ITANAGAR, Aug 16: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated across Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday with patriotic fervour, enthusiasm and widespread public participation, with district headquarters, administrative centres, educational institutions and community organisations organising programmes to mark the occasion.
The celebrations, marked by flag hoisting, ceremonial parades, cultural programmes, exhibitions, sports events and felicitation of achievers, reflected the spirit of patriotism, unity and collective responsibility across the state.
In Namsai district, the Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across Namsai, Chongkham and Lekang circles. At Chongkham, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Chowna Mein hoisted the National Flag in the presence of the ADC, ZPM, Gaon Burahs and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Mein said Arunachal Pradesh was not at the margins of India’s development but at the “frontier of India’s future”, and called for renewed collective efforts to build a strong, inclusive and sustainable state.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Arunachal had a vital role to play in the journey towards Viksit Bharat. He said the state’s young people, women, farmers, entrepreneurs and communities would be the driving force of this journey, with the government focusing on creating opportunities for youth, empowering women, strengthening villages, improving connectivity, promoting education and skills, supporting farmers and building a sustainable economy.
Mein also stressed the need to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s rich indigenous identity and heritage while pursuing development.
“For us, Viksit Arunachal means an Arunachal that is economically strong, well-connected, socially inclusive, strategically secure,
environmentally sustainable and culturally confident,” he said.
He called upon the people to move forward together with renewed commitment and make the spirit of “Nation First” the foundation of the state’s journey towards a stronger Arunachal and a Viksit Bharat.
At Namsai headquarters, MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom unfurled the National Flag in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, heads of offices, Gaon Burahs, community-based organisations, public representatives and other dignitaries. At Lekang, ZPM Hironiya Bikomiya Deory hoisted the National Flag in the presence of the EAC, officials and others. Exhibition stalls set up by various departments were visited by the dignitaries, while cultural programmes added colour to the celebrations.
In Lower Siang, the main celebration was held at Chidu Chigo Ground, Likabali, where Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kardo Nyigyor hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of the parade contingent.
In his address, Nyigyor highlighted government achievements in various sectors and appealed to the people to maintain peace, harmony and tranquillity and uphold the spirit of patriotism to enable the government to concentrate on development.
The celebrations included cultural programmes by students, exhibitions and the final of the Independence Day Running Trophy. Commendation certificates and prizes were distributed to winners of various competitions.
At Pasighat in East Siang, Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang called for collective efforts to build a developed, peaceful and prosperous district. Highlighting development achievements, he said 42 of the 43 Pasighat Smart City projects worth Rs 511.50 crore had been completed, while the Sewage Treatment Plant was nearing completion.
Darang also highlighted improvements in educational infrastructure, rural employment, agriculture and horticulture, and said all 200 targeted beneficiaries under the AP Mushroom Development Mission had been covered. He described East Siang’s achievement of recording zero indigenous malaria cases for four consecutive years as significant and called for sustained efforts to create a safe, peaceful and drug-free society.
At Bogong, Independence Day was marked by a solemn tribute to three unsung heroes of the Anglo-Abor War of 1859—Lt Jorin Perme, Lt Seltum Yomso and Lt Basing Moyong. Floral tributes were paid at the memorial erected in their honour.
In West Siang, the main function was held at the Aalo Outdoor Stadium, where Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Law and Legislative Justice and SJETA Kento Jini hoisted the National Flag. He paid tribute to freedom fighters and national heroes and highlighted the state’s development under Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Centre’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas”.
At Kamba, ZPM Kaba Tali hoisted the National Flag and paid tribute to freedom fighters including Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Certificates under the TB-Mukt Abhiyan were presented to nine Panchayat segments, while commendation certificates were given to government officials and SHG members.
The programme featured a march-past, cultural performances, an exhibition of farm and non-farm products by SHGs and PLFs, and a tug-of-war competition.
At Boleng in Siang district, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Transport and Cooperation Ojing Tasing unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute. He stressed collective participation, inclusive development and effective implementation of government schemes at the grassroots.
The celebration featured departmental exhibitions, felicitation of achievers, cultural performances and an awareness skit on immunisation. A “Say No to Drugs” football match between DC XI and Minister XI was also organised.
In Upper Siang, the main celebration at Yingkiong was attended by MLA-cum-Advisor to the Chief Minister Alo Libang, who hoisted the National Flag. He called upon citizens to contribute towards the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047 and participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Newly appointed Head Gaon Burahs and Gaon Burahs, CBSE toppers, best teachers and schools were felicitated. Forty-two health personnel were also honoured for their contribution towards achieving National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification.
Several villages were recognised for maintaining TB-free status for one or two consecutive years. The celebrations included exhibitions, PT displays, march-past by police and NCC contingents, cultural programmes and a Malakhamb demonstration by VKV students.
In Tirap, Environment and Forests and DoTCL Minister Wangki Lowang hoisted the National Flag at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa. He called for a balance between infrastructure development, preservation of indigenous culture and environmental protection.
Lowang highlighted initiatives including the Vibrant Villages Programme, healthcare expansion, educational reforms and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The celebrations included cultural performances, departmental stalls, yoga demonstrations and a special performance by the Jazz Band of 44 Assam Rifles. The NCC Air Wing of PH-SHRI Government Higher Secondary School, Khonsa, was adjudged the best parade contingent.
Independence Day was also observed at Deomali, Lazu, Borduria, Dadam, Soha, Katang and other administrative centres in Tirap. At Borduria, homage was paid at the memorial of martyr Hangpan Dada, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous). TB-Mukt panchayats and Nikshay Mitras were also recognised during the celebrations.
