Statehood Day as a festival of Arunachal Pradesh It was celebrated as a Festival of Arunachal Pradesh aimed to capture the spirit of Arunachal displaying the splendor of the rich and diverse life of the people of the state. Since the last few years, the Statehood Day is being celebrated at Itanagar, the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The cultural troupes from all districts displayed their performance in this festival. The main attractions of this festival were cultural evening, textile and handicraft, food stalls, flower/orchid show, sports events and other various competitions. It provided an opportunity where the general public could participate enthusiastically and enjoy the festival. To provide an opportunity to all districts, their participation has been envisaged in various events. Arunachal Pradesh has more than 20 major tribes who have their distinct culture, tradition and festivals. Events during the festival The celebration of Statehood Day in Arunachal Pradesh was associated with many exciting events, exhibitions, competitions and other programmes. Many people of the state eagerly participated in the entire grand event.

On the occasion, he also gave the assurance to operationalize eight advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in the state soon, setting up of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports at Dirang and the raising of the second battalion of Arunachal Scouts.

The Defence Minister further said that the Centre was committed to peace and stability in Arunachal Pradesh. The massive Prime Minsiter’s Package including the Tans-Arunachal Highway Project announced by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in January 2008 will help develop and modernize the state and take it forward.

Food Village While celebrating Statehood Day in Arunachal Pradesh the best part was the Food Village which tickled the taste buds with lip smacking Mo-Mos from Tawang, smoked fish and meat from the Siang and Subansiri, steamed rice of the Tai-Khamptis from Lohit and many more appetizing dishes from other districts which were washed down by the nectar of Arunachal - the heavenly Apong.

The strategically located border state shares an international boundary with Bhutan, China and Myanmar and Mr. Antony said that it is necessary to have a secure and non-porous international boundary to thwart movement or entry of any disruptive forces.

On the 11-point memorandum submitted by the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki he said these would be given serious consideration .The proposals were to provide road connectivity to 22 unconnected administrative centers, construction of foot suspension bridges, log bridges and porter track roads, providing drinking water facilities in border areas.

Later, the Chief Guest also declared the five-day ‘Festival of Arunachal’ open by releasing the festival balloons. He also inaugurated the exhibition stalls.

Greeting the people of the state on the joyous occasion, Governor Gen. JJ Singh said that “We share a collective vision of making Arunachal Pradesh the most prosperous state of the country adding that “we are all witnessing the historic phase of development that is taking place in Arunachal Pradesh.”

Flower Show Competition Arunachal is the paradise for many ornamental plants like orchids, wild varieties like Begonias, Hedychiums etc. The display of these ornamental plants helped the visitors learn about these flowers. Besides this, there was also a flowers show cum competition in various groups like orchids seasonal, foliage ornamentals, cactus, bonsai, ferns, cut flowers, flower arrangements etc. The state of Arunachal houses 525 varieties of orchids, out of a total of 1100 available in India. Many of these orchids have herbal and medicinal qualities and values.

On the occasion he called for the development of border areas both from the strategic point of view and for improving the quality of life of people living in these areas “While the state has made significant development in several fields, the effective management of the international border continues to be an area which requires high priority. Pointing to hardships faced by people living in border areas, he said that during his visits he has himself seen the difficulty and hardships in which the people are living in border areas due to rough terrain and remoteness.

General Singh said that it is our moral duty to provide the basic necessities of life to our brothers and sisters living in such difficult areas, such as roads, electricity, water supply, schools and medical facilities. “I have always maintained that while strategic objectives are important, the real reason for developing our border areas is to provide better quality of life to our citizens. In fact, both the issues are complimentary.”

He apprised the Defence Minister that the State Government is paying focused attention to the development of border areas and that the State Government has submitted three projects to the Central Government to address the most critical needs of border areas such as providing connectivity to unconnected administrative centers, water supply facilities and foot suspension bridges and porter tracks.  He urged the Union Minister to help in getting these vital projects sanctioned.

“The youth is looking forward to the expansion and greater presence of NCC Units such as a naval wing at Itanagar, a battalion of army wing enhanced from the company at present at Tezu, and a company at Pasighat or Deomali where there could be an air wing.”

Competitive events Pull the champion in you out! A competition of various programmes for the school students, colleges and university was also organized to commemorate the 25th celebration of Statehood Day. The Festival of Arunachal which was celebrated along the lines of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland coinciding with the Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day celebration drew a record crowd.

Chief Minister, Nabam Tuki, in his address said that the state has made strides in the field of development, while particularly referring to the mega infrastructural development projects under the Prime Minister’s Package, however, he added that the frontier state has still a long way to go to reach a developmental level at par with other states and also in terms of economic progress. Mr. Tuki sought the support of the Centre in the march of Arunachal towards the path of progress and prosperity to realize the aim of becoming a front ranking state of the country.

He said that Arunachalis should proudly maintain their image as the island of peace among the North East states, as peace and prevalence of law and order is necessary for any state to develop. He further expressed his concern over the bandh culture that the state is presently witnessing and called upon the people to stand united against such challenges and asked the administration to deal with such situations firmly and tactfully as per the rule of law. Necessary steps are being taken to strengthen the law enforcing machineries in the state, Mr. Tuki said.

Highlighting the priorities of the Government, the Chief Minister said that they were issues of livelihood, food security, and employment generation, effective border management, improving connectivity, inclusive development of agriculture and allied activities including the power sector. Stating creating of job opportunities as his topmost priority, he said that the government plans to constitute Arunachal Employment Generation Council & AP Skills Development Council.

He also informed about the Government’s decision to formulate a new sports policy adding that the government is planning to bring out a Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme to channelize the energy and the talents of youth for constructive work. The government is also considering the Chief Minister’s Personal Insurance Scheme to cover death or injury.

For promoting the rich culture, he said that the government will introduce a “Living Heritage” scheme to encourage folk artistes, artisans and exponents of traditional art forms and establishing the Culture Village.

Indigenous Games Demonstration Traditional games like wrist gripping, bobo, bamboo skill, stick wrestling, tukli, tug of war etc. slowly fading from the fields of Arunachal were organized to revive the lost glory of the traditional sports and games. People at large from various districts took part in the various competitions. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki accompanied by his team of colleagues enthusiastically participated in the traditional games and sports events. A keen sports lover, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki himself has announced his government’s vision for promoting sports in the state.

On the occasion, he also drew the attention of the Union Defence Minister, A.K. Antony to developing the interior and remote border areas of the state, as the state shares a long international border with three countries. He expressed concern that lack of development will force the people to migrate from these strategic centres, leaving these unpopulated. He submitted a memorandum containing proposals for addressing the development needs of the border areas of the state.

The Minster Planning and Finance, Chowna Mein gave the vote of thanks. Former CM Gegong Apang, Speaker Wanglin Lowandong, Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs were among others on the occasion. Lt Gen Bikram Singh, GOC-in – C of Eastern Command, Air Marshall S Varthaman, AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, GOC 3 Corps, Lt Gen Shakti Gurung, GOC 4 Corps, officers of Central and State Governments, Army, Air Force and para-military forces were also present.

The major attractions of the Statehood Day celebrations were Fly Past by 3 Sukhoi 30 Fighter Planes of Indian Air Force, motorcycle display by Indian Army, a colourful cultural programme and March Past by Army and Air Force Bands.