Guwahati, 28th January: Expressing concern over the gradual erosion of indigenous faiths due to missionary activities, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the establishment of the Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture Department in Assam. Sarma highlighted the adverse impact of conversions on the cultural heritage and wisdom embedded in indigenous traditions, emphasizing the need to protect the rich tapestry of diverse communities in Assam.
Addressing the inauguration of a yoga and naturopathy research center, Sarma stressed the importance of preserving indigenous faiths in the state’s diverse cultural landscape. The new department aims to provide budgetary support to indigenous communities, minimize external influences leading to conversions, and promote respect for indigenous tribes and their culture.
Sarma underscored that indigenous faiths are not merely religious practices but repositories of wisdom connecting communities with nature. He highlighted the diverse indigenous faiths practiced in Assam, such as Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Sonowal, and others, rooted in a profound connection with spirituality and the environment. Sarma quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition to mass conversions and urged unity among faiths, encouraging individuals to find spiritual fulfillment within their own traditions.
The Chief Minister called for shared responsibility in preserving indigenous faiths, with a focus on nurturing traditions, preserving ecosystems, and embracing the diverse cultural identity of communities. The conference, themed “Shared Sustainable Prosperity” and hosted by the International Center for Cultural Studies, aimed to revitalize ancient traditions and foster global collaboration in this endeavor.
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