Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reiterated his government’s strong commitment to youth development, calling it the cornerstone of the state’s long-term “Viksit Arunachal” vision. Speaking at the grand finale of Arunachal Idol 2025 on Saturday night in Namsai, Khandu said that empowering the youth through arts, sports, and entrepreneurship is essential for building a progressive and self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh. The 7th edition of Arunachal Idol concluded with Tsering Sandup from Tawang clinching the title, while Julee Tikkom of Longding and Dakmo Riba from Leparada secured the first and second runner-up positions. They were awarded cash prizes of ₹3 lakh, ₹2 lakh, and ₹1 lakh, respectively, alongside glittering trophies.“Platforms like Arunachal Idol are not merely entertainment shows; they are incubators for creativity, leadership, and confidence,” said Khandu, noting that the event aligns with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. “We are investing in our youth—not just as performers or athletes—but as future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders,” he added.
Since 2016, Arunachal Pradesh has institutionalised seven major youth-centric events under the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs: Arunachal Idol, Mr. Arunachal, Miss Arunachal, Mrs. Arunachal, Arunachal Got Talent, Arunachal Super Dancers, and Arunachal Yuva Samanvay. These events are now being streamlined with sustainable management and long-term sponsorship mechanisms to ensure professionalism and continuity. The Chief Minister also spotlighted strides in sports infrastructure, including the development of national-standard stadiums like the one at Yupia, and new indoor and outdoor facilities across districts. “Our athletes are already bringing laurels at the national and international levels. We’re working to create even more opportunities for them,” Khandu stated. In addition to sports and cultural development, the state is focusing heavily on entrepreneurship and skill-building. According to Khandu, government initiatives are aimed at transforming the mindset of the youth—from job seekers to job creators. “We want our young generation to be equipped with the skills and confidence to launch their own ventures and inspire others,” he said.
Highlighting the creative potential of the state’s youth, Khandu announced that a new state film policy is nearing completion. Once launched, it is expected to encourage local filmmaking, promote tourism, and attract prominent production houses from Bollywood and the South Indian film industry. Films like Koyla, shot in Tawang, and other productions in Ziro and Pasighat have already demonstrated the state’s cinematic appeal. The Chief Minister pointed out that fluency in Hindi gives the youth of Arunachal Pradesh a distinct advantage in national platforms, including the media and entertainment industries. He cited Bollywood actress Chum Darang as an inspiration, calling her a symbol of what the youth of Arunachal can achieve on national and global stages. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also addressed the gathering, hailed Arunachal Idol as a cultural movement that has been transforming lives since its inception in 2015 by the Arunachal Orphan Care Society. Recognising its significance, the state government declared it an official annual calendar event in 2018. “This is more than a talent competition—it’s a platform for self-expression and a confidence-building tool for the youth,” Mein said, urging young talents to make the most of such government-supported avenues.
