Guwahati: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday described Arunachal Pradesh as strategically vital to India, saying the people of the border state played a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.Addressing a special session of Arunachal Pradesh assembly in Itanagar, Radhakrishnan said the security of the rest of the country was closely linked to the protection of the borders by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.“There can be no Viksit Bharat without a Viksit Arunachal Pradesh,” he said, stressing that development must be inclusive and no tribal or marginalised community should be left behind.Vice-President called for a balance between environmental protection and the responsible use of natural resources. Highlighting Arunachal’s vast hydropower potential, he said its appropriate utilisation could generate greater revenue and accelerate development.Radhakrishnan urged legislators to uphold the highest democratic traditions and remain committed to the progress of the state and the nation. He congratulated Assembly on completing 50 years and praised initiatives such as the plastic-free secretariat and the assembly library and museum.Emphasising India’s unity in diversity, he said, “The country is united by one Constitution, one vision of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (Nation First) and one goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.”He stressed the importance of dialogue, debate and discussion in the functioning of legislatures. Reiterating his message that “debates, discussions, or even disruptions must always lead to a decision,” he added, “Healthy debate strengthens democracy and constructive cooperation advances the state and the nation.”Radhakrishnan urged legislators to make full use of Question Hour and Zero Hour to raise matters of public policy and issues affecting their constituencies.He highlighted Centre’s focus on the Northeast, referring to the creation of Ministry of DoNER during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure and the renewed emphasis on the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy.Vice-President also lauded Arunachal’s development achievements, including its emergence as the country’s leading kiwi producer, expansion of its road network, issuance of more than one lakh Soil Health Cards, and progress in education and per capita income.During his visit, Radhakrishnan visited Nyedar Namlo, a revered place of worship and community hub associated with the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith followed by the Nyishi community and other indigenous groups.“The Vice-President offered prayers at the prayer hall and was briefed on the Nyishi indigenous faith, beliefs and prayer systems, the Yerko indigenous Gurukul system, preservation of traditional knowledge and medicinal practices, and efforts to promote the mother tongue,” a media release said.Radhakrishnan described Arunachal as a proud embodiment of India’s unity in diversity, where ancient traditions and modern aspirations coexist. He also praised its people as sentinels safeguarding India’s territorial integrity.
