In a major step to promote art, fashion and local talent, Pema Khandu has announced a new ‘Arunachal creative economy’ initiative, aimed at giving designers, artists and young creators better opportunities and wider exposure. The announcement was made during the grand finale of Arunachal Runway (AR) 4.0, held at Nyokum Lapang ground in Itanagar on April 17. The event brought together fashion, culture and tradition on one platform, drawing a large crowd that included government officials, designers and cultural figures.
This year’s show was based on the theme ‘Ngul Nyishi’ (We Nyishi), focusing on the identity and traditions of the Nyishi community. The collections presented during the event reflected a mix of traditional designs and modern fashion, highlighting local culture in a new way. Designers used inspiration from festivals such as Boori Boot, Nyokum Yullo and Longte to create their work. A special attraction of the evening was the screening of the film Ngul Nyishi by Shiva Tells, which received a strong response from the audience for its storytelling and visuals. Speaking at the event, the chief minister praised the organisers for creating a platform that supports local talent. He announced that Arunachal Runway will now be included as a regular event in the state government’s annual calendar.
He also spoke about the newly announced ‘creative economy’ initiative, which will function as a dedicated support system for young designers and artists. The aim is to provide professional guidance, exposure at national and international levels, and help in building careers in creative fields.“Our traditional attire is our identity, and it is encouraging to see young people taking it to a wider stage,” Khandu said, adding that the government wants to ensure long-term support for such talent.The event was led by Gona Niji, founding chairman of Arunachal Runway, with guidance from mentor Chow Bilaseng Namchoom. MLA Zingnu Namchoom also attended and spoke about the economic value of the handloom sector, describing local textiles as a major opportunity for growth.
