Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Itanagar: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd.) hoisted the Tricolour at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar on August 15. The event marked the 80th Independence Day. The Echo Company of the 33rd Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police presented a Guard of Honour. The celebration drew staff, department officials, teachers, and students.
Parnaik spoke to the crowd about the weight of history. He said Independence Day serves as a "sacred reminder of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters whose courage, determination and selfless service secured the nation's liberty." He also noted the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Students from Rajiv Gandhi University performed the anthem.
The Governor detailed progress across Arunachal Pradesh. He cited gains in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He pointed to growth in tourism, agriculture, and hydropower. Efforts targeting youth, women, and self-help groups aim to build self-reliance. He also mentioned local work in sports, organic farming, and the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme.
Awards were handed out during the event. Shri Sipiyang Pangkam, Shri Gopal Darnal, Shri Gulam Mustapa, and Shri Abhijeet Roy earned Best Employee Awards. Ms Geyir Ete received a citation for her work in public communication. The program ended with the distribution of sweets by the Governor and First Lady Smt Anagha Parnaik. Ms Gollo Aniya of Let's Speak Arunachal urged the youth to prioritize national service.
Updated at 15th August 2026 at 6:00pm
Beyond the Lok Bhavan ceremonies, Parnaik opened the new Chief Minister's Office and official residence in Niti Vihar on August 15. The governor urged state leadership to use the facility as a hub for efficient, accountable governance that keeps pace with citizen concerns and innovative policy.
Parnaik signaled that the new infrastructure aims to sharpen the state's edge as a strategic frontier. He challenged the Chief Minister and his cabinet to maintain their drive toward the national Viksit Bharat goal by 2047, pushing for faster development and collaborative work to serve the public.
The Lok Bhavan event also included a sports competition. Officials handed out prizes to the winners of the Independence Day Games, and also honored the referees and organizers who managed the tournament.
Comments