Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Monday, 12 October 2026, urged Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) to prioritise research on the state's rich biodiversity, indigenous knowledge systems, natural resources, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development. The call came during a courtesy meeting with APU Vice Chancellor Prof. Ashan Riddhi at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar.

Governor's Key Directives to APU

Congratulating Prof. Riddhi on his appointment and wishing him a productive tenure, the Governor expressed confidence that under his stewardship, APU would grow into a stronger centre of academic excellence, innovation, and knowledge creation. Lt Gen Parnaik reminded the Vice Chancellor that, as the sole state university of Arunachal Pradesh, APU carries a distinctive responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, punctuality, and academic integrity.

The Governor called for the cultivation of a vibrant academic environment in which faculty, researchers, and students collaborate with dedication, curiosity, and a shared commitment to excellence. He also emphasised the need for greater attention to sports, student wellness, community engagement, and extension activities — areas he said would equip students with leadership skills, social responsibility, and a spirit of service.

Beyond Degrees: Real-World Impact

In a pointed remark, Lt Gen Parnaik stressed that the university must go beyond the mere conferral of degrees and instead prepare young graduates to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to both the state and the nation. The Vice Chancellor, in turn, assured the Governor of his commitment to strengthening academic standards, promoting relevant research, improving institutional governance, and fostering a positive and inclusive campus culture.

Arunachal Pradesh University, established on 1 July 2022 in Pasighat, is the only state university of the northeastern state, making its academic direction a matter of particular public importance.

Deputy CM Meets Governor on Development Priorities

Separately, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan on Monday, discussing key development priorities including infrastructure and connectivity, youth empowerment, employment generation, and the effective implementation of welfare schemes.

The meeting covered the progress of centrally funded projects and the state's infrastructure investment programme for 2026-29. The Governor underscored the importance of human capital development, urging greater investment in skill development, entrepreneurship, tourism, horticulture, and local livelihood opportunities to generate sustainable employment for the state's youth.

Buddha Relics Exposition in Namsai

During the meeting, Deputy CM Mein informed the Governor about the arrival of the Holy Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha to Namsai on 14 November and formally invited him to attend the sacred exposition. The Governor also reiterated his emphasis on sports, discipline, and community participation as pillars of nurturing well-rounded, socially responsible youth in the state.

Both meetings signal a concerted push at the highest levels of Arunachal Pradesh's governance to align educational, developmental, and cultural priorities ahead of the state's infrastructure investment cycle through 2029.