VP Radhakrishnan at Nyedar Namlo: Preserve Indigenous Faith, Culture
VP Radhakrishnan visited Nyedar Namlo in Itanagar, prayed, and urged preserving indigenous traditions while embracing modernity.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited Nyedar Namlo in Itanagar on Wednesday, a sacred site of the Donyi-Polo faith followed by the Nyishi and other indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh. He offered prayers at the prayer hall and was briefed about the Nyishi belief system, the Yerko indigenous Gurukul model, and efforts to preserve traditional knowledge, medicinal practices, and the mother tongue.
Addressing a community gathering, Radhakrishnan said he felt blessed to be at a place where traditions and modern thinking coexist without conflict. He described Arunachal Pradesh as a proud symbol of India's unity in diversity, where ancient customs and modern ambitions move together. He also called the people of the state sentinels of India's territorial integrity.
Highlighting the Donyi-Polo values of nature, truth, harmony, and community, the Vice-President said these principles remain relevant today. He stressed that development must proceed hand in hand with cultural preservation, and praised the Nyishi Nyidung Mung-jwng Rallung for its work in documentation, research, festivals, and safeguarding customary laws.
Radhakrishnan lauded the Yerko Gurukul system as a model that blends contemporary education with indigenous knowledge, helping children stay rooted while seizing modern opportunities. He invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi," stating that tribal communities are not just keepers of India's past but partners in its future. He noted that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has brought national attention to tribal contributions, and linked cultural preservation to the spirit of Vocal for Local and Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
"Preservation of indigenous culture is not about resisting change. It is about ensuring that change does not come at the cost of identity," he said. Urging youth to adopt science, technology, and global skills while staying connected to their mother tongue and traditions, he said India must be modern in aspirations yet deeply rooted in civilisational values.
The Vice-President extended best wishes to the Nyedar Namlo movement, hoping the site continues to inspire peace, harmony, respect for nature, and social unity. Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MP Tai Tagak, Minister Mama Natung, and Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta were present.