ITANAGAR, Oct 17: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.) participated in the Seva Sankalp Utsav - State Level Traditional Sports Competition & Nukkad Natak at Dera Natung Govt. College Ground, Itanagar on 17th October 2026. The Governor witnessed the finals of the traditional sports competitions and the Nukkad Natak, Namoh Seva – Ankahi Kahaniya. He also presented the overall Team Champion Trophy to Keyi Panyor District Team and Overall Runners-up trophy to Shi Yomi District Team. The month-long programme and the finale were organized by the State Department of Youth Affairs.

In his address the Governor said that the Seva Sankalp Utsav is an occasion that brings together the spirit of service, the power of sports, the richness of our cultural heritage and the values of responsible citizenship. He said that Seva Sankalp Utsav commemorates the 25-year journey of Shri Narendra Modi in public service, from Chief Minister of Gujarat to Prime Minister of India. His journey from humble beginnings to the highest executive office in the country inspires all to pursue our aspirations with determination, discipline and hard work. He wished that the Seva Sankalp Utsav would inspire a lasting movement of service, sportsmanship, cultural pride and responsible citizenship across our State.

The Governor said that the Prime Minister has always emphasized the four pillars of the nation, i.e. farmers, women, youth and soldiers, recognizing their vital contributions to India’s progress, security and development. His initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Startup India and Khelo India, along with the National Education Policy 2020 and Fit India Movement, reflect the emphasis on digital empowerment, skill development, entrepreneurship, education, sports and well-being. It reminds us that leadership is meaningful when it improves lives and creates opportunities for future generations, he said.

Addressing the participants and youth of the State, the Governor said that they are the leaders of tomorrow and active partners in building a better Arunachal Pradesh today. He urged them to draw inspiration from the public service journey of the Prime Minister and uphold the values of dedication, perseverance and integrity in our own lives. He also exhorted them to serve the society through collective effort, and contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat by 2047.

While commending the State Government for the Sporting initiative, the Governor said that sports promote good health, nurture a competitive spirit, instill sportsmanship and foster teamwork, discipline and mutual respect.

The Governor said that traditional sports are a living expression of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting the courage, agility and endurance of our ancestors. He called for preservation indigenous games such as bamboo archery, bamboo climbing and traditional running by involving community elders and organising competitions at village, district and state levels. At the same time, he said, modern sports science, nutrition, physiotherapy, injury prevention and mental conditioning should support our athletes in achieving their full potential.

While commending the Nukkad Natak for beautifully and motivationally depicting the life of Shri Modi, the Governor advised the artists to play Nukkad Natak campaigns against drugs, alcoholism and corruption. He said that by using local languages, indigenous stories, music and theatre to connect with communities it will have a better impact.

The State Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chowna Mein, and the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Kento Jini, also addressed the gathering. Shri Mein highlighted the various activities being organized across Arunachal Pradesh as part of the month-long Seva Sankalp celebration. He also spoke on the contributions of Shri Modi towards the State and Nation. Shri Jini briefed the gathering on the sporting competitions, and initiatives for youth empowerment by the State Government.

Demonstration of traditional sports and felicitation of achievers in various fields, including Padma Shri Awardee Er. Techi Gubin,  Shri Take Ringu, IGP (Retd.) and Shri Deepak Nabam, Social Workers, were part of the occasion.

Namsai MLA cum Advisor Sports & Youth Affairs, Shri Zingnu Namchoom, local MLA Itanagar, Shri Techi Kaso, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor, Smt Likha Nari Tadar, State BJP President, Shri Kaling Moyong  and President, Arunachal Olympic Association Er. Taba Tedir, also attended the finale.

Director, Youth Affairs, Shri Ramesh Linggi informed that in Bamboo Pole Climbing, Shri  Thakngam Wangsu of Longding received the first prize, while Shri Anandso Ngadong of Lohit and Shri Raymay Rekhung of Changlang received the second and third prize. In Dali Competition, Shri Bacemso Pul of Anjaw received the first prize, while Shri Chatu Mossang of Changlang and Shri Bengia Tajab of Kurung Kumey received the second and third prize. In Traditional Bamboo Archery, Shri  Tachung Samnam of Shi-Yomi received the first prize, while Shri Joram Ade of Keyi Panyor and Shri Kikar Lollen of West Siang received the second and third prize. In Bamboo Stick Running, Shri Chow Piyaseng Manlai of Namsai received the first prize, while Shri Rahim Billai of Lohit and Shri Takar Nabum of Pakke-Kesang received the second and third prize. In Gilli Danda, Shri Dorjee Goiba of Shi-Yomi received the first prize, while Shri Rupeshwar Deori of Namsai and Shri Licha Taja of Keyi Panyor received the second and third prize.

In the team events, the Youth Affairs Director further informed that Kra-Daadi District Team received the first prize in Tug-of-War (Women’s), while Kurung Kumey and Pakke Kessang received the second and third prize. In Tug-of-War (Men’s) Keyi Panyor District Team received the first prize, while West Siang and Kra Daadi received the second and third prize. The Overall Team Champion Trophy went to Keyi Panyor District Team and Overall Runners-up trophy to Shi Yomi District Team. (PRO to Governor)