CELEBRATION of 21ST KARGU GAMGI FOUNDATION DAY concluded on 5th December
2024 AT MODI-RIJO, ITANAGAR:
The Indigenous Faith believers of Galo Community observed and
celebrated the 21st Kargu Gamgi Foundation Day on 5th December 2024 at
Modirijo Itanagar with organised prayers for world peace, made
discourse on teachings of Donyipoloism faith and practice of Kargu
Gamgi’s prayer systems. The members specially the women folks
displayed cultural shows that entertained the invited audience
thereafter all invitee guests and delegates enjoyed community feast.
Mr Bai Romin, being the Kargu Gamgi Foundation Day Celebration’s
Organising Secretary warmly welcomed one and all to auspicious day
CELEBRATION. The Kargu Gamgi Foundation Day’s Organising President Mr Gomar
Angu, the Jt. Director of Industries Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and
also THE General Secretary of ‘Arunachal Vikas Parishad’ expressed
his hearty thanks and highly appreciated Dr.Tony Koyu and senior
leaders for making a strong foundation of ‘Kargu Gamgi Movement’ in
the state of Arunachal Pradesh. He also appreciated all Galo volunteer
doners like high officials and public leader because of whom the Kargu
Gamgi Council Itanagar got huge collections of money in multiple of
lakhs, and the good result is the tangible infrastructure Land and
building that Committee is owning today. He advised all to have cordial
relationship with the IFCSAP as its both President and VP(HQ) belong
to Galo Community. The Chairman of Mopin Preservation Society, Mr. Dumo Lollen
informed that without participation of womenfolk, preservation and
promotion of Indigenous faith and culture and Kargu Gamgi systems
would be a distant dream. He advocated for proper discipline in wearing
proper uniforms in such community activities in future. He advised
all Galos to participate in huge numbers in Mopin festival also. He
said that as a human being, we should love and support each other to
get blessings of Donyipolo.
The historic occasion of 21st Kargu Gamgi Foundation Day
Celebration was graced by many senior ‘Donyipolo Kargu Gamgi Council
leaders’ who are regarded as the path finders and pillars of Kargu
Gamgi Movements as they are the pioneers to establish the Kargu Gamgi
Movements in support of Dr. Tony Koyu’s vision and cherished dreams
to protect, promote and preserve Donyipoloism faiths amongst Galo
Community.
Amongst them was the first President Mr. Mido Lollen, who was
felicitated by the organising Committee as the founder President. In
his speech, Mr Lollen openly announced Dr. Tony Koyu as his mentor
and spiritual GURU in Kargu Gamgi Movement. While recollecting initial
teething problems of Kargu Gamgi Movement he became quite emotional
and nostalgic. He further informed that the cultural heritage and
indigenous belief systems of Galo community have been eroding since
last 30 years, “but luckily I met Dr. Tony Koyu in the year 2002-03,
who guided me about a mission called Kargu Gamgi Movement through
which we the Galo tribe also can promote and preserve our Indigenous
faiths and culture” thereby Mr.Lollen was appointed as the first
President and Mr Lava Potom as the General Secretary and Smt. Mipu
Ori, as women wing president and Mrs. Gumkir Ete Jini as Women wing
secretary. He further informed that first of all Dr. Koyu had conducted
an Orientation training on organised prayer systems and the Kargu
Gamgi was already coined by Dr. Tony Koyu as Donyipolo prayer centre
of Galo community besides all necessary modalities to manage the Kargu
Gamgi systems was already prepared.” He further reiterated that Dr.
Koyu’s advocacy for organised prayer systems of Kargu Gamgi became
the last straw on camel’s back to preserve our Indigenous faiths and
culture of Galo society. It became an exigency of the time for all
Galo believers of Indigenous faith and culture to promote and practice
Kargu Gamgi organized prayer systems.
