Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has called upon the people to take full advantage of festivals by forging relationships and inter-mingling for peaceful coexistence that would pave the way for state’s overall development in a congenial atmosphere.
Attending the Reh Festival of the Mishmi community at Teluliang near Tezu in Lohit district yesterday, Tuki said such festivals are great occasions to know each other, mingle and develop a relationship of mutual understanding and respect, official sources said here today.
“Festivals are not only a bridge between us and our traditions but also an occasion to rebuild a society of mutual understanding and trust,” he said and praised the Mishmis - inhabiting Lohit, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Anjaw and upper reaches of Upper Siang district - for sticking to their roots and preserving their rich and colorful traditions.
Tuki however, expressed concern over alienation of youths of some tribes from their cultural roots.
“Most of our youngsters do not even speak their mother tongue. This is not good for our future. It’s our elders’ duty to pass on our rich cultural heritage to our youths. Let our festivals be a gateway to our culture not only for the outside world but our youngsters too,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government would always encourage celebration of indigenous festivals of all tribes and to begin with, funds have been placed for celebration of main festivals of all the major tribes of the state, sources added.
PTI
