Itanagar: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday inaugurated an indigenous prayer hall (Karguu-Gamgww Kumko) of the Galo community at Lekhi village near here.
The prayer hall is one of the projects funded by the state government under the Department of Indigenous Affairs with a view to preserve and promote our rich cultures and traditions, Mein said while speaking during the inaugural event.
He said it is our duty to protect and promote our indigenous cultures and traditions.
Disclosing that few indigenous Gurukul schools are being set up to promote and educate children on the rich cultural heritage, he advocated formulating a prescribed format for education in such indigenous schools.
Mein suggested developing a primer for the schools based on which the children can be taught and nourished so that they learn about the indigenous language & cultures along with the normal syllabus of school education.
He also stressed on the documentation of rich cultural heritage, oral folklore and folksongs and to revive traditional music systems and literature.
Citing the important role played by priests in the preservation of indigenous rituals and practices, the deputy chief minister assured to look into the welfare of the priests.
He also assured support of the state government in keeping the priest system alive.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the members of the Karguu-Gamgww Kumko, he assured to sanction Rs 2 crore for construction of a research centre and library with a provision for accommodation of inmates and for the reinforcement/completion of the existing boundary wall with a welcome gate.
Among others, Health and Family Welfare minister Alo Libang, MLAs Kardo Nyigyor, Kento Jini, and Gokar Basar, Indigenous Affairs director Sokhep Kri, Galo Indigenous Faith & Cultural Council president Dr Emi Rumi and Kargu-Gamgww Cultural Centre, Naharlagun-Nirjuli president Emin Rumi were also present on the occasion.
