Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Home Minister Mama Natung on Saturday urged the Central Nyokum Yullo Committee (CNYC) to continue working for the protection and preservation of the Nyishi community's faith, traditions, cultural rituals and identity.
Addressing the sixth general conference-cum-election of the CNYC at the DK Convention Centre here, Natung stressed the importance of celebrating the Nyokum Yullo with its traditional rituals to ensure the rich cultural heritage of the Nyishi community is passed on to future generations.
"As members of the Nyishi community, we must follow the footsteps of our forefathers and celebrate Nyokum Yullo with proper rituals. This will help guide and educate our younger generation while preserving our rich heritage, traditions and faith," he said.
The Home Minister appreciated the CNYC for its sustained efforts in preserving the Nyokum festival and safeguarding the identity of the Nyishi community.
He also lauded the committee for conferring the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously on late Tadar Tang and late Dr Bengia Tolum, describing them as mentors whose contributions to the Nyishi community would always be remembered.
Highlighting the important role of Nyubs (priests) in preserving the community's traditions, Natung said the establishment of two Gurukuls in Nyishi-inhabited areas would help train the younger generation and keep the community's cultural and spiritual traditions alive.
He also congratulated the newly elected chairman and general secretary of the CNYC and wished them a successful and purposeful tenure.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA and Advisor to the Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department, Pani Taram, described Nyokum Yullo as a prayer for the well-being of humanity, other living beings, favourable climatic conditions and a bountiful harvest.
Calling the festival the cultural identity of the Nyishi community, he urged the CNYC to ensure that Nyokum Yullo is celebrated with proper traditional rituals so that younger generations remain connected to their heritage and cultural values.