Arunachal Pradesh CM reaffirms commitment to preserve indigenous culture, languages

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 13, 2024

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the importance of preserving the state’s rich indigenous culture, traditions, and languages, which are under threat from the pressures of modernism and development.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) Bhavan near Bank Tinali on Thursday, Khandu highlighted the global loss of indigenous cultures and the need for proactive measures to safeguard Arunachal’s heritage.

Khandu pointed out that as a 100% tribal state, Arunachal Pradesh enjoys a unique position in retaining its indigenous identity, aided by favourable legislation. He commended the efforts of AVP and its parent organization, the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (ABVKA), for their grassroots work in cultural preservation.

He also paid tribute to the founders of AVP—Golgi Bote Late Talum Rukbo, Jatan Pulu, and Late Dwarikacharya—for their pioneering vision since AVP’s establishment in 1993.

The Chief Minister lauded AVP’s holistic approach to societal development, encompassing cultural preservation, education, health, and sports.

“Since its inception, Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) has been working for all-round development of the tribal society and for the protection, preservation and promotion of their culture, customs, religions, rituals and tradition. Through its various activities, AVP has also contributed in promoting national integrity and the feeling of oneness among the young generation,” he observed.

Khandu appreciated AVP, particularly for its role in providing quality education to poor tribal children, especially in rural areas.  AVP runs 32 Middle, Primary and Pre-primary schools in various rural areas across the state. With 23 district committees, 93 circle-level committees and more than 2000 villages under its ambit AVP has emerged as one of the largest social organisations in the state working with the grassroot people.  

“I am also glad to know that know that more than 500 students of Arunachal Pradesh have benefitted from the hostels of ABVKAin the various places outside of Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.

Khandu highlighted AVP’s extensive reach, with 23 district committees, 93 circle-level committees, and operations in over 2,000 villages. The organization also supports students through hostels outside Arunachal, benefiting over 500 students.

One of the most significant contributions of AVP, Khandu observed, must be its role in the formation of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) in 1999.

“Thanks to the then AVP President late NabamAtum and his team, IFCSAP is today leading from the front in preservation of indigenous faiths and culture of our state, which were in danger of going towards a slow annihilation,” he remarked.

Khandu hailed the dedication of AVP workers in conducting Gram SamparkAbhiyaans in cooperation with IFCSAP in villages, reaching out to every household to spread the message of indigenous faith and to unite them.

He termed AVP a wholesome organization that, besides working in cultural preservation and education sectors, it is also contributing in the health sector through services provided by its village-level health volunteers in rural areas and health camps and in the sports sector by organizing sports competitions in village as well as state levels every year.

He urged AVP to continue its noble endeavours in the state and assured support from the state government wherever required.

Khandu reiterated the state government’s commitment to promote and preserve indigenous culture, tradition and languages and sought support from organizations like IFCSAP and AVP.

“From this commitment of the government, the department of Indigenous Affairs was born. You are all welcome to discuss ways and means to preserve our distinct culture with the department and the state government will extend support,” Khandu added.

The newly constructed building comprises of the AbotaniBalwadi cum Multipurpose Activity Centre and will be the centre-point of all activities carried out by AVP including the preservation and promotion of culture, faith, traditional literature, dresses, and music.

It will also be a centre to impart training to develop human resources, empowerment of women and provide vocational training to the youths, besides housing AVP’s state office.