Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on 11 August called on young people to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media while exercising caution against their misuse, speaking at a function in Pasighat, headquarters of the East Siang district. Addressing NCC cadets, Khandu underlined that emerging technologies hold enormous promise for education, employment and communication — but only if used with discipline and critical thinking.

The AI Opportunity and Its Limits

'Technology is a powerful tool. Artificial Intelligence can open up tremendous opportunities for our youth, but we must also understand its limitations and use it responsibly,' CM Khandu said. He framed AI not as a threat but as an enabler — one that demands informed and responsible engagement from a generation growing up amid rapid digital change. The remarks come at a time when AI adoption in Indian schools and colleges is accelerating, making digital literacy a pressing policy concern.

Social Media: Promise and Peril

Khandu acknowledged that social media has created unprecedented avenues for learning, communication and self-expression, but warned that excessive or irresponsible use could adversely affect young minds. He specifically urged NCC cadets to avoid misinformation and cyber-related risks, and to develop the ability to distinguish reliable information from misleading content. The Chief Minister stressed that the values of discipline, critical thinking and responsible citizenship — central to NCC training — are especially relevant in an era of relentless digital exposure.

Viksit Bharat, Viksit Arunachal

Connecting youth empowerment to the national development agenda, Khandu said, 'Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved without a Viksit Arunachal, and a Viksit Arunachal cannot be built without empowered, disciplined and responsible youth.' He reiterated the state government's commitment to supporting youth initiatives spanning education, sports, skill development, entrepreneurship and leadership, and encouraged young people to explore careers in the Armed Forces and other national services.

Scholarships and Army Mentorship for Arunachal Youth

The Chief Minister highlighted the Chief Minister's Frontier Sainik School Scholarship Scheme, under which financial support is extended to Arunachali students enrolled in eight notified Sainik Schools and the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun. He also announced that an Indian Army-led officer-level coaching-cum-mentorship programme for Arunachal students — aimed at guiding aspirants into Sainik and Military Schools and ultimately into commissioned service — would commence soon. The initiative builds on the longstanding civil-military relationship in the state.

Call to Parents and Institutions

Khandu urged parents, educational institutions and society at large to encourage greater NCC enrolment among young people, emphasising the organisation's role in instilling discipline and values that technology alone cannot provide. He asked cadets to make full use of the facilities at the NCC Academy Complex at Pasighat and carry those values into their schools, colleges, communities and professional lives. With the mentorship programme on the horizon, Arunachal's youth-development push is set to gather further momentum.