Roing, October 17, 2025:
The Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH) celebrated the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the inauguration of the RIWATCH Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage (RCICH) at its campus in Roing.
Supported by Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), Mumbai, the newly established Centre is dedicated to the preservation, research, and promotion of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich intangible cultural heritage — including oral traditions, performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, rituals, and indigenous knowledge systems that form the living expressions of the region’s diverse communities.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Sokeph Kri, Director, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Ranjit Singha, Retired Professor of Political Science, Dibru College, Dibrugarh, and Smt. Lui Shiba, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Lower Dibang Valley, attended as Guests of Honour. Representatives from IMCLS, ABK, and other community organizations also participated in the event.
The programme began with a traditional Igu chanting for purification, followed by the formal inauguration of RCICH by the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour. A graceful Ponung dance performance by Adi women added vibrant cultural colour to the celebration.
In his welcome address, Shri Vijay Swami, Executive Director of RIWATCH, emphasized the urgent need to document and safeguard intangible cultural heritage for future generations. He highlighted that culture is a living reflection of identity and announced that RCICH would be the first centre of its kind in India devoted exclusively to this cause.
Mr. Tage Umbrey, Centre Head of RCICH, presented an overview of the Centre’s objectives and ongoing documentation initiatives, which aim to celebrate and preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse cultural legacy.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ranjit Singha spoke on the importance of protecting oral traditions and linguistic diversity, describing Arunachal Pradesh’s culture as “a beautiful garden where every element contributes to its beauty.” He urged the younger generation to take active responsibility in sustaining their language and traditions.
In his address, Chief Guest Shri Sokeph Kri commended RIWATCH and RCICH for their unwavering commitment to preserving the state’s cultural identity. He acknowledged the timeliness of the initiative and called for continued collaboration among communities and institutions to ensure the continuity of traditional knowledge and practices.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen awareness, participation, and shared responsibility in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The establishment of RCICH marks a significant milestone in RIWATCH’s mission to protect and promote the living cultural traditions of the region.
News Coverage : https://arunachal24.in/arunachal-riwatch-marks-international-day-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-with-centre-inauguration-and-tribal-folktale-book-launch/