Dr. Mipu Sora Ori ex. women President, felt quite nostalgic to
recollect the initial periods of founding Kargu Gamgi Movement under
the mentorship of Dr. Tony Koyu and almost all senior leaders of Kargu
Gamgi Movements have got proper trainings under him. She also took
certain names like Lt. Perik Ado, Miss Chigam Karlo, Mrs Gumkir Ete
Jini, Mr. Gope Kamdak, Mr. Mido Lollen, and others for their
dedication. She advised all to follow good teachings of Donyipoloism
and be a good human BEING thereby preserve own indigenous faith and
protect cultural identity of Galo and never get succumbed to
conversion acts of alien religion.
Mr. Monya Riba, General Secretary, nicely presented the activity
reports of Kargu Gamgi Council Itanagar. He apprised that the tangible
assets like land and building at Modirijo are the best reflection of
their activities. And such valuable assets would last long and become
more utility for generations to come. Besides, he proudly revealed
that members of KGC Itanagar are very devoted and disciplined as a
result of which our Kargu Gamgi has done selfless service to Galo
Community resided at Capital city as the organised prayer group
conducted house to house Donyipolo prayers in which they have covered
and visited almost 300 houses and conducted prayers for the wellbeing
of respective family members. Many Galos’ who never went to Kargu
Gamgi have liked and satisfied with their way of healing prayers and
appreciated them with huge contribution of money of more than two
lakhs. As a result, more new members have joined the mainstreams of
Kargu Gamgi Movements because of such a mission mode ‘Awakening
program’.
Mr. Komen Jirdo, the President of KGC Itanagar wished all the
guests and other delegates a happy Kargu Gamgi Foundation Day and
heartily welcomed one and all. He apprised that the KG council have
categorically chosen Dr. Tony Koyu, Retired MD of APIDFC (Govt of AP)
and our reverend GURU as well as the Founder of Kargu Gamgi system
since the year 2003 because everyone is eager to listen his words of
wisdom and love to have a glance. He further clarified that the word
‘Kargu Gamgi’ is not an ordinary word but it has divine powers that
not only heals sick and sad but also ensure abundant blessings of
Donyipolo. He further informed that the Kargu Gamgi Movement have
already attained 21st adulthood year so, there is no question of losing
this divine nomenclature and movement as such title had the blessings
of more 33 wise and senior Galo Priests (Nyib) on 27th September 2003.
The prominent senior priests were Shri Mogi Ori, now President of
Central Donyipolo Kargu Gamgi Council Aalo, Shri Tama Romin, President
Indigenous Donyipolo Priest welfare society, Lt. Tare Jirdo, Shri Kuke
Jirdo and many more have contributed a lot.
Accordingly, it has become matured enough and deeprooted and
rendering yeoman service to Donyipolo believers. He further
appreciated that had there been no visionary teacher and spiritual
Guru like Dr. Koyu, then neither such organized prayer systems nor
‘Kargu Gamgi Movement’ would have taken birth in Galo community.
Therefore, today we are fortunate enough to have many Kargu-Gamgis
and we are lucky enough to invited him as our honourable Chief Guest
thereby give us to honour him. I am sure that his reverend visit to
our new premise will leave an indelible footprint and make our place
holy. Mr Jirdo, acknowledged all generous Galo doners and Shri Mogi
Ori, President of Central Donyipolo Kargu Gamgi Council Aalo for his
personal initiative to impress upon the HCM for giving grant in aids.
He also praised Shri Nyamar Karbak, ex MLA, Er. Tumto Kamchi Chief
Engineer, and Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu ji for
mobilizing huge funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs. It
was also informed that the construction of buildings is progressing
as per the drawing and plan made by Ar. Jummar Rumi as per official
tendering procedure of the Government, accordingly, everything is
transparent indeed. The infrastructure includes a prayer center,
dormitories, training hall and museum etc. Lastly, he declared and
openly announced that next foundation day would be graced by our most
honourable Chief Minister.
