Holding the Roots Intact, Indigenous People of Assam Should Adopt New Technologies: Ranoj Pegu

International Day of World’s Indigenous People

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: On the occasion of International Day of World’s Indigenous People, Indigenous-Tribal Communities of Assam organized a programme at Shilpgram on Friday. MLA Ranoj Pegu inaugurated the programme while Rtd IPS and Meghalaya Ex Governor Ranjit Sekhar were present as the chief guest along with Minister of Tourism Chandan Brahma.

During his speech, Ranoj Pegu said that having worked both in the country as well as abroad he always identified himself as an indigenous of Assam. “The definition of indigenous ‘khilonjiya’ is still moot. I say this because in the Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, mention of only the Assamese people and safeguard of the Assamese culture and heritage has been made, not the indigenous of Assam”, he said.

Pegu further said that of the 7000 indigenous languages spoken by the indigenous people all over the world, 500 languages are spoken in India alone. However, four tenth of the languages have become died out. He claimed that to safeguard the remaining languages from getting extinct, the government should take adequate initiative.

“Remembering their background, the indigenous people of Assam need to change and adapt to the modern environment. We have to expand and adopt new technologies and thinking whilst keeping our roots intact”, said Pegu.

The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994, to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995–2004). In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade, from 2005–2015, with the theme of "A Decade for Action and Dignity". People from different nations are encouraged to participate in observing the day to spread the UN’s message on indigenous peoples. Activities may include educational forums and classroom activities to gain an appreciation and a better understanding of indigenous peoples.

By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

Also Read: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed in Sivasagar