahom community celebrates Me-Dam-Me-Phi
Naharlagun
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Chowna Mein accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom graced the 4th Me-Dam-Me-Phi celebration of Tai Ahom community organized by All Arunachal Pradesh Tai–Ahom Development Council at Kumari Khamti village of Namsai district on Tuesday.
Me-dam-me-phi is celebrated by the Tai Ahom every year in memory of the departed. It is the manifestation of the concept of ancestor worship that the Tai Ahoms share with other peoples originating from the Tai Shan stock.
Dy CM Mein said that the Tai communities have the richest written chronicle and we must all feel pride about it. It is a festival to show respect to the departed ancestors and remember their contribution to society. The festival of Me-dam-me-phi not only reflects the manner and customs of the Tai Ahoms but also helps to create unity, feeling of brotherhood and mutual understanding among the new generation.
Recalling the contribution made by Dr Pushpa Gogoi who is a prominent scholar of Tai Ahom community from Assam for resurgence of Tai Ahom community, Mein shared his experience on long term relations and the contributions made for the upliftment of the Tai-Ahom community.
He called upon the youths to come forward to keep the Tai legacy and tradition alive for greater interest of the Tai-Ahom community. He said that for development of any community we have to stride forward economically, socially and politically and open discussions on the issues confronting the society should take place.
He also shared his experience on recent Thailand visit and his meeting with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during the Royal audience.
Speaking on the occasion, Namchoom lauded the Tai Ahoms for preserving their rich age-old culture and tradition. He advised the younger generation to follow the footsteps of their parents or forefathers in order to preserve own identity and tradition and said that loss of culture is the loss of identity. He urged the youths to study hard and refrain themselves from taking any kind of intoxication.
Namchoom also donated some amount to the Me-dam-me phi organizing committee.
Later, the organizing committee submitted two-point memorandum to Dy CM Mein on which he assured to provide a community hall at Krishnapur Village in Namsai District soon.
Earlier, Mein and Namchoom were given a rousing reception by the organizing committee. On the occasion, besides performing of traditional rituals, cultural programmes and lectures by senior members of the Tai Ahom were also organized.
