To act sensible

(Editorial, Nov 15, 2009)
The Arunachal Pradesh Governer JJ Singh on his first ever visit to Roing laid the foundation stone for RIWATCH campus in Iduli village. The Research Institute for World’s Ancient Tradition, Culture and Heritage or RIWATCH as it is popularly known is a unique institute that will provide an opportunity for cross cultural studies and students exchange program working on indigenous societies across the world. On local level it will help raise the living standard of the tribal people opening up new avenues for economy as the tiny village of Iduli will be known all over the world for this unique institute.

The man behind RIWATCH, Vijai Swami is popularly known in the field of social work as a researcher, author and a film-maker all rolled into one. He has spent over 20 years in Arunachal working under Vivekananda Kendra and is the founding member of Gyanodaya (a career counseling center at Itanagar), Essomi Foundation Trust, Intaya Public School at Roing and 16 self help groups of women spread across the state. In 2000, he was awarded the prestigious “Governors Commendation Certificate” by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh for his commendable service rendered to the people of the state. In 2005, he was awarded Fulbright Fellowship by United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) under Indo-American Environment Leadership Program for addressing environmental issues in eastern Himalayas. Many of his works can be found in several books, texts, pamphlets and documentaries produced by the Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (ICLS). He has also to his credit several video documentaries like 'our culture our pride' made on Idu Mishmi’s rich cultural heritage and 'Ek Nayi Umang' on movement of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Societies of Arunachal Pradesh.

Yet despite his worldwide recognition for relentless effort and dedication working for tribal people in Arunachal Pradesh, he has always been a subject of debate in the tribal community. The main contention is his allegiance to right wing Hindu ideology which forms the basis of his work. The research agenda of the International Center for Cultural Studies (ICCS) of United States that funds RIWATCH is also based on the belief that the entire planet is not only influenced by Hinduism but all ancient cultures owe their very existence to Hinduism. Many of their recent works proposes India's cultural link with ancient America. Such initiative being undertaken worldwide directly confronts the religious hegemony of other religious groups across the world.

The contention however is not confined within the tribal communities of Arunachal but such debates continue to rage even in the mainstream forums. Many in the country advocate a rational approach in eradicating the feeling of alienation among the tribal people. They feel such approach has to be based on humanity respecting their intimate relation with the nature and instilling in them the pride for who they are. It discourages the idea of cultural assimilation as practiced by right wing Hindu groups on tribals in their pursuit to instill patriotism on them. The socio-cultural and economic development of the state has to be in accordance to indigenous people’s right to self determination rather than an agenda driven by insensate political ambitions.

However, putting aside the contentions, RIWATCH as an institute considering the immense opportunities and prospect attached to it, the local tribal community needs to play its part more sensibly. Faced with multiple challenges of different religious groups interfering in local beliefs and imminent arrival of market culture with huge investments in the region, the tribal community should not be seen failing to make use of its own resources.