Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh celebrated its 39th Statehood Day with great enthusiasm across all districts, including the state capital, Itanagar, on February 20.
The occasion was marked by a series of cultural and patriotic events that highlighted the rich heritage and progress of the frontier state.
In Itanagar, the celebrations commenced with Governor Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) hoisting the national flag at Indira Gandhi Park.
The event was attended by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and various ministers, MLAs, and government officials.
A vibrant cultural showcase captivated attendees, featuring traditional war dances from Arunachal’s diverse tribal communities, including the Aka, Nocte, Mih Mol, Wangcho, and Tapu war dances, as well as the Buyu dance by Nyishi troops. The celebrations also included a grand performance by tribal dance troupes, followed by a stirring display by the Indian Army band.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju lauded the state’s “phenomenal and exponential rise” in infrastructure, especially in road, rail, and air connectivity. He described these advancements as a reflection of the “changing face of Bharat” and encouraged the youth to become active contributors as “foot soldiers” in India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Rajnikant, General Secretary of the Human Welfare Association, Varanasi, was felicitated by the Governor for his significant contributions to social welfare.
Arunachal Pradesh, previously known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), attained Union Territory status on January 20, 1972, and officially became the 24th state of India on February 20, 1987.
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