ITANAGAR, Oct 20: Dream for United Arunachal (DUA) will launch its flagship Empathy Kindness Arunachal Unity Ride (EK AUR DUA) on October 23 to promote social harmony, environmental conservation, sustainable tourism and youth empowerment across Arunachal Pradesh.
Led by DUA chairman Dr Gumjum Haider, the initiative aims to strengthen bonds among the state's diverse communities and encourage collective action towards sustainable and inclusive development.
The campaign will focus on behavioural change, conservation of water catchment areas, promotion of sustainable tourism and creation of a conducive ecosystem for youth skill development. It seeks to encourage communities to work together while preserving Arunachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
Haider said EK AUR DUA was not merely a ride but a collective movement to foster empathy, kindness and solidarity among communities. He stressed the importance of empowering youth, protecting natural water bodies and promoting tourism without compromising indigenous traditions and cultural values.
The first phase of the ride will cover West Kameng and Tawang districts from October 23 to 27. During the tour, the DUA team will interact with district administration officials, community leaders and representatives of local apex organisations to promote dialogue, cross-cultural understanding and community-led development.
A key programme will be held at the Circuit House in Bomdila on the evening of October 27, bringing together representatives of four indigenous community organisations — the Sartang Welfare Society, Sajolang Elite Society representing the Miji community, All Bugun (Khowa) Society and Aka Elite Society representing the Hrusso community.
Facilitated by Kalaktang MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow, the interaction will focus on shared priorities relating to socio-economic welfare, environmental protection and preservation of indigenous culture.
Special learning and interactive sessions with local youth and community elders will also be organised across the region. The sessions aim to promote intergenerational knowledge-sharing and encourage young people to participate actively in community development.
In Tawang, the team will engage with the Monpa Mimang Tsogpa (MMT), the apex body of the Monpa community, through a friendly football match and an interaction on shared development goals. The team will also visit remote frontier villages along the Bhutan and Tibet borders to spread the message of unity and cooperation.
The DUA contingent comprises professionals, youth leaders and members representing different ethnic communities of the state.
Ahead of the flag-off, DUA executive members called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who welcomed the initiative and encouraged the team to promote grassroots participation in the state's development.
Khandu emphasised that meaningful progress depends on empowering people at the grassroots and urged the delegation to inspire citizens to work towards a peaceful, self-reliant and inclusive Arunachal Pradesh.
Through the unity ride, DUA aims to build stronger inter-community relationships and generate greater awareness of the importance of social harmony, environmental responsibility and sustainable development.