North East News Agency

He was there just to inaugurate Siang River Festival. But he did more than that and in the process won the hearts of the people of Arunachal.

He is Rahul Gandhi and to many Indians the future Prime Minister of the country.  The charismatic young leader greeted the people in chaste Adi, ‘Dolung kidiing agampe’ (I wish you all the best) which evoked thunderous applause from the huge gathering. Addressing the people Rahul Gandhi said that such festivals would strengthen brotherhood, sense of fellow feeling, bring cultural integration and foster communal harmony among all sections of the society.

“I am keen to work for the welfare of the people of the state, for whom I have high regards”, Rahul, who represents Amethi in the Parliament, said, adding this strategically located state has always been dear to the Nehru-Gandhi family. He was keen to visit the North East, especially Arunachal, for his great grand father Jawaharlal Nehru and grand mother Indira Gandhi had enriched his knowledge about this beautiful land inhabited by enchanting people, he added. “Arunachal Pradesh has vast hydro-power and tourism potentials, which if harnessed scientifically, could accelerate the process of development of the State as well as meet the country’s ever growing power requirement, Mr. Gandhi said.

During his visit Rahul Gandhi unveiled the Siang River Festival monolith, took part in the traditional river puja ceremony on the bank of Siang River and flagged off the river rafting team. He also visited Tuting Gompa and planted saplings, inaugurated the exhibition stalls at the festival ground and witnessed the acrobatic demonstration ‘Dabong’ by local artists. He also participated in local Ponung and Droh dances.

Encouraged by Rahul’s visit, Arunachal Chief Minister Gegong Apang described the maiden visit to the State as a historic occasion for all Arunachalees. Mr. Apang expressed hope that the visit would help project the state in right perspective at national level. In no mood to spoil the opportunity, the Chief Minister urged the MP to pursue various Union Ministries and the Planning Commission to extend special financial assistance for infrastructure development.

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