Overview:
“Our goal is to ensure that every event moves beyond being a standalone competition and instead evolves into a structured talent pipeline,” Khandu said during the meeting.
Reported by Sandeep Sharma
Guwahati: In a major push to strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s creative economy, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday unveiled a plan to transform the state’s popular talent platforms into structured career pathways for young artistes and performers.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with organisers of key state events, Khandu said the government wants to move beyond annual competitions and build a long-term ecosystem that can connect local talent with opportunities in the national and global entertainment industry.
The meeting reviewed six flagship platforms, Miss, Mr & Mrs Arunachal, Arunachal’s Got Talent, Arunachal Super Dance, and Arunachal Idol, with discussions centred on creating a sustainable framework for talent development.
“Our goal is to ensure that every event moves beyond being a standalone competition and instead evolves into a structured talent pipeline,” Khandu said during the meeting.
He stressed that participants should not remain confined to stage appearances alone but should receive guidance and support to build professional careers in music, fashion, media, and the performing arts.
“We are not just looking for performers; we are building careers,” the Chief Minister added.
To strengthen institutional support for the sector, Khandu announced that the Creative Economy Cell under the Chief Minister’s Office would be further expanded.
The cell is expected to work as a bridge between emerging talent from the state and the wider entertainment industry by facilitating industry linkages and career opportunities.
The Chief Minister also revealed that the state government is exploring collaborations with major digital platforms, including Spotify, to help singers and musicians from Arunachal Pradesh reach larger audiences.
“We want the world to engage with and appreciate our indigenous music, art, and cultural expressions,” Khandu said.
Referring to the Ziro Festival of Music as a successful example of promoting independent musicians, he assured continued support for similar initiatives across the state.
In another key decision, the state government is finalising a fresh five-year agreement with organisers of the six major events under the official state calendar, aimed at ensuring continuity, professionalism, and long-term planning.
The meeting also highlighted the growing technical capacity within Arunachal Pradesh’s creative sector. Officials noted that the state, which earlier depended heavily on outside professionals, is now producing its own sound engineers, lighting experts, and technical personnel.
Describing the creative economy as an emerging growth sector for the state, Khandu said many young people and women in Arunachal Pradesh are increasingly taking up entrepreneurship in creative fields, with singers turning into composers and models entering fashion design.
The initiative is being implemented under the Arunachal Pradesh Regulatory Board of State Events (APRBSE), headed by Mallo Attu, which will oversee the rollout of new standards and frameworks for the sector.