Statehood Day Celebrations: Together, for Prosperous India

Intro: The AC Express from New Delhi and Inter-City Express to Guwahati, a birthday gift to Arunachal Pradesh from Government of India would ink history and improve connectivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who became the first head of nation to attend the Statehood Day Celebration of Arunachal Pradesh meant much more than what he spoke in his 40-minute address to a mammoth gathering at the IG Park on February 20.
In his indomitable style speaking between the lines, he sent a louder message by attending the occasion to China which has been claiming the State territory. Shri Modi gave a clarion call to tap State’s vast water resources to generate hydropower without hinting at China’s dam building spree and without calling names embolden the State’s people to make the government accountable for the funds it receives from the Centre.
“What Hindustan could offer Arunachal, which could illuminate Hindusthan? The hill fails to make use of its own water as its water flows away and the young men go way in search of greener pasture. I want to change this saying. Arunachal’s potential of water if used to generate hydropower could accelerate its economic development like Nepal, Bhutan and Himachal Pradesh. Realise your potential and walk hand in hand with the Centre and I assure to match steps as your sevak (servant),” Modi promised.
“I am happy today for inaugurating the over Rs 100 crore Itanagar Water Supply Project, but saddened that the State capital was deprived of potable drinking even after even 60 years after Independence,” Modi’s remark was clear dig at the Congress for its failure to meet the basic needs of the people.
“The Centre has earmarked Rs 53,000 crore for the N-E in 2014-15. There is no dearth of money. But every pie from the Centre should be utilised for the people. Is it right or not?” Modi poised a question to the thunderous reply of ‘yes’ from the masses.
“You may ask me for account too. State or Central Governments both are accountable to the people”, again a thunderous applause interrupted the PM. The union ministers and senior officers as per a new system are frequently visiting the N-E to review various projects to ensure accountability, he said.
The Rs 3,200 crore 132 KV power transmission line, whose foundation stone Shri Modi laid, would facilitate 24-hour power supply to every home accompanied with the spread of education besides Krishi Vikas Yojana and 1,000 special scholarship for talented students of the N-E, which he said would serve as mantras to eradicate poverty.
Availability of electricity would also help set-up small industries and boost agriculture sector to improve rural economy, the PM said and congratulated the State for receiving the Krishi Karman Award on February 19 along with Assam and Meghalaya for higher agricultural production.
Hinting about the plan to set up six agricultural universities in the N-E to make the region the organic farming capital of the country, Modi said that the organic products would be in high demand globally and sold in dollars.
The AC Express from New Delhi and Inter-City Express to Guwahati, an anmol nazrana of Government of India to Arunachal on its birthday is being introduced at a cost of Rs 4,200 crore, would ink history and improve connectivity. “Gati hi pragati” (Momentum is growth). Road, rail and air connectivity, 2G, 3G & 4G planned by the BSNL, 18 proposed FM radio stations for the region, ‘Make in North-East’ being evolved as part of ‘Make in India’ and bijali (Electricity) would speed up growth,” the PM reasoned.

Announcing the Centre’s ambitious plan to develop the North-East during the next five years, he said that connectivity within and outside the N-E, particularly in Arunachal, the largest State of the region with less population but with immense strength, will serve as the growth engine for the region to benefit Hindustan. He praised the Arunachalees for worshiping the nature and never resorting to inhuman exploitation that helped preserve State’s natural environment which he said has the potential to boost the tourism industry.
The three-day Festival of Arunachal unveiled a souvenir—Vision 2030—Together we will do it and coffee table book on Arunachal Tourism. Shri Modi began his address by saluting the tradition of the Arunachalees who greet people with Jai Hind. This gives the State a place of pride in India.
“Yesterday I was at Rajasthan, the western most part of the country and today I am in the eastern most state,” Modi said before announcing, “This is our land of rising sun whose progress is India’s growth. I assure the State will witness intensified progress in the next five years what was not witnessed in the last 28 years.”
Earlier, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said the GoI has proposed 26 rail projects worth Rs 54,000 crore of which Rs 5,500 crore to be spent in this fiscal year to link all N-E capitals. “As sun kisses Arunachal first, the new dawn will bring us together to work for a prosperous India,” he added. A cultural programme by troupes in traditional dances to the tune of folk songs added colour while the Army band with enchanting melody circled to the event latter.

-PK Behera