Itanagar, Mar 20 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday reiterated that his Government is committed to preserving indigenous culture.
He said the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) was established with an aim to preserve indigenous culture of the state.
Khandu appealed the indigenous leaders and elders of the society to come out and suggest ways for the DIA to function for preservation of culture and languages.
He also expressed gratitude to all elders of the society who have preserved and passed on the indigenous culture through generations.
“Now, it is our responsibility. We cannot let go our identity which is our indigenous culture. If we do, Arunachal Pradesh will lose its identity,” Khandu cautioned.
The CM made this statement after he along with Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, on Saturday formally inaugurated a first of its kind school – Nyubu Nyvgam Yerko – at Rang village situated atop the hill overlooking Seppa in East Kameng district.
Nyubu Nyvgam Yerko (wherein ‘Nyubu’ means priest, ‘Nyvgam’ (person having wisdom and knowledge), and ‘Yerko’ meaning learning institution) is a formal institution for indigenous language and knowledge system.
Describing it as a historic day, Khandu said this would go a long way in promoting and preserving indigenous traditions, culture and language.
Lauding the initiative by the Donyi Polo Cultural & Charitable Trust (for establishing the school), he said it was the need of the day in view of rapid modernisation.
Khandu also appreciated Pai Dawe, who donated the land for establishment of the ‘Gurukul’ type school.
Khandu suggested that the lure to build concrete buildings for the institution be avoided and traditional houses preferred.
“Need not have RCC buildings except for teachers’ quarters. Let the kids learn in an environment that is their culture,” he advised.
Claiming that Nyubu Nyvgam Yerko is a right initiative, Khandu expressed that institutionalisation of cultural education is need of the hour.
Khandu, however, emphasised that modern education cannot be ignored and should go hand in hand.
He thanked the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) group for taking up the responsibility to impart formal education to the inmates of the Nyubu Nyvgam Yerko.
Assuring all assistance to the school, he informed that budgetary provision of about Rs three crore has been kept for its development and upkeep.
Meanwhile, Khandu expressed concern over the long-pending Seppa-Chayangtajo and Seppa-Bameng roads.
Mentioning that the alleged fund misappropriation in Seppa-Chayangtajo road is under investigation, he said that nevertheless work on the road should not stop.
“I have directed SIT to fast-track the investigation but meanwhile I will ensure that work on the road continues,” Khandu said.
On the languishing road to Bameng, he said funds will be sanctioned and that he would see to it that work on it begins within this year.
Earlier on the day, the CM inaugurated the newly-established operation theater at District Hospital, Seppa, while MoS Rijiju inaugurated the ICU of the hospital.
State Education and Indigenous Affairs Minister Taba Tedir, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung, local MLA Tapuk Taku, Nyishi Elite Society (NES) president Bengia Tolum and others were present on the occasion.
UNI DS JW2303