ITANAGAR, Oct 17: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has called for concerted efforts to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous games and pass the state’s rich sporting traditions on to younger generations.

He was addressing the concluding programme of the month-long Seva Sankalp Utsav at DNGC Ground, Itanagar, on Saturday. Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik attended the programme as the chief guest.

The event featured RANGOLI, a state-level traditional sports competition, and Nukkad Natak-2026, marking the culmination of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan observed from September 17 to October 17 to commemorate 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service.

RANGOLI features six traditional sporting disciplines — tug of war, bamboo archery, Gulli Danda (Tang Guti), bamboo climbing, Dali Haka Hinam and bamboo pole running. The initiative aims to promote physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and grassroots participation while preserving indigenous sporting traditions.

Emphasising the cultural significance of indigenous sports, Mein observed that traditional games had long been an integral part of community life but were gradually losing participation. He stressed the need to revive these games and provide young people with opportunities to learn, practise and take pride in their heritage.

He also highlighted the role of Nukkad Natak in communicating social messages and engaging young people through creative expression. The Namo Seva–Ankahi Kahaniyan initiative uses street theatre to portray aspects of the Prime Minister’s public journey and raise awareness of social issues.

Referring to the principle of Jan Seva Hi Desh Seva, Mein said public service and nation-building were shared responsibilities. He added that youth empowerment and cultural preservation must remain integral to the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

He congratulated the participants and appreciated the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, organisers, officials, volunteers, theatre groups and community members for their contributions to the successful conduct of the event.

Mein also presented certificates of appreciation to Padma Shri awardee Techi Gubin, social worker Deepak Nabam, retired IGP Take Ringu and Inspector Bhupen Buragohain of the CMCU, Itanagar. (Source: EoA)