Itanagar, Jan 26: Arunachal Pradesh joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day with grandeur and patriotic fervour at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar on Monday.
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| Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik taking the salute at the state-level Republic Day celebrations in Itanagar. (Image Credit: facebook.com/PemaKhanduBJP) |
Governor K T Parnaik, Lieutenant General (Retd), unfurled the National Flag and addressed the people of the state, underscoring the Constitution of India as the guiding force of the Republic. Extending Republic Day greetings, he paid rich tributes to the founding fathers of the Constitution, freedom fighters, and the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State Police for safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
Highlighting national achievements, the Governor said India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, making significant strides in infrastructure, financial inclusion, food security, healthcare and education. He noted that Arunachal Pradesh plays a vital role in national growth due to its strategic location, cultural diversity and abundant natural resources.
Speaking on the state’s development, Governor Parnaik said Arunachal Pradesh has recorded steady economic progress, with a 2.6-fold increase in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) over the past decade and notable growth in the state’s own revenue. He emphasised that governance has shifted from scheme-centric approaches to outcome-driven, people-centric reforms.
The Governor highlighted key initiatives in healthcare, education, women empowerment, youth employment, sports and cultural development. He referred to the expansion of medical education, cashless health schemes, reforms under Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029, growth of women self-help groups, promotion of startups, and strong performances by state athletes at national and international levels.
On infrastructure, he underlined rapid progress in road connectivity, hydropower development, air connectivity, housing and drinking water coverage. Projects such as the ₹55,000-crore Frontier Highway, the Vibrant Villages Programme and hydropower expansion, he said, would further strengthen connectivity, energy security and national integration.
The Governor also stressed the importance of sustainable development through agriculture reforms, horticulture expansion, eco-friendly tourism and green initiatives, including renewable energy and environmental conservation. Calling upon citizens to become active partners in development, he urged them to uphold constitutional values and protect the environment, expressing confidence that the state would continue to progress towards the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Arunachal.
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Earlier, Governor Parnaik inspected the ceremonial parade, escorted by Director General of Police Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal. The celebrations featured a march past by police, IRBN jawans, NCC cadets and Scouts & Guides, along with colourful cultural performances by artists and schoolchildren reflecting the state’s rich heritage.
The programme was attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, ministers, legislators, senior state government officials, defence personnel and a large number of citizens. Chief Secretary Manish Gupta later announced that State Awards, including gold and silver medals, would be conferred during the Statehood Day celebrations on February 20 in recognition of exemplary service.
