Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], October 23 (ANI): The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum, a landmark institution celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, according to an official release.
The ceremony was attended by Kamlesh Paswan, Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps, Major General Neeraj Shukla, Blazing Sword Division, Phurpa Tsering, MLA, Dirang, and other dignitaries from the State of Arunachal Pradesh.
Located in the scenic village of Nyukmadung, Dirang, en route to Tawang, the museum is set to play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.
According to the release, the inauguration of this state-of-the-art museum is part of the Indian Army’s Operation SADBHAVANA and aligns with the Government of India’s Vibrant Village Programme. Developed with the Indian Army’s initiative and strong support from the local community and the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the museum embodies the region’s rich ancient traditions and heritage. It stands as a symbol of peace, security, and nation-building, showcasing the collaborative spirit of integrating local communities.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pema Khandu referenced ancient texts like the ‘Kalika Purana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’, highlighting the region’s profound cultural, historical, and religious significance. He described the Kameng Museum as an essential institution to preserve the past while inspiring future generations.
He commended the Indian Army for its role in establishing the museum and for its efforts in border area development through SADBHAVANA projects across the state. He also praised the swift execution of the vision outlined by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, for border area development during the conclave held on September 11, 2024, in New Delhi.
The Chief Minister further noted that the Kameng Museum reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to transforming border areas through initiatives such as model villages, border tourism, and infrastructure development, aligning with the government’s ‘Vibrant Village Programme’.
He referred to the inauguration of the Kameng Museum as a significant milestone in the comprehensive vision for border areas, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and economic development through ‘border tourism’ and ‘cultural revival’.
He expressed his gratitude to the Indian Army for its collaborative efforts with the State Government to achieve a ‘Viksit Arunachal’ and acknowledged Prof. (Dr.) Manvi Seth and her team from the Indian Institute of Heritage for their artistic curation of the museum, including digital artefacts. He also praised Praveen Chaturvedi, CEO of Moonlight Pictures, for capturing the traditions and contemporary life of the people of Arunachal Pradesh in a captivating film to be showcased to a global audience.
Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State for Rural Development, highlighted the strategic importance of the Kameng region and lauded the Indian Army’s role in fostering civil-military cooperation and regional development. He emphasised the museum’s role in preserving the rich cultural legacy of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps, reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to both security and socio-economic development in border areas.
The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum is expected to become a key educational and cultural hub, attracting scholars, researchers, and tourists from around the world. By promoting tourism and fostering cultural appreciation, the museum is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy while serving as a proud symbol of identity, heritage, and resilience for both the state and the nation.
The Kameng Museum evolved as a community-driven, community-oriented project, with the voluntary donation of land and a collection of 343 traditional heirlooms, dating back to the Neolithic period, by the people of Arunachal Pradesh, according to the release.
The realisation of this ambitious nation-building project would not have been possible without the invaluable support of Phurpa Tsering, MLA, Dirang, and the late Senge Tsering, both instrumental in shaping this iconic project, which stands as a beacon of peace, prosperity, and national integration.
In addition to artefacts, the museum features a modern movie hall, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, a children’s park, a tourist facilitation centre, and a medical emergency setup for travellers, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike, the release said.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by over 500 guests, including government officials from West Kameng district, local villagers, lamas from Dirang Monastery, school children, and tourists.
Students from Dirang Senior Secondary School and the Monpa Institute of Performing Arts performed traditional cultural displays, followed by the traditional khata untying and the unveiling of a plaque, marking the official opening of the museum to the public.
Dedicated to preserving the region’s identity, the museum is expected to become an enduring source of pride for Arunachal Pradesh and India. (ANI)
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