Itanagar, Feb 9: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi, a new prayer and cultural centre, at Modirijo in Itanagar on February 8. The event underscores the state government’s efforts to preserve indigenous faiths, cultures, and traditions.

Khandu congratulated the Itanagar Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi Council, the Central Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi Council, and over 700 donors, primarily from the Galo community, for turning a long-cherished vision into reality. “This Gamgi is not just a structure; it represents our roots, faith, and identity,” he said.

Highlighting the ancient origins of indigenous belief systems, Khandu noted their revival worldwide amid modernization. In Arunachal Pradesh, diverse tribal faiths are safeguarded through the Department of Indigenous Affairs, which supports prayer centres like Kargu Gamgi and Nyedar Namlo.

“Our faith, culture, language, and traditions are inseparable. Losing our roots means losing our identity,” Khandu emphasized, adding that preservation of indigenous practices does not conflict with India’s secular framework.

Government initiatives include declaring December 31 as Donyi Polo Day, approving Nimin Aalo celebrations for women, and naming the state’s first greenfield airport as Donyi Polo Airport. The Kargu Gamgi system, formalized in the early 2000s, promotes collective prayer, healing, and community harmony.

Addressing challenges from globalization, particularly among youth, Khandu stressed integrating indigenous faiths into education, drawing inspiration from Tawang’s Buddhist system. He also announced plans to establish a dedicated indigenous studies university in collaboration with ICCS, RIWATCH, and IFCSAP, focusing on research, documentation, and curriculum development.

The government aims to facilitate study tours abroad to learn about faith systems such as Shintoism in Japan, host international conferences, and increase funding for cultural centres. Khandu also suggested a state-of-the-art Donyi Polo centre in Itanagar and encouraged daily practice of rituals at home.

The event was attended by Ministers PD Sona and Kento Jini, Itanagar Mayor Likha Nari, MLAs, community leaders, and devotees. Khandu expressed hope that the centre would serve as a spiritual and educational hub, promoting harmony and continuity of cultural traditions.