Itanagar, Dec 13: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the need to preserve the state’s indigenous culture, traditions, and languages during the inauguration of the newly-constructed Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) building at Bank Tinali on Thursday.

Khandu highlighted the state’s fortunate position in maintaining its cultural heritage, contrasting it with the loss of many indigenous cultures globally. He praised the efforts of AVP in promoting the development of tribal communities and protecting their unique customs, rituals, and languages.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged AVP’s significant role in providing education to underprivileged tribal children, especially in rural areas, with 32 schools operating across the state. He further mentioned that over 500 students from Arunachal Pradesh have benefited from the hostels run by the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (ABVKA) in other states.

Khandu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving indigenous cultures through the Department of Indigenous Affairs and encouraged collaboration with the department to safeguard the state’s distinct cultural identity. He assured full government support for these efforts.

The new AVP building, which includes a multipurpose activity center, will also offer vocational training to local youth and serve as the organization’s state office.