On December 31, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced an ambitious plan to establish a university-level institute dedicated to the promotion, documentation, research, and education of the state’s indigenous culture, faith, and languages. The initiative will be undertaken in partnership with the US-based International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS).
Collaboration with ICCS and RIWATCH
ICCS, which operates a center known as RIWATCH in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley, has been actively engaged in preserving, documenting, and researching the Idu Mishmi culture and language. Chief Minister Khandu held discussions with ICCS Founder Prof. Yashwant Pathak during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP).
Vision for Indigenous Culture Preservation
While inaugurating the Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo at Pachin Colony on Donyi Polo Day, Khandu shared that the idea of a university stemmed from his conversations with Prof. Pathak. He emphasized the need to elevate the study and preservation of indigenous culture and faith to a global stage.
“Through research and documentation, we can cultivate scholars in indigenous culture and languages. Imagine our priests becoming professors and teaching the age-old chants to young minds,” Khandu remarked.
Proposal in Nascent Stages
Acknowledging that the proposal is still in its early stages, Khandu expressed confidence in its future realization with ICCS’s collaboration. He noted the potential impact of a university-level institute, citing RIWATCH’s success as an example.
“This would be a monumental boost for our efforts to preserve our culture, faith, and languages. If a smaller research center like RIWATCH can achieve so much, imagine the possibilities with a university,” he added.
Call for Action and IFCSAP’s Role
Khandu urged followers of the Donyi-Polo faith to practice their beliefs in daily life, stating that mere discussions are insufficient to preserve the faith. He highlighted the pivotal role of IFCSAP in safeguarding the state’s cultural heritage and proposed brainstorming sessions to identify the root causes of cultural erosion.
“Without understanding the reasons behind cultural erosion, our preservation efforts will not succeed in the long term. IFCSAP must lead the way in identifying these causes,” Khandu asserted.
Assurance on Donyi Polo Day Holiday
Addressing concerns about December 31 no longer being a holiday for Donyi Polo Day, Khandu clarified that the date was initially celebrated as IFCSAP Day. It was later shifted to December 1 to honor Late Talom Rukbo, the father of the indigenous faith movement. Khandu assured that starting December 31, 2025, Donyi Polo Day would be reinstated as a local holiday in regions inhabited by Donyi Polo adherents.
Event Attendees and Contributions
The dedication ceremony was attended by prominent leaders, including Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung, IFCSAP President Dr. Emi Rumi, former ministers Taba Tedir and Kaling Jerang, and other dignitaries. Kaling Borang, Chief Advisor of Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang and a close associate of Late Talom Rukbo, served as the resource person for the event.
This initiative signifies a significant step towards preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and fostering global recognition of its indigenous faith and traditions.
