Editor,
I am writing to share my identity as a member of a Scheduled Tribe (ST) from Arunachal Pradesh. This status is my fundamental truth, as recognised by the Constitution of India. I want to state clearly that I do not follow any religion. My life is guided by the culture, traditions, and beliefs of my people that have been passed down through my ancestors for generations.
I do not worship idols. I do not have any physical images or statues for my faith. My belief system is based on the history of my community and our deep connection to our land. My identity does not require a religious label because being a tribal person is a complete identity on its own.
The Constitution of India protects my right to live this way. Article 29, under Part III of the Constitution, ensures the protection of the distinct language, script, or culture of any section of citizens. It grants the right to conserve this distinct heritage and prohibits discrimination in admissions to state-run or state-aided educational institutions based on religion, race, caste, or language. In Arunachal Pradesh, special laws also exist to safeguard our land and our way of life. These legal protections ensure that our traditional practices are respected, and that our community can manage its own affairs.
I have the freedom to exist exactly as I am. The law respects my right to follow my own conscience without joining any formal group. My rights also include access to education and jobs that ensure that my voice is part of the nation. When filling out any forms, my tribal identity should be enough. No citizen should be forced to pick a religion when their constitutional identity as a member of a Scheduled Tribe is already their complete and legal truth. My heritage is my strength, and my constitutional rights guarantee my freedom to maintain this identity now and for the future.
A member of an ST,
Arunachal Pradesh