In Dibang Valley, the main function at Mini Stadium, Anini, was attended by MLA and Advisor to Ministers for Tourism, Geology and Mining Mopi Mihu, who hoisted the National Flag. He appreciated the KVK team and teaching community for their contributions and highlighted ongoing development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and public services.
At Roing in Lower Dibang Valley, MLA Mutchu Mithi hoisted the National Flag and highlighted initiatives for improving water supply, township roads and drains, upgrading the General Ground, construction of a new stadium and establishment of the 6th IRBN headquarters at Bhismaknagar. Similar programmes were held at Dambuk and Parbuk.
At Ziro, Lower Subansiri celebrated Independence Day at the Padi Yubbe Outdoor Stadium, where Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa unfurled the National Flag. The programme featured a parade, cultural performances, yoga and school band displays, and the unveiling of Miji Migung Yarko. The MLA Academic Excellence Award 2026 and Ziro Gaurav Puraskar Award 2026 were also presented.
At Yachuli in Keyi Panyor, MLA Toko Tatung launched the Keyi Panyor Mission Plan 2040, outlining 20 development priorities for the newly created district. He called for collective efforts to transform Keyi Panyor into a model district and stressed the importance of sustainable agriculture, scientific soil mapping and improved public services.
Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra called for responsive and accessible governance and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Possa flash flood. Workers, volunteers, Gaon Burahs, ex-servicemen, meritorious students and sports achievers were felicitated.
In West Kameng, Independence Day was celebrated at Buddha Park, Bomdila, with the Zilla Parishad Chairperson unfurling the National Flag. She paid tribute to freedom fighters and urged the youth to focus on education and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Cultural programmes, exhibitions and felicitation ceremonies were held, followed by a mass rendition of Vande Mataram marking 150 years of the national song.
At Daporijo, the Independence Day programme at Rijo Outdoor Stadium was used to launch the Daporijo Clean Town Mission, a community-based initiative aimed at building a cleaner and healthier town.
The initiative, launched under the theme “Our Town. Our Responsibility”, includes DAPO 100—“100 Households. 100 Days. One Cleaner Daporijo”—in which 100 SHG households will participate in a 100-day waste segregation and learning exercise. The mission seeks to establish a sustainable waste-management system based on reducing, segregating, collecting, recovering and processing waste.
In Itanagar, the BJP Arunachal Pradesh celebrated Independence Day at its state headquarters, where State BJP president Kaling Moyong hoisted the National Flag in the presence of party leaders and workers. He called for renewed commitment to the spirit of “Nation First” and the goal of Viksit Bharat.
At Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat, Dean of Academic Affairs Prof PC Jena called upon students and staff to embrace discipline, dedication and responsibility in contributing to national development. Futsal matches involving teaching, non-teaching staff and students were also held.
Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar, also celebrated Independence Day with Principal Dr Kumar Tok hoisting the National Flag. NCC and NSS cadets, teaching and non-teaching staff participated in the programme and reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing disciplined and responsible citizens.
Across the state, the celebrations combined patriotic observances with cultural programmes, exhibitions, sports, felicitation of achievers and community initiatives, reflecting the collective spirit of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and their commitment to peace, unity and development.
YUPIA: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the mini ground here, with Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Hage Mamu hoisting the national flag and addressing the gathering of dignitaries, officers, security personnel, teachers, students and citizens.
Other highlights of the event included a taekwondo demonstration by RB Taekwondo Academy, followed by the march-past by students. Cultural performances were presented by students of Girls Residential School, Yupia; BK Mission School, Midpu; and PM Shri GUPS, Yupia, showcasing their talent and cultural spirit.
On the occasion, commendation certificates were given away by DC in recognition of dedicated service and commendable contributions made by several recipients.
Moreover, exhibition stalls were set up by various departments and SHGs.
TEZU: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at Tezu, the headquarters of Lohit district.
Local MLA Dr Mohesh Chai unfurled the tricolor, in presence of DC Kesang Ngurup Damo, SP Thutan Jamba, ex-minister Nakul Chai, ZPM Tezu Baplalum Chiba, HoDs, and others.
In his address, Dr Chai highlighted various development initiatives of the Central and State governments and spoke about the significant progress witnessed in Lohit district over the past few years.
He also announced support for local youths aspiring for various competitive examinations. He stated that Rs 2 lakh would be extended to aspirants who clear the UPSC prelims and Rs 50,000 to those who clear the APPSC prelims, besides extending assistance to those preparing for other competitive exams conducted under APSSB.
BASAR: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at Basar in Leparada district, with the main function held at Todak Basar Memorial Stadium.
Local MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi unfurled the national flag on the occasion.
A major highlight of the celebration was an impressive march-past by contingents comprising troops from ITBP, APP, NCC cadets and school students from various educational institutions in and around Basar.
The celebration also featured exhibition stalls put up by various government departments, showcasing their schemes, programmes, achievements and developmental initiatives, along with locally produced products. The stalls provided an interactive platform for citizens to learn about government schemes and services and gain greater awareness of the initiatives being implemented for the welfare and development of the district.
On the occasion, commendation and achiever’s certificates were also presented to various achievers from the district in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in academics, sports and public service.
Adding colour and vibrancy to the celebrations, school students from various educational institutions presented patriotic and cultural dance performances.
Independence Day was also celebrated with equal enthusiasm at the respective circle headquarters of Tirbin, Daring and Sago.