[Prem Chetry]

TAWANG, 9 Sep: Monpa Mates Media (MMM) is all set to organise 'SALT - A Tribute Trekking to Our Ancestors' on 20 September in Tawang, with the objective of encouraging the younger generation to learn about the arduous journeys undertaken by their ancestors to procure salt from Tibet.

Leki Phuntso Kee, secretary of MMM, while elaborating on the objectives of the initiative, said the trek is a tribute to the ancestors who trekked for months at a stretch to barter for mountain salt in Tibet.

"Apart from participating in barter trade, our ancestors also trekked as far as Lhasa for pilgrimage purposes. Salt being one of the essential commodities, the nearest trade centre was Tsona, the southernmost territory of Tibet and adjacent to the Indian border," he added.

"It is a collective expression of respect for our ancestors, pride in our cultural identity and responsibility towards future generations," he remarked.

The prime objectives of MMM are to preserve and promote cultural heritage and to digitally document Tawang's rich and diverse cultural heritage so that it can be treasured and presented to the world.

MMM will also assist students through counselling, particularly those who wish to pursue higher studies in mass communication, hospitality and tourism.

In collaboration with the tourism industry, youths interested in working as tourist guides will be provided professional training. The initiative aims to promote local guides who can accurately identify and pronounce the names of places, as many historic and important places are often mispronounced by tourists.

Youths interested in acting will also be given opportunities to participate in documentary films featuring legendary King Gyapo Kalawangpo, Queen Khando Drowa Sangmo and other prominent legendary and mythological figures, including Mee Masang.