Dr. Emi Rumi, President of IFCSAP, wished all happy celebration
of 21st Kargu Gamgi Foundation Day, and informed that he has come as
a simple Donyipolo believer and the silver Jubilee celebration of
Kargu Gamgi is also just ahead after 4years. As President of IFCSAP
recently on 1st December 2024, the IFCSAP organised Indigenous Faith
Day being the birth anniversary of Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo in which
members of Kargu Gamgi have also participated much. This 2024 is a
very historic year for IFCSAP and GALO people as IFCSAP is going to
celebrate statewide Silver Jubilee celebration of Indigenous faith
Day. Accordingly, he hopes mass participation from Kargu Gamgi
members, more so because IFCSAP president is a Galo and the KG Founder
Dr Koyu has already acted as one of the IFCSAP’s President and he is
also from Galo community. He advised all to keep praying Donyipolo
and make proper planning for reaping happiness and success in future.
Er. Likar Angu Retired Chief Engineer, who graced as Guest of
honour said the ‘Kargu Gamgi’ seems to be the brain child of Achi Dr.
Tony Koyu and without him it would not have flourished. He appreciated
the Arunachal Vikas Parisad and IFCSAP for guiding local organizations
for preserving Indigenous faith and culture. He apprised that the
entire universe is alive because of presence of our SUN in Solar
system and without sun nothing could survive but everything would
perish. He advised all organisation to maintain cordial relationship.
He further appreciated pitching of a success story of ‘Kargu Gamgi
Movement’ that too after enduring lots of ups and downs to evolved to
today’s celebration. Lastly, he advised that the role of Kargugamgi
group is huge as advent of urbanization and technological development
might impede and disturb upholding of Indigenous faiths and cultural
heritage of tribal society.
The last speaker was the honourable Chief Guest cum the Founder
Guru of Kargu Gamgi Movement Dr.Tony Koyu who showered lot of blessings
to the members of Kargu Gamgi movement and all invited guests present.
He said that such foundation Day celebration is a wonderful day as it
was beyond his dreams but wonders to witness and enjoy such a happy
and successful moment of Kargu Gamgi Foundation. He appreciated the
organizing Chairman Mr. Gomar Angu Jt. Director of Industries and Mr
Bai Romin Organizing Secretary for successful conduct of this day.
He also appreciated all his disciples that led the Kargu Gamgi
Movements successfully and lifted its position to great height. He
appreciated all erstwhile executive body members like Shri Mido
Lollen, first Founder President, Mr. Lava Potom, founder Gen.
Secretary, Mrs Mipu Ori, first women President; Mr. Goken Bagra,
ex.President, Mr. Jirpok JIrdo, twice ex.President, Mr. Lukbom Gadi.
Ex.General Secretary, Lt. Yido Boje, Ex. President, Mr. Bekar Bagra,
Ex. General Secretary and Mr.Marpak Kadu Ex. General Secretary, Mr.
Boya Potom Gamgi Abo, Mrs Out Potom Gamgi ane, and present president
Mr. Komen Jirdo, General Secretary Mr. Monya Riba, Women President
Mrs Yayu Dabi and General Secretary Mrs Dobi Jini, and all followers
of Kargu Gamgi systems by saying that flourishing of Kargu Gamgi would
not have become possible without their hard work and sacrifice. “nolu
kama bolo Kargugamgi e kama dolpe okke kargu gamgi e kama bolo
Donyipolo em kumsi kenma dolpe” This is most important. He also thanked
and appreciated both the Chairman and Member Secretary Mr Dumo Lollen
and Mr. Goge Sora for all supports and patronization.
While delving much on the activities of last two decades, he
became quite emotional mixed with happiness and melancholy. He was
melancholy because many friends are no more alive today. On the other
hand he felt happy because ‘the Kargu Gamgi Movement have now become
deep rooted even in the grassroot levels and popularly mushrooming
everywhere even with the help of even Government’s patronisation. He
referred the names of Lt. Perik Ado and Miss Chigam Karlo who were
fully trained and later deputed to Basar to train local Donyipolo
believers.
