Author name: OnlineAge

NAHARLAGUN : More than 100 aspiring models participated in the final auditions for Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026, a flagship initiative under Apatani Fashion Week 2026 aimed at promoting indigenous textiles, handicrafts and cultural enterprises from Arunachal Pradesh while creating livelihood opportunities for youth, artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs. The auditions were conducted by the Siilang Ditting Dree Festival Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Fashion and Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh (FDCAP), marking a key milestone in preparations for Apatani Fashion Week 2026. Around 104 participants took part in the physical and online audition process, with approximately 30 contestants to be shortlisted for the competition. Organised as part of the Dree Festival celebrations, the initiative seeks to go beyond a conventional fashion event by linking indigenous culture with entrepreneurship, skill development, market access and sustainable livelihoods. It aims to strengthen opportunities for artisans, weavers, self-help groups, designers and creative enterprises while showcasing the cultural heritage of the Apatani community. With the completion of the audition process, registrations for designers, weavers, artisans, self-help groups, exhibitors and participating brands have officially closed. Speaking on the occasion, Apatani Fashion Week Chief Executive Officer Kago Jorang said the platform was designed not only to discover modelling talent but also to strengthen indigenous industries and encourage entrepreneurship. “Arunachal Pradesh is rich in traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, weaving and cultural heritage. We believe our artisans, weavers, designers and entrepreneurs have the potential to create products that can compete in national and international markets. Through continuous learning, innovation and quality improvement, we hope to develop market-ready and export-quality products that can generate sustainable livelihoods for our communities,” he said. Arunachal Fashion Week Chief Executive Officer Angie Ngoba Namchoom said community fashion weeks are intended to strengthen the broader ecosystem surrounding indigenous fashion and craftsmanship. “Fashion does not begin on the runway. It begins with farmers, sericulture practitioners, weavers, artisans and traditional knowledge holders. The runway is only the final stage of a much larger journey. Our vision is to build an ecosystem where artisans, weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, self-help groups and youth can grow together while preserving the authenticity of our culture,” she said. Namchoom added that the initiative would continue beyond the annual event through workshops, mentorship programmes, product development initiatives and market-linkage opportunities aimed at improving skills, branding, storytelling and product quality. Northeast India Fashion Week Founder and Chairperson and Arunachal Fashion Week Chairperson Yana Ngoba Chakpu highlighted the growing global demand for authentic handmade products and indigenous craftsmanship. “Handmade textiles and handicrafts carry stories, identity, heritage and generations of knowledge. Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential to emerge as a recognised destination for indigenous fashion, textiles and craftsmanship,” she said. Apatani Fashion Week 2026 will feature fashion showcases on July 1 and 2, bringing together designers, weavers, artisans, self-help groups and emerging talents from across the region. The event will also feature Meghalaya designer Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah, who will present his collection and serve on the jury panel alongside Angie Ngoba Namchoom and designer Zenit Khunjuju. An Exhibition and Learning Space will be organised throughout the event, showcasing indigenous textiles, handicrafts, traditional knowledge systems, community enterprises and creative businesses. The exhibition will continue until July 6, providing visitors, students, buyers and stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with artisans and gain deeper insights into Apatani culture and craftsmanship. Organisers said Apatani Fashion Week is envisioned as a long-term community development platform. Through continued mentorship, capacity-building initiatives and collaborative programmes, promising artisans, weavers, designers and creative enterprises will be nurtured for wider opportunities. Selected talents, collections, textiles, handicrafts and products emerging from the event will subsequently be showcased at Arunachal Fashion Week under a unified Apatani identity, creating pathways to national and international markets while highlighting the community’s creativity, craftsmanship and cultural heritage.      

NIRJULI :  The GAJRAJ Corps conducted a motivational lecture and weapon and equipment display during the Combined Annual Training Camp of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC) at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli. Organised by an infantry unit of the Indian Army in the presence of officials of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 350 NCC cadets and students from various educational institutions. The programme aimed to familiarise participants with modern military weapons, surveillance systems and equipment employed by the Indian Armed Forces, including several indigenously developed platforms. Among the weapons displayed were the SIG Sauer 716 rifle, Negev 7.62 mm light machine gun, SAKO TRG-42 sniper rifle, 84 mm Recoilless Launcher Mk-IV, 40 mm Multi Grenade Launcher, MP9 and AK-203 assault rifle. The equipment display included the Uncooled Hand-Held Thermal Imager, Thermal Imaging Sight, Reflex Sight, Spotter Scope and Holographic Sight, offering participants an understanding of advanced surveillance and target-acquisition technologies used in modern military operations. Cadets and students also interacted with Army personnel serving in frontier areas, providing them with valuable insights into military life and fostering a deeper sense of patriotism, discipline and civic responsibility. Among those present were National Institute of Technology Jote Associate NCC Officer Capt Dr Achyut Sarkar, Government Higher Secondary School Naharlagun Associate NCC Officer A K Yadav, Model Higher Secondary School Itanagar Associate NCC Officer Salam Babul Singh, Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Itanagar Associate NCC Officer Priya, NERIST Caretaker Training Officer Prof Bhagyalakshmi Narayanapuram, NERIST Caretaker Training Officer Dr Aswini Kumar Patra, along with the Permanent Instructional Staff of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC. The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants gained deeper insights into the capabilities of modern military equipment and the professionalism and dedication of the Indian armed forces in safeguarding the nation.    

TAWANG : A Career Counselling and Training Programme for young and adolescent students on gender equality under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative was organised at the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Tawang on Monday. The programme was jointly organised by the Education Department and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Tawang, under its Information and Publicity Programme. It aimed to create awareness on education, gender equality, mental health, career opportunities, social responsibility, legal awareness, environmental conservation and financial literacy. Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner in-charge Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta attended the programme as chief guest, while Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang was the guest of honour. Among those present were Tawang Deputy Superintendent of Police Tasso Kato, Tawang Deputy Director of School Education Hridar Phuntsok, GHSS Tawang Principal Aseng Modi, Kyidphel Administrative Officer Sange Norbu, resource persons, teachers and students. In his introductory remarks, Phuntsok highlighted the objectives of the programme and stressed the importance of empowering young minds through awareness, education and skill development. Addressing the gathering, Rinchin Leta emphasised that education remains the foremost responsibility of every student. He encouraged students to adopt the values of dedication, discipline and determination as guiding principles for achieving success and becoming responsible citizens. Delivering an awareness session, Tasi Darang sensitised students on the dangers of drug abuse and explained key provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including awareness on good touch and bad touch. He also highlighted important aspects of the Motor Vehicles Act, including road safety, legal driving age, drink-and-drive offences, pedestrian rights and provisions under the new criminal laws. Speaking on environmental conservation, Sange Norbu highlighted the adverse impact of single-use plastics on marine ecosystems, water resources, soil health and agricultural productivity. He urged students to become advocates of environmental protection and sustainable practices. The programme also featured expert sessions by KDS District Hospital Tawang Clinical Psychologist Tenzin Dolma on mental health and emotional well-being, and Psychologist Lobsang Youton on drug addiction and its long-term consequences. District Development Consultant, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Kritika Kashyab conducted a session on financial literacy and skill development, highlighting the importance of informed financial decisions and career-oriented competencies. A special session on career opportunities in the armed forces was delivered by 190 Mountain Brigade Education Officer Lt Col Mini Saxena, who provided insights into various career avenues in the Indian Army and encouraged students to explore opportunities in the defence sector. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and served as an effective platform for promoting awareness on gender equality, education, health, environmental responsibility, financial literacy and career development, reinforcing the objectives of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign. (DIPR)