Itanagar: Vice-President (V-P) C.P. Radhakrishnan, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (development along with heritage), has said that tribal communities are not merely custodians of India’s rich past but also important partners in building the nation’s future.
The Vice-President on Wednesday visited Nyedar Namlo in Itanagar, a sacred place of worship and community hub associated with the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith of the Nyishi community and other indigenous groups of Arunachal Pradesh.
He offered prayers at the prayer hall and was briefed on the Nyishi indigenous faith, beliefs and prayer systems, the Yerko indigenous Gurukul system, preservation of traditional knowledge and medicinal practices, and efforts to promote the mother tongue.
Addressing a community gathering, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that he felt blessed to visit Nyedar Namlo during his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
He added that he was honoured to be at a place “where traditions become modern thinking, and modern thinking is not destroying traditions”.
Describing Arunachal Pradesh as a proud embodiment of India’s unity in diversity, where ancient traditions and modern aspirations walk together, the Vice-President also said that the people of Arunachal Pradesh stand as proud sentinels of India’s territorial integrity.
Highlighting the values of the Donyi-Polo tradition, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said its emphasis on nature, truth, harmony and community remains deeply relevant to the modern world.
He stressed that development must go hand in hand with cultural preservation.
Appreciating the efforts of the Nyishi Nyidung Mung-jwng Rallung, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said its work in documentation, research, traditional festivals, cultural activities and preservation of customary laws and social values is making an important contribution to the community’s cultural future.
He also highlighted the Yerko Gurukul system, saying it offers an important model of combining contemporary education with indigenous knowledge, enabling children to embrace modern opportunities while remaining connected to their roots.
He noted that the recognition of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has brought renewed national attention to the invaluable contributions of India’s tribal communities.
The Vice-President also linked preservation of indigenous traditions with the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
“Preservation of indigenous culture is not about resisting change. It is about ensuring that change does not come at the cost of identity,” he said.
Calling upon the youth to embrace modern science, technology and global skills while remaining connected to their mother tongue and traditions, the Vice-President noted that India must be modern in its aspirations but deeply rooted in its civilisational and cultural values.
He extended his best wishes to the Nyedar Namlo movement and expressed hope that the sacred place would continue to inspire peace, harmony, respect for nature, social unity and a strong sense of community.
Among those present on the occasion were Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Member of Parliament Tai Tagak, state’s Home and Indigenous Affairs Minister Mama Natung and Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta.
Earlier on Wednesday, while addressing the special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar, the Vice-President said that Arunachal Pradesh holds immense strategic importance for the country and, with its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s borders.
(IANS)
