A Philosophy for Nefa

Some time ago Mr K. L. Mehta remarked to me: 'Unless we are clear in our minds about what we are trying to do, unless, in fact, we have a philosophy behind all our activities, we may do more harm than good with the money and labour we spend This remark has inspired me to write down what I conceive to be the 'philosophy' which inspires, or should inspire, what we are trying to do in the North. East Frontier Agency of India In the two years since this book was first written there has not only been remarkable and exciting progress in implementing thi policy, but the philosophy itself, especially as it applies to the tribal councils, tribal jurisprudence, the practice of shifting cultiva Ghuming), the development of arts and crafts and the adaptation of local architectural designs, has been more fully worked out. When I first wrote I was frankly doubtful whether the policy I described would work. During the past two years, guided by the deep wisdonm and concern for the common man of Mr S. Fazl Ali, Governor of Assam, it has become clear that it can and does work under then right leadership, and I now have every hope that 'the rich and varied tapestry of NEFA' will not only preserve its lovely traditionalcolour and pattern, but that its material and techniques will beenriched, As Adviser for Tribal Affairs, I am not technically a Government servant and this has made it possible for me to study the work the NEFA Administration with some objectivity. This study hasmade me very proud of my association with it, and I have described it with an enthusiasm whieh might he considered inappropriate if I was in a different position. Mr K. L. Mehta, at present Adviser to the Governor of Assam, and I came to NEFA at the this has meant that for nearly five of working with him and enjoy to say that hadhave worked out this philosophy even implement it in the field. His singularly sensitive mind, so quieksame time, and years I have had the happiness t is not too much he not been here, it would have been impossible to have worked out this Philosophy even on paper still less to implement it in the field.