HT Correspondent
BASAR, Aug 26: Arunachal Pradesh BJP State President Kaling Moyong on Tuesday stressed the need to preserve and promote indigenous culture and traditions, describing them as the true identity of the people.
He was addressing a large public gathering at the general ground in Basar, Leparada district, where the Pre-Solung Gi:Di festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
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“Our tradition is our culture and our culture is our identity. We must protect, preserve, and promote them with collective responsibility,” Moyong said in his address as chief guest.
He added that it was encouraging to see people embracing traditional attire and cultural performances during the festival.
“Parents and teachers must educate the younger generation, who are our future, to remain connected to our roots. If we do not take this responsibility seriously, we risk losing our culture and identity,” he cautioned.
The BJP state president further called for collective efforts to safeguard indigenous festivals, rituals, games, and sports.
He pointed out that such cultural practices form the backbone of community identity and unity.
Speaking to the media, Moyong highlighted various initiatives of the state government to support indigenous traditions.
He said several Gurukuls were being set up for different tribes to promote their heritage, while the Department of Indigenous Affairs had also undertaken initiatives to revive forgotten freedom fighters and honour their contributions.
“It is our duty to protect and promote the ethos of traditional values and cultural heritage of the state,” he added.
While wishing the people on the occasion, Moyong expressed happiness that the Solung festival—one of the major festivals of the Adi tribe—was celebrated in such a grand manner for the first time in Leparada district, which is predominantly inhabited by the Galo community.
He said the celebration would help foster better understanding and bring the Adi and Galo tribes closer together, building on the spirit of the recent Adi-Galo summit for peace, harmony, and progress.
Leparada Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena, in her address, extended greetings to the people and said festivals play a vital role in spreading messages of peace, harmony, and development among various tribes.
The event was also attended by Basar local MLA Nyibi Jini Dirchi, MLA Mutchu Mithi, Tojir Kadu, Oken Tayeng, and Ninong Ering. Leparada Central Solung Gi:Di Celebration Committee (CSGCC-2025) President Kanom Pertin, Secretary D Tojo Basar, and Galo Welfare Society (GWS) President Dr Toli Basar also addressed the gathering.
The celebration witnessed colourful cultural performances, with around 47 cultural troupes from different parts of Leparada and Lower Dibang Valley districts participating in the extravaganza.
Traditional dances, songs, and rituals reflecting the rich heritage of the Adi and Galo tribes were showcased, enthralling the audience.
The Pre-Solung celebration concluded on a note of communal harmony, cultural pride, and unity, with participants reaffirming their commitment to safeguard the indigenous values of Arunachal Pradesh for future generations.
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