Author name: OnlineAge

NAHARLAGUN : AP QueerStation, in collaboration with Oju Mission and The Calm Space, organised an invite-only programme titled ‘Caring for the Caregivers’ to promote conversations on mental health, burnout and resilience among community leaders, caregivers, frontline workers and changemakers. The event brought together psychologists, journalists, police personnel, environmentalists, activists, development practitioners and social workers to reflect on the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Welcoming the participants, Oju Mission Chairperson Anya Ratan shared her personal journey as a caregiver and the challenges of leading a care institution. Recalling the difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, she spoke about the emotional, financial and personal pressures involved in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children under her care. She said the experience strengthened her resolve to continue serving society with compassion and urged participants to remember that caring for others must also include caring for oneself. The chief guest, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) President and women’s rights activist Adv Jarjum Ete, highlighted the emotional pressures faced by people working in the social sector, particularly women leaders devoted to community service. Stressing the importance of self-care, she said caregivers often neglect their own physical and mental wellbeing while supporting others and urged them to prioritise their health to continue serving with empathy and resilience. Guest of honour Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) member Niri Chongrowju appreciated the organisers for creating a platform to discuss mental health and inclusivity. Speaking on the rights of transgender persons, he highlighted legal and policy initiatives, including the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the National Council for Transgender Persons, the SMILE Scheme, the National Portal for Transgender Persons and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and reducing social stigma. The first panel discussion, moderated by Wanggo Socia, featured senior journalist Indu Chuku, Itanagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Rina Sonam, environmental activist Adv Ebo Mili, social activist Tadak Nalo and AP QueerStation founder Sawang Wangchha. The panellists shared experiences from their respective professions, highlighting the emotional demands of journalism, policing, social activism and advocacy. They stressed the importance of recognising mental health challenges, building resilience and creating supportive environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. Representing the LGBTQIA+ community, Sawang Wangchha spoke about the emotional impact of discrimination, bullying and the struggle for acceptance. He called for greater reliance on scientific evidence over prejudice in addressing issues affecting the community and underscored the importance of safe and inclusive spaces for vulnerable groups. The second panel discussion, moderated by Tomo Habung, featured mental health professionals Dr Yuma Narah, Dr Leeyir Ete, Dr Tadar Amar, Mayuri Handique and Pimpy Tachung. The experts discussed burnout, depression, chronic stress and resilience, emphasising that healing requires support, healthy coping mechanisms and timely professional intervention. They highlighted the role of counselling, creative expression and self-awareness in promoting mental wellbeing and encouraged participants to recognise early signs of burnout and seek help without hesitation. Delivering the vote of thanks, Sawang Wangchha thanked Oju Mission, the panellists, volunteers, partners and participants for making the programme a success. He said the event was intentionally organised as an invite-only gathering to create a safe and meaningful space for open dialogue, and expressed hope that it would encourage more conversations on mental health across Arunachal Pradesh. He also acknowledged the support of the Mariwala Health Initiative (MHI) and observed that programmes such as Caring for the Caregivers are essential for reducing stigma, encouraging people to seek support and fostering a more compassionate and mentally healthy society. The programme concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting safe spaces, mental wellbeing and the message that caregivers, too, deserve care, support and compassion.    

TAWANG : A 15-day Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) on value addition of finger millet for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) concluded successfully in Tawang on Saturday, strengthening efforts to promote women-led entrepreneurship and sustainable rural livelihoods. The programme was organised by the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU), Tawang under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) in collaboration with and funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). During the training, participants received intensive hands-on instruction in converting locally grown finger millet into a range of nutritious value-added products with strong market potential. Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo attended the valedictory function as the chief guest and distributed certificates to the trainees. Appreciating the millet-based food products and snacks prepared during the programme, she encouraged the SHG members to transform their newly acquired skills into sustainable enterprises by maintaining quality standards, adopting attractive packaging and exploring wider markets. She emphasised that value addition to locally available resources such as finger millet can significantly enhance household incomes while preserving traditional food practices and promoting nutrition. Earlier, BMMU Tawang BCLH-NF Drema Lhamu welcomed the gathering and presented an overview of the training programme, highlighting its objectives and the enthusiastic participation of women from SHGs across the district. Resource person Dr Divya Pathak, Subject Matter Specialist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tawang, said the participants underwent extensive practical demonstrations on preparing a variety of value-added finger millet products. The training focused on improving processing techniques, product quality, hygiene and commercial viability. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Deputy District Development Manager Keertika Kashyap said the programme, fully funded by NABARD and implemented by BMMU Tawang, also covered packaging, branding, marketing strategies, financial literacy and enterprise management to enable participants to establish sustainable micro-enterprises. Tawang District Horticulture Officer Koncho Gyatso highlighted government initiatives such as Catch Them Young and the Arunachal Mushroom Mission, urging the trained SHGs to diversify their livelihood activities. He added that trained SHGs would receive preference while availing benefits under the Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana and other government schemes. Tawang Deputy Director of Industries Tsering Drema briefed the participants on the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme and encouraged them to utilise it for establishing and expanding food processing enterprises. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from ArSRLM, NABARD and district stakeholders to strengthen rural women through skill development, entrepreneurship and value addition, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the district’s rural economy. (DIPR)    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT :  The Jering Matkir Society (JMS) on Saturday felicitated 42 outstanding achievers from diverse fields during its fifth Felicitation of Achievers 2026 programme held at the IGJ Higher Secondary School Auditorium, Pasighat, celebrating academic and professional excellence while inspiring young people to pursue their goals through education, discipline and perseverance. The ceremony honoured achievers from the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic sessions and was attended by Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, senior members of the society, government officials, educationists, community leaders, parents and well-wishers. Addressing the gathering, senior members of JMS and its Education and Counselling Committee congratulated the achievers for bringing laurels to the community. They emphasised that education remains the strongest foundation for social and economic progress and encouraged students to remain focused on their aspirations despite challenges. A total of 42 achievers were honoured across various categories, including seven CBSE Class X students, 11 Class XII students, eight candidates who excelled in higher education and competitive examinations, one gold medallist in air pistol shooting, one Post Graduate Teacher (PGT), nine Junior Engineers, three Assistant Engineers and two Circle Officers selected through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE). The programme also recognised university gold medallists, PhD scholars, students who secured admission to prestigious international universities and candidates who cleared various state and national competitive examinations. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, JMS president Er Tarik Mize said the society had earlier organised similar felicitation programmes in Itanagar and Pasighat. After a gap of nearly five to six years, it decided to jointly honour achievers from two academic sessions, making this year’s event one of the largest recognition programmes organised by the society. Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang urged students to remain committed to their goals with dedication, discipline and perseverance. “Whatever career you choose, remain committed to your goals with sincerity, hard work and determination. Success will certainly follow,” he said. JMS general secretary Nalo Jerang and Felicitation of Achievers programme chairperson Dr Kaling Jerang said the initiative was aimed not only at recognising meritorious students and successful candidates but also at motivating the younger generation to pursue higher education, prepare for competitive examinations and excel in their chosen fields. Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the felicitated achievers expressed gratitude to the Jering Matkir Society, donors and well-wishers for recognising their accomplishments and supporting them both emotionally and financially in pursuing their aspirations. JMS Education and Counselling Committee chairman Kanki Darang said the programme reaffirmed the society’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and encouraging the next generation to achieve greater academic and professional success.