PASIGHAT, NOV 7:
The APLA@50 Outreach Connect, an initiative under the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) reached Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, marking another significant milestone in its academic journey across the state.
The programme was organised in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), the nodal institute through its Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), with the aim of fostering civic awareness, political understanding and youth engagement in democratic processes.
The event commenced with a debate competition on the motion “Implementing One Nation, One Election streamlines the electoral process.” The spirited debate saw active participation from students, reflecting their understanding of governance, electoral reforms and democratic responsibility.
In his welcome address, Dr Tasi Taloh, JNC principal, emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in nurturing an informed and responsible citizenry and expressed pride in hosting the APLA Outreach Connect, which bridges students with the democratic institutions of the state.
Dr. Saurav Mitra, Assistant Professor, Centre for Distance and Online Education, RGU, and Coordinator of the Outreach Connect, elaborated on the objectives of the programme. He highlighted how the initiative has been connecting students from 25 affiliated colleges across Arunachal Pradesh, serving as a vital platform for academic dialogue and civic education.
Dr. Mitra also spoke about the various competitions launched under the Outreach Connect, including essay writing and poster designing contests, designed to encourage critical thinking and creativity among students.
Prof. Tomo Riba, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal Pradesh University, in his keynote address, inspired the students with his thought-provoking lecture on civic consciousness, awareness and active citizenship. He encouraged the youth to cultivate awareness as the first step to being informed, by observing their surroundings, keeping up with current affairs and understanding Arunachal Pradesh’s geopolitical position.
He cautioned that the northeastern region must remain firmly connected to the rest of India, both geographically and emotionally to strengthen national unity.
Prof. Riba further outlined a holistic approach to personal and national growth, beginning with knowledge, followed by skill development, creativity, and most importantly, the right attitude towards life. Without the right attitude, he said, all other efforts remain incomplete. He urged students to actively participate in democratic processes, reminding them that non-participation in voting weakens democracy.
He drew examples from daily life, noting that while people often complain about issues like cleanliness, they rarely take initiative to improve them, remarking that “many villages today are cleaner than cities because their people participate.”
He concluded by urging students to stay positive, reject negativity, and maintain physical and mental fitness, describing positivity and a strong sense of nationhood as essential attributes of responsible citizen.
The chair’s address was delivered by MLA Tapi Darang, representing the 38th Pasighat East assembly constituency, who began by recalling the one-day special session of the APLA held on 18th August 2025, where the state’s first chief minister reflected upon the journey of Arunachal Pradesh towards statehood.
Darang highlighted that roads are the true pathways to development, explaining how enhanced connectivity has transformed the socio-economic landscape of the state.
He fondly remembered Late Dorjee Khandu for his contribution to the development of the APLA’s new building and the state’s infrastructure. He emphasized that a strong opposition is as important as a strong government, as it ensures accountability and strengthens democracy.
Darang also reminded students that citizens have the most crucial role in choosing good leaders, and leadership should begin in colleges and universities, where values of discipline and responsibility are shaped.
He encouraged students to cultivate ownership and pride in their institutions, stating, “If you cannot think of your institution as your own, how can you think of the nation as our own?” He added that without a change in mentality, development remains superficial, and true progress can only emerge when individuals take active responsibility for their community and nation.
