Children as Cultural Heirs: Legal and Policy Gaps in Intergenerational Transmission of Tribal Identity in Arunachal Pradesh

The purpose of this study is to investigate the socio-cultural transformation and identity negotiation that occurs among tribal youth in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is well-known for its rich indigenous legacy and diverse ethnic composition. It is becoming increasingly difficult for younger generations to preserve a consistent tribal identity when tribal societies are confronted with the pressures of urbanisation, urban migration, formal education, and digital globalization. The study sheds light on the ways in which young people from tribal communities handle the pressure to maintain ancestral traditions while still conforming to the standards of the dominant culture. This study investigates the ways in which the transfer of tribal identity is affected by factors such as the loss of language, the gap between generations, and inadequate legislative assistance. Formal education systems, which frequently lack indigenous content, as well as metropolitan lifestyles, have both contributed to the dislocation of cultures and the deterioration of traditional knowledge systems. On the other hand, this transition is not wholly an unhealthy one. A significant number of young people from tribal communities are actively participating in cultural revival movements, while also making use of internet platforms and community projects in order to recover and reshape their identities. The efforts that are being made represent a dynamic change away from the passive inheritance of culture and toward the purposeful redefinition of culture. The study comes to the conclusion that although the transfer of tribal identity from one generation to the next is confronted with significant challenges, it also presents potential for revitalization through the implementation of inclusive policy frameworks, education that is culturally relevant, and intergenerational conversation. In a sociocultural context that is undergoing rapid change, it is necessary to provide support for cultural activities that are led by young people in order to guarantee the continuity and resilience of tribal identity.