Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on their Statehood Days, lauding their cultural richness and contributions to Bharat’s growth. Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram attained their Statehood status from Union Territories on February 20 in 1987.
PM Modi in his message wishing for continuous prosperity, commended people of Arunachal for their “rich contributions to Bharat’s development” and mentioned their culture is “greatly admired, particularly the vibrant tribal traditions and the rich biodiversity”.
Terming the encouraging words of PM Modi as “a profound honour” and “a source of inspiration”, Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu responded, “Dear PM, your unwavering commitment to the development of our State is truly exceptional. Under your visionary leadership, we are steadfastly dedicated to tirelessly working with grit and determination to realise comprehensive development across our Arunachal Pradesh with the zeal of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas.”
Arunachal Pradesh, formerly the North-East Frontier Agency or NEFA, gained Union Territory status on January 20, 1972. It was then renamed Arunachal Pradesh, which is known for its natural wonders, stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique tribal cultures and heritage.
Mizoram, like other Northeastern States, was also Assam’s part and was carved out as a Union Territory in 1972. Mizoram, the region’s remotest and southernmost landlocked State, derived its name from Mizo and Ram, which mean land of the Mizos.
Other than PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and many other prominent leaders, including Assam and Meghalaya CMs Himanta Biswa Sarma and Conrad K Sangma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda extended warm wishes, emphasising shared identities and aspirations for progress.
President Droupadi Murmu appreciated Arunachal and Mizoram for “their picturesque landscapes and rich cultures” and stated both are “beautiful beyond description”. She called for “responsible tourism” that has the potential to significantly contribute to fostering sustainable development in both States.
Praying to Maa Kamakhya for their constant development and closer bonds with the people of Assam, CM Himanta outlined the pivotal role played by these two “beautiful sister States” in shared efforts towards “Viksit Ashtalakshmi and Bharat’s Act East Policy”.
Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma hailed the occasion as a reminder to everyone about shared identity, collective celebration of the nation’s diversity and the uniqueness of the hill States.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal termed these States as ‘the Land of Dawn lit Mountains’, which are nestled by the Himalayas and embodies the spirit of patriotism and warm culture.
Extending warm greetings to the resilient people of Arunachal Pradesh, BJP president JP Nadda said, “With its breathtaking landscapes and rich tribal heritage, Arunachal Pradesh stands as a beacon of cultural diversity.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah wished Arunachal to “touch new heights in development under the leadership of Pema Khandu” in times to come as PM Narendra Modi’s policy of “all-inclusive development has contributed immensely to unlocking the economic potential of the State blessed with stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural diversity”.
Meanwhile, CM Pema Khandu extended warm welcome to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is scheduled to attend the celebration of the Statehood Day during his maiden visit to the State.
Appreciating Vice President Dhankhar for his humility, intellect, deep constitutional knowledge and profound wisdom, for having an illustrious legal and gubernatorial career, CM Khandu remarked, “We look forward to his august presence and benefit from his insights, which shall further motivate us in our collective efforts to build Atma Nirbhar Arunachal Pradesh.”
In his message to the people, CM Khandu humbly acknowledged “the contributions of all in ensuring multifaceted development trajectory of Arunachal Pradesh” and its “significant strides in various sectors”. He hailed constant efforts of Team Arunachal from day one for “leaving nothing unturned to make the State witness remarkable infrastructure growth with the construction of new roads, bridges, and airports, enhancing connectivity within and beyond its borders in sync with the spirit of last mile development as envisioned by PM Narendra Modi”.
The Arunachal CM concluded, “We’ve not only been able to spur economic development by attracting investments and promoting tourism but have also strengthened and expanded education and health sectors by establishing new schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities, thereby giving a boost to the people’s ease of living. Our collective journey reflects a concerted effort towards holistic progress of our great State, laying a solid foundation for its continued all-round growth in the years to come.”