“They Are Not Exported, They Are Rooted”: Arunachal CM Reaffirms Commitment To Indigenous Faiths with New Initiatives

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reaffirmed his deep commitment to safeguarding the indigenous faiths of the state, calling them the spiritual and cultural soul that gives life to its tribal communities, news agency PTI reported.

In a message posted on social media Thursday (24 July), Khandu underscored that these faiths differ from mainstream religions, as they are deeply rooted in land, memory, and traditions rather than written scriptures.

“They are not exported, they are rooted. They hold the soul of our people, our forests, mountains, rivers, and ancestors,” he wrote on X.

Highlighting ongoing initiatives to preserve and promote the traditional values and ethos of the state's indigenous communities, the Chief Minister said the government has established six indigenous gurukuls for the Adi, Galo, Nyishi, and Tangsa tribes to revitalise traditional learning systems through community-driven institutions.

He further noted that over 3,000 registered indigenous priests across the state are now being provided with honorariums in recognition of their roles in conducting rituals, safeguarding oral traditions, and offering spiritual guidance.

As part of a broader cultural revival strategy, Khandu said tribal cultural centres are being developed in every district to act as hubs for documentation, training, and promotion of local traditions.

Additionally, 50 indigenous prayer centres have been set up across Arunachal Pradesh to offer dedicated spaces for spiritual practice in alignment with native belief systems.

 “This isn’t just about culture. It’s about who we are. And it’s about making sure we don’t forget,” Khandu emphasised, asserting that protecting indigenous faiths is vital for preserving the state’s identity and rich heritage.

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