In a pivotal step toward preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s rich indigenous heritage, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has officially launched the Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi, a dedicated cultural and prayer hub for followers of the Donyi Polo faith, situated in Modirijo near Itanagar. This development reinforces the state government’s resolve to nurture native spiritual traditions, cultural identities, and ancestral customs amid modern challenges.
At the inauguration, Khandu commended the collaborative spirit of the Itanagar Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi Council, the Central Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi Council, and numerous contributors, including over 700 donors mainly from the Galo tribe. He described the center as a beacon of communal unity, transforming collective vision into a tangible space for spiritual reflection and cultural continuity.
The Chief Minister highlighted the profound significance of the facility, viewing it not just as a building but as a symbol of deep-rooted ancestral connections, faith, and shared identity. He acknowledged the millennia-old essence of indigenous religions, which have shaped tribal societies globally, and noted the increasing worldwide push to revive these practices against the backdrop of globalization.
Arunachal Pradesh boasts a diverse array of indigenous spiritual systems unique to its tribes, forming the core of their cultural fabric. To safeguard these, the government has established the Department of Indigenous Affairs, which supports the construction and enhancement of cultural prayer centers like Kargu Gamgi, Nyedar Namlo, and Ganging across various communities.
Khandu stressed the inseparable link between faith, culture, language, and traditions, cautioning that losing touch with heritage erodes identity. He clarified that preservation efforts respect India’s secular framework and are not opposed to other religions, focusing purely on protecting native legacies.
Key governmental milestones in this domain include recognizing December 31 as Donyi Polo Day, endorsing Nyirmen Aloo celebrations to honor women, and naming the state’s first greenfield airport as Donyi Polo Airport.
A standout aspect of the event was the recognition of the Kargu Gamgi Movement’s evolution since the early 2000s, providing a structured platform for the ancient Donyi Polo faith. This formalized approach enables communal worship, promotes healing, peace, and prosperity, and strengthens bonds among adherents in the capital and beyond.
Central to this revival is Dr. Tony Koyu, a visionary leader and scholar who founded the Kargu Gamgi Movement in 2003. As a prominent advocate for Donyi-Poloism, particularly within the Galo community, Dr. Koyu has spearheaded initiatives to promote, protect, and preserve indigenous faith practices. His efforts include establishing the first Kargu Gamgi management committee, delivering insightful sessions on Donyi Polo Orman (a form of Galo theology), and fostering spiritual reconnection amid external religious influences. Through his work with organizations like the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) and the Tony Koyu Foundation, he has emphasized cultural documentation, community outreach, and ethical revival, inspiring widespread participation in group spiritual activities that enhance societal harmony.
Khandu praised Dr. Koyu’s progressive and inclusive leadership, noting how it has adapted timeless beliefs to contemporary needs, encouraging daily observance in homes and families to ensure generational transmission.
The Central Donyipolo Kargugamgi Council HQ Aalo in it’s All Arunachal Pradesh Kargu Gamgi Conference cum 22nd Foundation Day on 27th September 2025 Organised at Aalo
West Siang had recognised the novel works of Dr. tony koyu and confered him with Awards and Honours of being the “Founder” of Kargu Gamgi Movement in Galo Society.
Amid rapid urbanization and external pressures threatening indigenous ways, especially for younger generations, centers like Kargu Gamgi are crucial for systematic preservation. Drawing parallels with educational models in Tawang’s Buddhist traditions, Khandu advocated integrating indigenous faiths into formal learning.
He announced partnerships with entities such as ICCS, RIWATCH in Roing, and IFCSAP to develop a specialized university for indigenous studies. This institution will focus on research, documentation, education, and curriculum development on Arunachal’s native religions and cultures, involving priests, experts, and scholars.
Looking globally, Khandu outlined plans for international exchanges, including study visits to countries like Japan to learn from preserved traditions such as Shintoism, and hosting worldwide conferences on indigenous practices in the state.
Urging unity and avoiding divisive discourse, the Chief Minister emphasized that true preservation begins at the personal level through everyday rituals, even in simple home altars.
Reaffirming support, Khandu pledged increased funding for the Department of Indigenous Affairs to expand cultural centers. He also proposed a state-of-the-art Donyi Polo complex in the capital, offering full governmental backing upon formal proposals.
This inauguration exemplifies Arunachal Pradesh’s dynamic strategy for cultural renaissance, merging ancient wisdom with forward-thinking initiatives to build a vibrant indigenous legacy in Northeast India.
Tags: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi, Dr Tony Koyu Efforts, Indigenous Faith Preservation, Kargu Gamgi Movement, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Donyi Polo Day, Cultural Revival Arunachal, Indigenous University Plans, Global Indigenous Collaborations, Northeast Heritage Protection
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