ITANAGAR, Oct 18: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday urged students to uphold discipline, patriotism and social responsibility while embracing modern education and technology without losing their indigenous identity.
Addressing the valedictory session of Arun Pratibha Sammelan 3.0 – Scholars’ Meet, organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Arunachal Pradesh, at HIM International School here, Mein called upon young people to contribute to the state’s progress through knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and service to society.
He appreciated ABVP for organising the three-day residential scholars’ meet, saying such initiatives help promote education, student leadership, character-building and social responsibility among young people.
Recalling the challenges of earlier years, including inadequate educational infrastructure, poor connectivity and limited opportunities, Mein said improvements in infrastructure and connectivity had opened new avenues for the younger generation.
He said the government was creating opportunities for youth in sports, arts, music and entrepreneurship, and encouraged them to make the most of these platforms to excel in their chosen fields.
Highlighting developments in road, rail, air and digital connectivity, Mein cited the Trans-Arunachal Highway, the Frontier Highway initiative, railway expansion and Donyi Polo Airport as key enablers of education, trade, tourism and employment.
He also stressed the importance of preserving indigenous languages, traditions, customary values and cultural identity while adapting to modern education and technology. He urged students to stay away from drugs and other harmful activities.
Emphasising the state’s economic potential, Mein identified agriculture, horticulture, tourism and entrepreneurship as key avenues for livelihood generation and growth. He said Arunachal Pradesh’s biodiversity, scenic landscapes and diverse cultural heritage offered considerable scope for eco-tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism.
He also highlighted the potential of responsibly harnessing natural resources, including hydropower and minerals, to generate employment, increase revenue and support economic development.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the Northeast as Ashta Lakshmi, Mein said the region’s abundant natural resources could contribute significantly to India’s development. He called upon the youth to play an active role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Stressing that the state’s future depended substantially on the capabilities and character of its young people, Mein said education should empower them not only to achieve personal success but also to serve society and the nation.
Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona and Advisor to the RWD and Sports and Youth Affairs departments, Chau Zingnu Namchoom, were also present at the programme.
The state-level General Knowledge Test conducted by ABVP on July 4 this year saw the participation of 16,438 students from 208 schools across Arunachal Pradesh. Of them, 200 meritorious students who secured first ranks in the junior and senior categories participated in the scholars’ meet.