RONO HILLS, Nov 19: A two-day colloquium, ‘Dialogue on Intangible Cultural Heritage of Communities’ got underway here at the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS) at the Rajiv Gandhi University campus. The colloquium is organized by the AITS in collaboration with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Intangible Culture Heritage Division, New Delhi. 
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest, Prof. A. Mitra, Vice-Chancellor in charge, emphasized that in addition to its role as a provider of quality higher education, the University is also mandated in its charter to document and assist in the promotion of the rich culture of the tribes in the State. He underlined the importance of organising such programmes along with academic works and research and mentioned how collaborations with the communities are essential to bring out more constructive output. Addressing the gathering Ms. Nerupama Y. Modwel (Director, ICH Division, INTACH) spoke on how maintenance of heritage and community memories are essential and steps to preserve and understand them should be taken seriously. 
In her keynote address “Unseen but Felt: This Continuum of Culture”, renowned poet and professor at Delhi University, Sukrita Paul Kumar encouraged all community members to embrace their traditions and appreciate their cultural heritage. She also spoke about how the skills and knowledge of tangible cultures is an asset for any community in order to bridge the emerging cultural disconnect and to ensure continuity. 
Earlier, welcoming the participants, AITS Director Prof. Simon John shared that the idea of having the dialogue was to engage with the communities and explore ways by which the intangible heritage can be protected and promoted. 
Dr. Shiela Bora, (Convener INTACH, Assam Chapter) dubbed Arunachal as an anthropological museum and stressed upon integrating modernity with tradition so that cultural heritage will be kept alive and preserved in its beautiful and unique form. 
A book titled “Change and Continuity Among Tribes: The Idu Mishmis of Eastern Himalayas”, edited by Dr Tarun Mene, Asst. Prof. (AITS) and Prof. S.K. Chaudhuri, Director of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal was also released jointly by Prof. Mitra and Idu Mishi Igu (traditional priest) Ache Mimi. The book provides a comprehensive understanding about the post-colonial research trends on the Idu Mishmi community of Arunachal Pradesh. It covers issues pertaining to daily life, socio-cultural aspects and resource mobilization.
In the two-day colloquium, various intangible cultural heritages would be discussed and methodologies for documenting them will be explored. The inaugural day’s interaction was conducted by filmmaker Moji Riba and the first session was moderated by Prof Jumyir Basar of the AITS. It witnessed ritual performances by the shamans of various communities - Ache Mimi (Idu Mishmi), Tahor Muang (Adi), Geli Ete (Galo), Namgram Tama (Nyishi) and Khoangam Suyang (Nocte) who also shared their personal histories as well as deliberated on the challenges faced by the traditional priests today. 
Interactive sessions and demonstration by artisans (wood carving & basketry) and Nyishi folk artists were moderated by AITS faculties Dr. Wanglit Mongchan and Lisa Lomdak, where participants spoke at length on the difficulties that they face in pursuing these dying traditional art forms. Aninstallation, demonstration and display of Opo (traditional knowledge of brewing) was followed by the Kit Laam Dance of Rongmei Naga by Ragailong Cultural Songs and Dramatic Union, Imphal. The demonstration and interactive sessions with weavers, indigenous chiropractors, bead workers and a Galo folk performance would be showcased on the second day. A crafts and weaves display was also a part of the event.
A key feature of the colloquium is discussion on ‘way forward’ for retention of indigenous culture; interaction amongst all the CRPs on learning from each other and suggestions on overcoming the challenges that will take place on the second day.

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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
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