GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
                                     DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIONS & PRINTING
                                                                        // NAHARLAGUN //


                                                                      PRESS RELEASE  

TUTING, Dec. 11: Arunachal Pradesh has vast hydro power and tourism potentials, which if harnessed scientifically could accelerate the process of development of the state as well as meet the country's ever growing hydel power requirement, said MP Rahul Gandhi while inaugurating the Siang River Festival here this morning, reports DIPR.

The charismatic young leader, whose greeting in chast Adi, Dolung kidiing agampe (I wish you all the best), evoked thunderous applause from the massive gathering, in his inaugural address, said that such festivals would strengthen brotherhood, sense of fellow feeling, bring cultural integration and foster communal harmony among all sections of the society.

"I am keen to work for the welfare of the people of the state, for whom I have high regards", Rahul, who represents Amethi in the Parliament, said, adding this strategically located state has always been dear to the Nehru-Gandhi family. He was keen to visit the North East India, especially Arunachal, for his great grand father Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and grandmother Indira Gandhi had enriched his knowledge about this beautiful land inhabited by enchanting people, he added. Rahul was the chief guest of the 10-day festival, which would also be celebrated at Yingkiong on December 13 to 15 and at Pasighat from December 16 to 18 next. Yingkiong and Pasighat, headquarters of Upper Siang and East Siang districts are located on the bank of Siang river.

 

Rahul Gandhi wearing Arunachalee traditional attire
Arunachal's vast potential could expedite its development: Rahul (With DIPR photo)

State Chief Minister Gegong Apang described Rahul's maiden visit to the state as a historic occasion for all Arunachalees, which would help project the state in right perspective at national level. Highlighting the mythology of Siang river, Apang said that the festival aimed at developing Arunachal in general and Upper Siang district in particular, as an important tourist destination of the nation.

Rahul Gandhi with local people at Tuting Recalling the generous love and affection of the Nehru-Gandhi family for Arunachal, the chief minister urged the MP to pursue various union ministries and the Planning Commission to extend special financial assistance for infrastructure development so as to bring the state at par with other developed states. He informed that a sum of Rs. one crore has been financed by Oil & Natural Gas Company for the celebration and thanked the company for its generosity. Earlier, different tribes of the state offered traditional gifts as token of love and affection to Rahul, who also released a souvenir of the festival to mark the occasion.

 

Earlier in the morning, he unveiled the Siang River Festival monolith, took part in the traditional river puja ceremony on the bank of Siang river and flagged off the river rafting team, visited Tuting Gompa along with the chief minister and other dignitaries, where they planted saplings, inaugurated the exhibitions stalls at the festival ground where he witnessed the acrobatic demonstration Dabong by local artists. He also participated in local Ponung and Droh dances. 

Rahul Gandhi & Gegong Apang doing Siang River Puja on the occasion of Siang River Festival on 11.12.2005 -->

MP Nabam Rebia, Home Minister Jarbom Gamlin, PWD Minister Nabam Tuki, PHED Minister Tatar Kipa, Forest Minister Newlai Tinghkatra, Power Minister Dorjee Khandu, MLAs Omak Apang, Tsewang Dhondup, J K Panggeng, Dibang Tatak, Daklo Nidak, Nani Rebia, Phosum Kimhun, and Jomde Kena, APYC president Likha Saaya, were among a host of dignitaries who attended the celebration, the report added.