Namsai, August 15: The Tai Khamti Heritage Archive website was launched today at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Namsai, by Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Chowna Mein, in the presence of Chau Zingnu Namchoom, MLA, Namsai; Lobsang Tsering, Deputy Commissioner, Namsai;

C.R. Khampa, Commissioner, Narcotics,Tax & Excise; Superintendent of Police, Namsai; CBOs; Gaon Burahs; monks; student organisations,public representatives and other dignitaries.

The initiative aims to digitally preserve and promote the rich linguistic, literary and cultural heritage of the Tai Khamti community, including oral traditions, traditional knowledge, photographs, manuscripts, scripts, language, customs and other valuable cultural resources.

Delivering the welcome address, Ven. Vimmalatissa, Head Monk, Golden Pagoda, emphasised the importance of systematic documentation and digitisation of the Tai Khamti cultural heritage. He stated that oral traditions, manuscripts, scripts, language, customs and traditional knowledge must be preserved through a comprehensive digital archive for future generations. He further stressed the need for active involvement of schools, monasteries and community institutions in safeguarding and transmitting the community’s cultural identity.

During the programme,  Mrinal Talukdar, Chairman, Nanda Foundation, introduced the project and highlighted the importance of making the digital archive a meaningful and accessible resource for education, research, cultural preservation and knowledge sharing. He urged the youth to actively engage in preserving their language, script, manuscripts and traditions through digital means.

C.R. Khampa, Commissioner, Narcotics,Tax & Excise, underscored the importance of documenting the contributions and knowledge of senior elders and traditional knowledge holders, stating that their experiences form an invaluable part of the Tai Khamti heritage that must be preserved systematically.

 Lobsang Tsering, Deputy Commissioner, Namsai, described the initiative as a significant step towards the preservation and digitisation of the Tai Khamti script and cultural heritage, stating that it would ensure systematic documentation and wider accessibility for future generations.

Chau Zingnu Namchoom, MLA, Namsai, appreciated the initiative and termed it a valuable effort towards safeguarding the Tai Khamti heritage. He emphasised the need to preserve the Tai Khamti language and script for the younger generation and acknowledged the support of the Deputy Chief Minister, Nanda Foundation and the Heritage Society in strengthening the digitisation initiative. He also called upon the community to collectively take responsibility for preserving its cultural identity.

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Tai Khamti community and stressed that preservation of language and culture is a collective responsibility. He urged the community to take necessary initiatives and extend support wherever required to ensure that the language continues to be taught and used.

Shri Mein suggested that the Tai Khamti language may be promoted as a third language in schools from Class I onwards in Namsai district, subject to the required institutional and educational framework. He also emphasised the importance of appointing Tai Khamti language teachers in monasteries to facilitate structured learning and preservation of the language.

He further urged the younger generation to actively learn and use the Tai Khamti language and remain connected with their cultural roots. He encouraged the community to make effective use of the newly launched digital archive as an important resource for learning, research and preservation.

The speakers highlighted that the digital archive would serve as a vital platform to ensure that valuable cultural knowledge is not lost over time. The initiative is expected to strengthen awareness among the younger generation and provide wider access to Tai Khamti cultural and linguistic resources for educational and research purposes.

The public has been encouraged to visit khamtis.org to access the Tai Khamti Heritage Archive and explore the digitised cultural and linguistic resources.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Chow Kalingna Mein, General Secretary, Tai Khamti and Heritage Society.

The launch of the Tai Khamti Heritage Archive website marks a significant step towards safeguarding the community’s rich cultural legacy through modern digital technology and ensuring that its language, script, traditions, knowledge and heritage are preserved and passed on to generations to come. (DIPRO)