ZIRO, 25 Sep: Governor KT Parnaik termed music a universal language that transcends boundaries, connects hearts and inspires positive thinking, and said that events like Ziro Festival of Music [ZFM] provide a constructive platform for young people to express themselves, develop confidence and channel their energy into creative pursuits.
Attending the ZFM on Friday, the governor said that the festival has emerged as one of India's most celebrated independent music festivals and a remarkable example of how culture, creativity and community participation can come together to create opportunities for the youths.
Interacting with local youths and musicians, the governor encouraged them to pursue excellence with dedication and discipline. He said that Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with immense artistic talent, and that the younger generation must harness their potential to become ambassadors of the state's rich cultural identity.
The governor commended the Apatani community for their warm hospitality and exemplary role in hosting visitors through homestays and community participation. He said that such interactions promote cultural understanding, strengthen national integration and create livelihood opportunities for local families.
He urged aspiring musicians to use music as a medium to tell the stories of their land, traditions and aspirations, thereby taking the voice of Arunachal to national and international audiences.
Calling upon the youths, particularly Gen Z, to draw inspiration from the festival, the governor said that success comes to those who nurture their talents with perseverance and hard work. He encouraged them to remain rooted in their cultural values while embracing new ideas and opportunities.
The governor expressed confidence that the creative energy witnessed at the ZFM would inspire a generation of young Arunachalis to dream big, innovate and contribute meaningfully towards a vibrant and developed Arunachal.
Since its inception in 2012, the festival has attracted musicians and music lovers from across India and abroad, while promoting sustainable tourism and showcasing the unique cultural heritage of Arunachal. The festival is also known for its eco-friendly ethos, bamboo infrastructure and strong community involvement.
The festival has become a major tourism draw for the state, bringing thousands of visitors to the picturesque Ziro valley and contributing to the local economy.
Guv visits armed forces outreach and awareness enclosures
The governor also visited the armed forces goodwill enclosures here and lauded the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their dedicated efforts in creating awareness among the public and inspiring the younger generation to serve the nation through the armed forces.
He appreciated the thoughtfully designed stalls and exhibits, which highlighted the professionalism, technological advancements and nation-building contributions of the defence forces as part of the ZFM. He said that such initiatives help bridge the gap between the armed forces and the citizens, particularly the youths, by providing firsthand exposure to the opportunities and challenges of military service.
During the visit, the governor toured the 'outreach stall', showcasing the positioning, navigation and management activities undertaken by the 56 Infantry Division in Arunachal. He also visited the equipment display stall, featuring new-generation military technologies, the 'know your Army' stall, providing information on career opportunities in the Indian Army, the BRO stall, highlighting its remarkable infrastructure achievements, and the Indian Air Force stall, displaying its operational capabilities and entry avenues.
The governor also commended the NCC and the Sainik School stalls for promoting discipline, leadership and nation-building among youths. He interacted with visitors and encouraged young people to explore opportunities to serve the nation with dedication, courage and commitment. (Lok Bhavan)
