ITANAGAR, Jan 12: The youths of Arunachal Pradesh have the tremendous potential to meaningfully contribute in nation building as envisioned by Swami Vivekananda.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu today asserted this while participating in the celebrations of the National Youth Day to commemorate the 158th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, organised by the Directorate of Youth Affairs in collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra, Arunachal Pradesh at DK auditorium of the State Legislative Assembly. “Youths of today must have ‘muscles of iron and nerves of steel’ as said by Swamiji and they must have the guts to stand up against what is wrong. When they start to raise their voices against all wrong things, not only the outlook of society will change but also keep the government on its toes,” Khandu said while exhorting the state’s youths. 
Making a veiled criticism of the random protests and protesters, Khandu said a few people tend to take democracy for a ride in the garb of fundamental right to protest. Talking about the significance of reforms in governance, he asserted that although many including some politicians and bureaucrats may not be comfortable at the beginning, reforms must come. “We have to come out of the comfort zone of the yesteryears and to root out corruption and ensure hassle-free delivery of services to the common people, reforms are a must. At times we have to take tough decisions which may pinch a few but they will be beneficial to our youths who are the future of our state,” he added.
Taking advantage of the presence of a large number of school and college students, the Chief Minister while raising the issue of drug abuse termed it ‘dangerous than terrorism’. “Drug abuse can wipe out the future of an entire generation. Only educated youths like you can help in its eradication and we are here to help you,” he assured. While elaborating on the state’s unique cultural diversity, Khandu said the onus is on the educated and conscious youths of today to foster the pan-Arunachal identity by maintaining peace and communal harmony. 
Underscoring the ‘quality’ issue in school education, the CM while admitting that quality of education has dropped despite an increase in the number of schools, said the youths of today deserve quality education rather than quantity in education. He lauded Vivekananda Kendra for venturing into Arunachal and providing quality education since the late 70s through its Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung was also present as Guest of Honour on the occasion. 

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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
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