Arunachal CM calls for preservation of tribal languages, promises transformative development in Lower Dibang Valley

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 1, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday called upon the people of the state to preserve their indigenous languages and cultural heritage while simultaneously embracing modern development. He was addressing the annual Solung festival of the Adi community at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district.

Lauding the Adis, one of the largest tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, for their rich traditions, Khandu said festivals such as Solung are vital in keeping alive cultural identity. “In the development race, if we forget our roots, our culture and our language, we will never be truly developed,” he said, stressing that each of the state’s 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes must cherish their unique cuisine, customs, and dialects.

Khandu reiterated the need to practice local dialects in everyday life. “I firmly believe that cultural erosion starts when one member of the community does not learn his or her mother tongue,” he remarked. While acknowledging the importance of English and Hindi in today’s world, he underlined that they should not replace native languages. He urged parents and elders to converse with their children in their mother tongue and encouraged the youth to take pride in speaking their indigenous dialects.

“As a Monpa, I have to take ownership of my culture and language. As an Adi, you have to do the same. No one from outside will preserve your culture for you. It is upon us to safeguard our languages and faith through daily practice,” the Chief Minister pointed out.

He informed that the state government has already established a Department of Indigenous Affairs to support tribal communities in preserving their traditions. He invited community-based organisations (CBOs) to collaborate with the department and offer practical suggestions for strengthening cultural identity.

Turning to development, Khandu praised Roing’s improved road connectivity. Recalling his visit in 2011 as a minister, he said, “Back then, I had to cross rivers on ferries multiple times. Today, it is a smooth five-hour drive.” He predicted that the Lower Dibang Valley is on the cusp of a developmental leap, thanks to the Dibang Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project (2880 MW).

“This project will transform the region’s economy and infrastructure while generating significant revenue for the state,” he said. Across Arunachal, hydro projects with a combined capacity of 18,000 MW are in various stages of execution. Once completed, they are expected to generate around Rs 10,000 crore annually for the state exchequer. “With such revenue, the government will be able to fund robust development and welfare measures, making Arunachal Pradesh truly viksit by 2047,” Khandu added.

During his visit, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects across Lower Dibang Valley. These include hostel buildings, residential quarters, and road improvements. Specifically, new 20-bedded hostels with kitchens, dining halls, and warden quarters will come up at government schools in Sirang, Keba, and Kangkong. A 120-bedded hostel is planned for the Government Secondary School, Paglam.

Other projects include the creation of infrastructure for an Electrical Sub-Division at Dambuk, improvement of township roads in Dambuk and Paglam, and construction of a Type-V quarter for the Principal of Government Model College, Roing.

Khandu also inspected the under-construction bridge over the Sissiri River on the Bomjir–Paglam road, which, once completed, will provide all-weather connectivity to villages such as Bizari, Anpum, Loklung, and Paglam. He further visited the Dibang hydroelectric project site and held discussions with NHPC officials led by CMD S.K. Singh.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Dasanglu Pul, Minister of Women and Child Development; Punnyo Apum, MLA Dambuk; Mutchu Mithi, MLA Roing; Oni Panyang, MLA Geku–Mariyang; and Bolin Chetia, MLA Sadiya, Assam. BJP state president Kaling Moyong was also present.

The event was marked by cultural performances and traditional rituals of the Adi community, reinforcing the theme of unity in diversity. Community elders, youth, and political leaders joined hands in honouring the legacy of Arunachal’s traditions while looking forward to a modern and developed future.

In his closing remarks, Khandu reiterated that true progress for Arunachal Pradesh must balance cultural preservation with infrastructural growth. “The Solung festival reflects the enduring strength of indigenous traditions. As we build roads, bridges, and hydro projects, we must equally invest in protecting our roots. Only then will we achieve complete development,” he said.