Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on February 20 said that the ‘Act East’ policy of the Union government has been yielding rich dividends in India’s Northeast region.
Attending the 38th Statehood Day celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh at IG Park in Itanagar, Dhankhar said that the transformative changes being witnessed by India’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’ are ‘commendable’.
“Our Ashtalakshmi are jewel of Bharat. May the Ashtalakshmis always shine in the glory of the rising sun and lead the country on the path of peace and progress,” stated the vice president, who earlier unfurled the Tricolour to open the celebration.
While noting that the composite culture of India is incomplete without the Northeast, Dhankhar said: “It feels happy that what was thought of is happening today; this reality is in front of us today.”
“The prime minister’s vision is being executed in this region on the basis of PM Gati Shakti. The region is witnessing ‘phenomenal and exponential’ rise in infrastructure and connectivity with rail, road and air connectivity being enhanced. This has reflected the changing face of India,” the vice president said.
Greeting people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on their foundation day, the vice president said: “I am delighted to be among people of the blessed land of Arunachal Pradesh, which receives the sun’s first rays in India. It’s a happy occasion for all of us.”
Appreciating Arunachal’s pristine landscape, misty mountains and lush forests, Dhankhar said the state has everything a tourist needs to have. “Arunachal Pradesh is itself a microcosm of Bharat.”
Hailing state’s organic products having national and international market demands, he said its benefit will have far-reaching ramification on the people of this region and this will get further boost in days to come.
Talking about developmental progress in the state in last seven years, he said there has been 64 per cent increase in the road length in Arunachal Pradesh. 20,000 km road was built over the period of time and this will affect everyone.
Commending the individuals from Arunachal Pradesh who had been honoured with Padma Awards in recent years, the vice president said that those deserving were being recognized for their talent in the present ecosystem, without any patronage or nepotism.
He also urged the youth to embrace their role as foot soldiers on the march towards taking India to the status of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Arunachal Pradesh governor Lt Gen (retd) KT Parnaik, chief minister Pema Khandu, Union minister Kiren Rijiju, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland S Phangnon Konyak, Arunachal assembly speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona and others were present on the occasion.
