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RONO HILLS, OCT 22: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organised an interaction programme with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Special Monitor Prof Kanhaiya Tripathi at the IUGS Conference Hall on Wednesday, focusing on human rights awareness, gender equality and student welfare. The programme brought together students, research scholars, faculty members and university officials. Registrar Dr NT Rikam delivered the welcome address, while Dr Abhay Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Law, presented an overview of the university’s academic activities. Addressing the gathering, Tripathi stressed the importance of human rights awareness, equality and collective responsibility in creating an inclusive society. He highlighted the role of educational institutions in upholding human dignity, constitutional values and individual rights, and called for a campus environment free from discrimination. He urged the university to introduce initiatives to strengthen human rights awareness, including publishing a university newsletter to highlight related issues and initiatives. He also recommended establishing a Human Rights Cell within the university administration and Human Rights Clubs in hostels to encourage student participation and promote empathy and social responsibility. Tripathi further proposed publishing journals and edited books on human rights and establishing a dedicated Centre for Human Rights at the university to promote research, academic engagement, awareness and advocacy. Emphasising campus infrastructure and student well-being, he called for adequate water facilities, sanitation, cleanliness and hygiene in the university and hostels. He also stressed the need to raise awareness of cyber hygiene and cybersecurity to improve safety in the digital environment. Tripathi highlighted the importance of student satisfaction, positive relationships and recreational opportunities in improving the university community’s overall well-being. He said a supportive campus atmosphere was essential for students’ holistic development. During the interaction, some faculty members and students raised grievances and concerns, which were noted for consideration and follow-up by the concerned authorities. In-charge Vice-Chancellor Prof Jharna Chakravorty also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of academic dialogue, awareness and student welfare in strengthening the university’s educational environment. As part of his visit, Tripathi interacted with deans, hostel wardens, students, research scholars, faculty members and university officials to understand their experiences and concerns. He also visited three university hostels to inspect facilities and infrastructure and discuss issues relating to sanitation, cleanliness and student welfare with residents. The programme provided a platform for discussions on human rights, institutional responsibility and measures to foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 22: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has called for integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to strengthen biodiversity conservation and protect Arunachal Pradesh’s rich ecological heritage. He made the observation when Arunachal Pradesh State Biodiversity Board chairman Hawa Bagang called on him at Lok Bhavan here on Thursday and briefed him on initiatives to conserve biodiversity, protect biological resources and promote their sustainable use. The Governor said indigenous communities possessed generations of knowledge about forests, medicinal plants, wildlife, sacred groves and sustainable resource management. He advised the Board to systematically document, preserve and promote this heritage in collaboration with local knowledge holders, complementing indigenous wisdom with modern scientific approaches. Parnaik stressed the need to address challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and the erosion of traditional knowledge. He called for greater community participation, stronger Biodiversity Management Committees and effective maintenance of People’s Biodiversity Registers. He also urged the Board to engage youth, students, researchers and village institutions in conservation initiatives while promoting sustainable livelihoods and encouraging communities to become custodians of their natural heritage. Emphasising that conservation should become a people’s movement, the Governor called for greater efforts to encourage younger generations to learn from village elders, revive sustainable traditional practices and take pride in the state’s ecological wealth. He said development and conservation must progress hand in hand to ensure that Arunachal Pradesh’s natural heritage is protected and preserved for future generations. Bagang expressed his commitment to undertaking concrete initiatives to strengthen biodiversity conservation in the state.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 22: Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul on Thursday described Anganwadi workers and helpers as the backbone of the state’s women and child development system and stressed the need to improve their working conditions, dignity and recognition. Addressing the second foundation day celebration of the Arunachal Pradesh Anganwadi Karmachari Sangh (APAKS) at Dree Ground here, Pul lauded the dedication of frontline workers in delivering essential services, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas. “Anganwadi workers are not merely frontline workers but the silent architects of our future generations,” she said, highlighting their role in maternal and child nutrition, early childhood education, health awareness and community welfare. The minister acknowledged that workers and helpers continued to face challenges related to honorarium, social security, infrastructure, working conditions and recognition. She assured them that their concerns would be heard and genuine demands considered at the appropriate level. Pul said the success of government policies depended largely on the dedication of frontline personnel working at the grassroots level. She added that the state government, under Chief Minister Pema Khandu, was committed to strengthening Anganwadi services, improving nutritional outcomes, promoting early childhood development and empowering women. Appreciating APAKS for providing a common platform for Anganwadi workers and helpers, she urged the organisation to maintain unity, discipline and a constructive approach while working to improve the system. “When we support an Anganwadi worker, we strengthen a family. When we strengthen an Anganwadi centre, we secure a child’s future,” Pul said, emphasising that those who dedicate their lives to caring for children also deserve care, dignity and recognition. She congratulated APAKS on its foundation day and called for collective efforts to build a healthier and more empowered Arunachal Pradesh.  

