Chief Minister Pema Khandu called upon the youth of Arunachal Pradesh to shoulder the work of preserving the age-old traditions and beliefs.
Khandu attended the Indigenous Faith Day celebration in Pasighat on December 1st, 2019 at the Central Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang organised by Donyi Polo Cultural and Charitable Trust (DPCCT) and Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP).
“It is the duty of every Arunachali to preserve their indigenous culture, as it is their identity. The visitors come to Arunachal to have a glance of the authentic indigenous culture, which is a major attraction of the state. The youths of the state to shoulder the work of preserving the age-old traditions and beliefs,” Khandu said.
The Chief Guest for the celebration the 7th Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche consecrated the foundation stone for construction of ‘Donyi Polo Khumko’, a prayer centre for believers of the indigenous faith ‘Donyi Poloism’. Earlier, a ‘bhumi pujan’ for start of the construction was performed by Nyibus (priests) from different Tani speaking communities of Arunachal.
Chief Minister along with the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour Dr Dhammapiya, Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) paid homage to Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo offering prayers in front of the 20 feet statue of Talom Rukbo. The celebration began with the formal ritual of ‘taku tabat’ performed by the Chief Guest Ling Rinpoche.
Khandu appreciated the initiative by DPCCT and IFCSAP for the construction of ‘Donyi Polo Khumko’, which he observed will go a long way in the preservation of indigenous faith and belief among the Abotani tribes of Arunachal. He also expressed happiness that the prayer centre will serve as a centre of learning and assured all government support.
On the opening of Department of Indigenous Affairs, Chief Minister said it received great appreciation from states such as Mizoram and Nagaland. He told the gathering that people from these two states view that the department will prove to be of great help towards the preservation of indigenous culture and identity.
Chief Minister also stressed on the preservation of local dialects reasoning that erosion of culture begins from the depletion of mother tongue. He further stressed that culture and faith cannot be separated and are inextricably connected.
Photo credit: CMO Arunachal Pradesh
