Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on January 29 visited an indigenous prayer centre in Aalo in West Siang district and joined a prayer session with the Donyi Polo faith followers over there.
The chief minister encouraged the Donyi Polo believers to preserve the tribal faith and culture and appealed to them to make a place of worship in their respective houses “to connect with God”.
Taking to Twitter, Pema Khandu wrote: “Spiritual Sunday! Joined a prayer session with the followers of the indigenous Donyi Polo faith at Kargu Gamgww in Aalo. It’s important to follow one’s indigenous faith. Every individual has an important role in preserving their culture. Be proud of who you are & whom you belong to!”
Sun & Moon are a source of our existence, strength, enlightenment, wisdom and good luck.
As we pray Almighty Donyi Polo, let us thank Him for all the things that we've been blessed with.
In changing times, it is our duty to preserve our rich culture and tradition. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/EBbOLUCoig
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) January 29, 2023
During his address, CM Pema Khandu assured to construct a conference hall in the Tribal Culture Centre complex which is required for meeting purposes. He informed the gathering that “some of the tribal language scripts have already been added to the school curriculum and the remaining will be taken up”.
Education, art and culture and indigenous affairs minister Taba Tedir, who along with home minister Bamang Felix and others also accompanied the chief minister during the visit, said that for the preservation of tribal faith and culture, funds for the construction of indigenous prayer centres has been enhanced by the government. Besides, the indigenous priests of Arunachal are being paid honorariums and issued identity cards.
Felix, in his speech, appealed to the people of Arunachal Pradesh to respect one’s religion and added that the Hamara Arunachal Abhiyan has created a feeling of oneness among the various tribes of the state.
Among others, MLAs Kento Jini, Nyamar Karbak, Gokar Basar, Hayeng Mangfi, Ojing Tasing, Chau Zingnu Namchum and Kardo Nyigyor, West Siang DC Penga Tato and SP Abhimanyu Poswal attended the prayer meeting.
