Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on February 2 praised veteran playback singer Udit Narayan for bringing national attention to Anini, the headquarters of Dibang Valley district, through music and performance. During his visit to Anini, Udit Narayan performed his iconic song Aisa Des Hai Mera, originally featured in the 2004 Hindi film Veer-Zaara. The song was rendered in an open setting, with Anini’s natural landscape in the background. Narayan dedicated the performance to Anini and the people of Arunachal Pradesh, drawing warm responses from local residents and visitors. Acknowledging the gesture, Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to X to express his appreciation. “Thanks, Udit Narayan ji, for filling Anini with timeless songs,” the Chief Minister wrote in his post on February 2.
Udit Narayan is widely known for his long and successful career in Indian cinema, with popular songs in Hindi as well as several regional languages. He is respected for his versatility and emotional style of singing. Aisa Des Hai Mera, picturised on actors Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, celebrates India’s diversity, unity and shared cultural values. Over the years, the song has remained popular for its strong patriotic message and emotional appeal. Narayan’s performance in Anini comes at a time when there is growing focus on the North-East as a region rich in culture, heritage and tourism potential. Cultural events and visits by well-known personalities have helped bring attention to remote areas that were earlier less visible on the national stage. This renewed attention also coincides with policy announcements at the national level. While presenting the Union Budget 2026–27 on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new initiative aimed at developing Buddhist circuits across several Purvodaya states, including Arunachal Pradesh.
“I propose to launch a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura,” Sitharaman said. She added that the programme would focus on the preservation and development of important temples and monasteries in these states. The Finance Minister described the initiative as a historic step that honours India’s spiritual heritage. She said the scheme would help strengthen cultural identity, promote tourism and improve connectivity in the region.
