By: Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd). Editor, GSDN

The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum, a landmark institution celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated on October 23, 2024 by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr Pema Khandu. The ceremony was graced by Mr Kamlesh Paswan, Union Minister of State for Rural Development, and Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps, Major General Neeraj Shukla, SM** Blazing Sword Division and Mr Phurpa Tsering, MLA, Dirang and other dignitaries of the State of Arunachal Pradesh. Located in the scenic village of Nyukmadung, Dirang, along route to Tawang, the museum promises to play a pivotal role in preserving the cultural legacy and contributing to its socio-economic growth of the region.­

The inauguration of this state-of-the-art museum is part of the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana and aligns with the Government of India’s Vibrant Village Programme. Developed with the Indian Army’s initiative and strong support from the local community and State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the museum embodies the rich ancient traditions and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. It stands as a symbol of peace, security, and the collaborative spirit of nation-building through the integration of local communities.­

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Mr Pema Khandu emphasized Arunachal Pradesh’s historical ties to Indian civilization, citing references from ancient texts like the ‘Kalika Purana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’. He underscored the region’s profound cultural, historical, and religious significance, describing the Kameng Museum as an essential institution to preserve the past while inspiring the future generations.­ He commended the Indian Army, Gajraj Corps and Blazing Sword Division’s efforts for establishing this museum as also for Border Area Development through Sadbhavana projects in various parts of the State. He also complimented the Indian Army for swift execution of the vision articulated by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff for Border Area Development during the Conclave held on September 11, 2024 in New Delhi.

The Chief Minister noted that the construction of Kameng Museum is a reflection of the Indian Army’s commitment to transform the border areas through initiatives such as model villages, border tourism, and enhancing infrastructure, aligning with the government’s ‘Vibrant Village Programme’. He referred to the inauguration of Kameng Museum as an achievement of the comprehensive vision outlined by Indian Army for border areas, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability and security in the region through ‘border tourism’ and ‘cultural revival’. He exhorted Indian Army to continue synergised efforts with State Government for overall development of people of the State and a ‘Viksit Arunachal’. He complimented Prof (Dr) Manvi Seth and her team of Indian Institute of Heritage for ascetically curating the Museum along with digital artifacts and Mr Praveen Chaturvedi, CEO, Moonlight Pictures for capturing details of ancient traditions and contemporary life of people of Arunachal Pradesh in a captivating movie to be showcased to the entire World.   

Mr Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State for Rural Development in his address, expressed Kameng region’s strategic importance and lauded the Indian Army’s efforts in fostering civil-military cooperation and regional development. He highlighted the museum’s potential role in cultural legacy and strengthening India’s historical ties with Arunachal Pradesh. ­Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps, expressed pride in the Army’s pivotal role in bringing the museum to fruition under Operation Sadbhavna. He reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to both the security and socio-economic development of the region, achieved through close collaboration with local communities and the State Government.­

The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum is expected to become a key educational and cultural hub, drawing scholars, researchers, and tourists from around the world. By promoting tourism and fostering cultural appreciation, the museum will significantly contribute to the local economy while standing as a proud symbol of identity, heritage, and resilience for both the State and the Nation. Kameng Museum metamorphosed as a community driven, community-oriented project with voluntary donation of land, housing a collection of 343 traditional heirlooms dating back to the Neolithic period by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Realisation of this ambitious nation building project would not have been possible without the invaluable support provided by Mr Phurpa Tsering, MLA, Dirang and Mr (Late) Senge Tsering who were instrumental in shaping this iconic project which stands as a beacon of peace, prosperity and national integration. In addition to the artifacts, the museum features a modern movie hall, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, and a children’s park, tourist facilitation centre, medical emergency setup for transients making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.­

The inauguration ceremony was vicinity by more than 500 people involving government officials of West Kameng district along with local villagers, Lamas of Dirang Monastery and school children and tourists. The students of Dirang Senior Secondary School and Monpa Institute of Performing Arts conducted traditional cultural performances followed by traditional khata untying, and unveiling of plaque marking the official opening of the museum to the public. This museum, dedicated to preserving the region’s identity, promises to be an enduring source of pride for Arunachal Pradesh and India as a whole.