Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday inaugurated the Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum at Nyukmadung village in West Kameng district, marking a new era in preserving Arunachal’s rich heritage.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Gajraj Corps, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Blazing Sword Division Maj Gen Neeraj Shukla, and Dirang MLA Phurpa Tsering, among others.
Located in the scenic village of Nyukmadung, Dirang, along the route to Tawang, the museum promises to play a pivotal role in preserving the cultural legacy and contributing to socio-economic growth of the region.
The inauguration of this state-of-the-art museum is part of the Indian Army’s ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ and aligns with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages 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. It stands as a symbol of peace, security, and the collaborative spirit of nation-building through the integration of local communities, Defence sources said.
Speaking at the event, CM Khandu cited references from ancient texts like the ‘Kalika Purana’ and the ‘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.
He commended the Indian Army for helping in establishing this museum and also for border area development through Sadbhavana projects in various parts of the State.
Khandu said that the Kameng Museum is a reflection of the Army’s commitment to transform the border areas through initiatives such as model villages, border tourism, and enhancing infrastructure and aligning with the government’s ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’.
The Chief Minister referred to the inauguration of the 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 State and a ‘Viksit Arunachal’. He also complimented Prof (Dr) Manvi Seth and her team of Indian Institute of Heritage for aesthetically curating the museum along with digital artifacts, and Praveen Chaturvedi, CEO, of Moonlight Pictures for capturing details of ancient traditions and contemporary life of people of Arunachal Pradesh in a captivating movie to be showcased to the entire world.
Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan, in his address, expressed the Kameng region’s strategic importance and lauded 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.
Gajraj Corps GOC Lt Gen Gambhir Singh reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to both the security as well as socio-economic development of the border areas.
The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum metamorphosed as a community driven, 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 artifacts, the museum features a modern movie hall, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, and a children’s park, tourist facilitation centre, medical emergency setup for transients making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.
The museum is expected to become a key educational and cultural hub, drawing scholars, researchers, and tourists from around the world. 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 museum, dedicated to preserving the region’s identity, promises to be an enduring source of pride for Arunachal Pradesh and India as a whole, Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said in a statement.
