From documenting the contributions of unsung freedom fighters to preserving indigenous manuscripts and advocating biodiversity conservation, Chowna Mein's engagement with Arunachal Pradesh's heritage extends across history, culture and the natural environment.

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein was conferred the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Award 2026 in Guwahati in recognition of his contributions towards strengthening the cultural and emotional bonds between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The award was presented during Mahamilanor Tirtha, organised by the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust in association with the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society, on the occasion of the 15th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

The recognition highlights the importance of preserving the shared cultural identity of the Northeast. It also provides an opportunity to revisit Mein's association with initiatives aimed at safeguarding Arunachal Pradesh's historical, cultural and natural heritage.

Documenting the Unsung Heroes of Arunachal Pradesh

One of Mein's significant heritage-related initiatives has been the documentation and recognition of unsung freedom fighters of Arunachal Pradesh who resisted British colonial expansion.

As Chairman of the Core Committee on Unsung Heroes of Arunachal Pradesh, he spearheaded an initiative in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) to uncover historical records and document indigenous resistance movements.

The research covered important events such as the Anglo-Tai Khamti War of 1839, the Anglo-Abor resistance movements and the Anglo-Wancho War of 1875, alongside the contributions of several other indigenous communities.

In January 2022, approximately 2,000 pages of archival documents and manuscripts were handed over to RGU for research and documentation. The initiative helped bring greater attention to the sacrifices of indigenous warriors whose contributions had remained largely outside mainstream historical narratives.

An exhibition showcasing these historical accounts, archival documents and photographs was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in February 2023.

Arunachal Rang Mahotsav: Taking Indigenous Stories to the Global Stage

Mein's association with Arunachal Rang Mahotsav (ARM) reflects his emphasis on using performing arts as a medium of historical documentation, cultural preservation and international exchange. Conceived around the golden jubilee celebrations of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the festival has evolved into an international theatre platform supported by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Mein served as its Chief Patron in the 2024 edition, themed Route to Roots, which was organised by Roots Art and Cultural Trust in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society, with support from the state government and Arunachal Tourism. The 14-day festival (November 22–December 5, 2024) featured international productions from five countries, eight local productions, national performances, seminars, exhibitions and workshops. It also focused on developing new productions based on Arunachali literature and documenting indigenous oral narratives, engaging over 380 local youth.

The festival's third edition in 2025 expanded its international reach, bringing together artists from 10 countries and presenting over 30 plays, workshops and performances over 14 days (November 24–December 6). It featured indigenous folklore, experimental theatre, traditional art forms and contemporary productions. Mein highlighted the festival's evolution from a state-level cultural initiative into a platform connecting Arunachal's artistic talent with the international theatre community.

Preserving Indigenous Culture and Heritage

Mein's engagement with cultural preservation also includes efforts to safeguard indigenous languages, manuscripts and traditional knowledge.

The launch of the Tai Khamti Heritage Archive in August 2026 marked an important milestone in this direction. The digital archive documented 471 Tai Khamti manuscripts comprising 28,264 pages, helping preserve a valuable collection of historical and literary material for future generations.

Such initiatives strengthen the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems and ensure that traditional histories and cultural identities remain accessible to younger generations.

Championing Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation

Beyond history and culture, Mein has consistently highlighted the importance of protecting Arunachal Pradesh's rich natural heritage.

Known for its extraordinary biodiversity, the state is home to rare orchids, medicinal plants, butterflies, birds and endangered wildlife. Mein has emphasised the need to balance development with environmental protection and promote greater community participation in conservation.

At the 2025 Wakro Butterfly Meet, organised in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, he highlighted the ecological importance of butterflies and encouraged young people to take an active interest in biodiversity conservation. At the time, 582 butterfly species had been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh.

He has also supported initiatives promoting nature-based tourism, biodiversity awareness and scientific documentation of the state's flora and fauna.

In 2022, he released Kamlang Tiger Reserve – At a Glance, a publication documenting the reserve's rich biodiversity. Such efforts highlight the importance of research, awareness and conservation in protecting the state's fragile ecosystems.

Preserving the Northeast's Shared Legacy

The conferment of the Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Award 2026 on Chowna Mein brings attention to the cultural connections between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and the broader historical identity of Northeast India.

His association with initiatives on unsung heroes, indigenous manuscripts and biodiversity conservation reflects three interconnected dimensions of heritage: remembering the past, preserving cultural traditions and protecting the natural environment.

As Arunachal Pradesh continues to progress, safeguarding its indigenous knowledge, recognising its historical contributions and conserving its ecological wealth remain important responsibilities.

Preserving heritage is ultimately about keeping history alive, protecting cultural identity and ensuring that the natural legacy of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast is passed on to future generations.