[ Prem Chetry ]
BOMDILA, 30 Jul: Marking the occasion of Guru Purnima, priests of the Khodhok-Cho region were honoured for their service and for upholding the age-old spiritual heritage of West Kameng district on Wednesday.
The ceremony, themed ‘Know Your Own People: Honouring the Spiritual Heritage and Community Service’, for the priests of the Khodhok-Cho region, comprising Mukuthing, Membachur, Gorbow, and Dekshi villages, was organised by the All Khodhok-Cho Youth Welfare Association (AKCYWA) at the initiative of Vivekananda Kendra, Bomdila Karya Sthan.
Speaking on the occasion, Sange Norbu Thungon, sanyojak of Vivekananda Kendra, Bomdila Karya Sthan, said that gurus play a significant role in shaping character, preserving culture, and guiding society towards selfless service and nation-building.
“The event serves as a reminder that honouring our gurus, elders, and local spiritual leaders is essential for preserving our rich cultural heritage and inspiring future generations,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Lobsang Tashi Thungon, yuwa pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, Kameng Vibhag, encouraged the youths to understand their history, traditions, language, customs, and the invaluable wisdom of their elders, stressing that a strong identity begins with knowing one’s own roots.
Participating in the interaction session for the youths, Sonam Gonpapa and NT Komu facilitated an interactive dialogue between the younger generation and community elders. The discussion focused on cultural preservation, leadership, and the responsibilities of the youths in carrying forward their heritage.
AKCYWA president Rinchin Tsewang Thongchi stressed the significance of local priests, and said that their invaluable role in safeguarding the spiritual, cultural, and traditional practices of the community must be acknowledged. He highlighted that priests are not only custodians of religious rituals but also protectors of indigenous knowledge, values, and identity.
The event aimed to highlight the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge, spiritual traditions, and cultural values through meaningful interactions and discussions.
