Arunachal Pradesh Government Proposes Indigenous Culture University

ITANAGAR: The government of Arunachal Pradesh announced plans to establish a university-level institution to promote, preserve, research, and educate the state's Indigenous culture, faiths, and languages.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has started an ambitious effort to safeguard the region's unique cultural heritage and take it to the world stage. It will be in collaboration with the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), a nongovernmental, nonprofit body acknowledged for its cultural preservation research work. The dream for the proposed university was born during a discussion between Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Prof. Yashwant Pathak, the founder of ICCS.

This was in addition to silver jubilee celebrations by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), the key organization in the state's cultural preservation efforts. While the new university is still at the stage of conceptualization, it has drawn inspiration for its RI-WATCH center at Roing in the Lower Dibang Valley from the ICCS, which has already proven its capability to preserve the indigenous cultures of the region.

Besides recording and promoting Idu Mishmi culture and language, RI-WATCH has emerged as a successful model for the much more extensive scope of the new institution.

The university's mission is to document and revive the state's indigenous heritage, which encompasses a wide range of languages, rituals, and cultural practices. By establishing a dedicated academic and research institution, the government hopes to create a sustainable framework for preserving this heritage for future generations.

Chief Minister Khandu emphasized that the initiative seeks to strengthen the indigenous cultural movement and ensure that Arunachal Pradesh’s unique identity is recognized globally. While the proposal is still in its early stages, he expressed optimism about its eventual realization, crediting the ICCS for its invaluable guidance and collaboration.

In his speech, Chief Minister Khandu also appealed to the followers of the Donyi-Polo faith, one of the prominent indigenous belief systems in Arunachal Pradesh, to practice their traditions actively instead of just discussing the importance them. He said that the revival of Indigenous culture is not possible without active engagement and not by mere theoretical discussion.

Acknowledging the challenges of globalization and cultural erosion, Khandu urged IFCSAP to spearhead brainstorming sessions with stakeholders to identify the root causes of cultural decline. These sessions will help develop strategies to combat the gradual disappearance of traditional practices and beliefs.

The Nyedar Namlo is a spiritual and cultural center for the Donyi-Polo practitioners. The function was attended by some key dignitaries:

Mama Natung, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, is known for his keen role in the development of policies on culture.

Dr. Emi Rumi, President of IFCSAP, has also been working for a long time promoting the cause of culture preservation.

Taba Tedir, Ex-Minister of Indigenous Affairs, and Kaling Moyong, former MLA, have been a vocal supporter of moves to protect the local culture.

Tai Tagak, Former Chief Minister Adviser, and Kamen Ringu, a senior leader who has deep roots in the cultural movements of the state.

Kaling Borang is the Chief Advisor to Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang and a close associate of the late Talom Rukbo, a respected figure in the Donyi-Polo faith.

Kaling Borang was a resource person during the program, throwing light on the spiritual and cultural significance of the proposed university and the scope for becoming a research and learning hub for Indigenous knowledge.

The proposed university would be a groundbreaking step for Arunachal Pradesh to preserve its rich cultural heritage. This will inspire the next generation of young minds to delve into their roots, thereby amalgamating traditional knowledge with modern academic frameworks. It is through such collaboration between the state government, ICCS, and local organizations like IFCSAP that this collective commitment is visible towards preserving the essence of Arunachal Pradesh's identity.

While much remains to be done, the potential for the initiative to preserve the legacy of the state and promote it worldwide makes this an ideal venture that has deep, far-reaching implications.

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