Itanagar, Sep 9 (PTI) Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday advocated for balancing development with the preservation of indigenous culture, saying change should not come at the cost of identity.
Radhakrishnan made the remarks during his visit to Nyedar Namlo, a sacred worship site and community centre associated with the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith of the Nyishi community and other tribal groups in the state.
Addressing a community gathering, the vice president said he felt “blessed” to visit Nyedar Namlo during his maiden trip to the state.
“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, describing Arunachal Pradesh as an example of ‘unity in diversity’, where traditional values and modern aspirations can coexist.
The vice president said the Donyi-Polo tradition, with its emphasis on nature, truth, harmony and community, holds significance even in the modern era..
Radhakrishnan praised the efforts of the Nyishi Nyidung Mung-jwng Rallung in documenting and researching the community’s traditions, organising cultural activities and festivals, and preserving customary laws and social values.
He said the Yerko indigenous Gurukul system provides an example of how contemporary education can be combined with traditional knowledge.
Such an approach, he said, can help young people pursue modern opportunities without losing touch with their cultural roots.
Radhakrishnan said tribal communities were not only custodians of India’s heritage but also key contributors to the country’s future.
“India must be modern in its aspirations but deeply rooted in its civilisational and cultural values,” he said.
During his visit, Radhakrishnan offered prayers at Nyedar Namlo and was briefed on the Nyishi faith, prayer practices, traditional knowledge, medicinal practices and efforts to promote the mother tongue.
He later visited the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and the Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired in Itanagar, where he interacted with students and teachers.
Governor K T Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein were among those present during the programmes.
The vice president left for New Delhi following the programmes, concluding his trip to the Northeast. PTI UPL UPL SOM
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