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)
