ITANAGAR, Sep 25: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Friday attended the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) in Ziro Valley and interacted with festival organisers, artists, volunteers and officials from district administration.
Lauding the organisers and the Apatani community for their contribution, the Governor said the festival has evolved into a prominent independent music event, bringing together musicians and music enthusiasts from across India and abroad.
He said the festival, which began in 2012, has helped promote tourism while providing a platform to showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s distinctive cultural heritage. Its emphasis on eco-friendly practices, including bamboo infrastructure and community participation, has also contributed to its identity, he said.
Parnaik said music can transcend boundaries and connect people, while festivals such as ZFM provide young people with opportunities to express themselves and pursue creative interests. He said creativity should also be channelled into entrepreneurship, innovation, arts, literature, technology and community leadership.
Interacting with local musicians and youth, the Governor urged them to pursue their talents with dedication and discipline and use creative platforms to showcase the traditions, stories and aspirations of Arunachal Pradesh to wider audiences.
He also appreciated the Apatani community for its hospitality and participation in hosting visitors, particularly through homestays. He said community-led tourism can promote cultural understanding and create livelihood opportunities for local families.
During his visit, the Governor also inspected Armed Forces Goodwill Enclosures set up at the festival venue. He commended the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for using the platform to create awareness about their activities, capabilities and career opportunities.
He visited the outreach stall showcasing the positioning, navigation and management activities of the 56 Infantry Division in Arunachal Pradesh. He also visited the equipment display featuring new-generation military technologies, the ‘Know Your Army’ stall, the BRO stall highlighting infrastructure development and the Indian Air Force stall showcasing its operational capabilities and entry avenues. He also visited the NCC and Sainik School stall promoting discipline and leadership among young people.
The Governor interacted with visitors and encouraged the youth to explore opportunities to serve the nation and contribute to nation-building.
He expressed confidence that the creative energy generated by the festival would inspire young Arunachalis to pursue new ideas and opportunities while remaining connected to their cultural roots.