Latest news with #Monpas
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Dalai Lama's b'day under tree that grew from his walking stick
GUWAHATI: A stick pressed into stone, then left behind. Sixty-five years later, it stands fruit-bearing and tall - a tree grown from the staff of a fleeing monk. At Zemithang in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district bordering China, lamas, villagers, and dignitaries gathered Sunday beneath the Gurusheng tree as prayers rose for the Tibetan spiritual leader 's long life on his 90th birthday. This was the very spot where the 14th Dalai Lama first rested after escaping from Tibet in 1959. Locals said the walking stick he used, placed on a stone before he moved on, took root - giving rise to what is now considered a holy tree. "He placed it on a rock. The Monpas (local community) saw it sprout. Today, it bears fruit," said Lama Kalzang Lhundrub, secretary of Gorzam Stupa Culture Centre. "The tree is a blessing. It's growing out of stone." The Dalai Lama had stayed the second night at Gorzam Stupa after entering India. He crossed into India on March 31, 1959, through Zemithang. Security forces received him at Survashamba, 2km from Kinzamani. The wooden staff, later called the Gurusheng tree, was with him. Now a spiritual landmark, the Gurusheng tree drew more than 18,000 tourists last year. "It's the biggest attraction in Zemithang. Prayers under it are believed to be wish- fulfilling," said circle officer Deewan Mara.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Prayers held at Holy Tree in Arunachal's Kinzamani to mark Dalai Lama's 90th b'day
Guwahati: A prayer for the long life of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, was organised at the Holy Tree, named Gurusheng at Kinzamani in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday to mark his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama had escaped from Tibet in 1959. He had rested at Kinzamani, where the Holy Tree grew from his walking stick that he left on a stone. He arrived in India on March 31, 1959, with a wooden stick, which he used as a walking staff while entering India through Zemithang and was received by the Indian security forces at Survashamba, 2 km from Kinzamani. "Prayer for his long life was organised beneath the Gurusheng tree by the lamas of Zemithang, along with other guests and dignitaries, including the public of Zemithang Circle," said Lama Kalzang Lhundrub, secretary of Gorzam Stupa Culture Centre. "The Dalai Lama had placed the walking stick on a stone and left it there. Local Monpas later recognised it as a branch of the Gurusheng tree. The tree now bears fruit and is fully grown. It has already become a major centre of attraction," he added. Last year, 18,000 tourists visited this tree. "This tree is the biggest attraction in Zemithang and a landmark of spiritual tourism. People believe that praying under the tree fulfils their wishes," said Deewan Mara, circle officer, Zemithang. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo After the prayers at Kinzamani, the main celebration began before a photo of His Holiness placed at Gorzam Stupa, where the Dalai Lama stayed the second night on April 1, 1959, after entering India. He also issued a sermon there. An event by students from different schools in Zemithang and a plantation drive at Kinzamani were also organised.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
City girl leads waste management movement in Arunachal valley
Guwahati: In the remote eastern Himalayas, Sangti Valley in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district is witnessing a quiet yet profound transformation spearheaded by 32-year-old Guwahati resident Ittisha Sarah . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Working independently, Sarah has been integrating traditional wisdom with modern waste management techniques to promote sustainability in the region. Home to the indigenous Monpa tribe, whose way of life revolves around agriculture and tourism, the community follows age-old environmental practices deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. Inspired by these customs, Sarah has incorporated the tribe's beliefs into her waste management initiative, aligning clean-up efforts with the lunar calendar. Sarah said the Monpas observe five sacred days each month — on the 8th, 10th, 15th, 25th, and 30th — marked by prayers and mindful living. "The Monpas believe that no sinful or harmful activities should take place during these days. So, I dedicate three of them to cleaning and segregation, making it a symbolic and sacred act rather than just a chore," she said. On the 8th, 15th (full moon), and 30th (new moon) of each lunar cycle, Sarah and local villagers join forces to clean the community. Waste collected during these days is sent to a temporary material recovery facility, where it is segregated and sold to scrap dealers. Proceeds are distributed among female self-help groups, supporting their families while reinforcing sustainability. She has conducted numerous clean-up drives, workshops, and awareness campaigns across the valley, engaging schoolchildren, elders, and women's groups. Her deep understanding of tribal customs and commitment to grassroots engagement have earned the villagers' trust. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Despite limited financial support, her initiative has led to the collection of 108 tonnes of garbage since 2020. However, without institutional backing, she has shouldered much of the work herself. With proper government assistance, Sarah believes her model could be replicated in other hilly regions grappling with waste management challenges. Sangti Valley faces growing waste issues due to increased tourism and packaged goods, yet lacks a formal disposal system. Sarah and the villagers work together to separate biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste while creatively repurposing plastics. Recalling her journey, Sarah said she first discovered the valley while working as a tour instructor for Assam schoolchildren, following her social design course at Delhi's Ambedkar University. Two years later, that experience evolved into a full-fledged mission — one that continues to reshape how the community approaches sustainability.
