Arunachal gets Himalayan cultures studies centre
By IANSWednesday, May 19, 2010
NEW DELHI - Reflecting the government’s intention to address the issues related to the minorities, the union cabinet Wednesday approved establishment of a Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS) in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, that is traditionally Buddhist.
“The union cabinet today (Wednesday) accorded approval for the establishment of the CIHCS at Dahung in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh as an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Culture,” said Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.
“The cost of the project is Rs.9 crore with a recurring annual cost of Rs.124.86 lakh per annum,” the minister told reporters.
The West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh where the CIHCS is proposed to be established is traditionally Buddhist.
“This will not only fill the vacuum that exists in the field of education, especially Buddhism, but will also provide cultural moorings to the youth of this region and foster national integration,” Soni said.
“It will also inculcate awareness of the ecological balance and preservation of natural resources. It will teach community arts and crafts for self-sufficiency and sustainable development and preservation of ethnic identity within the framework of national integration,” the minister added.
