Author name: OnlineAge

ITANAGAR, Border Roads Organisation’s Project Vartak on Thursday celebrated its 66th Raising Day and reaffirmed its commitment towards strengthening strategic border infrastructure and maintaining year-round connectivity in remote and high-altitude areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Project Vartak, which currently maintains around 2,066 km of strategically important roads, plays a key role in ensuring operational preparedness along the international border, besides supporting socio-economic development in remote frontier regions, a Defence spokesperson said in a statement. Originally raised as Project Tusker on May 7, 1960, it became the first BRO project to undertake road construction activities in the country. In 1963, it was renamed as Project Vartak, Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said. During 1964-65, the project undertook the challenging task of improving the Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang axis, including formation cutting works connecting Bomdila with Sela and surfacing works from Bhalukpong to Rupa under difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. At present, Project Vartak is responsible for the construction, development and maintenance of strategic roads in Sonitpur district of Assam and West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, the statement said. Lt Col Rawat said 67 roads with 119 ongoing works are currently in progress within the Project Area of Responsibility. The project is also maintaining 1,309 km of roads and carrying out snow clearance operations over 550 km in extreme climatic conditions. (Source: PTI)  

DEOMALI, The Ramakrishna Mission (RKM), Narottam Nagar, organised Youth Convention 2026 at Vivekananda Sabhagriha on May 5 last, bringing together around 400 youths from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The day-long programme aimed at inspiring young minds towards character-building, self-discipline and holistic development in the light of the teachings and ideals of Swami Vivekananda. The convention began with an inaugural song followed by ceremonial lamp-lighting amid Vedic chanting, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Speakers emphasised the importance of man-making education, moral values and inner strength among the youth. The event featured multiple sessions on themes including “Man-Making and Character-Building Education” and “Modern Day Problems and the Youth”, with monks, teachers and students sharing their perspectives through speeches and presentations. A major highlight of the programme was the address by Swami Shubhakaranandaji Maharaj of Ramakrishna Mission Agartala, who explained the distinction between ego and self-respect. He said ego arises from ignorance and self-centredness, while genuine self-respect is rooted in humility, responsibility and inner strength. He urged the youth to cultivate integrity and accountability in their daily lives. Another keynote address was delivered by Hyderabad Ramakrishna Math Adhyaksha Swami Bodhamayanandaji Maharaj, who spoke on the importance of concentration in achieving success. Through practical examples, he explained how disciplined practice, focused attention and consistency help strengthen concentration and improve performance in all aspects of life. The post-lunch session included a documentary screening, cultural performances and discussions on rebuilding India through the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. An interactive “Youth Speaks” session also enabled participants to engage directly with the speakers and share their views and experiences. The concluding session featured reflections from students and teachers, who described the convention as inspiring and enriching. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were distributed before the programme concluded with a vote of thanks and closing song. Organisers stated that the convention successfully conveyed the importance of character-building, dedication and self-development, while motivating participants to contribute positively towards society.

MEGDONG, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets attending the ongoing camp at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Megdong visited Megdong village in Kamle district under the Vibrant Village Programme for an educational and culturally enriching experience. The initiative aimed to provide cadets with first-hand exposure to rural life, indigenous traditions and the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The programme began with a cleanliness drive conducted under the Swachhata Abhiyan, during which the cadets actively participated in cleaning the government school of the village. The activity promoted awareness on cleanliness, civic responsibility and community service among both cadets and villagers. During the visit, the cadets interacted with local residents, most of whom belong to the Dong clan of the Nyishi tribe, and gained insight into their customs, traditions, lifestyle and social values. Villagers shared knowledge about their traditional practices, close relationship with nature and community-oriented way of life. Set amid scenic hills and agricultural landscapes, Megdong village offered the cadets an opportunity to witness how indigenous communities continue to preserve their cultural identity through traditional attire, festivals and sustainable living practices. The programme was conducted under the supervision of the Commanding Officer of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, along with Associate NCC Officers (ANOs), Caretaker Officer (CTO) Ajay and Permanent Instructor (PI) staff members. Organisers stated that such initiatives play an important role in developing socially responsible and culturally aware youth by encouraging interaction with diverse communities and promoting appreciation for India’s rich tribal heritage.

