In today’s rapidly globalizing world, the preservation of indigenous cultures is more crucial than ever. The Silver Jubilee celebration of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFSCAP), held from December 26 to 28, 2024, underscored this urgency. Attended by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the event brought together over 4,000 delegates from across the state to celebrate and reaffirm the importance of safeguarding the unique cultural and spiritual heritage of the region’s indigenous communities. This gathering served as a powerful reminder of the need to protect indigenous identities in the face of growing external influences that threaten to dilute or erase them. Arunachal Pradesh, home to a diverse range of indigenous communities, has long been a battleground for the protection of its cultural identity. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the enduring significance of indigenous faiths, emphasizing that these belief systems have existed since time immemorial, even before the advent of foreign faiths.
This makes them an intrinsic part of human history, a legacy that deserves to be safeguarded and passed down through generations. The growing influence of foreign faiths poses a serious threat to the cultural fabric of indigenous communities. As traditional beliefs are gradually displaced by external ideologies, many indigenous practices, languages, and customs face the risk of extinction. In response to this, the state government has taken significant steps to protect the indigenous way of life. A notable initiative is the renaming of the Department of Indigenous Affairs to include "Indigenous Faith and Culture," reflecting the state's commitment to the dual preservation of both indigenous beliefs and cultural practices. Additionally, efforts are being made to implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, which aims to safeguard local customs from the pressures of religious conversion.
The Silver Jubilee event, with over 4,000 delegates from across the state, has been a grand display of Arunachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. It serves not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect and promote indigenous traditions in the face of external pressures. Through cultural performances, rituals, and exhibitions, the event reaffirmed the resolve of the people to uphold their unique identities. The celebration in Arunachal Pradesh marks a crucial moment in the collective efforts to protect these cultures, ensuring that they continue to thrive for future generations. Preserving indigenous faith and culture is not just about protecting the past; it is about ensuring a vibrant, diverse future for all.
