ITANAGAR, 16 Jun: The Department of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday launched its year-long celebration, commemorating 75 years of its service to the state, at DK Convention Hall here.

The inaugural programme was launched by Rajya Sabha member (elect) Tai Tagak.

The department traces its origin to the appointment of the first research officer in 1951, and has since completed a remarkable 75-year journey in documenting, preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

Over the decades, the department has played a significant role in cultural preservation and promotion, archaeology, museum development, philology, publication, and documentation of the state’s diverse traditions and history.

Addressing the gathering, Tagak emphasised the need for authentic and evidence-based research on the history and heritage of Arunachal. He urged researchers and scholars to focus on factual findings and scientific documentation to uncover historical realities.

“We have a proud past. Our people made sacrifices and participated in significant historical events, including the Anglo-India wars. More research is needed to bring these realities to light,” he said.

The MP-elect stressed that the state’s scholarly works should demonstrate the credibility and potential of its people to the world, rather than engaging in unnecessary debates with those who make racial remarks against the people of the region.

Highlighting Arunachal’s rich living cultural heritage, Tagak called upon the youths to actively participate in nation-building and take responsibility for preserving oral traditions and indigenous knowledge systems.

He assured that the government would take initiatives to strengthen the Research Department and promote studies on freedom fighters, unsung heroes, world memory heritage, and other significant aspects of the state’s history.

Padma Shri awardee and noted author YD Thongchistated that, although many individuals have claimed credit for suggesting the name ‘Arunachal Pradesh’,the Research Department had played a major role in the process of naming the state.

Thongchi emphasised that research must remain objective and responsible. “Any research undertaken to glorify one’s own community should never undermine or tarnish the image of another community,” he said.