RONO HILLS, Aug 7: Commerce & Industries and IPR Minister Nyato Dukam on Friday urged young content creators to understand the true essence of Arunachal Pradesh and produce authentic stories that reflect the State's people, culture and traditions.
Inaugurating the TRACTION 2026 Residency and Film Challenge at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Rono Hills, Dukam called on the 25 participants selected from across the eight Northeastern states to "grasp the pulse of Arunachal Pradesh" and showcase its unique identity through meaningful digital storytelling.
The 15-day residency, aimed at promoting Arunachal Pradesh's culture, tourism, MSMEs and indigenous heritage through filmmaking and content creation, is supported by the Department of Industries under the Rising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative of the Union Ministry of MSME with World Bank funding. The programme is being organised by the Department of Mass Communication, RGU, in collaboration with the Centre for Cultural Research & Documentation (CCRD).
Addressing the participants, Dukam urged them to experience Arunachal beyond its scenic beauty and understand the lifestyle, traditions and aspirations of its people. He also proposed expanding the initiative across the Northeast and making it an annual event to showcase the region's cultural richness and tourism potential.
Advisor to the Minister and Tezu MLA Dr Mohesh Chai highlighted the growing influence of content creators in shaping public perception and encouraged participants to create authentic narratives while avoiding misinformation. He said creators from the Northeast have a special responsibility to project the region's unique identity to the rest of the country.
RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Shivaraj described TRACTION 2026 as a valuable platform for promoting Arunachal Pradesh's diversity through responsible storytelling and congratulated the organisers for the initiative.
Highlighting the growing role of social media and content creators, course director and media educator of the Department of Mass Communication, RGU, Moji Riba, said social media has evolved into an important platform for livelihood generation and that the residency would help participants strengthen their storytelling skills while improving audience engagement.
Director of Industries Gyabo Pertin assured participants of full logistical support from the department during their journey across the State.
As part of the programme, participants will undergo sessions on content creation, media ethics, community outreach, One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives and GI-tagged products before travelling to Tawang, Dirang, Mechukha, Anini, Roing, Ziro, Pasighat and Namsai to produce five-minute documentary films on MSME success stories, adventure tourism, cultural landscapes and GI products.
The best two films will receive cash awards of Rs one lakh each.
The inaugural programme was attended by Nampong MLA Laisam Simai, RGU’s Controller of Examinations Dr Bijay Raji, and Joint Director of Industries Goli Angu, among others. The ceremony also featured cultural performances by RGU students and artistes from the Tai Khamti Heritage & Literature Society, Namsai.