Arunachal Cabinet approves department for indigenous faith

The Arunachal Pradesh cabinet on Friday approved the establishment of Department of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Affairs (DIFCA) to look after preservation, protection and promotion of the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the state.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who chaired the cabinet meeting here Friday afternoon, said that due to globalisation, exposure and external influences the indigenous communities of the state are fast getting disconnected with their rich culture and languages that calls for specific steps to preserve and protect them from disappearing into oblivion.

"Creation of an independent department to look after preservation, protection and promotion of the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the state is a right step in the wake of a fast changing world. We cannot let our indigenous culture just fade away like many in the world," Khandu said.

While giving its nod to the proposal, the cabinet also approved the creation of seven posts to begin with, including a Director of the department, which would be headed by a Secretary.

The Department would also work to promote local languages and scripts along with literature on indigenous folklores, folk tales, proverbs, chanting of priests, etc; to preserve and promote indigenous cultural heritage for overall prosperity and constant growth in this regard; to maintain welfare schemes of indigenous priests and the priesthood institution; documentation of ritual systems of traditional marriages, birth, death and festivals, etc. and research on traditional medicinal plants and healing system; introduction of certificate courses on indigenous faiths and culture of the state; to preserve and promote indigenous games and sports by conducting tournaments.

--IANS

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