- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurates Kameng Museum
Itanagar. 23 October 2024. The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum was inaugurated today by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, a significant milestone in the Indian Army’s broader initiatives to foster development in border areas. The occasion was graced by the Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, General Officer Commanding of the Gajraj Corps, and Major General Neeraj Shukla of the Blazing Sword Division, highlighting the Army’s active role in supporting socio-cultural development in the region, further strengthening its connection with local communities. Located in Nyukmadung, Dirang, along the strategic route to Tawang, the museum not only celebrates the cultural diversity of Arunachal Pradesh but also aligns with the Indian Army’s commitment to border area development. This initiative complements the Army’s efforts in improving infrastructure, fostering education, and promoting tourism in remote areas, which are crucial for both local economic growth and national security.
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 joint approach of Indian Army’s initiative and strong support from the local community and State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the museum embodies the rich ancient traditions and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. It stands as a symbol of peace, security, and the collaborative spirit of nation-building through the integration of local communities.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pema Khandu cited references from ancient texts like the ‘Kalika Purana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’ and underscored the region’s profound cultural, historical, and religious significance, describing the Kameng Museum as an essential institution to preserve the past while inspiring the future generations. He commended Indian Army for helping in establishing this Museum as also for Border Area Development through SADBHAVANA projects in various parts of the State. The Chief Minister mentioned that the Kameng Museum is a reflection of the Indian Army’s commitment to transform the border areas through initiatives such as model villages, border tourism, and enhancing infrastructure and aligning with the government’s ‘Vibrant Village Programme’. He referred to the inauguration of Kameng Museum as an achievement of the comprehensive vision outlined for border areas, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and economic development in the region through ‘border tourism’ and ‘cultural revival’. He thanked Indian Army for synergised efforts with State Government for overall development of the people of State and a ‘Viksit Arunachal’. He also complimented Prof (Dr) Manvi Seth and her team of Indian Institute of Heritage for ascetically curating the Museum along with digital artifacts and Shri Praveen Chaturvedi, CEO, Moonlight Pictures for capturing details of ancient traditions and contemporary life of people of Arunachal Pradesh in a captivating movie to be showcased to the entire World.
Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State for Rural Development in his address, expressed the Kameng region’s strategic importance and lauded the Indian Army’s efforts in fostering civil-military cooperation and regional development. He highlighted the museum’s important role in preserving the rich cultural legacy of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps, reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to both the security as well as socio-economic development of the Bordering Areas.
The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum is expected to become a key educational and cultural hub, drawing scholars, researchers, and tourists from around the world. By promoting tourism and fostering cultural appreciation, the museum will significantly contribute to the local economy while standing as a proud symbol of identity, heritage, and resilience for both the State and the Nation. Kameng Museum metamorphosed as a community driven, community oriented project with voluntary donation of land, housing a collection of 343 traditional heirlooms dating back to the Neolithic period by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Realisation of this ambitious nation building project would not have been possible without the invaluable support provided by Phurpa Tsering, MLA, Dirang and Late Senge Tsering who were instrumental in shaping this iconic project which stands as a beacon of peace, prosperity and national integration. In addition to the artifacts, the museum features a modern movie hall, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, and a children’s park, tourist facilitation centre, medical emergency setup for transients making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.
The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by more than 500 guests involving government officials of West Kameng district along with local villagers, Lamas of Dirang Monastery and school children and tourist. The students of Dirang Senior Secondary School and Monpa Institute of Performing Arts conducted traditional cultural performances followed by traditional khata untying, and unveiling of plaque marking the official opening of the museum to the public.
The museum, dedicated to preserving the region’s identity, promises to be an enduring source of pride for Arunachal Pradesh and India as a whole.
