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The Print
13-06-2025
- The Print
Arunachal to develop World War II museum, showcase significance of Burma Campaign
Chairing a meeting here on Thursday, Mein noted the historical significance of the Pangsau Pass and the Stilwell Road. The museum is located at the historical Stilwell Road, a strategic World War II route. Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government will develop the World War II museum at Jairampur in Changlang, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said, emphasising the region's importance in the Burma Campaign. 'This area is of immense historical value, and we aim to develop a one-of-a-kind museum to preserve and showcase this legacy while transforming it into a major heritage-cum-tourism hub,' he said. The deputy CM said the collection of artefacts needs to be enhanced so that a dedicated gallery showcasing the contributions of the indegenous people can be developed, noting the role played by people of the Singpho, Khamti, Adi, Nocte, Mishmi, and Naga tribes, who served as soldiers and porters during what is popularly known as the 'Burma War'. During the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival, a Willy Jeep rally from the Hump WWII Museum in Pasighat, East Siang district, to Pangsau Pass, as well as a supercar rally, have been planned to attract tourists and history enthusiasts. For this, a dedicated committee has been constituted with Research Minister Dasanglu Pul as the chair, Mein as the chief advisor, and MLAs Laisam Simai and Oken Tayeng as advisors, besides Research Secretary BJ Duai as member secretary. Mein was speaking at the meeting of this committee. Lt Col TC Tayum made a detailed presentation on the artefacts collected so far for the museum. PTI UPL UPL SOM This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh orders closure of 386 schools, cites zero enrolment
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Descendant of tea pioneer crowned new Singpho chief
Dibrugarh: In a historic ceremony steeped in tradition, was coronated as the 8th chief (raja) of the on Saturday at Bisa village in Assam's Tinsukia district. The event marked the continuation of a legacy that dates back two centuries, when his ancestor Bisa Gam Singpho first introduced tea to the British, altering the course of Assam's and India's economic history. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The coronation ceremony, held with traditional Buddhist rituals, saw the presence of dignitaries, including Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma, Margherita Assistant Commissioner Pratim Gogoi. Buddhist monks (Vantes) conducted the religious rites, invoking blessings for the new chief and the community. The new chief will oversee Singpho affairs across three regions — Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India, and neighbouring Kachin State in Myanmar — highlighting the cross-border nature of the community's cultural connections that predate modern national boundaries. The Singpho community's connection with tea is legendary. In 1823, Bisa Gam Singpho, an ancestor of the newly coronated chief, showed wild tea bushes to Scottish explorer Robert Bruce in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley. This discovery led to the commercial cultivation of tea in Assam, with the first 12 chests of reaching London auctions shortly after. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for the Assam Company India Limited (ACIL), the first tea plantation company in India and the world. The new chief, Bisa Mungdang Gam Singpho, is the eldest son of the late Bisa Nong Singpho, who passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 76. The former chief was widely respected for his efforts in uniting communities and preserving Singpho culture. His last rites were performed with state honours, reflecting his significant contributions. Speaking after his coronation, the new chief expressed his commitment to upholding his father's legacy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "It is an honour and a great responsibility to lead our community. My father worked tirelessly to preserve our culture and strengthen bonds between communities. I will continue his mission while also addressing the challenges our people face today," he said. Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma praised the Singpho community's historical and cultural significance. "The Singpho people have made immeasurable contributions to our region. Their ancestor's introduction of tea to the British transformed Assam's economy and put India on the global tea map. Today's ceremony is a reminder of that legacy. The coronation of the new chief is a moment of pride for the people of Assam," he remarked.
