arunachal-cm-plans-university-for-faith-culture-and-language

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced that a university-level institute dedicated to promoting and preserving indigenous culture, faith, and languages would be soon established in collaboration with the US-based International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS).

The announcement was made during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) in Itanagar on Tuesday.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, CM Khandu had a detailed discussion with ICCS Founder Prof Yashwant Pathak on the sidelines of the event, which inspired the initiative.

"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, expressing his vision for the institution.

Khandu acknowledged that the proposal is in its initial stages but expressed optimism that collaboration with ICCS would ensure its success.

The ICCS already operates a smaller research centre, RIWATCH, in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley, which focuses on documenting and promoting Idu Mishmi culture and language.

The Chief Minister emphasised the significance of preserving indigenous culture to safeguard the state's identity, urging the people of the Donyi Polo faith to practise their beliefs in daily life.

He said, "Only speaking about Donyi Polo and its significance won't bear fruits but actually practising Donyi Polo faith in everyday life would."

Khandu further called on IFCSAP to lead efforts in identifying the root causes of cultural erosion in the state and organising brainstorming sessions with stakeholders to devise strategies for preservation.

Responding to concerns over the discontinuation of December 31 as a holiday for Donyi Polo Day, Khandu clarified that the date had been changed to align with IFCSAP Day, now observed on 1 December to honour the birth anniversary of Late Talom Rukbo, the pioneer of the indigenous faith movement.

He assured, "From December 31, 2025, the Donyi Polo Day will be a declared local holiday in areas inhabited by Donyi Polo believers."