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1st Dec 2022 11:12:PM State
ITANAGAR, Dec 1: The Indigenous Faith Day was celebrated with much gusto across the state on Thursday.
Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein while attending the Indigenous Faith Day celebration organized by Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (Namsai Unit) at Namsai today called for zealously protecting and promoting indigenous language and culture terming it our identity.
Underscoring the need to revive and promote folk songs and indigenous music, Mein laid stress on preserving them in written documents or in audio-visual format. "A cultural revolution is going on to keep alive indigenous cultures & traditions. Our government will continue to support Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh in their endeavours for preservation and promotion of our rich cultures & traditions," he said.
Speaking about the Ordination Hall dedicated at the Golden Pagoda a day earlier, the deputy chief minister said that it is an important part of Buddhist Traditions to keep alive the Sangha. Without an ordination hall, Buddhist Temple is incomplete as it is essential for new monks to be ordained, he said.
On the occasion, Advisor to HCM, Tapin Sigha, Advisor to IFCSAP (Namsai Unit), Tape Bagra (retired IAS), Vice-president IFCSAP, Bai Taba, President Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (Namsai) - Chau Khok Longchot, DC Namsai, CR Khampa also spoke among others. Executive members of various Community Based Organizations were present on the occasion.
Identity Card issued by the Department of Indigenous Affairs were distributed to the priests and Calendar 2023 by IFCSAP was also released on the occasion.
ZIRO: Local legislator and Minister Agri, Horti Er.Tage Taki, said that other districts in the state need the recently conceptualized local gurukul school at Seppa, to educate our young generation with value-based education comprising both tribal and modern education.
Attending as chief guest at the Indigenous Faith Day celebration at the Danyi Pillo Ground, Taki opined the need to involve participation of the young generation in such social occasions where one’s roots and traditions are showcased.
Counsellor in the Department of Indigenous Affairs and prominent Apatani elderly citizen Lod Kojee dwelt at length on the topic of protection, preservation and promotion of one’s culture and traditions.
Spelling out that Apatani dress code was rich, varied and famed all over India which had even fascinated Prime Ministers Late Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi, Kojee voiced against forceful conversions and urged the District Administration against grant of permission to use government general grounds for religious activities.
President of Apatani Supun Dukung (TSD), the apex body of Apatani, Hage Khoda Shalla said that Danyi Pillo was the earliest and biggest religion of the world which had evolved before any other religion came to light. He also expressed hope that the modest honorariums given to tribal shamans like gaon buras would further attract more tribal people to take up shaman as their profession.
The day-long celebration witnessed showcasing of several colourful dance items by Apatani, Nyishi, Galo, Tagin and Mising tribes. A mega-dance comprising all the tribes and exhibition of Apatani traditional dresses, tools and equipment was another added attraction to the huge gathering of Danyi Pillo believers.
The Arunachal Pradesh College Teachers' Association (APCTA) in collaboration with Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar jointly organised friendly cricket matches to commemorate Indigenous Faith Day and World AIDS Day today.
The cricket match was played between DNGC Professors' Sporting Club and United XI comprising of professors from various government colleges- Doimukh, Seppa, Bomdila and Yachuli at playground of Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar.
Principal Dr. MQ Khan speaking on the occasion encouraged all the professors to upkeep cultural preservation and to pass on the message to their respective students. He also said society should do away with the stigma attached to AIDS.
Indigenous Faith Day was also observed in West Siang and Tirap districts.
At Aalo, the function was held at Gumin Kinn which began with 'Ridin' chanting.
Former minister Doi Ado appealed to the Donyi Polo believers to preserve the rich culture and tradition of the Galo tribe.
Deputy Commissioner Penga Tato, chief guest Karsen Lollen also addressed the gathering.
At Khonsa, the Tirap Indigenous People Society (TIPS) in congruence with other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh celebrate the day. The formal program started with 'Rangtaam at Chaam' followed by 'Rangsuamsey' (Worshiping to Almighty Rang followed by Prayer song).
While greetings the Indigenous people on the occasion, Pawan Kumar Singh, Commandant Officer 36Bn CRPF, emphatically advised the gathering to follow traditional way of livelihoods. He urged parents and elders to help children and younger ones speak their native language at home.
Earlier in his welcome address, Ngasah Tangjang, President IFDCC read-out about the mythology of Almighty RANG before anything came into existence and importance of Indigenous Faith Day celebration in entire Arunachal Pradesh.
TATO: State Assembly Speaker P D Sona on Thursday called for maintaining originality and to preserve one's tradition and culture.
Addressing the gathering at Tato in Shi-Yomi district, Sona exhorted the people to maintain and preserve aged old culture and tradition.
One should maintain the originality such as language, attire, tradition & culture which reflects the real identity, he said.
Stating that we are lucky that unlike many other places in the world where Indigenous Faith is on the verge of extinction people of Arunachal Pradesh have maintained it well.
He further said that language, song, dance and traditional attire not only help in preserving one's identity but also boost rural tourism. Sona called upon everyone to spread awareness on the significance of Indigenous Faith.
TEZU: The believers of the indigenous faith in Lohit District celebrated the day with much fanfare.
The celebrations began with a cultural procession by believers from tribes residing in the district.
Later they gathered at Amik Ringya Hall,where various cultural programs were held. IFCSAP calender was launched in event and Identity cards issued to priest/shamans of the Tawra and Kaman Mishmis.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambrelum Gamre, president IFCSAP Lohit unit, remembered late Talom Rukbo the pioneer of the indigenous faith movement in Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed on the need to preserve the tradition for the future.
Deputy Commissioner Lohit, Shashvat Sourabh said that youths are the future of society and urged elders, CBOs, NGOs to help assimilate youths who have fallen in the path of vices like drug menace.
MLA Karikho Kri who was the chief guest stressed the need for documentation inorder to stop language and culture from extinction. He asked the priests and shamans to play the leading role in these changing times and assured all necessary help.
Kenter Joya Riba
(Managing Editor)She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313
