THE LAND OF DAWN LIT MOUNTAINS

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. – Proverbs 19:17

Arunachal Pradesh is a State of India well known for its ancient culture.  It is truly distinctive, as it comprises of 26 different tribes including various sub tribes.  30% of the population is Christians and the remaining population consists of Buddist, worshippers of Sun and Moon Gods and the Nature Worshipers. 

 Arunachal Pradesh is situated in the farthermost north-eastern border of India and is Known as the 'The Land of dawn lit Mountains”.  It is well known for its ancient culture, where farmers are practising Jhum cultivation. More than half of the population of Arunachal Pradesh is engaged in agriculture, but only a tiny portion of the land is under cultivation. Although settled agriculture, including wet-rice farming, has expanded considerably since the late 20th century, many of the hill peoples continue to practice shifting agriculture (jhum), whereby land is cleared by burning the vegetation, is cultivated for several years, and then is abandoned in favour of another site when the productivity of the soil declines. Rice, corn (maize), millet, and buckwheat are among the chief crops grown by that method.

Since 2008 we, FMSC sisters are present in Arunachal, relating ourselves with the people, through the mission of education, health care and social work such as women empowerment.  “Whatever you did for one of the  least of  these my brothers and sisters of mine, you did   it for me.”   ( Mt. 25,40). Following these words of Jesus we spend our time energy and talents for the uplifting of this brave creative  and affectionate mountain people. 

Sisters conduct Medical Camps in different villages to spread awareness of health and hygiene.  The people attending this camp, get free check up and treatment. Due to the second wave of Corona, we were not permitted to have the camp, but in the month of February we have conducted a medical camp in the village of Phangthip, in Changlang District, where the villagers have  no access to basic  health care services.   Almost 200 people attended the camp, mostly nursing mothers and children. The sisters instructed the children about importance hand wash healthy eating habits.   The instruction through action song kept amused the little ones.

The camp was sponsored by North East Diocesan Social Service Society.