ITANAGAR, Nov 19: President Ram Nath Kovind today hailed Arunachal Pradesh, saying that if the northeast is the crown of the country, the state is the "jewel in the crown". 

The President, who is on a four-day tour of the northeast, arrived here on his maiden visit to the state and attended the valedictory function organised at the Indira Gandhi Park to mark 40 years of the Vivekananda Kendra. 

"Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) have become a source of inspiration to the people for its motto and philosophy of 'Service to humanity is service to nation'," the President said while addressing the function. 

He said the 36 VKVs in the state, while maintaining tribal culture and traditions, had been imparting quality education to the tribal students. 

Appreciating the band performance by the VKV students, the president said it was comparable to the ones exhibited by the defence forces. 

"Being the head of armed forces, I get the opportunity to witness the band display by the Army, Air Force and the Navy on many occasions. The band display by the students here is brilliant and at par with the armed forces," he said. 

The President also referred to historical places in the state such as Vismaknagar, where, according to mythology, Lord Krishna had married Rukmini, and said Arunachal found a mention in the epics. 

"Arunachal has a special mention in the epics and history of the country. If northeast is the crown of this country, Arunachal Pradesh is the jewel in the crown," Kovind said. 

"The state with lush green vegetation, and snow-clad mountains has been attracting many tourists," the president said, amidst applause. 

Stating that Arunachal Pradhesh exhibited 'unity in diversity', the president appreciated the state's village heads and Kebang institution, the local justice delivery system. 

Terming the state a "power house" of the country, Kovind said the state had a number of developmental projects on its radar, including a 1500-km Trans Arunachal Highway and 500-beded Tomo Riba Institute of Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) at Naharlagun. 

Later, Kovind also inaugurated the new Assembly building and addressed the legislators at a special session. 

His itinerary for the next three days includes a visit to Namami Barak festival in Assam on its closing day, inauguration of the North East Development Summit and a tour of the INA war memorial in Manipur. 

Speaking at the Vivekananda Kendra function, Governor B D Mishra said he would seek help from VKV volunteers to give a major boost to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in the state capital. 

The Governor further stated that the presence of the President in the frontier and strategic state 
reinforces the sense of oneness and belongingness amongst the people of the state. 
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Pema Khandu also praised the services of the Vivekananda 
Kendra Vidyalayas in bringing educational revolution in the state through holistic approach, adding 
that besides working towards academic excellence, the institutions inculcate sense of nationalism and 
patriotism among the students.
Divulging on the initiatives of his government, Khandu said that the state government is giving special 
emphasis on promotion of quality education in the state and informed that Arunachal Pradesh is the 
first small state in the country to have started smart class in schools to provide access to latest 
technology. The state has been conferred with the Best Performing State Award in Education sector 
under small state category by India Today Group recently in recognition to the efforts being made by 
the state government in the field of education, the CM said while mentioning on the decision to set up 
Skill Development University under PPP.

He further lauded the VKV for generating goodwill among the government officers and common masses, adding that sustainable development can be achieved only if human capital is cultivated and developed.
 

Earlier, Balakrishnanji, Vice President Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari in his welcome address thanked 
the state government for extending financial assistance of 40 crore released in one single installment 
for extending services of the VKV in the state.

Highlighting the activities of the Vivekananda Kendra 
Vidyalaya, he informed that the day also commemorates the 103rd birth anniversary of founder Eknathji 
and significance of the year on being the 150th birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita. He further said 
that since its first establishment in the state in 1977, VKVs have produced many luminaries, 
technocrats and bureaucrats and other professionals in Arunachal Pradesh, adding that presently there 
are 36 VKV schools across the state.

Other highlights of the programme included presentation of colourful mega dance and impressive band 
display by the VKV students. 
Union Mos Home Kiren Rijiju, DCM Chowna Mein, Speaker T N Thongdok, Parliamentary Secretaries, 
Chairmen, legislators, senior government officers and officials led by Chief Secretary Satya Gopal, 
besides around two thousand alumni, teachers, parents and students from all over the state attended 
the program.

Kovind reminds legislators of their duty

ITANAGAR: President Kovind, while addressing a special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly today, urged the legislators to remember that they had been elected as members of the Legislative Assembly to achieve the aspirations of the people of the State and to render public service.

After election, you represent all citizens of their constituency, including those who may not have voted for you,’ he said calling them guardians of public interest and trust. 

The President said that being a border state, Arunachal Pradesh offers a unique opportunity to trade and do business with neighbouring countries. He expressed hope that Arunachal Pradesh would become a driver of India’s trade and economic relations with ASEAN countries under the Act East Policy.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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