VP Radhakrishnan Visits Nyedar Namlo in Itanagar

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan visited Nyedar Namlo in Itanagar on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during his two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh. This visit drew attention to the cultural and spiritual significance of the sacred site for followers of the Donyi-Polo faith.

Before visiting Arunachal Pradesh, the Vice President had visited Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur as part of his four-day North-east visit. Upon arriving in the state, he visited Nyedar-Namlo, a sacred place of worship and a community centre for the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith.

Nyedar Namlo is a significant site for the Donyi-Polo faith, which is followed by several communities in Arunachal Pradesh. The term Donyi-Polo refers to the Sun and Moon, which are revered as powerful manifestations of the divine and are closely connected with nature, life, and the universe.

The Vice President offered prayers at the prayer hall and was briefed on the Nyishi indigenous faith, beliefs, and prayer systems. He also learned about the Yerko indigenous Gurukul system, preservation of traditional knowledge and medicinal practices, and efforts to promote the mother tongue.

Addressing a community gathering, the Vice President said that he felt blessed to visit Nyedar Namlo during his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh. He highlighted the values of the Donyi-Polo tradition, emphasizing its relevance to the modern world. The Donyi-Polo faith emphasizes harmony with nature, respect for ancestors, and ethical living.

Unlike religions centred around a single scripture or prophet, Donyi-Polo draws extensively from oral traditions, rituals, prayers, and community practices passed down through generations. The Vice President stressed that development must go hand in hand with cultural preservation, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous culture.

The visit of the Vice President to Nyedar Namlo serves as a significant recognition of the cultural and spiritual significance of the site. It also underscores the importance of preserving indigenous culture and traditions in the face of modernization and development.

In conclusion, the Vice President's visit to Nyedar Namlo is a significant event that highlights the importance of preserving indigenous culture and traditions. The Donyi-Polo faith is a unique and important part of Arunachal Pradesh's cultural heritage, and efforts to preserve it are essential for maintaining the state's cultural diversity.

The Vice President's emphasis on the importance of cultural preservation is a timely reminder of the need to balance development with the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices. As India continues to develop and modernize, it is essential to recognize the value of indigenous cultures and traditions, and to take steps to preserve them for future generations.

The visit of the Vice President to Nyedar Namlo is a positive step towards recognizing the importance of indigenous cultures and traditions. It is hoped that this visit will help to raise awareness about the significance of the Donyi-Polo faith and the importance of preserving indigenous culture in Arunachal Pradesh.