Since construction of Donyipolo prayer center was the main
hurdle, so he informed that he had to takeup the matter with the state
Government. Accordingly, he expressed gratitude to Mr.Tabom Bam
Retired IAS, and Ex.Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh for his kind
initiative to give grant in aids for construction of some Kargu Gamgi
Premises of Basar, Likabali, Liromoba, and Kamba etc. These are the
outcome of his blessings that he cannot forget in life.
Dr. Koyu further said that in the initial stage the KGCI members
faced lots of hardship and hurdles in spreading the teachings of
Donyipoloism through Kargu Gamgi, however despite all odds, he
accompanied by his followers went on tours to many galo inhabited
areas and villages like Hime, Torajan, Kangku, Likabali, Dari, Jirdo,
Chisi, Basar, Pusi Doke, Aalo, Kamba, Liromoba, Darak, Gensi,
Baririjo, Daporirijo, Pusigeko, Ziro, Nari, Kaduloklu and many places
to impart trainings on Kargu Gamgi ststems and organized prayer system
to pray the Donyipolo to uphold own indigenous faith and cultural
heritage of Tani group especially Galo community.In this way many
Kargu Gamgis have been established.
He happily revealed that whoever supported his mission and
followed his footprints, all have flourished in all fronts as a result
today they are very stable, wise, devoted, learned, experienced, rich
and very confidently leading respectable lives. So far nothing adverse
had happened with any one as Donyipolo is very kind. There are lot of
good and successful stories all around for which he is very happy.
He further apprised that had there been no Donyipolo, then there
would not have any other planets, and the mother earth. And without
earth, there would not have any living or non-living things including
human being. And had there been no human beings then there can’t be
any kind of religion and ultimately no one would have claimed greatness
of one’s RELIGION. Therefore, human being should adore and pray to
Ane Donyi being the supreme divine power and mother of all religions.
Lastly, he delved much into mythological aspect on genesis of
creation of entire universe. He clarified that no one has seen the
creator but it is the one whom different people give different names
and pray. He said some people called water as Pani, some say it as
Jol, Apatanis call it Yasi whereas we call it ISI. Names may be
different due to variation in accent and phonetic values of different
languages but all are talking about same i.e water.
Had we been born in London and Germany then we could have behaved
like them and worshipped their God but we are born and brought up in
Tani belt and as Tani descendant, so we need to follow our ancestral
God, Goddess and deities. If we don’t celebrate our Mopin, Solung and
Nyokum festivals then outsiders would never motivate us.
One man alone cannot achieve everything, solidarity and support
of all are the factors that encompass success stories. Although he
has been given the title of Kargu-gamgi Founder but he said that he
is an ordinary human being as he gave only a new idea for Kargu Gamgi
Movement, otherwise loss of culture and loss of identity is
inevitable.
He further informed that on 27th September 2003 with main motives
to protect, promote and preserve indigenous faith and culture of Galo
community then the erstwhile President of IFCSAP, Dr. Tony Koyu while
in consultation with more than 36 Galo Shamans(Nyibu) (of which
especially Shri Mogi Ori, Sr. Shaman and President of Central
Donyipolo Kargu Gamgi Council Aalo, Shri Tama Romin, Sr. Shaman, Late
Tai Bomjen Sr. Shaman and Shri Marpe Bojir, Sr. Shaman were prominent)
Dr. Koyu had coined and founded the “KARGU-GAMGI” systems thereby
brought a new era of cultural revolution and renaissance in indigenous
faith movements. Obviously today, the ‘Kargu Gamgis’ have become
common platforms to worship Donyipolo, inculcate good code of
conducts, make discourses with the help of Donyipolo Ormen, spread
Galo dialect, folk lore, folk tales, culture, support each other,
groom socio-religious leaders, and upkeep our Indigenous faiths and
cultural heritages and reform them in tune with modern requirements.
Thereafter, the cultural program was displayed and community
feast was enjoyed. To conclude it may be reiterated that foundation
of Kargu Gamgi Movement is a cultural and indigenous faith revolution
and lot of social reformation led by Dr.Tony Koyu is really a
commendable job to restore and preserve own cultural ethics and belief
system thereby save them from going into oblivion.
