ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Arunachal Pradesh on February 20th celebrated its 36th Statehood Day and 50 years of its naming. The main celebration was held at the Outdoor Stadium at Yupia where Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) unfurled the national flag and salute of the Guard of Honour.

The Governor conferred the ‘Arunachal Ratna’, the highest State Honour to the first Lieutenant Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Late KAA Raja, which was received by his eldest daughter Mrs Vijayalakshmi on the occasion. He also felicitated the Pradesh Council members and complimented each and every one who has contributed to the development of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Governor, who presided over the valedictory function of the 50 years of Arunachal Pradesh month-long celebration, released the commemorative Postal Stamp honouring 50 years of the State.

“As we enter the 36th year of our statehood, we also take pride in our development and economic growth which has gained unprecedented momentum in the last five years under the generosity and guidance and proactive support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His focus on the overall development of the North-East, together with a special focus on Arunachal Pradesh is bringing progressive transformation in our State,” the Governor said in his address also appreciating chief minister Pema Khandu for the much-needed fillip to the pace of development.

The Governor highlighted the achievements of the State government which envisions expanding the horizon of progress in next fifty years. He said that the cultural heritage, health, education, prudent use of natural resources and developing of infrastructure are the pillars for our progress and prosperity. He also emphasised on harnessing the power of the digital revolution and other innovations.

“We need to focus on harnessing our rich potential in horticulture, tourism, hydro-power and such other natural resources to ensure that we not only become self-sustainable but also adequately contribute towards the growth of the Nation,” the Governor said.

The Governor called for strengthening of our value systems, preserving indigenous faith and learning from our own traditions. Following the wisdom contained in our folklore and old stories, we can bring about a happy change in the way we live and work. I appeal to the young generation, NGOs and CBOs to work for a meaningful transformation in society. Need of the hour is to move from a ‘consumption’ economy to a ‘contributing’ society, he said.

In his address, the Governor stressed on gender equality and women empowerment, recognition of Sports as our strength, implementation of Atma Nirbhar schemes, excellent civil-military rapport and maintaining a fine balance between preserving the environment and promoting industry, tourism, agriculture, and horticulture. The path-breaking Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change Resilient and Responsive Arunachal Pradesh, which is among the first such declarations adopted at sub-national level, augurs well for our determination to bring about a holistic social approach towards low emissions and climate-resilient development, he said.

Highlighting the Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, he said that in our quest for sustainable development, we have identified sector-wise indicators and also short, medium and long-term targets to measure the progress. We are now developing a district good governance index to fulfil our cherished vision of not only sustainable but also equitable development for all citizens of the State, he said.

The Governor urged upon the people for their cooperation in maintaining COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and also to adopt good practices of hygiene and cleanliness evinced under Swachh Bharat Mission. He also cautioned people against drug abuse and Bandh Culture.

Mishra also complimented Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma who attended as chief guest. He said that the participation of Dr. Sarma will reinforce the goodwill and age-old amity between the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. 

TAWANG: Continuous snowfall and minus degree temperatures couldn’t deter the people of Tawang from celebrating the Statehood Day.

 Unfurling the national flag at the general parade ground here, ZPC Leki Gombu in his address appealed to the villagers to cooperate in implementation of developmental projects. He appreciated the power department and its employees for putting extra effort to rectify the faults developed in electricity supply due to heavy snowfall. He also reiterated that education and health sector are priorities of the present state government. Beneficiaries of Atma Nirbhar Krishi, Atma Nirbhar Bhagwani and Atma Nirbhar Nidhi(street vendors) were benefitted with online disbursement of loan amount directly to their account. Power tillers and yarns were also distributed to weavers and farmers on the occasion.

ANINI: ZPM Etalin-Malinye Bindu Mili advised the Youths of the district to keep their distance from drug abuse and focus on education. She also requested the denizens on promoting tourism in the district as it has vast scope for providing employment for the future generations. She appreciated the efforts of Emudu Trekkers in promoting tourism in the district. She also encouraged women to be aware of their entitlements provided by the Constitution and strive hard to fight for their rights without misusing it. On the occasion, 15 beneficiaries under AtmaNirbhar Krishi Yojana and Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana were disbursed sanctioned loan amount.

ROING: ZPC Obang Ngupok spoke about Lower Dibang Valley district being one of the top performers in the state and wished for it to become the best district in the days to come, which could be achieved with better performance in education and health sectors. He also spoke about the feasibility, the need and potential for sustainable development with the district’s rich resources which could be utilised for development in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries sectors.

The ZPC praised the health care workers and the frontline workers for their united and capable handling of the Coronavirus pandemic. He also called for the pubic of the district to live in peace and harmony and treat all the tourists from within the state and from outside, with love and respect, which would help in developing the district as a tourism hub. He advised the youth to stay away from drugs and drug addiction.

Disbursement of loan sanction letters under Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana and Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojana to Self Help Groups was also done by the guests present.

The day also saw government staff being conferred with commendation certificates for their hard work and dedication in discharging their duties. Students from various schools performed dances and nurses, Anganwadi, members of AAMYA NGO and fire fighters created awareness on various topics. Exhibition stall were also put up by SHGs, NGOs and various government departments. 

PASIGHAT: The national tri-colour was hoisted by the Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu, in presence of a host of officials. Addressing the occasion, DC Taggu briefed on the significance of the day and reminded the contributions of the leaders and threw light on political and administrative development and constitutional growth and formation of full-fledged Arunachal Pradesh. He mentioned various development activities undertaken by the administration and government departments at the district level and appealed to the citizens to extend full cooperation to the administration in making East Siang a smart district on all fronts. It is the responsibility of all, administration, leaders and common citizens too to speed up the pace of development, he added.

DC also gave away certificate of appreciation to the achievers for their commendable services to society. He also disbursed loans to the farmers under Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojna (ANKRY) and Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojna (ANBY) on the occasion. 

BOLENG: Former minister Tahung Tatak who graced the occasion called upon the general public to assist the government in development works and in maintaining law & order in the district so that peace and development prevails in society. He made a clarion call to the youth to desist from drug abuse & reckless driving. 

At Pangin, the statehood day was celebrated with large number of participation by public & government officials. The occasion was graced by Tagang Taki, prominent writer & senior citizen as chief guest.

At Rumgong, Chief Guest Taho Mize, retired ADC unfurled the national flag amidst huge gathering of public & government staff. The occasion was marked by colourful display of traditional folk dances, arrow shooting competition & volleyball match.

BOMDILA:  ZPC Rinchin Zomba Merapka unfurled the national flag at the Buddha Stadium here. In her address, she urged the youths to shun drugs and appealed to the parents to give proper guidance and counselling to their children for a healthy life. She also lauded the health and frontline workers for their selfless service in fighting the pandemic.

Under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, SBI Bomdila donated a Mahindra Scorpio to the GRL Monastery, Bomdila. The keys were handed over to the monastery authorities by the General Manager of NW-1 Suranjana Dutta.

The Bank also donated an amount of Four Lakhs Sixty Thousand to the State Horticulture Farm, Shergaon for development of cold storage. 

LONGDING: Unfurling the national tri-colour, Deputy Commissioner Bani Lego, spoke about the history of Arunachal Pradesh. He also appealed to the people of Longding to abstain from drugs and unite to fight against the drug menace.During the celebration loan cheques were disbursed and handed over to 5(five)beneficiaries by the Chief Guest through virtual meeting under Atma Nirbhar Krishi Scheme and Atma Nirbhar Bagwani scheme . Tractor and power tiller were also distributed to the beneficiaries by the Department of Agriculture.