Itanagar: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday advocated for balancing development with the preservation of indigenous culture, saying change should not come at the cost of identity.
Radhakrishnan made the remarks during his visit to Nyedar Namlo, a sacred worship site and community centre associated with the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith of the Nyishi community and other tribal groups in the state.
Addressing the Special Session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar, the Vice-President highlighted the growing focus on the development of the Northeast, recalling the establishment of the Ministry of DoNER (Development of the North Eastern Region) during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the emphasis on the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’.
He congratulated the government and people of Arunachal Pradesh for the state’s development achievements, including its emergence as the country’s leading producer of kiwi, expansion of road infrastructure, issuance of over one lakh Soil Health Cards and significant progress in education and per capita income.
Calling upon legislators to uphold the highest traditions of democracy and work towards the development of the state and the nation, and recalling India’s rich democratic heritage, Radhakrishnan described India as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and urged legislators to live up to this legacy.
Urging legislators to place public service above electoral success, the Vice-President said that elections may be won through votes, bt the respect and trust of people can be earned through dedicated service.
He called upon members to make effective use of Question Hour and Zeri Hour to raise issues concerning public policy and their constituencies.
During the visit, the Vice-President offered prayers at the prayer hall and was briefed on the beliefs, traditions, and prayer systems of the Nyishi indigenous faith.
He was also informed about the Yerko indigenous Gurukul system, efforts to preserve traditional knowledge and medicinal practices, and initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving the mother tongue.
