ITANAGAR, Sep 21: Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak on Monday visited RIWATCH, based at Khinjili, Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district and expressed his support for the proposed establishment of the University of World’s Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritage (UWATCH).
Speaking on the proposed UWATCH, he emphasised the importance of establishing a dedicated centre of higher learning for the study, documentation and promotion of indigenous knowledge systems, traditions and cultures.
Tagak said Arunachal Pradesh and the wider Northeast possess rich oral traditions, customary practices, indigenous knowledge, languages and belief systems, many of which remain inadequately documented.
A specialised university, he said, could provide an academic framework for systematic research and documentation while creating new avenues of learning and livelihood for the youth.
Tagak further observed that a university rooted in Arunachal Pradesh but with a global outlook could connect the tribal and ancient traditions of India with those of communities across the world and enhance the State’s role in heritage studies.
Commending RIWATCH for conceptualising the proposal and undertaking groundwork through its research, museum and outreach activities, the MP assured the institute of his support in taking the UWATCH vision forward.
During the visit, Tagak also interacted with 10 Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS) aspirants attending coaching classes jointly organised by RIWATCH and Jnana Prabodhini, Pune, and encouraged them to remain focused and disciplined in their preparation.
The MP also interacted with RIWATCH research staff, who briefed him on the institute’s ongoing research, community outreach initiatives and publications. He appreciated the organisation’s contribution to documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast.
Tagak also toured the RIWATCH Museum and lauded its efforts to document and preserve the heritage of indigenous communities of the region and tribal communities from across the world.