CM KHANDU ANNOUNCES BIENNIAL INDIGENOUS FAITH YOUTH FESTIVAL, REVIVAL OF KAMENG RIVER FESTIVAL
Read Time:4 Minute, 24 Second
Seppa, November 12 : Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the Indigenous Faith Youth Festival would henceforth be organised once every two years instead of three, with the next edition scheduled for 2028. He also announced the revival of the Kameng River Festival from this year, with financial assistance from the State Government, to promote East Kameng’s tourism potential and showcase its rich cultural heritage.
The announcements were made while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 8th Indigenous Faith Youth Festival at Seppa in East Kameng district, organised by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP). More than 1,000 delegates from across the State are participating in the festival.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to preserving indigenous faith, traditions and cultural identity, Khandu said the Department of Indigenous Affairs, established in 2016-17, would be further strengthened. He assured that the department’s budget allocation would be enhanced in the forthcoming Revised Estimates to expand its activities and reach more young people.
The Chief Minister also assured early consideration of the gap funding sought by IFCSAP through a memorandum submitted on November 6, citing the larger-than-expected participation at this year’s festival.
Announcing the revival of the Kameng River Festival, Khandu said the Government would make the necessary financial provision through the Tourism Department in the current year’s allocation. Responding to the request of the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO), he said the festival would help bring the district’s natural beauty, culture and traditions onto the State’s tourism map. He encouraged the organisers to proceed with their proposed January schedule and assured continued government support in the coming years.
Highlighting East Kameng’s potential for adventure and cultural tourism, the Chief Minister identified opportunities in river rafting and paragliding. He also stressed the need to create greater tourism awareness and provide hospitality training to local communities, observing that the success of a tourist destination depended not only on its natural attractions but also on the warmth and hospitality extended to visitors.
On the preservation of indigenous culture, Khandu informed that six Gurukuls were now functioning successfully in the State and assured continued government support for their development, including basic infrastructure such as roads, water supply and electricity. He specifically directed that the road leading to the Gurukul at Lada be taken up during the current financial year.
He further announced that the Council constituted under the Department of Indigenous Affairs would be made more effective through regular meetings and greater empowerment. Stressing the importance of institutional coordination, he said the department should consult IFCSAP while identifying and prioritising projects, considering the organisation’s understanding of the needs of indigenous faith communities across the State.
Emphasising that development and technological advancement should not come at the cost of cultural identity, Khandu urged the younger generation to remain connected to their roots, languages, customs, faiths and traditions while embracing modernisation. He called upon every community to take responsibility for preserving its heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Describing Arunachal Pradesh as a living heritage, the Chief Minister said the State’s cultural diversity was one of its greatest strengths. He encouraged young people to learn about the different indigenous belief systems and practices of various communities, understand one another’s traditions and carry forward the State’s rich cultural legacy.
Highlighting the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh was home to people practising different religions and faiths, and every individual had the freedom to follow the religion of their choice. He stressed that the preservation of indigenous faiths must go hand in hand with respect for other religions. He also cautioned against the misuse of social media and technology to create misunderstandings and called for dialogue, maturity and mutual respect in addressing community-related issues.
The Chief Minister observed that the preservation of indigenous faith could not depend on legislation alone but required personal commitment from individuals and communities to understand and practise their traditions. He encouraged community organisations and faith leaders to undertake discussions and research-based initiatives to strengthen their respective belief systems, assuring government support wherever necessary.
Referring to the research and documentation work undertaken by the RIWATCH Institute on the traditions of the Mishmi community, Khandu said discussions were also underway on a proposal to establish an international tribal learning centre or university in Arunachal Pradesh. He expressed hope that the proposal could be brought before the State Legislative Assembly next year.
Appreciating EKSWCO for its sustained efforts in highlighting local development issues and conducting social audits of projects in the district, the Chief Minister encouraged community-based organisations across the State to adopt similar practices to ensure transparency, accountability and quality in the implementation of public projects. He also urged citizens to speak up against wrongdoing, irrespective of the influence or position of those involved.
On the development front, Khandu informed that 30 projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs 340 crore had been dedicated to the people of East Kameng through foundation stone-laying and inauguration ceremonies.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the festival would provide participating youth with an opportunity to gain deeper knowledge of indigenous games, traditions, faiths and the diverse cultural practices and ways of life of Arunachal Pradesh’s communities.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
