New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the Northeast as no longer being India’s periphery but the “pulsating heart” of the nation’s growth story.
Sharing an article by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said that Arunachal Pradesh exemplifies the spirit of Viksit Bharat through its rapid progress in infrastructure, empowerment, and innovation.
“From new airports to empowered SHGs, from connectivity to creativity, Arunachal Pradesh mirrors the spirit of Viksit Bharat. A must-read piece by Union Minister Scindia,” PM Modi posted.
Arunachal Pradesh: Symbol of a Rising Northeast
In his article, Scindia highlighted how the Northeast, long considered distant and remote, is now emerging as a vibrant hub of India’s progress.
“Our ‘Ashtalakshmi’ is no longer a distant frontier but a vibrant hub of India’s progress,” he wrote, referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of the Ashtalakshmi states — the eight northeastern states driving regional development.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, Scindia said he was struck by its dynamic transformation and its ability to preserve cultural heritage while embracing modernization.
“Every time I set foot in the Northeast, I feel reenergised and refueled. Many call it the periphery of India; however, it is the very heart, beating in many colours, sounds, and textures,” he noted.
Ziro Valley: A Blend of Tradition and Technology
Ziro Valley, famous for hosting the world-renowned Ziro Music Festival, has become a symbol of the Northeast’s creative and digital transformation.
Scindia described how local artisans showcased their craftsmanship while seamlessly using Digital India tools for cashless payments.
“Every chime of ‘payment complete’ was more than a transaction; it was the sound of empowerment,” he wrote.
Empowerment Through Self-Help Groups
The minister further highlighted the growing role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in creating inclusive livelihoods under initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana.
He noted, “From weaving textiles dyed in natural hues, to fermenting fruits into pickles and wines, to carving ornaments from bamboo and stone — their enterprises are vessels of culture, dignity, and hope.”
During his visit, Scindia also paid tribute to the 1811 Medium Regiment and honoured the martyrs of the Indian Army, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.
A Region at the Heart of Viksit Bharat
Both PM Modi and Scindia underscored that the Northeast is now central to India’s development narrative, embodying the values of inclusivity, innovation, and resilience.
From enhanced connectivity to digital empowerment, the region’s progress is now being seen as an integral part of India’s aspiration for a developed, self-reliant nation by 2047.