Date: 16.04.2026
Time: 10:00 AM
On 16 April 2026, Dera Natung
Government College, Itanagar, reached a pivotal milestone in its institutional
development with the formal inauguration of three critical infrastructure
projects: the Badminton-cum-Judo Hall, the New Administrative Block, and the
Recreation Hall. This expansion signifies a strategic effort to enhance the
college’s capacity for both academic administration and the holistic
development of its student body, reinforcing the institution's role as a
cornerstone of higher education in Arunachal Pradesh.
The event was marked by a blend
of formal decorum and cultural appreciation. Upon the arrival of the Hon’ble
Chief Guest and other distinguished dignitaries, the college’s National Cadet
Corps (NCC) unit presented a formal Guard of Honour, establishing a tone of
ceremonial dignity.
The inauguration ceremony
commenced with the traditional lighting of the sacred lamp, a gesture
symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Following the
ribbon-cutting ceremony, the audience joined in a rendition of the National
Anthem, fostering a collective sense of pride. The program was further enriched
by a welcome song presented by the students, highlighting the vibrancy of the
college community, followed by the felicitation of the distinguished guests -
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu; Shri Mutchu Mithi, Hon’ble MLA cum
Advisor to Hon’ble Minister Home and Education; Dr. Milorai Modi, Director,
Higher and Technical Education and Shri Toko Babu, DC, Itanagar.
Dr. M. Q. Khan, Principal, DNGC,
warmly welcomed the Hon’ble Chief Minister, and other distinguished guests,
especially expressing his gratitude to the leader for his continued support to
the college since 2022 - this one being his fourth visit to inaugurate an
important building. He highlighted the recent infrastructural developments of
the college, including the inauguration of the Boys’ Hostel, Girls’ Hostel,
Academic Hall under RUSA, and the Anthropology Department on 6th March by the
Hon’ble Education Minister, Shri P. D. Sona, noting that these additions have
significantly strengthened the institution.
Tracing the institutional
history, he stated that DNGC was established in 1979 and shifted to its
permanent campus in 1984. Over its 46-year journey, the college has grown into
a full-fledged day institution committed to quality higher education. He further
informed that in 2025; the college achieved a record of 54 students achieving
top 10 ranks under various departments among all private and government
colleges affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University. It also continues to excel in
academics as well NCC, being adjourned the best troop, and is the reigning
champion of annual Rajiv Gandhi University Youth Festival.
He emphasized discipline,
positivity, and goal-oriented growth among students, and acknowledged the
sanction of professorship in colleges, which was a change brought under the
rule of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, and has further strengthened the academic structure
of the college. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he rightly said, “Education is the
manifestation of the perfection already in man.”
After the warm welcome, the book
titled “Communications & Applied English Skills.” by Dr. M. Q. Khan,
published by IARA Publication, an international publishing house, was launched
by the distinguished guests.
Next in his speech, the Hon’ble
Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu expressed gratitude to the principal, and
stated that this inauguration of the three important facilities - Badminton cum
Judo Hall, New Administrative Block and Recreation Hall was dedicated to the
students and faculty of the college. He appreciated the continuous development
of the institution and noted that every visit to his college has been to launch
new initiatives in infrastructure and academic growth.
He emphasized the need to bridge
existing gaps in education and assured that the government remains committed to
strengthening both health and education sectors. He further stated that future
infrastructural requirements, including upcoming departments, may be proposed
in advance for timely consideration and sanction by the government.
Highlighting the legacy of Dera
Natung College, he observed that the institution continues to uphold the vision
of the former Education Minister, Shri Dera Natung, contributing significantly
to the development of youth in the state. He congratulated the principal and
faculty for their efforts in the steady growth of the college, which now serves
over 4,600 students across 14 academic departments.
The Chief Minister also
highlighted the importance of sports in education, noting that several
sportspersons from the college have brought recognition at the state and
national levels. Referring to initiatives such as Khelo India - wherein
Arunachal Pradesh ranked 5th on a national level and number 1 among the north
eastern states, he stated that sports play a vital role in instilling
discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and encouraged students to remain
actively engaged in sports throughout their lives.
He further announced government
initiatives to provide scholarships for students securing admission in top
global universities, aiming to promote international exposure for the youth of
Arunachal Pradesh. He reiterated the importance of ongoing educational reforms
under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Mission Shikshit Arunachal
2029, stressing the need for timely and effective implementation to align with
global standards.
Emphasising the rapid advancement
of technology, including AI and digital platforms, he cautioned that technology
should be used as a tool to enhance human capability rather than replace
critical thinking. He encouraged students to remain adaptive while maintaining
strong intellectual and ethical grounding.
The Chief Minister also
underlined the importance of skill development, entrepreneurship, and
innovation for youth empowerment. He highlighted the state’s vast potential in
sectors such as hydropower and emerging industries, and encouraged students to
focus on becoming job creators rather than job seekers. He referred to various
government schemes supporting startups, mentorship, and creative economy
initiatives, and assured that talented youth will be supported and provided
opportunities at national and international platforms.
Shri Mutchu Mithi, Hon’ble MLA
cum Advisor to Hon’ble Minister Home and Education also gave a short speech,
expressing his deep attachment to the college as an alumnus of the institution.
He remarked that every effort made with hope in the past becomes the foundation
for a better future, emphasizing that students must carefully build their
foundations during their formative years, as it shapes their future outcomes.
He stated that students are the
architects of their own destiny as well as contributors to the development of
the state. He encouraged them to recognize that their future is bright and that
this is the right time to move forward with determination and purpose.
He appreciated the reforms and
developmental initiatives undertaken under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief
Minister, particularly in strengthening institutions such as the Public Service
Commission and Staff Selection Board, which have improved governance and
opportunities for youth.
He encouraged students to make
full use of their time, emphasizing that meaningful progress can be achieved
only through focus and dedication. He acknowledged the developmental progress
of Arunachal Pradesh and stated that while governance is challenging, it is
most fulfilling when it directly benefits the people.
He assured continued support for
the vision of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Arunachal” and urged the youth to actively
contribute to this goal. He also appreciated initiatives like youth engagement
programmes, stating that such platforms provide valuable opportunities for
learning and interaction. Concluding his speech, he thanked Dr. M. Q. Khan,
Principal, DNGC, and the students for their contribution to the event.
The program concluded with a vote
of thanks by Shri Botem Moyong, Assistant Professor, Mathematics Dept.,
acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the faculty, staff, and organizers.
These newly inaugurated facilities are poised to significantly uplift the
academic and extracurricular landscape of Dera Natung Government College,
Itanagar providing students with the environment necessary to thrive in their
respective fields of interest.








