Itanagar, Jan 16: State Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik has encouraged students to dream big, think positively, and believe in themselves, stating that greatness begins with self-confidence. He advised them to stay focused on their goals, work hard with discipline, and never allow geographical or social limitations to define their future.
Highlighting the values of character, perseverance, and courage, the Governor said that the nation looks to young minds from frontier regions like Arunachal Pradesh to actively participate in nation-building with pride and responsibility.
Governor Parnaik made these remarks while interacting with students from Mechukha, who had participated in the National Integration Tour, at Raj Bhavan here on Friday.
Expressing happiness over the enthusiasm shown by the students, the Governor urged them to share their experiences with their classmates, families, and the larger community. He said such exposure helps inspire curiosity, confidence, and ambition among other students, creating wider awareness about opportunities beyond the State.
He also appreciated the Indian Army for organising the National Integration Tour and thanked the 22 SIKH Battalion and 56 Infantry Division on behalf of the people, parents, and students. He noted that the youth of the State possess immense potential and that such initiatives provide them with the exposure and confidence needed to realise their aspirations.
Students of Government Higher Secondary School, Mechukha, shared their excitement about travelling outside the State for the first time, including their first journeys by aeroplane and train. They spoke about their visits to the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, the Naval Dockyard, and the Army Sports Institute in Pune, which inspired many to consider careers in the Armed Forces and professional sports. The tour was organised by the 22nd Battalion of The Sikh Regiment under the aegis of the 56 Infantry Division.
Recalling his own days as an NDA cadet, the Governor advised the students to begin early preparation for the UPSC examinations to join the NDA. He also shared the core message of the NDA prayer—“to be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight”—describing it as a guiding principle for building strong character and responsible citizenship.
Earlier, Major Praveen Chahal of 22 SIKH briefed the Governor on the tour program, which included visits to Rashtrapati Bhavan, important national monuments in the capital, a naval ship, and submarines in Mumbai. The tour was flagged off on January 4 by Brigadier Ritesh Katoch, Commander, 5 Infantry Brigade.
The Governor later hosted a ‘high tea’ in honour of the participating students.