SHERGAON, Oct 24: The Dream for United Arunachal (DUA) initiative, under its flagship campaign EK AUR DUA (Empathy, Kindness, Arunachal Unity Ride), received a warm reception at Shergaon during its statewide tour, with community leaders and organisations calling for greater social harmony, inclusive development and youth participation.
The interactive programme was hosted by Kalaktang MLA Tseten Chombay and attended by DUA chairman Dr Gumjum Haider, secretary Suraj Tayam, administrative officials, local representatives and members of various community organisations.
Representatives of the Shergaon Village Council, Tenga Valley Council, All Monpa Students' Union, All West Kameng District Students' Union, Women Welfare Association, Monpa Mimang Tshogpa, Kalaktang Tsopa, Arunachal Regional Youth Welfare Association and Shergaon Youth Association participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Chombay highlighted the cultural diversity of his constituency, home to the Monpa and Sherdukpen communities, and stressed the importance of maintaining harmony among different communities. He said sustainable progress required collective efforts without discrimination, alongside transparent, people-centric governance and consultations that reflected local aspirations in major development projects.
The MLA urged young people to focus on skill development, constructive engagement and positive social action rather than regional divisions. He also highlighted grassroots empowerment and border-area development as important for the state's security and economic growth, encouraging the DUA team to continue its efforts towards a united and self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh.
Dr Haider outlined the campaign's vision of bridging tribal and regional divides through empathy, kindness, mutual respect and statewide solidarity. The tour began in the western region, engaging communities including the Sherdukpen, Bugun, Sartang, Miji, Aka and Monpa, before extending to central, foothill and eastern districts.
He said the campaign also prioritised youth skill development, socio-economic self-reliance, conservation of catchment areas and ecological preservation. He called for stronger local governance and greater community participation in advancing the vision of Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The initiative seeks to strengthen bonds among Arunachal's diverse communities while encouraging inclusive growth and a shared commitment to the state's future.