Arunachal Dy CM Chowna Mein urges IGGC students to drive state's future
Synopsis
At IGGC's 37th College Day in Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein did more than deliver a motivational address — he outlined a development vision for the Lohit region, linking student ambition to hydropower, connectivity, and tourism projects that could reshape eastern Arunachal's economy. The event also marked the college's 40th founding year.
Key Takeaways
Deputy CM Chowna Mein addressed the 37th Annual College Day of Indira Gandhi Government College in Tezu on 10 November 2026 .
Mein urged students to take responsibility for shaping Arunachal Pradesh's future and place national interest first.
He highlighted development opportunities in the Lohit region , including hydropower projects , road connectivity, and tourism around Parshuram Kund .
Mein inaugurated the college's newly constructed library building at the event.
IGGC , established on 27 October 1986 , has 2,904 students enrolled in 2026–27 and holds Star College status from the Department of Biotechnology.
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday, 10 November urged students at Indira Gandhi Government College (IGGC) in Tezu to seize available educational opportunities and take ownership of shaping the state's future. Speaking at the college's 37th Annual College Day celebration, Mein called on the younger generation to place national interest above all else and actively contribute to Arunachal Pradesh's development.
A Personal Reflection on Access and Opportunity
Recalling the hardships of his own student years — when basic amenities and reliable transport were scarce — the Deputy Chief Minister urged today's youth to recognise how dramatically circumstances have improved. He said that appreciating these opportunities was as important as utilising them. His remarks were framed as both a challenge and an encouragement to the institution's current cohort of 2,904 students enrolled across Arts, Science, and Commerce streams in the 2026–27 academic session.
Development Potential of the Lohit Region
Mein highlighted the emerging economic opportunities in the Lohit region, pointing specifically to proposed hydropower projects, ongoing road connectivity initiatives, and the untapped tourism potential of the Parshuram Kund area and its surroundings. He said these infrastructure and energy projects would significantly strengthen regional economic growth and open new livelihood avenues for local communities.
On tourism, Mein said improved road access and the development of hospitality infrastructure — including hotels, resorts, and restaurants — could generate sustained employment while stimulating the local economy. Notably, Lohit district sits in a strategically sensitive zone of eastern Arunachal Pradesh, making connectivity and development investments carry both economic and strategic weight.
New Library Inaugurated at IGGC
On the occasion, Mein formally inaugurated the newly constructed library building of the college. The facility is expected to enhance academic infrastructure and provide students with a dedicated space for reading, independent research, and learning. The college, established on 27 October 1986, has completed 40 years of its academic journey, making this year's celebration particularly significant.
Affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), IGGC has also received the Star College status from the Department of Biotechnology under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology — an acknowledgement of its research and academic standing.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The celebration was attended by Lok Sabha member Tapir Gao, Tezu MLA and Advisor to the Health and Family Welfare Department Dr Mohesh Chai, Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kesang D. Ngurup, and IGGC Principal Dr Kangki Megualong, along with faculty, students, and other guests.
As IGGC marks four decades of higher education in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, the Deputy CM's address sets a clear expectation: that the state's next generation must translate educational access into active civic and economic contribution.
Point of View
Roads, and tourism as youth opportunities rather than mere state projects is a deliberate political choice in a region where infrastructure promises have historically lagged. With Lohit sitting in a strategically sensitive corner of Arunachal Pradesh, the Centre's attention to connectivity here carries implications beyond economics. The Star College recognition for IGGC is a rare bright spot for northeastern higher education, but with only 2,904 students across three streams, scale remains limited. The real question is whether the region's development pipeline — hydropower in particular — will materialise fast enough to retain the educated youth these institutions are producing.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein say at IGGC's College Day?
Deputy CM Chowna Mein urged students at Indira Gandhi Government College in Tezu to make full use of educational opportunities and take responsibility for Arunachal Pradesh's development. He also highlighted the Lohit region's potential in hydropower, road connectivity, and tourism.
What is the significance of IGGC's 37th Annual College Day in 2026?
The 37th Annual College Day coincides with the college's 40th founding anniversary, as IGGC was established on 27 October 1986. It marked the inauguration of a new library building and drew senior political figures including a Lok Sabha MP and the state's Deputy CM.
What development projects did Chowna Mein highlight for the Lohit region?
Mein referred to proposed hydropower projects, ongoing road connectivity initiatives, and the tourism potential of the Parshuram Kund area. He said improved infrastructure and hospitality development could generate employment and boost the local economy.
What is the academic standing of Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu?
IGGC is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University and recognised by the University Grants Commission. It has been awarded Star College status by the Department of Biotechnology under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology for its academic and research activities. It currently enrols 2,904 students.
Who attended the IGGC 37th Annual College Day celebration?
The event was attended by Lok Sabha member Tapir Gao, Tezu MLA and Health Advisor Dr Mohesh Chai, Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kesang D. Ngurup, and IGGC Principal Dr Kangki Megualong, along with faculty and students.
