Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing the 8th International Conference and Gathering of Elders, insisted on safeguarding indigenous faiths and traditions amidst conversion bids of Indigenous communities across Bharat with the lure of material benefits as a primary tactic.
Taking note of global cultural shifts, CM Himanta particularly called for preservation of Assam’s indigenous cultures as the State is home to diverse communities and tribes.
Organized by the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS), the event aims to champion the spiritual heritage of ancient traditions worldwide.
Expressing concern over missionary activities targeting indigenous populations, CM Himanta highlighted their adverse impact on cultural continuity. He attributed dwindling adherence to indigenous faiths to the allure of external incentives like education and healthcare.
Asserting the responsibility of younger generations in upholding ancestral beliefs, the Assam CM invoked the legacy of figures like Mirsa Munda and Mahatma Gandhi, who opposed mass conversions influenced by external forces.
To combat this trend, the Assam Government has established the Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture department, dedicated to preserving and promoting indigenous heritage.
He emphasized the imperative for the majority community to champion the cause of indigenous faiths, warning of dire consequences if these traditions were allowed to erode.
