In the remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh, where the Indian Army was once viewed with suspicion by local tribal communities, the armed forces have now become symbols of hope and trust, thanks to their philanthropic initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana. This initiative, which aims to foster goodwill and support local communities, has seen the army not only securing the nation’s borders but also working tirelessly for the welfare of the people.
One of the standout examples of this transformation is Bene village, located more than 300 km from the state capital, Itanagar, in the West Siang district. Here, the army’s intervention has brought significant changes. To ensure the safety of the 50 children who study at the local government school, the army installed fencing around the premises. The school, which has eight rooms, smart classrooms, and an active alumni association, is a testament to the army’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure in these remote areas. The school’s Principal, Tumto Ete, expressed gratitude for the army’s continuous support, saying, “We have urged them to adopt our school, as they have consistently helped us in various ways.”
The Eastern Command of the army has also extended its efforts to Darka village, which is not far from Bene. In this village, the army constructed a community centre, installed swings and slides for children at the local government school, and even built a fence around the school to enhance security. Mobi Ete, a teacher at the Darka primary school, praised the army’s involvement, stating, “The army has given swings and slides and other equipment for the students. We have also asked them to repair the roof of the school building.”
Beyond education, the army has played a pivotal role in improving the overall infrastructure in these villages. In Darka, a new bridge has been constructed to ease travel for locals, while a compost fertiliser machine has been set up in another village to aid agricultural activities. These projects are just a few examples of how the army’s presence is enhancing day-to-day life for the local population.
The army’s efforts extend to promoting tourism in the state, which has vast untapped potential. In Wak village, the army organised a 15-day hospitality certificate programme for the owner of the only homestay in the village. Tumge Ete, the homestay owner, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I have been running a homestay for the last four years, and most of my guests are army personnel and their families. The army’s hospitality course has taught us valuable skills that will help us attract more tourists to this unexplored part of the state.”
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The bonds between the army and the local tribes are growing stronger, and many villagers now see the army as more than just a force for security. The head of Darka village, Medam Ete, remarked, “Our elders were wary of the armed forces in our region, but that has changed now. Without the army, nothing is possible… the army is our necessity. They are our hope and trust.”
The army’s work goes beyond physical infrastructure. Alongside building fitness centres for children, waste disposal machines, and projects aimed at providing pure drinking water, several other initiatives are underway to improve the quality of life in these remote villages. In the West Siang district alone, the army is overseeing 19 projects for the financial year 2024-25, with an investment of Rs 3.14 crore. These projects are focused on furthering the development of villages, improving infrastructure, and meeting the pressing needs of the local population.
Operation Sadbhavana is an example of how the Indian Army is actively contributing to the social and economic development of rural areas, in addition to its primary responsibility of national defence. The initiative has successfully built a bridge of trust between the army and the locals, transforming the perception of the armed forces from a distant entity to a trusted partner in the pursuit of progress and welfare. With continued efforts and collaboration, the army is playing an instrumental role in shaping the future of these remote communities.
