Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa today exhorted the youths to take responsibility in carrying forward the rich cultural heritage of their respective tribes.
Gracing the Solung festival of the Adi community here, Rajkhowa advised all, particularly young boys to take active part in the celebration to preserve their cultural identity, customs and traditions.
He also advised the people to converse in their indigenous language and put on indigenous attire and take pride in it. He said that people should modernise but should not lose touch with their roots.
Stating that there was no detailed records of all the 26 major and 110 sub-tribes of the state, the Governor advised people regarding documentation of the language, customs and traditions, so that age-old heritage which had been handed over from generation to generation is not lost.
Rajkhowa said, "Tribal festivals are based on realization of gift of nature and it is an expression of their ppreciation. It helps in preservation of nature's gifts such as the prized flora and fauna."
He called upon the people of the state for a united approach for preservation of the nature and to put in united effort in eradication of drugs and opium addiction in the state.
Conveying his appreciation to those organisations who are working toward drug eradication, he said that people of the state have to stand together against this menace while the government explores alternate source of livelihood to the effected people.
President of Itanagar Solung Celebration Committee Rajeev Takuk said that Solung is the embodiment of Adi way of life. It encompasses the entire gamut of Adi socio-cultural and religious life.
