The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum, a landmark celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu. The event, attended by distinguished guests including Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Union Minister of State for Rural Development, and Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding Gajraj Corps, marked a significant milestone in the region’s socio-cultural development.
The museum, located in the scenic village of Nyukmadung en route to Tawang, is a product of the Indian Army's "Operation SADBHAVANA" and the Government of India’s Vibrant Village Programme. Developed through a collaboration between the Indian Army, the local community, and the state government, the Kameng Museum is a symbol of cultural preservation and national unity.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the region's rich historical significance, referencing ancient texts such as the 'Kalika Purana and the 'Mahabharata'. He emphasized the museum’s role in preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural legacy while contributing to future generations. He praised the Indian Army for its swift execution of the vision laid out by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, for border area development during the 2024 Conclave in New Delhi. Khandu described the museum as a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to transforming border areas through model villages, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Shri Kamlesh Paswan also underscored the strategic importance of the Kameng region and lauded the Indian Army's efforts in fostering civil-military cooperation. He noted that the museum will play a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of the people of Arunachal Pradesh while boosting tourism and economic growth.
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh reiterated the Indian Army’s dedication to security and socio-economic development in border areas. He commended the collaborative efforts between the Army and the state government for driving inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
The Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum houses 343 traditional heirlooms donated by the people of Arunachal Pradesh, some dating back to the Neolithic period. The museum also features a movie hall, souvenir shop, cafeteria, children’s park, tourist facilitation center, and medical emergency facilities, making it a key cultural and tourist destination.
In addition to local artifacts, the museum offers digital exhibits curated by Professor Dr. Manvi Seth and her team from the Indian Institute of Heritage, along with a documentary capturing the ancient traditions and contemporary life of Arunachal Pradesh by filmmaker Praveen Chaturvedi.
The inauguration was attended by over 500 guests, including government officials, local villagers, Lamas from Dirang Monastery, and students who performed traditional cultural acts. The Kameng Museum is expected to become a major educational hub, attracting scholars, researchers, and tourists from across the world, and serving as a lasting source of pride for Arunachal Pradesh and India. (PR)