Editor,

Recently, an Arunachali, Techi Gubin, was awarded the Padma Shri by the president of India.

It is a matter of great pride that someone from Arunachal Pradesh – a state that accounts for only about 0.11% of India’s total population with 1,383,727 population according to the 2011 census, and which lies in the far eastern and northeastern corner of the country – received this prestigious honour. People from across the state, irrespective of age, gender, religion, caste, or tribe, extended their congratulations and appreciation. Many shared his photographs and congratulatory messages on their social media accounts as a mark of respect and encouragement. The governor of the state, along with prominent political leaders including the chief minister, deputy chief minister, cabinet ministers, and MLAs also conveyed their best wishes.

However, these moments of happiness took an unexpected turn when he went to New Delhi to receive the Padma Shri award. During an interview, he reportedly stated that “Arunachal Pradesh faces an immediate threat from Christians, not from China,” and further claimed that the state is likely to become a Christian-majority state in the coming years. He also referred to the state’s religious demographic changes between the 1971 (0.79%) and 2026 (40%).

I am not sure whether the interview was conducted before or after he received the award, but this is the first time in my life that I have seen a recipient of such a highly respected civilian honour make remarks targeting a particular religion. Such statements are deeply hurtful to the Christian community In my opinion, a person receiving such a prestigious recognition should focus on promoting the state’s peace, prosperity, brotherhood, rich culture, tourism potential, and harmony among its tribes, rather than making comments that may create divisions.

I am aware that the criteria for receiving this award are clearly defined: Individuals can be nominated by the individual himself, government bodies, or organisations, based on their contributions in fields such as social service, science, arts, literature, and public affairs. These recommendations are reviewed through an established process before the final approval by the president of India. Therefore, I have no objection to his selection and believe that those who recommended him considered him deserving of the honour.

However, it is disappointing and concerning to hear remarks that may undermine the spirit of peaceful coexistence and harmony among the tribes and religious communities of Arunachal. The state is often regarded as a land of diversity, comprising 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, each with its own unique traditions, beliefs, and customs. Throughout its history, both before and after becoming a union territory in 1972 and a full-fledged state in 1987, Arunachal has exemplified the true spirit of ‘unity in diversity’.

Now that Techi Gubin has become Padma Shri Techi Gubin, his words naturally carry greater influence and public attention. Therefore, it becomes even more important to exercise caution and responsibility while speaking on sensitive issues, as such remarks may create misunderstanding, resentment, and social disharmony among different religious groups.

Some common questions for Padma Shri Techi Gubin: Who attacked Arunachal Pradesh in 1962? Who denied visas to athletes from our state? Why are large numbers of military forces deployed along the McMahon Line? Why does the Government of India spend enormous resources on border defence? Who occasionally detains or captures local people near the border? Why is there limited investment from major industries and corporations in our state? Who claims Arunachal as part of ‘South Tibet’ (Zangnan)? Who has occasionally obstructed the flow of the Siang River?

Now tell me: Is the Christian community responsible for any of the issues listed above, if not China?

I am not sure whether these remarks were made intentionally or unintentionally, but they were certainly not worthy of a Padma Shri awardee.

Of course, there may be some Christians who hold highly orthodox views, but such individuals exist in every religious community. At the same time, it cannot be denied that Christian institutions have made significant contributions towards the educational and social development of Arunachal.

Some examples include: Don Bosco Schools and Colleges, St Mary’s Schools and Colleges, St Joseph’s School, St Claret College, SFS institutions, and many others.

These institutions have played a crucial role in shaping the educational and social landscape of the state; likewise, there are also enormous contributions of the Donyi Polo believers in the development and betterment of the state – so, let’s appreciate each other’s religion, their beliefs and contributions and walk hand-in-hand instead of being at odds with any religion.

However, keeping aside those religious beliefs, I also urge all the tribal communities of the state and to those orthodox groups to respect our age-old, unique rich culture such as learning mother language and celebrating our own religion. It is our identity through which we are identified, and it is an opportunity through which we receive ST reservation benefits.

In my personal life, I enthusiastically celebrate my tribe’s Mopin festival for at least four days a year, unless there’s an urgent issue obstructing my celebration, I proudly sing the Mopin Ponu with the Mopin priest, cheerfully hold that Mopin poka udu even though I am not much of a drinker. I equip myself with all required Mopin outfits, so that I can completely feel and vibe along the values and spirit of the Mopin festival and its rhythm.

In conclusion, we are genuinely happy and proud of your achievements. However, the remarks you made were, in my view, completely unacceptable and lacked factual basis.

Such statements do not merely diminish your personal reputation; they also risk diminishing the dignity associated with the honour you have received.

We expect individuals who receive one of the country’s highest civilian awards to promote values such as federalism, secularism, liberalism, fraternity, and social harmony among different tribes, religions, age groups, and genders. We look forward to hearing constructive and inspiring messages from such respected personalities, rather than comments that may appear divisive and immature.

Anyway, I express my deepest congratulations to you, sir, on your well-decorated Padma Shri award.

Arunachal has always been, and will always remain a peaceful state.

Praise the lord!

Donyi Polo aya laka!

Secular son of Arunachal