CM Pema Khandu Joins Golden Jubilee Celebrations of All Nyishi Youth Association
CM Pema Khandu celebrates 50 years of the All Nyishi Youth Association, urging youth to lead in tourism, culture, and skill development.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday graced the concluding day of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA). The landmark event, held at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, marked 50 years of the organization's journey since its inception in 1976. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister reflected on the association's half-century of guiding the community's youth through various challenges and obstacles.
Preserving Culture and Identity
Addressing the gathering, CM Khandu praised the vision presented by ANYA President Jamru Ruja, specifically the focus on the preservation of the community's language and cultural heritage. He emphasized that while the Nyishis are the largest tribal community in Arunachal Pradesh—spanning seven districts—they remain small in the national context. Consequently, he stressed that the responsibility of safeguarding their unique customs and language rests solely with the community and its younger generations, rather than any outside agency.
The Chief Minister also touched upon a concern raised by the association regarding the proliferation of numerous organizations within the state, noting that this is a shared concern for the youth of every tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
A Call for Tourism and Economic Growth
Highlighting tourism as a primary engine of growth for the state, the Chief Minister urged ANYA to actively develop tourism within Nyishi-dominated areas. He shared successful examples to inspire the youth:
- Tawang: Now boasting more hotels and homestays than Itanagar and Naharlagun combined.
- Ziro Festival of Music: An initiative he started in 2012 as Tourism Minister, which overcame initial opposition to become a success.
- Anini: Recognized as a Best Upcoming Destination in the Dibang Valley.
Khandu reminded the audience that tourism cannot thrive without public participation and the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava. He invited ANYA to collaborate with NGOs to create a tourism roadmap and submit it to the government for further development.
Skill Development and the Future of Work
The Chief Minister pointed out a critical gap in the state's economy: the heavy reliance on skilled labor from outside the state, despite massive hydropower projects totaling 19,000 MW and various public works. To illustrate the value of local training, he cited a project in Pasighat completed by 50 Hyderabad-trained local youths for Rs 10 lakh, whereas an outside quotation for the same work was Rs 18 lakh.
Currently, there are 10 skill centers in the state, three of which are located in Nyishi areas (Sagalee and Yupia), with another ITI nearing completion in Koloriang. He encouraged ANYA and the All Nyishi Students’ Union to visit these centers and suggest additional trades that could benefit the youth.
Technology, Accountability, and Rural Upliftment
While acknowledging the role of modern technology, CM Khandu issued a caution regarding smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence. He urged elders and parents to ensure that these tools serve people rather than controlling them, encouraging the youth to cultivate analytical thinking.
The Chief Minister also lauded the All East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organization (AEKSWCO) for its practice of reviewing the performance of district legislators, calling it a model of accountability that other communities should emulate. He further praised the organization's nurses for their volunteer care for the elderly and noted the importance of a newly released book on financial inclusion and disparities in the state.
Closing on a positive note regarding rural development, he mentioned the Vibrant Villages Programme. He noted that remote regions like Upper Siang and Kra Daadi are witnessing the construction of new roads and the early signs of reverse migration, bringing hope back to the farthest corners of the state.