Itanagar, Feb 21: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.) graced the 39th Statehood Day celebration at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar on February 20. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute of the Guard of Honour.
In his address, the Governor extended his warmest greetings to the people of the state on its 39th Statehood Day. He emphasized that this day is a celebration of Arunachal Pradesh’s remarkable journey of progress and development, driven by the collective will and aspirations of its people.
The Governor shared his vision for a ‘Viksit Arunachal’, driven by investment in infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment. He called for collective efforts to build a State where every citizen has the opportunity to flourish.
The Governor appealed to the people to build bridges of understanding, embrace our diversity, and draw strength from unity. Let us try and improve our Gross State Happiness. The choices we make today will resonate through generations so let us choose wisely and act boldly for our State's success and harmony, he urged upon the people on the occasion.
Highlighting the State’s unique identity, the Governor described Arunachal Pradesh as a beacon of unity in diversity, deeply rooted in constitutional values while charting its distinct path of development. He noted that the state stands apart as a Green State, free from insurgency, where people uphold nationalistic sentiments with pride and unity, often echoing ‘Jai Hind’ as a symbol of patriotism.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor acknowledged his unwavering commitment to the development of the North Eastern region. He credited the Prime Minister’s vision for positioning Arunachal Pradesh as the ‘Gateway to South East Asia’ under the ‘Act East-Act Now’ policy.
Underscoring Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic significance, the Governor noted its crucial role in national security due to its borders with Tibet-China and Myanmar. He lauded the unwavering support of the people toward the Armed Forces, reinforcing the state's commitment to safeguarding the nation. He also emphasized the region’s rich tradition of self-governance through institutions like Buliang, Kebang, and Mukchum, which have long upheld democracy, fairness, and accountability.
On the occasion, the Governor paid tribute to the sacrifices of the state's unsung heroes, including Matmur Jamoh and Moje Riba, who fought for Arunachal Pradesh’s rights and autonomy. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from their courage and work towards building a ‘Viksit Arunachal.’
The Governor highlighted the exceptional support from the Government of India, exemplifying the strength of a ‘Double Engine Government.’ He noted that various central schemes have played a pivotal role in transforming Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in infrastructure development, women’s empowerment, education, skill development, and economic self-sustainability of border villages. He reaffirmed that these initiatives align with the national vision of ‘Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas, Sab Ka Prayas, Aur Sab Ka Vishwas.’ 
The Governor also highlighted the State Initiatives for Progress. He said that the State Government is committed to improving the quality of life through 24 key initiatives focused on good governance, effective administration, and proactive citizen services, adopting new policies in Tourism, Industry, Agriculture, and Horticulture, establishing of an Institute for Transforming Arunachal as a policy think tank, implementation of the ‘Year of the Youth 2025’ initiative, expansion of the successful ‘Sewa Aapke Dwar 2.0’ program and introduction of ‘Cabinet Aapke Dwar’ for grassroots governance.
Highlighting the Success Stories in the last 8 years, the Governor said that Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed remarkable growth across various sectors, including infrastructure, hydropower, education, agriculture, and women empowerment. He said that 4,000 km of roads were constructed, connecting all district headquarters with two-lane highways and 1,748 km of Frontier Highway under mission-mode development. The State has 58,000 MW potential, which is 40% of India’s total capacity. Lower Subansiri Hydro Project (2,000 MW) nearing completion, the Dibang Multipurpose Hydro Project (2,880 MW) is under construction and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is recognized as a strategic national priority.
The Governor said that in the women empowerment endeavour, the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme has empowered over 4,332 women to earn over ₹1 lakh annually. He said that the State plans to assist 25,000 women in achieving financial independence in five years.
The Governor said that While Arunachal Pradesh has made significant progress, key challenges remain. He emphasized reducing drop-out rates and ensuring 100% school completion, improving waste disposal and sanitation, ensuring a clean and Green State, strengthening prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation efforts to counter the drug menace, enhancing infrastructure and hospitality services in the tourism sector and strengthening governance mechanisms through transparency and accountability.
The Governor felicitated Dr. Rajnikant, General Secretary, Human Welfare Association Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh for his contribution in securing GI Registration for 18 indigenous products of Arunachal Pradesh. His efforts have been instrumental in preserving and promoting the unique cultural and traditional identity of the State.
To commemorate the 39th Statehood Day celebration, the Governor released a Coffee Table book, titled ‘Reminiscences in the Time (1947-1987)’.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and State Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also spoke at the Statehood Day celebration.
Adding colours to the festivity, war and folk dances displayed by various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh was organized on the occasion. Aka War Dance from Bomdila, Miji War Dance from Nafra, Nocte War Dance from Khonsa, Moh Mol War Dance of Muklom, Buyu Folk Dance of Nyishi from Koloriang, Wancho War Dance from Longding and Tapu War Dance of Adi Tribe from Siang District were presented on the occasion.
Highlights of the celebration were the Indian Army Band Display by 13 Grenadiers of 5 Infantry Brigade and 4/1 GR of 103 Infantry Brigade under the aegis of 3 Corps Dimapur, Mega Cultural display by the Apatani, Monpa, Nocte, Nyishi, Adi, Galo, Wancho, Tagin, Puroik, Aka, Miji, Bengali, Assamese and Gorkha (Nepali) dance troupes and pulse setting rendition of ‘Hamara Arunachal’ Song.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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