ITANAGAR, OCT 23:
Sixty students from colleges across the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) participated in a Youth Parliament organised by the Youth Wing of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) at Pare Hall, DK Convention Centre, on Friday, deliberating on the need for a legal framework to protect indigenous faith, cultural heritage and identity.
The programme was organised as part of the Indigenous Faith Youth Festival 2026, scheduled to be held in Seppa, East Kameng district, from November 12 to 14. It aimed to engage young people in discussions on indigenous identity, cultural preservation and issues of public importance.
IFCSAP president Dr Emi Rumi and general secretary Maya Murtem attended the inaugural session, while Roing MLA and Advisor to the Home and Education Minister Mutchu Mithi attended the valedictory function.
Addressing the participants, Mithi appreciated the enthusiastic involvement of young people in constructive discussions and said such platforms encouraged critical thinking, healthy debate and responsible citizenship. He expressed confidence in the leadership potential of the younger generation and urged them to contribute positively to society.
Emphasising cultural preservation, he called on the youth to take pride in their indigenous identity and safeguard their faith, customs, traditions and heritage for future generations. He also cautioned against the erosion of cultural identity.
Mithi highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation and the misuse of social media, advising students to research issues, verify facts and exercise discretion before accepting or sharing information online. He urged them to resolve differences of opinion through constructive dialogue rather than street confrontations.
Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Jyoti Singpho, who was a jury member, congratulated the participants and appreciated their confidence, ability to articulate ideas and engagement with issues concerning society.
In the competition, Dekie Tsomu Bapu, a B.Ed. student of VKCTE, secured first prize, followed by Sanghi Tayang, an LLB student of Government Law College, in second place. Mijat Mama, a third-semester Political Science student at Rajiv Gandhi University, won third prize. Bapu spoke against the motion during the debate. Five consolation prizes were also awarded.
The Youth Parliament provided students with a platform to exchange views on safeguarding indigenous faith and cultural traditions and served as a prelude to the Indigenous Faith Youth Festival 2026.
