Arunachal Governor Flags Off Youth Team for National Youth Festival 2026

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik on Tuesday interacted with the State’s youth leaders at Lok Bhavan here and flagged off the team's participation in the 29th National Youth Festival 2026 in New Delhi from January 9 to 12.

Extending his best wishes, the Governor said the National Youth Festival, being organised under the inspiring platform of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue, is not merely an event but a celebration of ideas, culture, creativity, and youthful energy. He exhorted them to give their very best as proud and responsible ambassadors of Arunachal Pradesh.

Reminding the youth that they carry with them the soul of the state wherever they go, the Governor urged them to take pride in Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and deeply rooted values of harmony with nature and mutual respect.

Highlighting the importance of perception management in today’s interconnected world, Parnaik called upon the youth to project a positive, confident, and progressive image of Arunachal Pradesh at national and global platforms.

He urged them to emerge as voices of hope, harmony, and responsible change, contributing to a brighter and more promising future for the state.

The Governor also advised the young leaders to remain open-minded learners, to observe best practices from other regions, and to bring back innovative ideas, particularly in the areas of skill development, emerging industries, sports, talent identification, and innovation in educational institutions.

During the interaction, the Governor sensitised the youth about the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G-RAM-G] Act, 2025, describing it as a landmark and forward-looking reform aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods. He said the initiative aligns closely with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and holds immense potential to transform villages into centres of productivity, self-reliance, and inclusive growth.

Encouraging the youth to prepare for future challenges, the Governor urged them to explore and champion concepts such as smart villages, cleanliness, and the optimal use of technology in governance. He called upon them to become innovators and problem-solvers who harness digital tools to address local issues.

Earlier, Youth Affairs Secretary Abu Tayeng briefed the Governor on the objectives and activities of the National Youth Festival, highlighting its role in nurturing leadership, creativity, and national spirit among young people.

The interaction saw enthusiastic participation from the youth, who shared their aspirations, concerns, and personal experiences with the Governor, creating a lively exchange of ideas. The Governor listened attentively and offered guidance and encouragement drawn from his experience.

The youth expressed gratitude to the Governor for inviting them to Lok Bhavan and for providing a rare opportunity for personal interaction, describing the programme as inspiring and motivating.

The event was attended by officials of the Department of Youth Affairs, led by Director Ramesh Linggi, along with special invitees from various fields including education, sports, culture, and social service. Parents of the participating youth were also present, reflecting collective support for the aspirations and achievements of the young participants.