Itanagar, Dec 2: The 19th Foundation Day of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) was celebrated in a grand manner at the State Banquet Hall here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of its president Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi.
Attending the programme as the chief guest, Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung described himself as an ardent lover of poetry and literature and recited three poems by renowned poets. In his address, Tatung said that the literature of Arunachal Pradesh is the mirror and kaleidoscope of the society, traditions and culture of the Arunachalee communities. He lauded APLS for its dedicated efforts in nurturing budding writers and creating a conducive literary environment in the state.
In his presidential address, YD Thongchi informed that APLS has taken an initiative to publish dramas written by dramatists of the state under the title ‘Natak Mala’, as a part of dramatic movement launched by Riken Ngomle under the aegis of the State Government and Roots Arunachal.
On the occasion, the Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award, 2025 was conferred upon Dr Ashok Kumar Pandey for his outstanding literary contribution in the field of poetry. The award, presented by the chief guest, comprised a memento, a citation, a bundle of books, and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The programme also witnessed the release of two books — ‘Boh Ramo Bokar: Mastering Folklore and Language Skills’ by Dr Nasi Koje and ‘Yatra’, the Hindi translation of short stories by YD Thongchi, translated by Inumoni Das Thongchi.
A lively interactive session titled “A conversation with the translator and the author” by Dr Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, Professor, Rajiv Gandhi University, drew keen interest from the literary enthusiasts. Lardik Kare, author of the Book ‘Tagin Nyitin (Tagin Proverbs)’, also delivered a lecture on his recently published book, brought out by APLS.
Earlier, the programme began with a welcome address by APLS general secretary Mukul Pathak, who highlighted the Society’s history and key activities. Among literary lovers, Tokong Pertin, Nani Kojin, RN Koley, Ranjit Sinha, Dr Chandan Tamuly, Dr Prasenjit Manna, Dahey Sangno, Dr Bompi Riba, Dr Doyir Ete, Dr Yater Nyokir, students of RGU, DNGC and PM Shri GHSS, Doimukh and many other literature enthusiasts were present on the occasion.