NAHARLAGUN, Oct 13: As a follow-up to the previous two practical workshops that took place in September, a three-day State Level Priest/Shaman Workshop of Indigenous Faith & Culture Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) began today at Bharat Scouts & Guides Centre, Polo Colony.

Around a hundred delegates including fifty Indigenous priests from various districts are attending the workshop wherein technical sessions on ritual cost, methodology of indigenous ritual etc will be discussed.

Speaking about the aims & objectives of the workshop, IFCSAP General Secretary Bai Taba said that the workshop is to streamline the priestly duties, ceremonies and methodologies in order to meet the growing challenges of modern times.  Reminding them (priest) of their tremendous responsibility and special gift that not everyone exhibits, Taba exhorted them to work united and lead society to progress. He also asked them to maintain discipline while discharging their obligations towards the believers of indigenous faiths. IFCSAP General Secretary also urged them to pass on the age old traditional knowledge to coming generations.

Addressing participants, Chairman DIA, Nabam Atum lauded the IFCSAP team headed by its president and secretary for organizing the workshop. He stressed on approaching the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) on all issues only through IFCSAP and assured that the department is always ready to help and support IFCSAP. Atum also said that the department is ready and willing to work alongside other religions in developmental aspect of society, while hinting on some provision for developmental assistance. Meanwhile he also expressed gratefulness to Chief Minister Pema Khandu under whose leadership DIA was created.

In his motivation speech, Tabin Karlo talked about the purpose, call and responsibility of a priest.  He also asked the participating priests to aware themselves of present day challenges which calls for reformation and modified rituals, while retaining the originality.

Explaining further about the workshop, Advisor IFCSAP & Chairman Forest Corporation Arunachal Pradesh, Talo Mugli said that it will help in framing uniform guidelines for priest to perform duties which will facilitate in preserving the sacred ways and practices of priests. Acknowledging the rare gift of indigenous priests, Mugli who is also a former minister emphasized on need of bringing changes and modifications in ritual practices through formulation of rules and regulations. He expressed hope that this workshop would paved way for some concrete result on these issues.

Meanwhile sharing his experience, President Priest Wing & ADC Itanagar Talom Dupak urged all participating priests not to perform duties for namesake but to take it seriously. Echoing other speakers, Dupak also reiterated on making constructive changes in laid down norms of conducting rituals, and, this could be possible working together with IFCSAP, he added.“World has gone ahead, we cannot lag behind”, said Dupak. He called on to adopt systems which are people-friendly, and, specifically asked the priests to cut the expenses in conducting rituals. The president Priest Wing pointedly asked priests to give up the practice of avoiding families who witness unnatural deaths.

While in his presidential speech, IFCSAP President Tajom Tassung said that during these few days of workshop documentation of ritual practices (mantras etc) performed by priest will be done. He has requested all participants to help and support as it would be a history in making. Tassung also appealed for changes in system along with changing times.

Attending the programme as Guest of honour, Director Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) Tai Taggu highlighted the function of the department and said the state government stands supportive and guarded to preserve the indigenous culture of state. The DIA Director also asked to preserve local medicines, sports etc through documentation.

Among others former president IFCSAP, Dr Tai Nyori, Dr Ligu Tacho, Central Nyedar Namlo Chairman Dr Taba Hala, Dr Takop Zirdo, IFCSAP Women president & secretary, district presidents, Youth wing president Nabam Ruja and several others were present.

 

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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

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