Itanagar: The Northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday celebrated its 36th Statehood Day with great enthusiasm in a grand manner centrally in the newly-inaugurated ‘Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium’ at Yupia, the headquarters of Papum Pare district.
The Statehood Day function coincided with the valediction of the month-long Golden Jubilee celebration of Arunachal Pradesh.
An array of colourful cultural presentations, including cultural symphony – a choreographed dance number by folk artists, display of indigenous games and sports, conferment of highest state award ‘Arunachal Ratna’ on the first Lieutenant Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Late KAA Raja, felicitation of former Agency Council and Pradesh Council members, etc were the major highlights of the day-long celebration.
The chief guest of the event was Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra, who earlier unfurled the national flag and took salute of the Guard of Honour, said that the participation of Dr Sarma will reinforce the goodwill and age-old amity between the people of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He along with the dignitaries also released a commemorative postal stamp commemorating 50 years of the naming of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Governor, in his address, said that 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 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,” Mishra said.
He also appreciated the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his much-needed fillip to the pace of development. The Governor emphasised on harnessing the power of the digital revolution and other innovations.
Highlighting the achievements of the State government which envisions expanding the horizon of progress in the next 50 years, he said that the cultural heritage, health, education, prudent use of natural resources and development of infrastructure are the pillars for our progress and prosperity. “We need to focus on harnessing our rich potential in horticulture, tourism, hydropower 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.
He complimented CM Khandu and State Assembly Speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona for celebrating the 50 years of Arunachal Pradesh in a befitting manner. He also commended the cultural troupes and members of the organising committee for the mega event.
Earlier, the Governor conferred the ‘Arunachal Ratna’, the highest state honour on the first Lt Governor of Arunachal, KAA Raja posthumously which was received by the eldest daughter of Late Raja, Vijayalakshmi. He also felicitated the Pradesh Council members and complimented each and everyone who has contributed to the development of Arunachal Pradesh. On the occasion, the Governor along with the dignitaries also released a commemorative postal stamp honouring 50 years of the State.
