Guwahati: 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 frontier state’s Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The ceremony was graced by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan and General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Guwahati-based Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said.
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Located in the scenic village of Nyukmadung in West Kameng district on the way to Tawang, the museum promises to play a pivotal role in preserving the cultural legacy along with contributing to socio-economic growth of the region.
The state-of-the-art museum is part of the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, and aligns with the Central government’s vibrant village programme.
Developed with the Indian Army’s initiative, and strong support from the local community and state government, the museum embodies the rich ancient traditions and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.
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It stands as a symbol of peace, security and the collaborative spirit of nation-building through integration of the local communities, he added.
Speaking at the event, CM Khandu cited references from ancient texts like the Kalika Purana and 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.
The Chief Minister commended the Indian Army for helping in establishing the museum and developing the border areas in various parts of the state.
“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 aligning with the government’s vibrant village programme,” CM Khandu said.
He also complimented the Indian Army for swift execution of the vision articulated by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi for development of the border areas during a conclave in New Delhi earlier this year.
CM Khandu 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 the Indian Army for synergised efforts with the state government for overall development of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Union MoS Paswan emphasised the Kameng region’s strategic importance lauding 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.
Lt Gen Singh reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to both the security as well as the socio-economic development of the bordering areas.
The museum is expected to become a key educational and cultural hub drawing scholars, researchers and tourists from across the globe, Lt Col Rawat said.
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.
The Kameng Museum metamorphosed as a community-driven and community-oriented project with voluntary donation of land, houses a collection of 343 traditional heirlooms dating back to the Neolithic period by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
In addition to the artefacts, the museum features a modern movie hall, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, a children’s park, a tourist facilitation centre and medical emergency setup for transients making it an ideal destination for tourists and the locals alike, he added.
This iconic project stands as a beacon of peace, prosperity and national integration.
The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by more than 500 guests, including government officials, local villagers, Lamas of Dirang Monastery, school children and tourists.
The students of Dirang Senior Secondary School and Monpa Institute of Performing Arts performed traditional cultural dances, followed by traditional khata untying and unveiling of plaque, marking the official opening of the museum to the public.
Lt Col Rawat said 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.