ZIRO, Aug 1: Local MLA Hage Appa, while stating that the institution of traditional priesthood need to be preserved as a reminder of our proud legacy of being tribal and belief in animism, emphasized on handholding by the State government and a “concrete” solution to arrest “downfall” of this rich tribal legacy.
Inaugurating a one day workshop on ‘Preservation of Priesthood Culture’ organized by the Department of Indigenous Affairs in collaboration with the District Administration and All Apatani Nyibu Welfare Association at Abotani Hall here on Wednesday., the MLA said the declining presence of traditional Nyibus or priests is a worrisome aspect for the entire Apatani society for which handholding by state govt and a concrete solution was needed to arrest downfall of this rich tribal legacy.
Advocating convergence between the All Apatani Nyibu Welfare Association (AANWA) and the Meder Nellos, Appa urged the Meder Nellos to play a pivotal role in preserving the priesthood culture. “It is indeed an uphill task to preserve and sustain the traditional priesthood culture in face of modernity and declining priests. Hence, I urge the Meder Nellos to find a way out to preserve the priesthood culture for the sake of posterity and in tune with the modern situations and demands,” he said.
Informing that the state govt had earmarked a Gurukul School for Ziro during the recent budget session, the MLA said: “The indigenous Gurukul School will greatly help in preserving the rich cultural legacy of Apatani customs and traditions and ignite the young minds of Apatani boys and girls to practise their ancestral traditions passed down by their forefathers.”
Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Vivek H P said that this maiden workshop on ‘Preservation of Priesthood Culture’ would go a long way in reinforcing the need to preserve the legacy of the traditional priest or Nyibu. “The priesthood culture is a reflection of the identity, culture and core value system of the Apatani people and I urge the youth to preserve and maintain their identity,” the DC appealed, while adding the District Administration was willing to lease out unused government building to be used as temporary Gurukul School and by the Nyibus as well.
Advocating documenting the chanting of the Nyibus for the young generations, the president of Tanii Supung Dukung, the apex body of the Apatanis, H K Shalla said: “It is heartening to learn our fellow brother Dr Hage Tabyo has donned the role of a traditional priest post his retirement from Govt service and also written a book on the traditional priest system which is good and a trendsetter for the society.”
Asstt Director DIA Tapun Taki, AANWA secretary Pura Pai, IFCSAP president Mudang Elyu and AANWA chief advisor Landi Tajang also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, Nello Popi presented ‘Diima-Hama’ chants followed by Danyi-Ayu or Apatani folklore by Pura Chatung and Aji-Pai, a folklore by Dusu Tajang. (DIPRO)