Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein recently attended the 45th Nyokum Yullo Festival. During his speech, he shared that the State government is taking every possible measures to protect, preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the State and the indigenous local dialects. He also informed that efforts are being made to involve all the stakeholders in the development process, and accordingly, pre-budget consultative meetings with various community based organizations were held. He said that people should inculcate a ‘Team Arunachal’ spirit.
Mein shared how the Nyokum festival is a good opportunity for the community to come together. ‘Like all festivals of Arunachal Pradesh, Nyokum Yullo provides an opportunity to the members of the Nyishi community to display the unique cultural richness and traditional heritage of their community.’ He further mentioned that Arunachal is a multi-cultural State where cultural diversity and pluralism is the singular hallmark, and the foundation of unity and integrity.
Mein also spoke at length about how indigenous festival steer-in unification and brotherhood amongst different communities of the State. ‘The Nyishi’s being one of the major communities of the State has the onus to shoulder responsibilities and act as elderly brother for other communities.’
The Department of Indigenous Affairs has been created, and the schemes on digital documentation of old traditional practices were being taken up to preserve, promote and protect the rich documents of various tribes of the State. The government has also introduced indigenous local dialects as the third language in the Government Schools.
Mein also released the Nyishi audio album, Sillo Sangcha on the festive occasion. MLA Kalaktang Dorjee Wangdi Kharma and MLA Chayang Tajo Hayang Mangfi also spoke on the occasion. Various cultural tropes enthralled the gathering with their graceful dances.
