Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi, a new prayer and cultural center for the indigenous Donyi Polo faith, on February 8 at Modirijo near Itanagar. This event underscores the state government’s commitment to preserving indigenous beliefs, culture, and traditions. In his address, Khandu congratulated the Itanagar Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi Council, the Central Donyi Polo Kargu Gamgi Council, and the over 700 donors, primarily from the Galo community, for their collective effort in realizing this long-cherished vision.
Khandu emphasized that the Gamgi is more than just a physical structure; it embodies the community’s roots, faith, and identity. He noted the importance of public contributions in transforming these donations into a permanent spiritual and cultural institution. Highlighting the ancient legacy of indigenous belief systems, he reflected on their existence for thousands of years, representing the foundational spirituality of tribal societies globally. Despite a decline in followers due to modernization, he pointed to a revival in international efforts to protect and promote indigenous cultures and traditions.
The Chief Minister remarked that Arunachal Pradesh is home to a rich variety of indigenous belief systems, integral to the identity of its communities. To safeguard these traditions, the state government has established the Department of Indigenous Affairs, which is actively supporting the development of indigenous prayer and cultural centers like Kargu Gamgi, Nyedar Namlo, and Ganggi throughout various tribes. Khandu stated, “Our faith, culture, language and traditions are inseparable. If we lose our roots, we lose our identity,” clarifying that safeguarding indigenous beliefs should not be mistaken for opposition to other religions. He reiterated India’s commitment to secularism, emphasizing that protecting indigenous identity is about preservation, not opposition.
He recalled several government initiatives, including declaring December 31 as Donyi Polo Day, approving the Nimin Aalo celebration to honor women, and naming the state’s first greenfield airport after Donyi Polo. Khandu explained that the structured form of the Kargu Gamgi prayer system took shape in the early 2000s, allowing for a collective expression of an ancient faith. He described it as a symbol of prayer, healing, peace, and a unifying force for believers both in the Capital Region and beyond.
He praised the inclusive and reformative nature of the Kargu Gamgi movement, noting that active participation in spiritual practices has fostered social harmony and a sense of shared responsibility. However, he did express concern over the challenges indigenous belief systems face due to rapid modernization and foreign influences, particularly among younger generations. Institutions like the Kargu Gamgi play a crucial role in preserving these values.
Khandu highlighted the need to integrate indigenous faith systems into formal education, drawing parallels to the Buddhist education system in Tawang. He announced plans for a dedicated university for indigenous studies, developed in collaboration with organizations such as ICCS, RIWATCH, and the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh. This institution aims to focus on research, documentation, and curriculum development concerning the indigenous faiths and cultures of Arunachal Pradesh.
Moreover, Khandu shared aspirations for global exchange programs, including study visits to countries like Japan, where indigenous practices such as Shintoism coexist with modern developments. He intends to host international conferences on indigenous faiths and cultural practices in Arunachal Pradesh. In a call for unity and mutual respect, he urged communities to avoid divisive language regarding faith and to focus on everyday practices that preserve culture. Encouraging indigenous rituals in homes, he noted that even small prayer spaces could foster cultural continuity.
In conclusion, Khandu assured ongoing government support, stating that the budget allocation for the Department of Indigenous Affairs would be increased to further the construction of cultural centers. He also proposed the development of a state-of-the-art Donyi Polo prayer-cum-cultural center in the state capital, promising government backing if the proposal moves forward.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-cm-opens-donyi-polo-prayer-centre-reaffirms-push-to-protect-indigenous-faiths-1343170-2026-02-08?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-08 19:25:00
