Doimukh, Apr 11: A team from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), led by Under Secretary Parna Sahana, visited Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) to inspect projects funded under the North Eastern Council (NEC) schemes, with a particular focus on the documentation and promotion of indigenous languages in Arunachal Pradesh.
The inspection concentrated on the project titled “Promotion and Literary Development of Mother Languages of Arunachal Pradesh,” implemented by the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), RGU.
The project aims to document endangered languages, oral narratives, and cultural heritage of lesser-known indigenous communities in the state, in line with MDoNER’s broader goal of cultural preservation and regional development.
During the visit, acting vice-chancellor of RGU, SK Nayak, highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to community-driven research and outreach, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding linguistic and cultural traditions. Sahana expressed satisfaction with the progress made and lauded the university’s dedication to the project. She noted that preserving fragile linguistic traditions is crucial for maintaining the cultural identity and heritage of indigenous communities.
RGU registrar NT Rikam reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting such culturally significant initiatives and suggested a follow-up study to assess the long-term impact of the project. Finance Officer Otem Padung emphasized the need for financial accountability and efficient fund utilization to meet project objectives.
Joint registrar David Pertin underlined the importance of coordination among stakeholders and highlighted the project’s outputs, including books, articles, dictionaries, and documentaries on the Ashing, Brokpa, and Nah tribes. Director of AITS, Jumyir Basar, stated that the project aligns with the institute’s vision of preserving indigenous knowledge systems.
Co-principal investigators Tarun Mene and Lisa Lomdak, along with linguistics faculty member Wanglit Mongchan, shared insights into the fieldwork-intensive nature of the project. They stressed the significance of involving local communities and policymakers to ensure the documentation and revival of indigenous languages and oral traditions.
The MDoNER team also visited other ministry-funded projects on the RGU campus and toured the Tribal Heritage Museum, assessing the broader impact of the university’s efforts in cultural and educational development.
