TAWANG July 30: “We have plans to introduce soon electronic cremation equipments for disposing of bodies while performing death ceremonies in the state. I believe this will indeed supplement in preservation of our rich forest cover which gradually is vanishing in this part of the state due to various known reasons” informed Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu while addressing a seminar on “Traditional system – Change and Continuity amongst the Monpas” organized by Vivekanada Kendra Institute of Culture and Monyul Socio-Cultural Development Society (Mon region) at Kalawangpo Convention hall here today.
He said that the religious and customary implications in some of the customary rites of Monpas have adversely affected the environment which is a part of the society and need to be preserved.
Highlighting the need to preserve the age-old culture and tradition which is the essence of an individual or community, Khandu said such seminar should be organized in regular intervals so that today’s younger generation can be acknowledged about its importance. He lamented over the youths bending towards the western culture while overlooking their indigenous culture and tradition which is not a healthy sign. He appealed the elite society to bring about changes and reforms in the society without affecting the originality of the custom and tradition. “Organize competition on folk songs and folk dances with attractive prizes. This will immensely benefit the young to gain interest in their own custom and tradition”, Khandu opined.
While appealing for community celebration of local festivals, he emphasized that wearing of traditional costumes in such occasion should be made mandatory. He also advocated for using local dialects while communicating within the family members so that it helps the children to learn and know their own dialect. “Education is must but not in the cost of your mother tongue”, he argued and stressed on laying emphasis on third language introduced in schools.
Khandu while lauding the organizing committee for conducting the seminar dwelt at length the services rendered by Vivekanda Kendra. “The quality education they provided to the people of Arunachal Pradesh will always be remembered and we are whole heartedly grateful for that” he emphatically said.
Taking ahead his mission against hunting practices, Khandu warned of taking appropriate action according to environment and wildlife acts if anyone is found guilty. Khandu justified that wild life and forest are interlinked with the human society. The disturbance to it will automatically affect the sentient beings of the earth in form of natural catastrophe etc., he reasoned.
Speaking on HIV/AIDS, drug addiction he requested the people to debar themselves from such evil menace of the society. He also urged to create awareness through such forum to contain the dreaded diseases. Stressing on the need to educate girl child, he said if a girl is educated, a family is educated. And when a family is educated, the whole society is educated.
Chairman Karmic and Adyatmic Affairs Department Rev. T G Rinpoche said “We are looking for an enlightened society in the near future and for which a collective effort is required from all corners”. Quoting lines from the holy Dhamapada he said, “Change is necessary, as it reflects the development of an individual and the society but at the same time taking along the indigenous culture and tradition is equally important, as it reflects the identity”.
Among others, former Minister Thupten Tempa, Vice President Vivekananda Kendra A Balakrishnan, Rev Guru Rinpoche Tawang Abbot, Rigya Rinpoche, monks and anis from various gompas and nunneries, delegates from West Kameng and Itanagar were present on the occasion.