Imphal, Sep 9 (IANS): Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday said that Arunachal Pradesh holds immense strategic importance for the country and, with its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s borders.
He noted that the security of the rest of the country is closely linked to the protection of the borders by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing the Special Session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar, the Vice-President highlighted the growing focus on the development of the Northeast, recalling the establishment of the Ministry of DoNER (Development of the North Eastern Region) during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the emphasis on the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Act East Policy’.
He congratulated the government and people of Arunachal Pradesh for the state’s development achievements, including its emergence as the country’s leading producer of kiwi, expansion of road infrastructure, issuance of over one lakh Soil Health Cards and significant progress in education and per capita income.
Calling upon legislators to uphold the highest traditions of democracy and work towards the development of the state and the nation, and recalling India’s rich democratic heritage, Radhakrishnan described India as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and urged legislators to live up to this legacy.
Congratulating the state legislature on completing its Golden Jubilee, he appreciated initiatives such as making the Legislative Secretariat plastic-free and establishing the Assembly Library and Museum.
Urging legislators to place public service above electoral success, the Vice-President said that elections may be won through votes, but the respect and trust of people can only be earned through dedicated service.
He called upon members to make effective use of Question Hour and Zero Hour to raise issues concerning public policy and their constituencies.
As the Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President emphasised the importance of dialogue, debate and discussion in legislative functioning.
Reiterating his message that “debates, discussions, or even disruptions must always lead to a decision,” he said that healthy debate strengthens democracy and constructive cooperation advances the state and the nation.
Radhakrishnan said that there can be no Viksit Bharat without a Viksit Arunachal Pradesh, stressing that development must be inclusive and no tribal or marginalised community should be left behind.
He also emphasised the need to balance environmental concerns with responsible utilisation of natural resources for the economic development and welfare of the people.
Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s significant hydropower potential, the Vice-President said its appropriate utilisation could generate greater revenue and accelerate the State’s development.
Emphasising India’s unity amid its diversity, he said that the country is united by one Constitution, one vision of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (Nation First) and one goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Quoting national poet Subramania Bharati, he highlighted the unity of thought underlying India’s diverse languages and traditions.
Earlier on his arrival at the Assembly premises, the Vice-President paid floral tributes to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
He also visited the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Museum, which showcases the evolution and growth of the State Legislature and its legislative journey.
