Published on January 06, 2010
Jarpum Gamlin
Dr Tejum Padu’s Moopin ‘Poopwr Poonu Neetom And Mvmmvn Gogrv is the first book written in ‘Galoo Ennam since the official adaptation of new script by Galo Language Development Committee. New script is a modified version of roman script with an effort to minimize homonym that exist in older script of Galoo. Therefore, reading the book in newer version of Galoo script in full flow could be tough initially but once grip is tightened around the nuances of script, newer script is a delight with right emphasize on words and phonetics which comes as a refreshing change from older version of Galoo script.
In this book, Dr. Padu has traced back the origins and background of most prevalent practices of Galoo tribe; nay- beyond that; with cursor of his fingers tightly on ‘core of the subject matter answering why, what and hows’ of practices. Though pages in the book number less than three hundred yet whole genre of adventures, romances, and poetry are bundled into it with crisp writing and tight edit/ narration. Entire book divided into five sections may be bereft of continuity but contents in each section are worth million dollar and all are ‘must know’ aspects of Galoo socio-cultural dimensions. In the first chapter itself, Dr Padu dispel the mythical paradox on concept of ‘Uyu’, which layman understand as the ‘evil spirit’, thus begins the book. With each pages in the book, his in-depth field research gives more clarity and profound understanding of rituals and practices which are taken for granted. Section on ‘Moopin mythology and text’ traces in detail the evolution of human-being to be where we are today, with struggles and challenges faced by first human being , Abo Tani. Section on ‘Poonu Nwwtom’ emphasize aesthetic sense of Galoo on finer aspects of arts and culture. It has to be acknowledge that Mvmmvn Gogrv section is a nostalgic chapter, especially for all those born on or before 70’s, with all popular traditional melancholic songs of different genres. Pictorial representations in-between helps in establishing a linkage with writings and creates connect with traditional events especially in last chapter of Toguu Qida.
Without undermining Dr. Padu’s research, writing and credibility, who is an authority unto himself on documentation of Galoo’s socio-culture history and its renaissance, it appears that writer too was caught in the web of problems identified with ‘oral’ history which are handed down through generations that ends up with several variations and versions. Nevertheless, not to be defeated by daunting challenges, thought leader and intellectual in Dr. Padu has traversed a difficult terrain of documentation. With no previous written record ever existed till few sincere works were carried out in 80s, a few words are inadequate to express the challenges faced in recording, documenting and presenting the myths about pagan’s culture and mystical social set-up.
All in all, this book is a must read for all sections of society in the backdrop of socio-cultural paradigm shift amongst the tribals in Arunachal. Efforts to salvage socio-culture fabrics of tribes in Arunachal from apocalypse by the individual or group of individuals are manifesting in different forms and shades, predominantly in grey shades for last decade and half. Emergence of neo-animism with improvise practices and preaching are gaining momentum, which literally cannot be viewed as serious effort to preserve the practices and cultures of yore; in other words it could be interpreted either as prevention or as promotion of other’s culture and tradition. However, in the midst of misled and confused populace, there is Dr. Padu, who is making a serious bid to restore, preserve and enhance knowledge on understanding of socio-cultural aspects through documentation, translation and sharing through book-writings.
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