In a region where ancient traditions still breathe through the hills, the priests of Khodhok-Cho were finally given the honour they deserved.
Bomdila marked this year’s Guru Purnima not just with prayers, but with purpose. On Wednesday, the All Khodhok-Cho Youth Welfare Association (AKCYWA), in collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra, Bomdila Karya Sthan, organised a special felicitation ceremony for the priests of the Khodhok-Cho region — a stretch of West Kameng district spanning the villages of Mukuthing, Membachur, Gorbow, and Dekshi. The theme was pointed and honest: ‘Know Your Own People: Honouring the Spiritual Heritage and Community Service.’
Gurus as the Backbone of Society
Sange Norbu Thungon, sanyojak of Vivekananda Kendra Bomdila Karya Sthan, set the tone for the evening. He spoke about how gurus do far more than perform rituals — they shape character, carry culture forward, and quietly steer communities toward something larger than themselves. “Honouring our gurus, elders, and local spiritual leaders is essential for preserving our rich cultural heritage and inspiring future generations,” he said. It was a reminder that gratitude, when expressed publicly, carries weight. These priests have been doing this work for decades, often without recognition.
A Wake-Up Call for the Youth
Dr Lobsang Tashi Thungon, yuwa pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, Kameng Vibhag, turned his attention directly to the younger generation in the room. His message was clear — you cannot build a strong identity if you don’t know where you come from. He urged the youth to dig into their history, learn their language, understand their customs, and listen — really listen — to their elders. In an age where cultural amnesia is spreading faster than most of us admit, it’s the kind of message that hits close to home.
An Honest Dialogue Between Generations
What made this event stand apart was the interactive session that followed. Sonam Gonpapa and NT Komu facilitated a direct dialogue between community elders and the youth — not a lecture, but a conversation. Topics ranged from cultural preservation and leadership to what responsibility looks like for a young person today. These kinds of exchanges rarely happen in formal settings. The fact that it did says something about AKCYWA’s intent.
Priests as Protectors, Not Just Performers
AKCYWA president Rinchin Tsewang Thongchi was direct about why this event mattered. Local priests, he stressed, are not merely ritual performers. They are custodians of indigenous knowledge, protectors of values, and the invisible thread holding community identity together. Their work often goes unseen — and that needs to change.
There’s something deeply moving about a community pausing to say thank you to the people who have silently carried its soul. West Kameng did that on Guru Purnima. And if younger generations walk away knowing their roots a little better, the evening will have done more than just honour priests — it will have planted something that lasts.
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