Arunachal Guv urges youth to preserve cultural heritage, promote national unity
Itanagar, May 27
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik on Wednesday called upon the youth to preserve traditional values, indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultural practices while contributing towards environmental protection and sustainable living.
Highlighting the role of young people in nation-building, the Governor, while participating in the Yuva Sangam programme under the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar, encouraged them to remain educated, disciplined, and self-motivated.
The Governor interacted with participating students from Uttar Pradesh and the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST). NERIST has been serving as the nodal institution for Arunachal Pradesh for Yuva Sangam Phase VI and has been paired with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow.
Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) advised the students to connect with people from different parts of the country and engage in meaningful exchanges to strengthen unity, mutual respect, and national integration. He said such interactions help young people appreciate India's rich diversity while deepening the spirit of "oneness" that binds the nation together.
Emphasising the importance of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative, the Governor encouraged the youth to actively participate in programmes that promote cultural understanding, emotional bonding, and shared national pride.
He also urged them to cultivate curiosity and inquisitiveness, describing these qualities as essential for learning, innovation, and personal growth.
Addressing the visiting students from Uttar Pradesh, the Governor spoke about the rich history, vibrant culture, and developmental journey of Arunachal Pradesh. He highlighted the state's immense potential in hydropower, horticulture, tourism, and organic farming, while also referring to the geographical and infrastructural challenges faced by the frontier state.
Arunachal Pradesh continues to make steady progress with the support of the Central government and the determination of its people, Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) stated. Connecting Arunachal Pradesh with India's ancient civilisational and cultural heritage, the Governor highlighted several sacred and historical sites in the state.
He referred to Parashuram Kund as a revered spiritual destination associated with Indian mythology and faith. He also mentioned Bhismaknagar and Malinithan, underscoring their historical and archaeological significance and their role in reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual links between Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of India.
The Governor urged the visiting students from Uttar Pradesh to carry back with them the warmth, goodwill, and hospitality of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, along with fond memories of the state's rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and natural beauty. He expressed hope that their visit would strengthen bonds of friendship and deepen their understanding of the Northeast and its people.
Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) further emphasised that the people of the Northeast are as patriotic, committed, and devoted to the nation as citizens in any other part of India. He said the region has always contributed immensely to the country's unity, security, culture, and development, and therefore deserves equal respect, understanding, opportunities, and treatment in every sphere.
The Governor encouraged the youth to become ambassadors of national unity and work towards eliminating stereotypes and regional barriers through greater interaction, empathy, and mutual appreciation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I've been following the Yuva Sangam program for a while now, and it's heartening to see how it bridges the gap between the Northeast and the rest of India. The Governor's point about the people of Northeast being equally patriotic is important - I have friends from the region who serve in our armed forces with distinction. Programs like these are essential for national integration, especially in a diverse country like ours.
Honestly, I wish such exchange programs were more frequent! We have students from Delhi who have never even seen the Northeast on a map. The Governor mentioning Parashuram Kund and Malinithan shows how ancient our connections are. But I sometimes wonder - are we doing enough to address the infrastructural challenges these states face? Good words need better implementation, especially in terms of connectivity and development. Still, a step in the right direction.
As a student who participated in a similar exchange program to Meghalaya last year, I can confirm how transformative these visits are. The Governor's call for youth to become ambassadors of national unity is not just rhetoric - I came back with new friends, a better understanding of tribal cultures, and a deep appreciation for the region's organic farming and sustainable living practices. The Northeast truly is India's hidden gem. We need more such initiatives at the school level too.
The Governor's emphasis on curiosity and inquisitiveness really resonates with me. In our rush to score marks and get jobs, we often forget that true learning comes from exploring the unknown. Visiting a state like Arunachal with its diverse tribes, languages, and ecosystems would be an education in itself! I hope the students from UP take back not just memories but also lessons in sustainability and community living that the Northeast excels in. 🙏
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