The inaugural session commenced with a traditional prayer by the Apatani community of Arunachal Pradesh. The programme was graced by Mananeeya Shri Narayan Chandra Borkotoky, Vice Chairman of the State Innovation and Transformation Aayog, Assam and former Member of Parliament; in the presence of Aadaraneeya Shri Joram Begi Ji, Retired Chief Information Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Chairman, VKIC; Dr. Sheela Borah, Director, VKIC; and Mananeeya Kum. Nivedita Bhide, All India Vice-President, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari.
Dr. Sheela Borah welcomed the gathering, while Shri Joram Begi Ji, in his keynote address, highlighted the rich ethnic and linguistic diversity of the North East and emphasized the urgent need to preserve indigenous faith and practices amidst modern challenges. The Chief Guest, Shri Narayan Chandra Borkotoky, called upon the communities to remain rooted in their traditions and work towards cultural preservation. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Aadaraneeya Kum. Meera Didi, Secretary, VKIC. Parallel sessions were conducted on themes such as Commonalities, Challenges and creative response, Development through culture, involving intellectuals, youth, women, and social representatives.
The Foundation Day programme of VKIC on 31 January 2026 was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Mananeeya Shri Laxman Prasad Acharya, as Chief Guest, and the Hon’ble Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Mananeeya Shri Biswajit Daimary, as Guest of Honour. They were joined by Aadaraneeya Shri Joram Begi Ji, Dr. Sheela Borah, Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide Didi, VKIC Sanmanee Mananeeya Shri Jaleswar Brahma, and Mananeeya Shri Mouram Molshoy from the Bru community of Tripura. The day began with a vibrant procession of participants in traditional attire, followed by the release of two publications: Traditional Systems of Deori Community: Change and Continuity and Footprints on the Eternal Path – The Life of Shri Latsam Khmhun by the Hon’ble Governor.
In his address, the Hon’ble Speaker Shri Biswajit Daimary emphasized the continuity of spiritual traditions of Janajati communities from Vedic times and the need to preserve this heritage. The Hon’ble Governor reflected on the vision of Mananeeya Shri Eknathji Ranade and highlighted the role of VKIC in integrating education with indigenous culture, invoking the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Mananeeya Nivedita Didi, in her address, stressed that faith forms the core of cultural identity and underscored the importance of preserving indigenous traditions with conviction. Shri Jaleswar Brahma shared his experiences of selfless service and appreciated VKIC’s sustained efforts in cultural preservation.
The Sammelan, attended by 418 delegates and around 300 local guests, concluded with a renewed commitment towards strengthening community leadership and ensuring sustainable development rooted in indigenous culture.
