ITANAGAR, Oct 11: Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge on Sunday called upon the younger generation to preserve their indigenous identity and ancestral traditions while embracing a healthy and active lifestyle as he flagged off the 25.5-km ‘Run for Identity’ marathon organised by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP).

Addressing the gathering, Wahge said preserving indigenous identity, ancestral traditions and cultural values was a collective responsibility amid rapid modernisation. He said initiatives such as the ‘Run for Identity’ marathon could connect young people with their cultural roots while promoting physical fitness, discipline and community participation.

"Our indigenous identity is our greatest strength, and our traditions are the foundation of our society. As we move forward with development and modernisation, we must ensure that our younger generations remain connected to their roots," he said.

Appreciating IFCSAP for combining sports with cultural awareness, the minister stressed that safeguarding Arunachal Pradesh's diverse indigenous languages, customs and traditional practices required sustained efforts from every section of society.

"A healthy society is not just one that is physically fit, but one that is culturally conscious and proud of its heritage. Events like this remind us that development and tradition must go hand in hand," he added.

More than 200 runners from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana participated in the race, competing for top honours in the men’s and women’s categories.

Kamal Kumar of Uttar Pradesh won the men’s title, completing the 25.5-km race in 87 minutes and 20 seconds, while Nedi Ngi of Anjaw district clinched the women’s title with a timing of 98 minutes and 23 seconds. Both winners received cash prizes of Rs 30,000 each.

The race started at Nyokum Niya Ground in Nirjuli and culminated at Nyokum Lapang in Itanagar. Participants included children as young as nine, reflecting growing interest in fitness and cultural awareness.

Indigenous Youth Festival-2026 organising chairman Pai Dawe said the marathon aimed to inspire young people to take pride in their indigenous identity and demonstrate that cultural preservation could be promoted through sports and other youth-oriented activities.

Organising secretary Hilot Mugli said the event sought to unite communities around the shared goal of safeguarding ancestral heritage while encouraging healthier lifestyles.

The marathon also served as a curtain-raiser for the IFCSAP Indigenous Youth Festival, scheduled to be held in Seppa from November 12 to 14, featuring indigenous faith, traditional customs and cultural heritage. (Source: EoA)