CHONGKHAM, Aug 15: Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, hoisted the National Flag at the Pali Vidyapeeth Ground in his home constituency, Chongkham, amidst an enthusiastic gathering of people from all walks of life, including school children, public leaders, and government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Mein paid homage to the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and remembered Arunachal Pradesh’s unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in resisting against the colonial rule. While lauding the contributions of every sections of the society in building New India, he said, “I salute the brave soldiers for guarding the nation in harshest weather conditions, farmers for feeding us, teachers for educating and shaping the young minds for future, doctors & nurses for saving our lives, engineers & work force for building roads & infrastructures, and every citizen whose work strengthens Arunachal Pradesh and the Nation”.
Highlighting India’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mein spoke of the country’s emergence as the fourth-largest economy in the world and reiterated the shared national goal of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s recent milestones, including its recognition as a Front Runner State in the SDG India Index 2023–24, achieving 100% adjusted net enrolment rate in elementary education, being named the best-performing State in maintaining law and order by India Today, national recognition of Siluk as a zero-waste model village and its inclusion in NCERT books and Jairampur as the cleanest town under Swachh Survekshan, transformative connectivity projects like the Frontier Highway and critical bridges, major advances in healthcare with new medical colleges in Pasighat, Namsai, and West Kameng along with the expansion of TRIHMS into a postgraduate and super-specialty institute, and the declaration of 2025–2035 as the Decade of Hydropower with 1.2 GW operational, 4.8 GW under construction, and commencement of mega projects such as the Dibang Multipurpose Project which is underway. He also informed that these projects will bring investments worth Rs 2 lakh Crores in the State and will generate Rs 4,000 Crores in free power, Rs 750 Crores in Local Area Development Funds (LADF) and Rs 2,000 Crores in dividends to the State Government annually. He also highlighted initiatives under Mission Shikshit Arunachal with a view to transform the educational system of Arunachal Pradesh and initiatives undertaken by the Govt to empower youths and women through entrepreneurship.
On the occasion, Mein also highlighted Namsai’s achievements under the Aspirational District Programme and urged every stakeholder to work towards improving its rank to single digit and to transform Namsai District from an aspirational district to an inspirational district. He also informed that two important Higher educational institutions will be coming up in Namsai such as Model Degree College at Piyong and a Medical College in PPP mode. He also said that efforts are on to preserve and promote our own mother tongue and teaching of Tai-Khamti language will be introduced from Class 1 to Class 8 as a third language in every govt and private schools and in Buddhist temples in the district.
He further appealed to the people to work together towards building a Viksit Arunachal by maintaining cleanliness, preserving the State’s rich biodiversity and to wholeheartedly participate in ‘Ek Ped Ke Naam’ and ‘Nadi Utsav’ initiatives to rejuvenate our rivers and to protect our wildlife by prohibiting illegal hunting and fishing.
On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister felicitated meritorious students, dedicated citizens, and participants, acknowledging their contributions to the society.
Mein inaugurated exhibition stalls put up by SHGs and various Government departments, showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage, sustainable farming practices, innovative projects, and handicrafts.
He also launched KAT YEIN, a packaged drinking water brand from Momong village, developed under a convergence model by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSLM) in collaboration with the Village Sanitation and Water Committee (VSWC), Momong. Funded by the Zilla ParishadMember of 5–Chongkham Zilla Parishad under SOR, this initiative aims to promote rural entrepreneurship, local ownership, and sustainable income generation, with revenue shared among ArSLM, the Panchayat, and VSWC to ensure economic benefits remain within the community.
The celebration was also attended by Inspector General of Police(Eastern Range) P.N. Khrimey, ADC Chongkham, Kretkam Tikhak, ZPM Jenia Namchoom, PRI Members, members of CBOs, Gaon Burahs, SHGs, government officials, among others.
Later, Mein inaugurated a Handloom Unit for The Prodigal Daughters Sisterhood Rehabilitation Centre at Chongkham, run by the Angulimala Welfare Society and funded by the ZPM Chongkham. The initiative seeks to empower women recovering from abuse and addiction by providing them with dignified livelihood opportunities.
Interacting with the inmates, the Deputy Chief Minister urged them to return to the mainstream as responsible citizens, free from destructive habits, and to embrace a new life with hope, self-respect, and determination. He exhorted that life is defined not by its beginnings, but by the courage and commitment to turn challenges into success stories.
