AKRS begins preparations for R-Day Rai tableau

ORGANISATION UPSET WITH CULTURE DEPTT’S IRRESPONSIBILITY
NAMCHI, 05 Dec: A meeting of the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh [AKRS], Sikkim, held  in Namchi, chaired by Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai, on Sunday, the Association lashed out against the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department for what the association sees as “carelessness in the preparation of the design of the Rai tableau to be showcased in New Delhi on the Republic Day, 2012 celebrations, informs an AKRS press release.

According to the release, the design prepared by the department did not depict Rai culture or tradition and was in fact a misrepresentation of it. Due to some irresponsible officers of the department, the wrong design of the Rai tableau was sent for the approval to the Ministry of Culture, the release mentions.
However, AKRS learned of the “mistake” and an authentic design prepared by the Association is being taken to New Delhi on 08 Dec through the Department of Culture, it is informed.
Mr. Rai, in his address, thanked the Chief Minister for his leadership and for providing “such a precious opportunity” to the Rai community to showcase its tradition at the national level through their tableau. He called on all members of the association to reach the grass root level and work together for the upliftment and betterment of the community as a whole, the release mentions.
Mr Rai further said that even if the people of the community chose different religions, the traditions and culture are not to be compromised.
The meeting also discussed the finalization of the design of the tableau to be presented on 26 January, 2012 and the celebration of Sakewa 2012. Officer of the Culture and Heritage Department, Lata Rajalim informed the meeting regarding the changes in the tableau design.
Mohan Dungmali in his address informed that the state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the construction of Paruhang Sapten Mangkhim at Ranka, East Sikkim. He further expressed that the tableau for Republic Day has to be of international standards and could play an important role in acquiring tribal status for the community.
Speaking on Sakewa, Chairperson Tea Board of Sikkim, Gagan Rai said that the community must unite to celebrate the festival in a grand manner in Namchi. At the meeting, various decisions regarding publishing brochures, arrangement of ornaments, selection of dances and songs were taken, the release further mentions.
Similarly, Rastaman Rai highlighted important points regarding the tableau which should be larger than life and said that it is a golden opportunity for the community to perform their best. General Secretary, Central Committee, BC Rai in his address reminded the writers and authors about the recognition and empanelment of Rai text books by the CBSE in higher studies.
The meeting was also attended by Hemu Rai, Sagar Rai, Dr. Nayan Rai, President South AKRS, Sailesh Rai GS South, Vice President East District, MK Rai, CEC member Santosh Rai, Youth President Ashit Rai and more than two hundred members from different blocks and districts, the release adds.