Itanagar, May 27: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik called upon the youth to preserve traditional values, indigenous knowledge, languages and cultural practices, while also contributing towards environmental protection and sustainable living.
The Governor made the remarks while participating in the Yuva Sangam programme under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative at Lok Bhavan here on Wednesday.
The programme brought together students from Uttar Pradesh and North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, which has been serving as the nodal institution for Arunachal Pradesh for Yuva Sangam Phase VI. NERIST has been paired with Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow for the initiative.
Interacting with the youth, the Governor advised them to connect with people from different parts of the country and engage in meaningful exchanges to strengthen unity, mutual respect and national integration.
He said such interactions help young people appreciate India’s rich diversity while deepening the spirit of oneness that binds the nation together.
Emphasising the importance of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, the Governor encouraged the youth to actively participate in programmes promoting cultural understanding, emotional bonding and shared national pride. He also urged them to cultivate curiosity and inquisitiveness, describing these qualities as essential for learning, innovation and personal growth.
Highlighting the role of young people in nation-building, the Governor advised them to remain educated, disciplined and self-motivated.
Addressing the visiting UP students, Parnaik spoke about Arunachal Pradesh’s rich history, vibrant cultural traditions and developmental journey. He highlighted the state’s immense potential in hydropower, horticulture, tourism and organic farming, while also referring to the geographical and infrastructural challenges faced by the frontier state. He said Arunachal Pradesh continues to make steady progress with the support of the Central Government and the determination of its people.
Connecting the state with India’s ancient civilisational and cultural heritage, the Governor referred to sacred and historical sites such as Parashuram Kund, Bhismaknagar and Malinithan, highlighting their historical, archaeological and spiritual significance.
He urged the visiting students to carry back with them the warmth, goodwill and hospitality of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, along with fond memories of the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
He also stressed that the people of the Northeast are equally patriotic, committed and devoted to the nation, and said the region has consistently contributed to the country’s unity, security, culture and development.
Calling upon the youth to become ambassadors of national unity, the Governor encouraged them to work towards eliminating stereotypes and regional barriers through greater interaction, empathy and mutual appreciation.
The programme also featured a vibrant cultural exchange showcasing the spirit of unity in diversity. Techi Ajum, a Class IX student of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Nirjuli, presented a Kathak performance, while students of NERIST performed a traditional Arunachali group dance.
Team UP presented folk and semi-classical songs along with ‘Kajari Loknritya’, a traditional folk dance of Uttar Pradesh. The Governor later hosted a ‘high tea’ for the participants.