SEPPA, Nov 14: The curtains of the 8th Indigenous Youth Festival, organized by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), were drawn at the general ground here in East Kameng district today, with Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung exhorting the youth of the State to carry on the legacy and wisdom of their forefathers.
Addressing the valedictory function as chief guest, Natung cautioned that the rich ancestral heritage of the State could gradually disappear if the younger generation fails to take active responsibility in preserving and promoting their ancestral heritage, indigenous faith, culture and traditions.
Highlighting the State government’s commitment towards safeguarding indigenous heritage, Natung lauded Chief Minister Pema Khandu for establishing the independent Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) in 2018. He stated that the department was established with the specific objective of preserving and promoting indigenous faith, traditional practices and age-old priestly knowledge. As part of this initiative, more than 3,333 traditional priests across the State are presently receiving honourariums from the government.
Observing that a significant number of registered traditional priests belong to the Mishmi community, Natung encouraged other indigenous tribes of the State to emulate their efforts by strengthening their traditional priestly institutions and taking concrete steps towards documenting, preserving and transmitting their sacred knowledge and practices to future generations.
MLA Kumar Waii and APSBB Chairman Hawa Bagang also addressed the gathering and shared their views on the importance of preserving indigenous identity, cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
The concluding day was also attended by IFCSAP president Dr Emi Rumi and general secretary Maya Murtem.
Among the major highlights of the final day were vibrant cultural presentations and an engaging storytelling session on “Tayie Lampii”, featuring Rubu Gambo from Lower Subansiri and Bangro Kamchi, a traditional Nyub from East Kameng. The session provided an opportunity for participants to appreciate and reconnect with the richness of indigenous oral traditions and ancestral wisdom.
In a significant concluding moment, Natung administered the pledge around the Promise Tree at the festival ground, with participants and attendees collectively pledging to protect, promote and preserve their indigenous faith, traditions and cultural heritage.
The valedictory programme also featured the distribution of prizes to the winners and participants of various competitions and activities conducted during the three-day festival.
The successful culmination of the 8th Indigenous Youth Festival reaffirmed the collective commitment of indigenous communities, particularly the younger generation, towards safeguarding their cultural identity and ensuring that the invaluable legacy of their ancestors continues to thrive for generations to come.