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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I convey my heartiest gratitude to my supervisor Dr. P. R Gajurel, Associate

Professor, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and

Technology for his noble motivation, constant inspiration, invaluable support and

untiring guidance throughout the research work which enabled me to complete this

Ph.D. thesis.

I sincerely express my thanks and gratitude to my Doctoral Committee (DC)

members Dr. Madhu Sharma, Chairperson, Dr. S. Suresh Kumar Singh and Dr. O. P.

Tripathi, Members, Department of Forestry, NERIST, Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh for

their valuable comments, suggestions and inputs throughout the period of my research

work.

I am grateful to Dr. Madhu Sharma, Head and DPGC Chairperson and

Prof. C. L. Sharma, former Head, Department of Forestry for their valuable supports,

and all the facilities in the Department during the entire period of my work. I am very

thankful to the Director, NERIST, Nirjuli, for providing the Academic and

Administrative supports during the course of the study. I also express my sincere

gratitude to Prof. P. K. Tripathy, Dean (Academic), NERIST for his help and

encouragement.

I would also like to thank faculty members of Department of Forestry Prof. P.

Rethy, Prof. Binay Singh, Dr. P. P. Mary, Dr. Karuna Srivastava, Dr. Awadesh

Kumar, Dr. L. B. Singha and Mr. Gobind Pangging, for their help, supports and

suggestions provided during the course of study.

I thank all the research scholars of Forestry Department who provided their

friendly help and support. I am grateful particularly to Dr. Rubul Buragohain, Dr.

Bipul Saikia, Mr. Kh. Ronald, Mr. S. Potsangbam, Mr. R. Panmei, Mr. A. Bawri, Mr.

Lakhyajit Bhuyan, Ms. W. Deepanita, Ms. Pallabi Bharali, Ms. Soyala Kashung for

their consistent help. The help of Mr. D. Deori in herbarium preparation and

laboratory work is duly acknowledged.

I greatly express my gratitude to my former guide Dr. A. Arunachalam and

Mr. G. N. Sinha the then Director, State Forest Research Institute who encouraged me

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to initiate my Ph.D. work. I am also thankful to Dr. P. Chaudhry, IFS, Mr. R. S. C.

Jayaraj, IFS (earlier Directors, SFRI), Mr. C. D. Singh, IFS, the present Director,

State Forest Research Institute, Dr. L. R. Bhuyan, Dr. G. Murtem, Mr. R. K. Taj,

Scientists of SFRI and Mr. C. Loma, DFO and Mission Director, National Bamboo

Mission for their support and encouragement. I am grateful to Dr. Hui Tag, Assistant

Professor, RGU for his help in identification of plants and Dr. A. Paul, Research

Associate, RGU for his help in ecological data analysis. My sincere gratitude also

goes to the different administrative officers and the Forest officials, Lower Subansiri

District for the official information and permission, officials of BSI, Itanagar for

herbarium and library facilities.

I am thankful to the villagers of Apatani community particularly to all the

informants for sharing the invaluable information of the medicinal and other uses of

plants and help supported during field work. I am very thankful to the local guides

Mr. Michi Tayang, Mr. Padi Chama, Mr. Padi Hana, Tage Yubey, Mr.Puna Tama,

Mr. Dani Ama, Mr. Tapi Sai, Mr. Tapi Sambyo, Mr. Subu Saha, Mr. Michi Taro, Mr.

Michi Takum, Mr. Gyati Chada, Mr. Khoda Tabin who helped me in many ways

during my field survey besides sharing their valuable knowledge on traditional

knowledge.

I would also like to thank the village elders and priests Mrs. Michi Yasing,

Mr. Dani Nibo, Mr. Tilling Epo, Mr. Habung Talo, Mr. Gyati Tajo, Mrs. Gyati

Tumpi, Mrs. Khoda Muryang and Mr. Tailyang Haley who helped me with their

valuable knowledge and information.

Without the support of my family members it would not have been possible

for me to complete the work. I would like to express my gratitude to my father Mr.

Bamin Hinda and mother Mrs. Bamin Chunya for always being my guide and their

consistent encouragement and to my sisters, brothers and friends for their support.

(BaminYakang)