Arunachal Pradesh Maintains Its Distinct Identity Amid Modern Influences: CM Khandu

Itanagar, Dec 27 (NationPress) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu articulated his contentment on Friday, noting that in the face of modernity and development, the state has successfully safeguarded its unique indigenous identity and has ensured its transmission across generations.

Highlighting the plight of various indigenous tribes and cultures that have disappeared globally, Khandu emphasized the importance of preserving the distinctive culture and faith of Arunachal Pradesh.

During his address at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), Khandu expressed his appreciation for the state's inaugural Chief Minister P.K. Thungon, under whose governance legislation was enacted in the Assembly in 1978 aimed at prohibiting conversion from one religious faith to another through coercion, inducement, or deceitful means.

He shared that this act had remained inactive until a recent directive from the Gauhati High Court, which now compels the state government to formulate rules for its execution and implementation.

"The development of these rules is currently in progress, and we will soon have a well-structured Freedom of Religion Act established," he stated, adding that this advancement will significantly aid in the preservation of Arunachal's indigenous faith and culture.

Khandu asserted that ‘faith’ and ‘culture’ are two sides of the same coin, emphasizing that they cannot exist independently.

Nevertheless, he warned that the government and its initiatives alone cannot safeguard and promote indigenous culture and faith; the responsibility also rests with the 26 major tribes of the state.

"Much of the credit should naturally go to the pioneers of IFCSAP and hundreds of volunteers who have devoted their time and effort to preserving indigenous culture. As the saying goes, 'Loss of culture is loss of identity'; we have succeeded in maintaining our culture, and our identity stands proud among its global counterparts. Today, we recognize the crucial role of IFCSAP in deepening the understanding of indigenous faiths and cultures both within the state and beyond," he remarked.

The month-long silver jubilee celebration of the IFCSAP was jointly inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, and the state's Home Minister Mama Natung.

The celebration, themed “Honoring Our Ancestors, Celebrating Our Faith, and Inspiring Future Generations,” aims to provide a platform to honor the traditions and values that shape the state's identity.

Union Minister Oram, in his speech, commended the efforts of IFCSAP in promoting indigenous traditions and culture, stating that the society has established a model for other states to follow in preserving indigenous identities.

He reaffirmed the government's dedication to safeguarding the rich heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

The event showcased a vibrant array of cultural activities, including traditional dances, soulful music, and sacred rituals, illustrating the state's cultural diversity.

Indigenous communities from across Arunachal united to display their unique customs, costumes, and traditions, creating a vivid tapestry representing the state's heritage.