Arunachal Pradesh CM announces new institute for promoting state’s indigenous languages and heritage

In cooperation with the US-based International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Dec 31 that the state would establish a university-level institute for the promotion, documentation, research, and teaching of the state's indigenous languages, culture, and faith.

The Idu Mishmi culture and language are already documented, preserved, promoted, and studied at the ICCS's Research Institute of World's Ancient Traditions Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH) center in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

On the eve of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh's (IFCSAP) Silver Jubilee Celebrations, Khandu had a private meeting with Prof Yashwant Pathak, the founder of ICCS.

On the occasion of Donyi Polo Day, the CM dedicated a Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo to the residents of Pachin Colony.

He explained that the idea came from his conversation with Prof Pathak to further support the indigenous culture movement and highlight the importance of maintaining the state's indigenous culture and faith on a global scale.

"Let there be research and documentation of our indigenous faiths and culture at the highest level. Let us produce scholars on indigenous culture and languages. Let our indigenous priests adorn the professor's gown and teach young minds about the age-old chants," Khandu said.

Although acknowledging that the concept is still in its early stages and that much work needs to be done, Khandu was hopeful that it will be implemented in the upcoming years with ICCS's assistance.

"If it comes up, it would be a huge boost to our movement to preserve our indigenous culture, faith, and languages and thus preserve our identity. When a research center of much smaller scale, RIWATCH, can do wonders, think what a university can do," he added.

Khandu greeted members of the Donyi Polo faith and insisted that they "practice what they preach."

He claimed that living out the Donyi Polo faith in daily life would be more fruitful than merely talking about it and its importance.

He highlighted the importance the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) can play in preserving the state's indigenous culture and recommended that brainstorming sessions be conducted with all relevant parties under its direction to identify the fundamental causes of the state's indigenous culture and faiths' decline.

"Unless we realize and pinpoint the causes of cultural erosion, we will not be successful in preserving our culture and faith in the long run. IFCSAP should take the responsibility to find out the causes," he observed.

Khandu reassured that the government had no "ill intention" when he was asked why Donyi Polo Day, which falls on Dec 3, was no longer a holiday.

Indeed, he disclosed that Dec 31 was formerly observed as IFCSAP Day, which the state government had proclaimed a holiday.

"However, as the IFCSAP Day was fixed on Dec 1 to commemorate the birth anniversary of late TalomRukbo, considered the father of the indigenous faith movement in the state, the holiday too got shifted," he said.

"I assure you all that from Dec 31, 2025, the Donyi Polo Day will be a declared local holiday in the areas inhabited by Donyi Polo believers," Khandu added.