
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Friday urged the state’s indigenous priests to remain dedicated to preserving their age-old traditions while also adapting rituals and practices to suit the needs of contemporary society. Speaking at Raj Bhavan during an interaction with a group of indigenous priests, the governor emphasized that rituals should carry meaningful significance, be rooted in scientific reasoning, and contribute positively to society. He highlighted the importance of documenting traditional practices to ensure their preservation for future generations, reinforcing community identity and safeguarding the richness of tribal heritage amid rapid modernization.
Lt Gen Parnaik also proposed setting up an institutionalized training and teaching centre for indigenous faiths in Arunachal Pradesh. Such a centre, he noted, would provide systematic guidance and ensure the sustainable transfer of sacred knowledge across generations. Describing indigenous priests as custodians of tribal wisdom and spiritual heritage, the governor urged them to inspire their communities to live in harmony with nature, protect biodiversity, and foster sustainable lifestyles. He stressed that the guidance provided by priests should encourage unity, peace, and environmental respect, ensuring traditional values remain a source of pride and strength.
Earlier, the priests, led by Nangram Kani, shared their experiences and the challenges they face in preserving indigenous culture. The governor lauded their dedication in sustaining tribal identity while encouraging them to embrace modern opportunities that complement their traditional practices.