Northeast Desk, 26th November: In a momentous celebration of Constitution Day, Arunachal Pradesh’s Governor, Lt General KT Parnaik (Retd), revealed a majestic 16-foot statue of Mahatma Gandhi named ‘Into the Future.’ The unveiling, held at the Legislative Assembly building in Itanagar, marked a pivotal moment in the state’s history.
This ceremony coincided with Constitution Day, where Arunachal Pradesh uniquely observed the occasion under the theme ‘Pink Constitution Day.’ This theme commemorated the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, officially named the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Distinguished attendees included Governor Lt General KT Parnaik (Retd), Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, Dy Speaker Tesam Pongte, along with various ministers and MLAs of the state.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, addressing the audience, emphasized the state’s commitment to women-led development, advocating progress, empowerment, and equality for a more inclusive future for women in Arunachal Pradesh.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, expressing gratitude for the grand celebration, acknowledged the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for organizing the event with enthusiasm, providing students an insight into the workings of the Legislative Assembly. Rijiju underscored the importance of Constitution Day as a crucial commemoration since its inception in 2015, praising the constitution as the backbone of the country.
Rijiju highlighted that women’s reservation would begin post the 2026 census.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Pasang Dorjee Sona, explained the significance behind placing the Gandhi statue outside the assembly. Symbolizing Gandhi moving forward with his grandson, the statue conveys a powerful message about children leading the nation into the future. Sona expressed pride in women’s achievements in Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing the continued need for women’s reservation.
The bronze statue, a two-month creation by Delhi-based sculptor Ashish Bose, depicts Mahatma Gandhi with his grandson Nanu bhai. Bose shared that the statue, accessible to the public, captures joyful moments of Gandhi and his grandson at the sea beach in Bombay during a period of recovery.
Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia hailed Constitution Day as historic, celebrating the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill as a significant stride in empowering women across all spheres of life.
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