Intro:Janjati Faith and Culture Protection Forum appealed the delegates to protect traditional faith and culture which is based on truth for the sake of humanity.
The Spiritual Retreat programme concluded at Golden Pagoda, Tengapani district Namsai of Arunachal Pradesh on August 24. The programme was organised by Janjati Faith and Culture Protection Forum. While delivering his blessings for the audience Revered Pragya Sara, Delhi expressed, “For universal peace and harmony, tolerance and non violence are the most essential values which we Indians have in heritage and every community of this earth has to inculcate it.”
Chief Guest of the Valedictory function Shri Chawna Mein, Minister Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Dairy of Arunachal Pradesh stressed on the importance of spiritual education for strengthening vital values of tolerance and non violence. We the people of northeast are sentinel of eastern border of our motherland, we are Indians and all the countrymen should recognise this fact. We have to develop institutes for such spiritual, philosophical guidance and its documentation. He said that he is very much impressed with the newly modified system of worship in Tani belt like weekly prayer halls namely Nyedar Namlo, Medar Nello, Ganggiing etc.
Main speaker of the session RSS Seh Sarkaryavah, Shri Sureshji Soni ventilated his thoughts and said, “Diversity is plan of nature which is widely accepted in all Janjati faith and beliefs. Denying this beautiful diversity is denying the will of God. Janjati communities don’t have any religion; it is a myth which is intentionally propagated by western thinkers. This seminar proved that the myth is absurd”. He emphasised the necessity of modernisation with retaining moral values. He depicted the resolutions of the world summit of 127 countries at Rio di Generio in 1992; it discussed and resolved on ‘Sustainable and equitable development, Peace and protection of environment. But after 21 years, the world is facing huge and ever increasing gap between rich and poor, global terrorism instead of peace and destruction of natural resources in place of protection of environment. Now, the scholars are rethinking saying that the whole universe is inter related and they analyse that root cause is limitless greed of human being. Therefore, if we want sustainable development, sustainable consumption is must. The western thought ‘earth for the pleasures of human being only’, has to be changed and world should recite the hymn of Indian thought Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (may all the beings be happy), Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (whole world is one family), (to see divinity in each and every thing).” He also stressed on to develop the oral tradition of tribal communities of North east into written form as it has the treasure to save this beautiful mother earth from destruction.
While explaining the objectives of the programme Shri L Khimun, convenor said, “We are assembled here to discuss philosophical aspects of our faiths. After thread bare discussion on various topics like concept of God, nature, man, Dharma and culture we realise that basics of our philosophy are same and vary only in interpretations. Our faith teaches us to remain synchronised with nature and achieve perfect evolution. We also understood that we have our own religion and culture, we have to protect, promote and practise it.”
The prominent personalities like Shri Y D Thongchi, Shri Tabin Karlo, Shri Gyatio Rana, Shri Amoso Khamlai of Arunachal Shri Ratneswar Deori, Shri Lunse Timung, Shri Jaleswar Brahma, Smti Pratibha Brahma of Assam Shri R Sungho, Smti Mira Dakhar, Shri Arnab Hajong of Meghalaya Dr Lozhoho of Nagaland, Pu Rorerliana of Mizoram were the resource persons of the seminar. Total 119 delegates representing 33 tribal communities of North-East participated in the seminar.
In the presidential speech Shri B B Jamatiya, President of Janjati Faith and Culture Protection Forum appealed the delegates to protect traditional faith and culture which is based on truth for the sake of humanity. Shri Jaleswar Brahma, General Secretary of the forum gave vote of thanks to all. Programme ended by Donypolo prayer presented by Dadumjona villagers.
Latsam Khimun(The writer is the Convenor of Spiritual Retreat Programme organised by Janjati Faith and Culture Protection Forum)
