Guwahati/Itanagar | Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) has said that the youth of the Northeast will play a decisive role in advancing India’s Act East Policy and achieving the vision of a developed nation by 2047, urging them to combine innovation and entrepreneurship with the region’s rich cultural and ecological heritage.

 Addressing a three-day national seminar titled “From Tradition to Transformation: Integrating Bharatiya Itihas and Bharatiya Jnana Parampara in Modern Governance” and Aitijya Anweshan 5128 in Guwahati, the Governor highlighted the strategic importance of the Northeast as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.

He said the region’s geographical location under the Act East Policy offers vast opportunities for young people to strengthen economic, cultural and strategic engagement with neighbouring countries while contributing to national development.

Calling upon the youth to become active participants in nation-building, Parnaik encouraged them to contribute to border area development, promote national security awareness, adopt renewable energy and green technologies, and embrace digital entrepreneurship. At the same time, he stressed the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems, traditional ecological wisdom and the diverse cultural heritage of the Northeast.

 The seminar, which began on July 17, was organised by the Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Assam, in collaboration with the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, New Delhi.

 Reflecting on India’s civilisational journey, the Governor said the country’s progress has historically been driven by knowledge, innovation, ethical leadership and social harmony. He noted that from ancient centres of learning such as Takshashila and Nalanda to modern institutions of research and innovation, India has continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its enduring values and traditions.

Parnaik said the theme of the seminar aptly captures India’s developmental trajectory by drawing inspiration from its civilisational heritage while preparing for future challenges.

 Describing India’s transition from tradition to transformation as a story of resilience, renewal and progress, he urged young citizens to carry forward the legacy of wisdom, values and knowledge inherited from earlier generations.

“If every young citizen contributes positively to society, the vision of a strong, self-reliant, prosperous and compassionate Viksit Bharat can become a reality,” he said.

The Governor also highlighted the enduring relevance of India’s intellectual and cultural traditions, citing the contributions of figures such as Veda Vyasa, Valmiki, Chanakya, Aryabhata, Sushruta, Patanjali, Ashoka, Adi Shankaracharya, Guru Nanak Dev, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

He said their ideas on governance, science, healthcare, spirituality and nation-building continue to offer valuable lessons for contemporary society.

 According to Parnaik, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 must combine technological progress and economic growth with values such as integrity, duty, sustainability and social responsibility. He stressed that true development should be measured not only by economic indicators but also by the well-being, harmony and empowerment of citizens.

The Governor said national initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, Skill India, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the National Education Policy have created opportunities for young people to innovate, become job creators and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.

He encouraged the youth to pursue excellence in education and skill development, embrace entrepreneurship, promote sustainable tourism, protect the environment, strengthen national integration through community service and uphold discipline, integrity and ethical leadership.

 Several prominent academicians and dignitaries also addressed the seminar, including Assam Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Tribal Faith and Culture Biswajit Daimary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana National President Prof. Ishwar Sharan Vishwakarma, North Eastern Hill University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, North Lakhimpur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mukul Chandra Bora, Cotton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ramesh Chandra Deka and Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana National Organising Secretary Balmukund Pandey.

The seminar focused on exploring the relevance of India’s historical and knowledge traditions in contemporary governance and development while encouraging greater participation of youth in shaping the nation’s future.