Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik exhorted the state’s legislators to be “sensitive and responsive” to the people’s problems and give voice to their grievances by raising them on the floor of the House, keeping in mind the mantra ‘people first’.
Addressing the members during the special session of the State Legislative Assembly here in presence of President Droupadi Murmu, the Governor said, “In a parliamentary democracy, the legislature represents the sovereign will of the people. We have to be sensitive and responsive to the problems of the people and give voice to their grievances by raising them on the floor of the house. While doing so, we must rise above narrow sectarian differences and instead build on our dream of shared prosperity.”
The Parliament and Legislatures are the cornerstone on which rests the edifice of our democratic polity, he said and added that one of the basic objectives of a representative democracy is to see that governance is carried out keeping in mind the mantra – ‘people first’.
While mentioning that the political leadership of the State is fully seized of the challenges and opportunities and is working sincerely to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for its people, the Governor said, “There is nothing which can stand in the way of Arunachal Pradesh provided there is will and determination on the part of its people and leaders.”
He said that the State has crossed a long journey in a comparatively short period of time. “Today’s Arunachal Pradesh stands between the legacy of an ancient civilization and the promising horizons of a boundless future. May Arunachal Pradesh emerge as a land of grace and beauty, a shining jewel amongst the beautiful States that make up our great and glorious country,” the Governor said.
The Governor earlier started his speech by saying that the presence of President Murmu in the House was “a matter of both inspiration and pride for the legislators of the State”.
President herself has been a successful public leader, beginning from the grassroots and reaching the highest echelons of public service, he said, adding that Murmu’s visit will provide phenomenal motivation to the young girls and women of the State, conveying the message that sincerity, service and hard work can make them true leaders and role models for the society.
Earlier on her arrival at the Assembly complex, the President had inaugurated a photo exhibition set up to honour the unsung heroes of Arunachal Pradesh.
In his welcome address, State Assembly Speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona said, “It is indeed a great honour and privilege for me to extend a very warm and cordial welcome to our President of India Droupadi Murmu Ji to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh.”
While noting that the evolution of parliamentary representative democracy in Arunachal Pradesh was very closely intertwined with the journey of its attainment of Statehood, the Speaker said, “It is most gratifying to remember that the inhabitants of this tribal state have the spirit of democracy inherent in their traditional laws.
There were unwritten rules for administration of tribal villages. However, the customs and traditions were almost compatible with the modern concepts of jurisprudence. The tribal councils in NEFA were functioning on the lines of the system evolved for parliamentary democracy, which is in vogue now- a-days.”
Sona said that the photo exhibition on ‘Unsung Heroes’ is a tribute to those indigenous tribal people who were freedom fighters and martyrs, whose contributions to India’s freedom struggle are little known.
“The inauguration of this exhibition by our President will be a befitting tribute to those unsung warriors,” he said.
The Speaker also mentioned that the President’s visit and her presence “in our midst is a historic occasion for us”. Her life is an inspirational saga of courage, fortitude, and dedication to save the people, especially the poor, marginalized and the downtrodden, he said.
