Description

Arunachal Pradesh, often described as the “hidden land,” occupies a unique position in the socio-political landscape of India. Rich in cultural plurality, ecological diversity, and indigenous traditions, the state has traversed a distinctive historical path from its days as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) to its emergence as a full-fledged state of the Indian Union. Amidst this transformation, one of the most compelling yet underexplored dimensions have been the role of youth and students in shaping civic consciousness and political processes.

This book, Youth Awareness and Civic Engagement: An Insight from Arunachal Pradesh, seeks to examine the evolving contours of political awareness, participation, and student activism in the state. It situates the discussion within broader theoretical frameworks of political socialization and political participation, while grounding the analysis in the specific historical, cultural, and institutional context of Arunachal Pradesh. In doing so, it highlights how traditional tribal institutions, the introduction of Panchayati Raj, expansion of education, and the rise of student organizations particularly the All–Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union have contributed to shaping contemporary civic engagement.

The study recognizes students not merely as academic actors but as emerging political elites, pressure groups, and catalysts of social transformation. From identity-based mobilization to advocacy on governance, education, and regional concerns, student organizations in Arunachal Pradesh have played a significant intermediary role between the state and society. By integrating empirical observations with conceptual clarity, this work aspires to contribute to the discourse on democratic participation in peripheral yet strategically significant regions of India. It is hoped that the book will serve scholars, policymakers, students, and readers interested in understanding how youth consciousness can influence political development and democratic consolidation in culturally diverse societies.