ITANAGAR, Oct 13 � Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Culture and Tourism Shripad Yesso Naik has urged upon the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh to uphold their age-old culture and faith system at all costs.
�I�m satisfied and very happy by witnessing the colourful dresses, dances and smiling faces of this Land of Rising Sun. This holy land is sentinel of our great nation. Everyone should feel proud of one�s own faith and culture,� said the Union Minister while addressing the 5th general conference of Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) at Dree Ground, Papu Nallah here on Sunday as chief guest.
Heaping praise on the Indigenous Faith body, he said, �I�m feeling proud to see the ceaseless efforts of FCSAP to protect, preserve and promote the age-old glorious indigenous faith and culture of Arunachal Pradesh.�
While pledging all support to �do some concrete work� for cultural and tourism development in the State, he talked about the �fast track� development formula of Union Government and said that �the doors are open always for everyone. Come and avail the schemes through a proper channel.�
Among others, State�s Urban Development, Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Pema Khandu and IFCSAP president YD Thongchi also addressed the gathering.
In his speech, Thongchi appealed all to come forward and reach out to every nook and corner of the State to make people aware about their own indigenous faith and culture.
Earlier, the programme was started with lighting of lamp before the images of Gods and Goddesses which was followed by a local prayer song by the members of Kargu Gamgi, Naharlagun.
The huge audience was enthralled by the eye-catching dance performance by the students of the NGO-run KGBV, Yagrung in East Siang district. Cultural troupes from various communities like Nyishi, Adi, Apatani, Galo, Mishing, Aka, Nepali, Assamese also performed on the occasion.
Earlier, the Union Minister laid the foundation stone of the Nyishi Art and Culture Archive and Cultural Centre here.
