ITANAGAR, Dec 6 - The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) today observed its 14th foundation day. It felicitated Minoti Riba, widow of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister late Tomo Riba, for her outstanding contribution to art, culture, literature and social service over the last five decades.
Riba had been instrumental in popularising drama, music and writings in the early days of Arunachal Pradesh in the capital region.
A team of APLS executive members, led by its president YD Thongchi, felicitated the octogenarian at her Naharlagun residence as she is currently unwell. The APLS foundation day function was held at the conference hall of the JN State Museum here.
The APLS, which started its journey in 2006, is now the apex literary body of the State. Besides Itanagar, the APLS foundation day was also celebrated at Ziro, Pasighat and Tezu by the respective district branches.
Attending the celebrations as the chief guest, All Arunachal Pradesh Women�s Welfare Society (APWWS) president Gumri Ringu lauded the yeoman�s role played by the literary body to promote literary activities in the State. She added that the APLS under the leadership of writer YD Thongchi has provided a platform to budding writers and literary aspirants.
In his presidential address, Thongchi gave a briefing on the year-long activities of the APLS, including a poetry recitation programme, �Gramlok Sabha�, jointly organised with the Sahitya Akademi in different villages, including Siluk in East Siang, and unveiling of Dr Bhupen Hazarika�s statue at Bolung village jointly with the State�s Research Department.
Thongchi announced institution of a literary award, Arun Literary Award, for creative writings related to Arunachal Pradesh, which will be conferred every year on its foundation day, besides the Luminous Lummer Dai Award.
APLS general secretary and Director of Research Department Batem Pertin and Deputy Director of IPR Department Denhang Bosai also spoke on the occasion.
The APLS also honoured Nabam Tata by presenting him a citation for his contributions to drama, literary and cultural activities over the years.
Three books written by Ramendra Nath Koley � Ekante, Jalchabi and Bnaphul � were released by the chief guest on the occasion.
