RONO HILLS, Oct 16: The Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), Rajiv Gandhi University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Research, GoAP here on Friday with the aim of carrying out extensive heritage documentation and formulating a State Culture Policy.

RGU Registrar Dr. Nabam Tadar Rikam and Director of Research, Batem Pertin were the signatories of the MoU which was inked in presence of VC Professor Saket Kushwaha and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Amitava Mitra.  Terming the MoU "historic," Professor Kushwaha acknowledged the need for documenting the vast and rich traditional knowledge of the state and urged both the AITS and the Directorate of Research to make the project dynamic. The Pro VC observed that the MoU is a proof of RGU’s commitment to play a proactive role in the socio-economic development of Arunachal Pradesh. AITS Director Professor Jumyir Basar said the idea of the project originated from the Dream Change Conclave organized by the state government in collaboration with the RGU and CCRD in 2017. She further informed that in addition to the Directorate of Research, the institute will also collaborate with the Communication Resource Centre, Department of Mass Communication, RGU led by HoD Moji Riba, also a cultural activist himself. Terming the initiative a “landmark moment”, the Director of Research  handed over a draft of Rs 45, 24, 000 as the first instalment of the project fund. 

As a part of the project’s activities, communities of the state will be consulted for preparing a roadmap for government intervention with the further aim of extending them support and devising strategies through an academically-driven prism. The chief objective of the project will be to assess the existing fault lines and find ways in rectifying them which will ensure protection of the varied cultures of the indigenous communities. 

RGU Joint Registrar Dr. David Pertin, Professor S. Simon John from the AITS, Finance Officer Professor Otem Padung and Mass Communication HoD Moji Riba were among others present on the occasion. RGU PR