Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged young people to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media responsibly, while highlighting the opportunities emerging technologies can create in education, employment, communication and other areas of life.
Addressing a function at the NCC Academy Complex in Pasighat, the headquarters of East Siang district, Khandu spoke about the rapidly changing technological environment and its growing impact on young people.
He said AI has enormous potential to create opportunities for the youth but stressed the importance of understanding its limitations and using the technology responsibly.
Khandu Warns Against Misinformation and Cyber Risks
The Chief Minister particularly highlighted the growing influence of social media among young people.
While social media has created opportunities for learning, communication and self-expression, Khandu cautioned that excessive or irresponsible use could adversely affect young minds.
Addressing NCC cadets, he urged them to use social media positively, avoid misinformation and remain alert to cyber-related risks. He also emphasised the importance of developing the ability to distinguish reliable information from misleading content.
Khandu said the values of discipline, critical thinking and responsible citizenship taught through NCC training have become increasingly important at a time when young people are constantly exposed to information, opinions and influences through digital platforms.
He stressed that technology should help enhance human potential rather than become a distraction from education, physical fitness, personal development and social responsibility.
Focus on Youth, NCC and Nation-Building
Khandu urged NCC cadets to make full use of the facilities at the NCC Academy Complex in Pasighat and carry the values learnt there into their schools, colleges, communities and professional lives.
Highlighting the role of young people in nation-building and India’s vision of Viksit Bharat, he said the development of the country was closely linked to the development of Arunachal Pradesh and the empowerment of its youth.
The Chief Minister said the state government would continue to support initiatives providing young people with opportunities in education, sports, skill development, entrepreneurship and leadership.
He also encouraged the youth to explore careers in the Armed Forces and other national services.
Khandu called upon parents, educational institutions and society to encourage more young people to join the NCC and benefit from its training, discipline and values.
Arunachal Government Expands Support for Defence Aspirants
The Chief Minister also highlighted government initiatives aimed at encouraging more Arunachali youth to join the Armed Forces as officers.
He referred to the Chief Minister’s Frontier Sainik School Scholarship Scheme, under which financial assistance will be provided to Arunachali students studying in eight notified Sainik Schools and the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun.
Khandu further said that an Indian Army-led mentorship programme for Arunachal students would begin soon.
The officer-level coaching-cum-mentorship initiative will provide guidance to young people aspiring to join Sainik and Military Schools and eventually become officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
The programme, he said, would build on the long-standing civil-military relationship in Arunachal Pradesh and provide focused mentorship to students pursuing careers in the Armed Forces.
The Chief Minister’s message comes at a time when AI and social media are becoming an increasingly important part of young people’s education, communication and everyday lives, making digital awareness and responsible technology use an important part of youth development.