Mera Dharam Meri Maa | An Antique Cinematic Treasure I A Timeless Story of Mother, Duty & Values скачать в хорошем качестве

Mera Dharam Meri Maa | An Antique Cinematic Treasure I A Timeless Story of Mother, Duty & Values

Mera Dharam Meri Maa is regarded as an antique cinematic treasure of Arunachal Pradesh and a landmark in the state’s cultural and cinematic history. Widely acknowledged as the first full-length Hindi feature film of Arunachal Pradesh, the film stands as a rare cultural document of its time. Its central message reflects the tribal way of life in Arunachal Pradesh—particularly within the Nyishi society—as simple, sustainable, and deeply harmonious with nature, motherhood, and ancestral belief systems, including a profound sense of duty toward the values, responsibilities, and expectations handed down by forefathers. The narrative upholds values of respect for life, loyalty to one’s roots, and reverence for the mother as the foundation of existence. The film also references important cultural and spiritual landmarks of the state, including Tawang Monastery, Ziro Valley, Malinithan, and Parshuram Kund, reinforcing its role as a cinematic record of Arunachal Pradesh’s identity. The origins of the film trace back to the early 1970s at Hapoli Government School, where a stage drama was conceived, written, and directed by Dr. Nabam Tata. Initially performed for a school audience, the play carried strong emotional depth, moral clarity, and social relevance. During one such performance, VVIP guests from the Central Government were present and were deeply moved by the theme, message, and soul of the play. They encouraged that it be staged across other districts of Arunachal Pradesh, which subsequently took place. As the play continued to receive widespread appreciation, it was later encouraged to be adapted into a full-length feature film. For this historic task, the legendary cultural icon late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was assigned as the director, lending artistic vision, musical depth, and national credibility to the project. When the film was announced locally, it generated immense excitement, which also led to lobbying and disagreements among locals over the lead role. To resolve the situation and maintain unity, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika requested Dr. Nabam Tata, the original creator and visionary behind the story, to play the lead role himself. Although Dr. Tata initially declined, citing his lack of acting experience and preference to remain behind the scenes, he eventually agreed upon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s insistence for the greater good of the film. The film featured a largely local cast, with many first-time actors from Arunachal Pradesh. Dr. Bengia Mala appeared as the female lead, becoming one of the earliest women from the state to act in a feature film. Mrs. Nabam Mekha contributed significantly by singing the folk song “Rwkham Pada” and other indigenous songs, while also portraying the role of an elderly woman. Late Dr. Taw Gumshi sang the male Nyishi folk song and played the younger male lead, enriching both the musical and narrative dimensions of the film. Mr. Tadu Tayung played the role of the film’s antagonist, adding dramatic depth to the storyline. Other supporting roles were performed by members of the local community, lending authenticity and regional identity to the production. Beyond being just a film, Mera Dharam Meri Maa was a collective effort involving teachers, administrators, students, and local contributors who assisted in production, logistics, and coordination—at a time when communication and connectivity between districts of Arunachal Pradesh were extremely limited. In this context, the film served as a rare unifying cultural medium, carrying shared values, stories, and identity across geographically distant regions. The film was shot primarily in Yazali, with additional sequences filmed in Ziro, Itanagar, and Lakhimpur, capturing the natural landscapes and lived environments of the region and grounding the narrative in its real geographical and cultural context. The music and creative guidance under Dr. Bhupen Hazarika blended emotional depth with indigenous folk sensibilities. In the title, the word “dharam” is interpreted not as ritualistic religion, but as ethical responsibility, moral duty, devotion toward one’s mother, and commitment to the values and expectations passed down by one’s forefathers, resonating deeply with indigenous worldviews. Made in Hindi to ensure wider reach and accessibility, Mera Dharam Meri Maa introduced Arunachal Pradesh to Indian cinema at a national level for the first time. Despite modest production conditions and limited infrastructure, the film remains a historic milestone, remembered for its sincerity, cultural importance, and the collective spirit of the people behind it. Ultimately, the film stands as an appeal to remain loyal to one’s legacy—one’s cultural roots, ancestral school of thought, and inherited system of being—urging continuity, respect, and responsibility across generations. #arunachalfilm #arunachalpradesh #tribalheritage #bhupenhazarika #nabamtata #firstfilm