CHANGLANG : Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte on Saturday asserted that government schools are “second to none” and urged parents to place greater trust in public educational institutions while addressing the TCL Academic Achievers’ Award Programme 2026 here.
Organised by the Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding (DoTCL), the programme felicitated toppers of Classes X and XII from government secondary and higher secondary schools of the three districts for their outstanding academic performance during the 2025-26 session.
Citing the examples of Changlang Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah and DoTCL Secretary-cum-Director Wayong Khimhun, both products of government schools, Pongte said quality education and success are achievable through public institutions. He also urged education authorities to regularly monitor teaching standards to further improve academic outcomes.
Congratulating the awardees, the Speaker encouraged students to dream big, work hard and compete at the state and national levels. He emphasised the need to utilise DoTCL resources effectively for human resource development among TCL youth and for strengthening agriculture and horticulture sectors to support rural livelihoods.
He also highlighted the vital role of parents and guardians in shaping the future of young people and stressed the importance of channelising youth potential towards constructive and nation-building activities.
Earlier, DoTCL Secretary-cum-Director Wayong Khimhun highlighted the department’s initiatives and underscored the importance of recognising achievers to inspire younger generations.
DoTCL Chairman Tanpho Wangnaw spoke about the department’s educational initiatives, including free coaching programmes for aspirants preparing for Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) examinations. He informed that the event marked the fourth edition of the TCL Academic Achievers’ Felicitation Programme and announced that the next edition would be hosted in Longding district.
As guest of honour, Changlang South MLA Humjong Tangha congratulated the students and encouraged them to remain committed to their goals, stating that hard work remains the key to success.
Changlang Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah, in his motivational address, shared his experiences as a student and emphasised that success is built on discipline, perseverance and consistent effort. He urged students to remain focused on their aspirations and not be discouraged by temporary setbacks.
During the programme, Class XII toppers received cash awards of ₹1 lakh each, while Class X toppers were presented ₹50,000 each along with certificates and mementoes.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by DoTCL Deputy Director Wangton Lowang, who highlighted the department’s ongoing initiatives, including achievers’ awards in sports and social service and free coaching programmes for educated unemployed youth preparing for competitive examinations.
