RONO HILLS, AUG 20:
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) participated in the valedictory function of TRACTION 2026 – Residency and Film Challenge at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here on Thursday and called upon young filmmakers, content creators and influencers to use their influence responsibly to promote social harmony, environmental awareness and constructive development.
The Governor conferred awards on the two best filmmakers, Aron Pradhan of Meghalaya and Rinpi Das of Assam. Each award comprised a trophy, citation and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Addressing the participants, Parnaik said the theme of TRACTION 2026 aptly reflected the spirit of creativity, innovation and purposeful action. He urged young creators to go beyond merely observing the world and instead engage with it, interpret it meaningfully and contribute to positive transformation.
“Your passion will drive you to open new horizons, inspiring innovation, creativity, and opportunities for growth and achievement,” he said.
Highlighting the growing influence of digital content, the Governor said videos, documentaries and social media posts could reach millions within hours and have the power to educate, inspire and influence society. He said the true measure of success should not be views, likes or followers, but the positive impact created in society.
He called upon participants to create content that promotes social harmony, environmental awareness, responsible citizenship and national development, while cautioning against sensationalism and short-lived popularity. He stressed the importance of fact verification, cultural sensitivity, informed consent and dignified representation, observing that “integrity and credibility are the true foundations of lasting impact and meaningful storytelling”.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s immense potential for storytellers, Parnaik said its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage, encompassing more than 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, offered a wealth of stories for national and global audiences.
He encouraged greater collaboration with RIWATCH, cultural organisations, researchers, local communities and knowledge keepers to authentically document indigenous traditions, community wisdom and the relationship between people and nature. He also called for greater focus on artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, athletes, innovators and cultural custodians, as well as local products, traditional crafts, organic farming, eco-tourism and community-led conservation.
The Governor congratulated the awardees and participants, saying completion of the residency marked not an end but the beginning of a larger journey. He expressed confidence that the participants would emerge as responsible storytellers capable of inspiring hope, strengthening understanding and contributing to constructive change.
He appreciated the thematic sessions conducted during the residency on Arunachal’s culture and traditions, tourism content creation, travel filmmaking, research methodologies, media ethics, storytelling and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. He said such programmes were particularly relevant in the digital age, when visual storytelling has emerged as a powerful medium of communication.
RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Shivaraj, Registrar Dr NT Rikam and Director of Industries Gyabo Perting also addressed the gathering. Course Director of TRACTION 2026 Moji Riba presented a report on the key activities and outcomes of the 15-day residency and film challenge, noting that the programme began with the premise that social media was not merely a medium for consumption and entertainment but also an emerging source of livelihood.
Organised under the theme ‘Explore, Create, Move’ by the RGU Department of Mass Communication in collaboration with the Centre for Cultural Research and Documentation Naharlagun and the Department of Industries Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the programme brought together 25 participants from eight states of the Northeast, who produced 25 films.
Papum Pare Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar, deans, heads of departments, institute directors and participants from across the eight northeastern states attended the valedictory function.
