Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Advocates for Indigenous Faith Preservation and Announces University Initiative
In a significant move to preserve cultural heritage, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the newly consecrated Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi, a prayer and cultural centre, at Modirijo on Sunday. During the ceremony, Khandu delivered a powerful address emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding indigenous belief systems that have formed the spiritual foundation of tribal societies for millennia.
Global Indigenous Faith Revival Movement
Khandu noted that while modernization and social changes have diminished the number of followers of indigenous faiths worldwide, there is now a growing international movement to revive and protect these ancient traditions. "Our faith, culture, language, and traditions are inseparable. If we lose our roots, we lose our identity," the Chief Minister declared, stressing that preservation efforts should not be misinterpreted as opposition to other religions.
"India is a secular country, and every individual is free to practise any religion. Protecting our indigenous faith is about safeguarding who we are, not opposing anyone else," Khandu clarified, appealing for harmony and mutual respect among all communities.
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
The Chief Minister highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh is home to diverse indigenous belief systems, each deeply embedded in the identity of its respective community. To support these traditions, the state government established the Department of Indigenous Affairs, which has been instrumental in developing faith-based cultural infrastructure including Kargu Gamgi, Nyedar Namlo, Ganggi, and other centres across various tribes.
Khandu announced that budgetary allocation for the Department of Indigenous Affairs would be enhanced to strengthen cultural centres throughout the state. He further suggested planning a state-of-the-art Donyi Polo prayer and cultural centre in the capital, envisioning it as a must-visit destination that showcases the region's spiritual heritage.
Proposed University for Indigenous Studies
In a major announcement, Khandu revealed that the state government, in collaboration with institutions including the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), RIWATCH (Roing), and the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), is working toward establishing a dedicated university for indigenous studies.
"This university will ensure that our indigenous knowledge systems are properly documented, researched, and passed on to future generations in a structured manner," Khandu explained. The proposed institution will focus on research, documentation, education, and curriculum development, with consultations involving priests, cultural leaders, and scholars forming the foundation of its academic framework.
Integration with Education and Global Exchange
Drawing parallels with the Buddhist education system in Tawang, Khandu emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous faith systems with formal education. He also shared ambitious plans to promote global exchange by facilitating study visits to countries such as Japan, where Shintoism has been successfully preserved alongside modern development.
The Chief Minister expressed intent to host international conferences in Arunachal Pradesh focusing on indigenous faith and cultural practices, positioning the state as a global hub for indigenous knowledge exchange.
Daily Practice and Spiritual Connection
Khandu encouraged people to practice indigenous rituals in their daily lives, noting that even small prayer spaces at home can strengthen spiritual connection and cultural continuity. "Faith is a way of life. It must be lived, not merely spoken about," he remarked, underscoring the practical application of traditional beliefs.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the newly consecrated Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi would serve as a spiritual, cultural, and educational hub for future generations. "May the blessings of Donyi Polo guide us all towards harmony, wisdom, and a deeper connection with our roots," he concluded, highlighting the centre's potential role in preserving indigenous values in an organized manner despite challenges posed by rapid modernization and global influences.
