TAWANG, Feb 14:  Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday called upon the youth of Arunachal Pradesh to take the lead in building a “Viksit Arunachal” by 2047, emphasizing informed participation, policy awareness, cultural pride and economic self-reliance.
Addressing the ‘Yuva Soch, Naya Arunachal’ interactive programme organized by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), Arunachal Pradesh State unit, at Tawang, the Chief Minister urged young people to move beyond rhetoric and actively engage with government policies and developmental initiatives to transform society.
Congratulating State BJYM president Tame Siyang Tarh and his team for organizing the day-long youth conference in Tawang, Khandu said the platform had enabled meaningful discussions on a wide range of issues concerning the future of the state.
Marking the significance of February 14, the Chief Minister said the day holds special importance for Tawang and Arunachal Pradesh as it commemorates 75 years since Major Ralengnao “Bob” Khathing hoisted the national tricolour in Tawang in 1951, formally integrating the region with India.
Recounting the historic expedition, Khandu highlighted Major Khathing’s multi-faceted personality as a teacher, soldier, administrator and diplomat, and described his mission to Tawang as a defining moment in the consolidation of India’s northeastern frontier. He noted that the expedition was undertaken in line with the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel following the 1914 Simla Agreement, which led to the delineation of the McMahon Line.
“Without firing a single bullet, Major Bob Khathing ensured the peaceful integration of Tawang. Unfortunately, his contribution remained largely absent from mainstream history for decades,” Khandu said.
He recalled that during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called upon states to identify and honour unsung heroes. Arunachal Pradesh subsequently constituted a committee to research and document local freedom fighters and historical figures, bringing long-forgotten contributions to light.
The Chief Minister urged the youth to study the history and culture of their respective tribes and communities, warning that a society disconnected from its roots risks losing its identity.
Khandu emphasized that the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Viksit Arunachal 2047” can only be realized if the youth move in the right direction. He stressed the need for continuous learning even after formal education.
“Being a graduate or post-graduate is not enough. If you are unaware of government policies and programmes, you cannot effectively serve society,” he said, adding that BJYM workers must act as a bridge between the government and the people.
The Chief Minister highlighted the ‘Seva Aapke Dwar’ initiative, launched in 2017 to bridge the gap between government and citizens. Over 15 lakh beneficiaries have availed benefits through the programme so far, he informed, urging youth organizations to actively participate in such outreach efforts.
Reiterating the principle of “Nation First, Party Second, Self Last” and “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” he called for a focus on Antyodaya - uplifting the poorest person in the village through effective delivery of government schemes.
Reflecting on developments since 2014, Khandu said the Northeast has witnessed unprecedented attention at the national level. He noted the increased visits of Union Ministers to remote districts of Arunachal Pradesh and consistent focus on the region in successive Union Budgets.
He described the recent Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as historic and lauded its focus on youth aspirations, farmers and business communities. He also welcomed provisions for the development of Buddhist heritage sites, highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s unique position as a state where both Mahayana and Theravada traditions coexist. On the economic front, Khandu termed hydropower as Arunachal Pradesh’s “lowest hanging fruit,” stating that nearly 19,000 MW of projects are currently at various stages of development against a potential of over 50,000 MW. He informed that the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri project is nearing completion, while the Dibang Multipurpose Project and the 3,097 MW Etalin project are progressing.
The Chief Minister said the state has secured 12 per cent free power and up to 26 per cent equity participation in hydropower projects, which will significantly enhance revenue generation in the coming years.
He also spoke about the mining sector, noting that coal blocks have been auctioned and exploration of minerals such as graphite and vanadium is underway, which will further strengthen the state’s economy.
“Arunachal must stand on its own feet. Being a special category state should not be a matter of pride but a reminder that we must become self-reliant,” he remarked.
Highlighting the role of women in Arunachal’s socio-economic transformation, Khandu said over 1.5 lakh women are now associated with Self Help Groups across the state, contributing to rural economic growth.
He also referred to the Vibrant Villages Programme launched in border areas, stating that infrastructure, connectivity and livelihood initiatives are transforming remote villages through coordinated efforts of district administrations, the Army and central forces.
Welcoming the implementation of the Women’s Reservation provision under the Nari Shakti VandanAdhiniyam from 2029, he urged young women to take active roles in policy-making and leadership.
The Chief Minister underscored the need to preserve indigenous languages, traditions and attire, encouraging youth to promote local identity and be “vocal for local.” He announced plans to strengthen research and preservation of tribal heritage through institutional initiatives.
He also stressed the importance of dignity of labour and called upon youth to discard societal prejudices regarding types of work. 
“No work is small. Honest effort in any field contributes to transformation,” he said.
Advocating a “Team Arunachal” approach, Khandu said the state must move beyond tribal or regional silos. 
“One plus one should not be two; it should become eleven when we work as a team,” he said, drawing applause from the gathering.
Encouraging greater youth participation in politics, he said India needs younger lawmakers to shape policies for the future. He urged interested youth to join political platforms of their choice and contribute constructively to democratic processes.
He expressed high expectations from the youth of Arunachal Pradesh, calling upon them to serve selflessly, lead without fear, and work without discrimination.
“Let BJYM become the engine of transformation. The future of Arunachal Pradesh rests in your hands,” he said.
The programme witnessed participation of Law and Justice Minister Kento Jini, BJYM office bearers, youth leaders, entrepreneurs and delegates from across districts of the state.

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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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