Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu highlights sports achievements, education reforms, AI integration, and youth opportunities, announcing scholarships, infrastructure upgrades, and creative economy initiatives to empower students and boost holistic development across the state.
A renewed focus on youth empowerment and institutional growth has taken centre stage in Arunachal Pradesh, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu outlining a broad vision for sports excellence, education reform, and skill development. Speaking at an event in Itanagar, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s steady progress over the past decade and called on students to actively shape the future of the region.
During the inauguration of three key infrastructure facilities at Dera Natung Government College, Khandu emphasised the transformative role of sports in building discipline, leadership, and a healthy lifestyle. He pointed to Arunachal Pradesh’s improved performance in national sporting events, including achieving a fifth-place national ranking and emerging as the top-performing state in the Northeast during the Khelo India Tribal Games.
Addressing students, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of balancing academics with extracurricular engagement, particularly sports. He noted that newly inaugurated facilities, including a Badminton-cum-Judo Hall and a Recreation Hall, are expected to significantly enhance opportunities for holistic development.
On the academic front, Khandu elaborated on the government’s scholarship initiative that fully sponsors students gaining admission to the world’s top 150 universities. He encouraged aspiring students to take advantage of this scheme to gain global exposure and contribute to the state’s development upon their return.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening education and healthcare sectors, Khandu said sustained investments are being made to bridge infrastructure gaps across institutions. He assured that any emerging needs at Dera Natung Government College, including additional classrooms for newly introduced departments, would be addressed promptly.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to the late Dera Natung, after whom the college is named. He praised the institution for carrying forward Natung’s vision of empowering youth through quality education. Highlighting the college’s achievements, Khandu noted that it currently serves over 4,600 students across Arts, Science, and Commerce streams, supported by 14 academic departments.
Discussing ongoing reforms, Khandu spoke about “Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029,” an ambitious initiative aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. He said the programme focuses on upgrading infrastructure while simultaneously introducing academic reforms to align with global standards.
Technology integration remains a central pillar of the state’s education strategy. The Chief Minister stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning, urging students to adopt these advancements responsibly. He revealed that AI-driven initiatives and Vidya Samiksha Kendras have already been implemented to monitor and improve educational outcomes in real time.
In a move aimed at fostering scientific curiosity, Khandu announced the establishment of two science centres equipped with planetariums in Namsai and Dirang. These centres are expected to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and inspire interest in science and technology.
Highlighting employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, Khandu pointed to emerging sectors such as hydropower, micro, small and medium enterprises, startups, and innovation-driven industries. He urged students to pursue skill-based education and aspire to become job creators rather than job seekers.
The Chief Minister also referenced key government initiatives, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana and various startup support programmes, alongside the development of the Arunachal Pradesh Investment and Innovation Park.
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Further strengthening the state’s cultural and creative sectors, Khandu announced the creation of an “Arunachal Creative Economy” cell within the Chief Minister’s Office. This initiative aims to promote local talent in arts, music, weaving, and other creative industries, providing them with global exposure and opportunities.
Concluding his address, Khandu urged students to remain disciplined, focused, and forward-looking, stressing that the future of Arunachal Pradesh lies in the hands of its youth.