RONO HILLS, The ninth edition of Arunachal Panorama concluded at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) on Wednesday evening with a colourful valedictory programme celebrating the rich cultural diversity and indigenous heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The two-day cultural event featured presentations of traditional customs, dances, music and attire representing various tribes of the state. The valedictory session began with the University Song, followed by a welcome address from RGU Dean of Students’ Welfare Prof. N.N. Hina, who encouraged students to showcase their talents and actively participate in cultural initiatives like Panorama. A special Panorama dance performance depicting the traditions and cultural identity of different tribes added vibrancy to the programme. Addressing the gathering, RGU Students’ Union General Secretary Pura Mamung thanked members of the university fraternity for their cooperation and participation in making the event successful. RGU Registrar Dr NT Rikam described Arunachal Panorama as an important platform for preserving traditional customs, practices and heritage that are gradually facing distortion and decline. He said the event symbolises unity in diversity and strengthens social harmony among communities. Explaining the significance of the traditional hearth and flame used during the festival, Dr. Rikam said ashes from the hearth of previous editions are preserved and added to the succeeding editions to symbolise continuity of culture, heritage and traditions. Among the distinguished guests present at the valedictory programme were Central Hindi Directorate Director Dr. Hitendra Kumar Mishra, former Jabalpur University professor Dr. Tribhuvan Nath Shukla, language experts Dr. Sudhir Mishra and Dr. Varun Kumar, and Ministry of Education official Dr. Dipak Pandey. RGU Vice-Chancellor (Acting) Prof SK Nayak, in his address, expressed hope that the spirit of preserving and practising indigenous customs and traditions showcased during Arunachal Panorama would continue among future generations. The programme concluded with the ceremonial extinguishing of the traditional hearth by the chief guests, symbolising the close of the two-day cultural celebration. A presentation of traditional tribal attire from different communities of Arunachal Pradesh was also held during the valedictory session.

The Round-VII Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme and Round-III Classical Swine Fever (CSF) vaccination drive under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) were formally launched in Leparada district on Thursday at New Dari, headquarters of Dari circle. The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening animal health systems and supporting rural livestock-based livelihoods. The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Leparada Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Nyamar Riba as chief guest and Leparada Additional Deputy Commissioner Ejum Angu as guest of honour. The event witnessed participation of Gaon Burahs, Gram Panchayat leaders, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, farmers, livestock owners and members of the public from nearby villages. Addressing the gathering, District Veterinary Officer Dr. Dammo Riba highlighted the objectives of the National Animal Disease Control Programme, stating that FMD and CSF are among the major livestock diseases causing significant economic losses to farmers. He stressed that timely vaccination is essential to protect animal health and strengthen rural livelihoods. He also underscored the importance of community participation and urged Panchayati Raj Institution leaders, Gaon Burahs and village stakeholders to actively support the successful implementation of the vaccination drive across the district. Dr. Riba further appealed to livestock owners to cooperate in the OTP-based registration of animals through the Bharat Pashudhan App for real-time monitoring and data updating. ZPC Nyamar Riba appreciated the Veterinary Department’s initiative and emphasized the importance of livestock as a key source of income for rural households. She urged farmers and livestock owners to fully utilise the vaccination and veterinary services being provided. Leparada ADC Ejum Angu also lauded the department’s efforts and called for active public cooperation to ensure smooth execution of the campaign. He highlighted that awareness, timely vaccination and preventive healthcare are essential in controlling animal diseases, stating that prevention remains better than cure. Officials informed that the vaccination drive will continue in a phased manner, covering cattle, mithun, pigs and other susceptible livestock to ensure wider immunisation coverage and improved animal health security across the district. (DIPR)