Nirjuli: Acknowledging the significant challenge of steering a diverse state like Arunachal Pradesh, encompassing 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday emphasized the beauty, potential, and strength inherent in this diversity.
He affirmed that the ‘Team Arunachal’ mantra has facilitated the state’s developmental journey, aiming to fulfill the aspirations of every tribe.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Indigenous Faith Day here, Khandu celebrated the intrinsic cultural diversity as the soul of Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring the need to preserve it for future generations.
“Development and modernization is a continuous process. It cannot be avoided. What can be avoided is its negative effects, most importantly that of cultural erosion,” he said.
Commending the dedicated efforts of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), Khandu credited them for institutionalizing all indigenous faiths in the state.
“It is the fruit of IFCSAP’s efforts that today we celebrate the Indigenous Faith Day on December 1 every year, reminding us to take pride in our age-old cultural heritage and pass it on to the younger generation,” Khandu said.
Highlighting the significance of culture as identity, Khandu stressed the necessity of preserving it by continuing to use local dialects. Concerned about the disconnection of children studying outside the state, he urged parents and elders to prevent cultural erosion, emphasizing that it often starts with the loss of language.
While supportive of youth learning new languages, Khandu insisted on maintaining fluency in the mother tongue. Expressing concern about families interacting with their children in Hindi or English, he encouraged the next generation to retain knowledge of their own language, affirming it as a collective responsibility.
Affirming the state government’s commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous culture, Khandu highlighted the establishment of the Department of Indigenous Affairs in 2018.
“The naming of the first airport of the state as Donyi Polo Airport is just one way of recognizing the importance of our indigenous culture,” he said.
Enumerating initiatives to support the indigenous faith and cultural movement, Khandu announced plans to construct 50 indigenous prayer centers across the state, amounting to Rs 24 crores, in collaboration with IFCSAP.
Further addressing the concerns of over three thousand indigenous priests, he assured an enhancement of their honorarium from the current Rs 1000 per month in the upcoming budget.
Seizing the moment, Khandu renewed his call to combat corruption, cash-for-vote practices, and drug addiction.
“Organizations like IFCSAP have a strong hold over indigenous faith followers as do all religious organizations over their respective believers. I repeat my appeal to all such organizations to campaign against corruption, money culture in election and drug addiction,” he appealed.
Also read: CM Khandu champions anti-corruption drive, grassroots empowerment
