Itanagar, April 9 (NationPress) The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen K. T. Parnaik (Retd), expressed his admiration on Thursday for the unwavering dedication of the Indian Army towards the holistic advancement of border regions. He highlighted that their ongoing initiatives are crucial for fostering inclusive growth, enhancing community resilience, and facilitating nation-building at the grassroots level.

As per an official from Lok Bhavan, Lt Gen Parnaik visited the Border Brew Cafe situated in Zemithang, Tawang district, earlier that day.

The Governor praised this initiative as a remarkable illustration of community engagement and entrepreneurial spirit in remote areas.

He commended the Indian Army’s persistent efforts to promote the inclusive development of villages and settlements along the borders, emphasizing that such initiatives are essential for nurturing self-reliance and socio-economic advancement among local populations.

Expressing his approval of the project, the Governor underscored the significance of community-driven enterprises in revitalizing remote border villages, transforming them into vibrant economic hubs while safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering social cohesion.

Sharing his experiences, Lt Gen Parnaik, who previously established Café 1400 ft at Nathula in Sikkim, recommended increasing the participation of local youth.

He proposed the promotion of traditional clothing, the creation of local souvenirs, and the establishment of dedicated areas for photography to enhance visitor interaction and showcase the region's identity.

Colonel Rohan Khisti, Commanding Officer of the 2 Maratha Light Infantry, revealed that the café is operated by the Bap Teng Kan Women Self-Help Group.

He further noted that this initiative was initiated by the 5 Mountain Division under Operation Sadbhavana.

The café signifies a pivotal advancement towards local empowerment in border regions by establishing sustainable livelihoods and promoting self-sufficiency among residents. It also underscores the potential for grassroots economic development and resilience in strategically significant frontier areas, as stated by the official.

Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) is a long-standing civic action programme of the Indian Army, mainly active in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

This initiative aims to win hearts and minds by addressing socio-economic requirements through education, including Army Goodwill Schools; healthcare services like medical camps; infrastructure improvements covering water, electricity, and roads; and the empowerment of women and youth through vocational training.

The program seeks to mitigate alienation and enhance a sense of national unity.