Itanagar, Feb 21: The 40th Statehood Day of Arunachal Pradesh was celebrated with pride, colour and heartfelt emotion at IG Park, Itanagar, in the gracious presence of  Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Kaivalya Trivikram Parnaik as the Chief Guest and  Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, public representatives, officers and citizens.
The celebrations began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by the soulful rendition of Vande Mataram. The National Flag was unfurled and the gathering paid homage to the nation as the Arunachal Pradesh Police Band performed the National Anthem. Cultural performances presented by the Department of Art & Culture and various community groups beautifully reflected the State’s vibrant traditions and its spirit of unity in diversity.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor described Statehood Day as not only a celebration but also a moment to reflect on Arunachal Pradesh’s remarkable journey since attaining statehood in 1987. He highlighted progress in education, healthcare, connectivity, digital infrastructure and preservation of tribal heritage despite geographical challenges.
He emphasised the State’s strategic importance in India’s Act East Policy and spoke about the vast hydropower potential and rich biodiversity as pillars for sustainable development. The Governor appreciated the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the continued support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in strengthening infrastructure, governance and social development.
He also urged citizens to remain united while addressing challenges such as migration from border areas, shortage of skilled professionals and concerns among the youth, and called upon people to safeguard cultural heritage while contributing towards a Developed Arunachal as part of a Developed India.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to the people of the State, appreciating Arunachal Pradesh’s vibrant tribal heritage, patriotic spirit and commitment to sustainable development. His message was read out by Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta.
In his message, the Prime Minister highlighted the Centre’s continued focus on the development of the Northeast, noting improvements in connectivity through projects like Donyi Polo Airport and Sela Tunnel, along with welfare initiatives such as PM-KISAN, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also underlined the importance of border areas as the nation’s “first villages” and appreciated efforts under the Vibrant Villages Programme and manuscript preservation through the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that hydropower will drive the State’s next phase of economic transformation and informed that 2025–2035 has been declared the “Decade of Hydropower”. He appreciated the Nyishi community of Kamle, Kra-Daadi and Kurung Kumey districts for their unanimous support to the Kamla Hydropower Project.
He emphasised the need to preserve cultural identity alongside modern development, especially among the youth, and highlighted initiatives to safeguard local languages through institutional support and cultural exchanges.
The Chief Minister also informed that the Union Cabinet has approved the 33.7-km four-lane Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor with India’s first twin-tube underwater rail-cum-road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, which will significantly improve connectivity and logistics for Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. He added that with the launch of the Namchik-Namphuk coal block and exploration of strategic minerals like graphite, the State’s economic prospects are expanding further.
Calling upon young people to contribute to the vision of Viksit Arunachal 2047, he encouraged constructive participation within constitutional values.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, in his address, said the true strength of Arunachal Pradesh lies in its unity in diversity, rooted in culture, nature and strong community values. He stressed responsible and inclusive development through education, women empowerment, forest conservation and strengthening of national borders.
Exhibition stalls by government departments showcased public welfare initiatives, while food stalls and retail outlets run by local entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups promoted indigenous products and community enterprise, adding a festive atmosphere to the celebrations.
The day concluded with a renewed sense of pride, unity and collective commitment towards building a prosperous and developed Arunachal Pradesh.

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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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