Indigenous belief systems key to identity: Khandu

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu has said indigenous belief systems have existed for thousands of years and form the original spiritual foundation of tribal societies not only in Arunachal Pradesh but across the world.Speaking after inaugurating the newly consecrated Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi, a prayer and cultural centre, at Modirijo on Sunday, Khandu said while modernisation and social change have reduced the number of followers globally, there is now a renewed international movement to revive and protect indigenous faiths, cultures, and traditions.He emphasised that Arunachal Pradesh is home to diverse indigenous belief systems, each deeply embedded in the identity of its respective community.

To safeguard these traditions, the state government established the Department of Indigenous Affairs, which supports faith-based cultural infrastructure such as Kargu Gamgi, Nyedar Namlo, Ganggi, and other centres across tribes.“Our faith, culture, language, and traditions are inseparable. If we lose our roots, we lose our identity,” Khandu said, stressing that preservation of indigenous faith should not be misconstrued as opposition to any other religion.

“India is a secular country, and every individual is free to practise any religion. Protecting our indigenous faith is about safeguarding who we are, not opposing anyone else.”Highlighting challenges posed by rapid modernisation and global influences, he said institutions like Kargu Gamgi play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting indigenous values in an organised manner.Drawing parallels with the Buddhist education system in Tawang, he underlined the importance of integrating indigenous faith systems with formal education.Khandu announced that the state govt, in collaboration with institutions such as the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), RIWATCH (Roing), and the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), is working towards establishing a dedicated university for indigenous studies. The proposed institution will focus on research, documentation, education, and curriculum development.“This university will ensure that our indigenous knowledge systems are properly documented, researched, and passed on to future generations in a structured manner,” he said, adding that consultations with priests, cultural leaders, and scholars would form the foundation of its academic framework.He also shared plans to promote global exchange by facilitating study visits to countries such as Japan, where Shintoism has been preserved alongside modern development, and expressed intent to host international conferences in Arunachal Pradesh on indigenous faith and cultural practices.Appealing for harmony and mutual respect, Khandu urged people to refrain from divisive language on matters of faith. He encouraged practising indigenous rituals in daily life, noting that even small prayer spaces at home strengthen spiritual connection and cultural continuity.“Faith is a way of life. It must be lived, not merely spoken about,” he remarked.Assuring continued government support, Khandu said budgetary allocation for the Department of Indigenous Affairs would be enhanced to strengthen cultural centres across communities.

He further suggested that a state-of-the-art Donyi Polo prayer and cultural centre be planned in the capital, making it a must-visit destination.The chief minister expressed hope that the newly consecrated Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi would serve as a spiritual, cultural, and educational hub for future generations. “May the blessings of Donyi Polo guide us all towards harmony, wisdom, and a deeper connection with our roots,” he added.