SEPPA, Nov 12: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today announced that the Indigenous Faith Youth Festival would henceforth be organized every two years, instead of once in three years, with the next edition scheduled for 2028. He also announced the revival of the Kameng River Festival from this year, with financial support from the State Government, to promote East Kameng’s tourism potential and showcase its cultural heritage.
The announcements were made while addressing the inaugural function of the 8th Indigenous Faith Youth Festival at Seppa in East Kameng district, organized 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 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 programmes and reach more young people.
The Chief Minister also assured early consideration and release of the gap funding sought by IFCSAP through a memorandum submitted to his office on November 6, in view of the larger-than-anticipated participation at this year’s festival.
On the revival of the Kameng River Festival, Khandu said the Government would make a funding provision through the Tourism Department in the current year’s allocation. Responding to the request made by the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO), he said the event would help bring the district’s natural beauty, culture and traditions onto the State’s tourism map. Encouraging the organizers to proceed with their proposed January schedule, he assured government support for the festival in the coming years.
Highlighting East Kameng’s potential for adventure and cultural tourism, the Chief Minister referred to opportunities in river rafting and paragliding, and called for greater tourism awareness and hospitality training among local communities. He said the success of a tourist destination depended not only on its natural attractions but also on the warmth and hospitality extended to visitors.
On strengthening institutions dedicated to indigenous culture, Khandu said six Gurukuls were now functioning successfully in Arunachal Pradesh. He assured continued government support for these institutions, including improvements in basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity. Specifically, he 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 prioritizing projects, given the organization’s understanding of the needs of indigenous faith communities across the State.
The Chief Minister emphasized that development and technological advancement must not come at the cost of cultural identity. While embracing progress, the younger generation must remain connected to its roots, languages, customs, faith and traditions. He urged every community to take responsibility for preserving its own heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Calling Arunachal Pradesh a living heritage, Khandu said the State’s cultural diversity was among its distinctive strengths. He encouraged young people to learn about the different indigenous belief systems and practices of the State’s communities, understand one another’s traditions and carry forward this legacy.
Emphasizing mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, the Chief Minister said Arunachal Pradesh was home to people practicing different religions and faiths, and every individual had the freedom to follow the religion of their choice. Preservation of indigenous faiths, he said, must go hand in hand with respect for other religions. He cautioned against the misuse of social media and technology to create misunderstandings and called for dialogue, maturity and mutual respect in addressing community issues.
Khandu stressed that the preservation of indigenous faith could not depend on legislation alone. It required personal commitment from individuals and communities to understand and practice their traditions. He encouraged community organizations and faith leaders to undertake discussions and research-based initiatives to strengthen their respective belief systems, assuring government support wherever required.
The Chief Minister referred to the work being undertaken by the RIWATCH Institute in documenting and researching the traditions of the Mishmi community. He said discussions were also underway on a proposal to establish an international tribal learning centre or university in the State, and expressed hope that the proposal could be brought before the Assembly next year.
Khandu appreciated EKSWCO for its sustained work in raising local development issues and undertaking social audits of projects in the district. He encouraged community-based organizations across Arunachal Pradesh to adopt similar practices to promote transparency, accountability and quality in the implementation of public projects. He also urged people to speak up against wrongdoing, irrespective of the influence or position of those involved.
On the district’s development, the Chief Minister said 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. 
He expressed hope that the festival would enable participating youth to gain a deeper understanding of indigenous games, traditions, faiths and the diverse ways of life of Arunachal Pradesh’s communities.

---

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

<< Back to News List