Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung Enjoys First Holy Dip at Sangam During Maha Kumbh

Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung and his wife, Manaki Natung, recently visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. This was their first experience at the event, which began on January 13. They participated in a yagya at Govardhan Math Peethadheeshwar Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshajanand Devtirth's ashram and took holy dips in the Sangam.

Reflecting on his visit, Mama Natung expressed his delight at attending the Maha Kumbh for the first time. "I have taken a dip in Ganga several times before. But I am attending the Kumbh in Prayagraj for the first time, and that too the Maha Kumbh. It feels very nice to come here with my family," he shared.

Significance of Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh, occurring after 144 years, holds special significance for devotees. Mama Natung encouraged others to visit and experience its spiritual essence. "Taking a dip in the Maha Kumbh, which is taking place after 144 years, gives a very pleasant feeling. I appeal to everyone to come here, take a dip, seek blessings of Maa Ganga and also of the saints and seers who have come from different parts of the country," he said.

Expressing gratitude towards Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mama Natung acknowledged the arrangements made for pilgrims. He stated, "I want to thank Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the arrangements, from the smooth movement of pilgrims to their stay. I would like to extend thanks on behalf of the Arunachal Pradesh government."

Development in Northeast India

Mama Natung also highlighted developments in Northeast India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He noted improvements in infrastructure and technology across various sectors. "The development which has taken place in the Northeast after the formation of the government by Narendra Modi Ji -- be it in the fields of counter-insurgency, highways, railways or digital technology -- I have never seen in the past," he remarked.

Arunachal Pradesh shares borders with Myanmar, China, and Bhutan. Mama Natung emphasised progress in these border areas to prevent migration to plains. "Schools, roads, and houses have been developed so that people do not leave the border areas and come down to the relatively plain areas," he explained.

Personal Reflections

Manaki Natung shared her excitement about attending the Maha Kumbh Mela for the first time. She expressed her joy at participating in such a significant event. "The experience has been very nice. I have been hearing about the Kumbh Mela since childhood, but this is the first time that I took part in it, and that too the Maha Kumbh Mela. It is a matter of great honour," she said.

Swami Adhokshajanand Devtirth highlighted the importance of yagyas performed during this event. He stated, "It is believed that the yagya performed during the Kumbh in Prayagraj is much more effective than the yagyas performed on other occasions at some other place."

Mama Natung remains optimistic about future developments in Arunachal Pradesh. He mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh shares a 160 km border with Bhutan, 1,080 km with China, and 440 km with Myanmar. The minister expressed hope for continued progress under current leadership.