On 26 August 2026 Shri Likha Suraj, Director, Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, paid his maiden visit to the RIWATCH.
During his five-hour visit to the RIWATCH campus, Shri Likha Suraj toured the institute’s various centres and facilities, including the RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages (RCML), RIWATCH Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage (RCICH), Arogya Panchkarma and Wellness Centre, and the People’s Museum. The visit provided an opportunity to understand RIWATCH’s ongoing initiatives in research, documentation, preservation and promotion of the indigenous cultures, knowledge systems, languages and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast.
During the interaction session, the Director appreciated RIWATCH’s sustained efforts towards safeguarding Indigenous cultural heritage. Expressing his appreciation, he remarked, “I am amazed by the activities happening at RIWATCH and really appreciate its initiatives for the promotion and preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage, knowledge systems, and traditions of the Northeast and the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in particular.”
He stated that the visit was aimed at building greater confidence and strengthening the relationship between the Department of Indigenous Affairs and RIWATCH. He also expressed particular appreciation for the tangible benefits that local communities have received through RIWATCH’s various initiatives.
Shri Vijay Swami shared his vision of developing RIWATCH as the “Nalanda of the Northeast”—a centre of knowledge, research, cultural preservation and community engagement rooted in the rich Indigenous traditions of the region.
The visit marked an important step towards strengthening institutional dialogue and collaboration for the preservation, documentation and promotion of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich Indigenous cultural heritage and knowledge systems.
News Covered : https://www.arunachaltimes.in/article/dia-director-visits-riwatch
The Arunachal Times :
Arunachal 24.in : https://arunachal24.in/dia-director-backs-sustainable-plan-to-upgrade-riwatch-into-university/#google_vignette
Echo of Arunachal : https://echoofarunachal.in/news_details.php?nid=38859
