In a significant recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service, culture, and regional development, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by Gauhati University. The award was conferred during the university’s 32nd Convocation ceremony held in Guwahati on Friday. The moment marked a proud occasion not just for Mein, but for the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh, as the veteran leader was honoured for his wide-ranging contributions as a statesman, cultural advocate, and promoter of religious harmony. The citation accompanying the degree highlighted Mein’s leadership in promoting the Tai language and the Tai Khamti cultural identity, alongside his commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development.
Chowna Mein’s political career spans over two decades. He began his public journey as the Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1998 and has since served in various ministerial capacities. He has been holding the post of Deputy Chief Minister since 2016, managing crucial portfolios like Finance and Power. His work in restructuring the state’s hydropower sector, especially transferring dormant projects from private developers to central public sector undertakings, earned special mention in the citation. Beyond his political achievements, Mein has played a pivotal role in cultural revival and historical preservation. He is credited with founding the Tai Khamti Heritage and Literary Society and has been instrumental in updating and promoting the Tai script. His vision led to the construction of the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) in Namsai district, which has become a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in the region. Under his guidance, an old age home was also established within the temple complex to care for the elderly.
Mein’s efforts have also extended to documenting the untold stories of Arunachal Pradesh’s freedom fighters. In collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University, he helped compile a record of 220 unsung heroes from the state’s history. He was also praised for pushing initiatives like securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for 18 indigenous products and playing a key role in organizing the C-20 Summit in Namsai during India’s G20 presidency in 2023. Another major initiative championed by Mein has been the advocacy for the reopening of the historic Stilwell Road, which once connected India to China through Myanmar. The move, if realized, could significantly boost trade and connectivity for the entire Northeast region. Speaking at the convocation, university officials emphasized that the honorary degree is a symbol of respect and appreciation for Chowna Mein’s enduring contributions toward a culturally enriched and economically empowered Northeast India. They lauded him as a leader who exemplifies the values of service, humility, and dedication to both tradition and modernity.