TAWANG, OCT 22: The Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology’s Technology Enabling Centre at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Doimukh, and Khadi Institution Youth Action for Social Welfare (YASW), Tawang, organised a training-cum-workshop on natural fibre utilisation for Daphne handmade paper and handicrafts in Tawang on Thursday. APKVIB chairman Maling Gombu attended the programme as chief guest, while Dr Krishna Kanth Pulicherla, senior scientist and director in the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, presided over the event. Tawang Zila Parishad Member Sonam Nordzin was the guest of honour. Addressing the gathering, Gombu stressed the need to strengthen village industries by combining traditional knowledge and indigenous skills with scientific research and modern technology. He highlighted the role of RGU’s Technology Enabling Centre in facilitating innovation and technological support for the sustainable development of rural enterprises. Calling for the revival of traditional industries and declining art forms, Gombu highlighted the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous industrial heritage, including its nearly 1,000-year-old handmade paper tradition, pottery, Eri and Oak Tussar silk production, woodcraft, cane and bamboo industries, natural dyes, incense-stick making and oil extraction from soybean and other locally cultivated crops. He said these industries could generate rural employment, promote entrepreneurship and increase incomes if supported by improved processing techniques, product innovation, quality enhancement and stronger market linkages. Gombu emphasised that traditional industries should not be preserved merely as cultural practices but developed into economically sustainable and commercially viable enterprises capable of attracting younger generations. He called for closer collaboration among APKVIB, scientific institutions, artisans and community organisations to connect traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Rakesh Jain, United Nations Industrial Development Organization expert and former director of the Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, highlighted the livelihood potential of natural fibre-based industries. He stressed skill development, technological advancement and market-oriented production to strengthen rural enterprises and improve the economic prospects of artisan communities. Nordzin underscored the importance of grassroots participation and community involvement in promoting rural livelihoods. She encouraged local communities to use their traditional skills and available resources to create sustainable economic opportunities. Dr Rahul Chandra Kushwaha of RGU’s Technology Enabling Centre delivered the welcome address, while YASW secretary Tenzin Samcho proposed the vote of thanks. The workshop highlighted the importance of combining traditional knowledge, technological support and institutional collaboration to revive village industries, strengthen natural fibre-based enterprises and preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural and industrial heritage.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 22: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has called on the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) to adopt a proactive, people-centric approach to ensure timely welfare support for ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their dependants across Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those living in remote areas. He made the appeal when RSB Director-cum-Secretary Brig DCS Kanyal (Retd) called on him at Lok Bhavan here on Thursday following his appointment to the post. Congratulating Kanyal on his new responsibility, the Governor expressed confidence that he would work with dedication and compassion to address the needs of ex-servicemen and their families. He said their welfare must remain central to the Board’s activities, recognising the sacrifices and service of armed forces personnel. Parnaik stressed the need for regular communication with veterans, Veer Naris and their dependants to understand their concerns and ensure eligible beneficiaries receive timely assistance and welfare benefits. He also called for strengthening coordination with concerned departments and local administrations to resolve grievances promptly. Emphasising healthcare access, the Governor suggested empanelling hospitals in different districts, particularly those closer to beneficiaries’ homes, to reduce the need for long-distance travel for treatment. He also recommended exploring mobile medical vans to extend healthcare services to veterans and their families in remote areas. The Governor further urged the Board to ensure that information on government welfare schemes, financial assistance, healthcare facilities and other support measures reaches every eligible beneficiary. Kanyal assured the Governor of his commitment to working for the welfare of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their families across the state.  

BANDERDEWA, OCT 22: The Arunachal Pradesh Police observed the 67th Police Commemoration Day at the Police Training Centre (PTC), Banderdewa, in Papum Pare district on Thursday, paying tribute to personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Director General of Police Dr Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal led the Smriti Diwas parade and offered floral tributes to the police martyrs. Personnel of various ranks of the Arunachal Pradesh Police also paid homage to the fallen officers. Addressing the gathering, Jamwal said the sacrifices of police personnel would never be forgotten and highlighted the courage, dedication and risks involved in their service to the nation. He said the occasion served as a reminder of their commitment to protecting the public and maintaining law and order. Family members of martyr Lieutenant Head Constable Chikseng Manpong also offered prayers in remembrance of police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. Police Commemoration Day is observed across the country on October 21 every year to honour police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties. The event was attended by officers and personnel of the Arunachal Pradesh Police, India Reserve Battalion, Arunachal Pradesh Battalion, Special Task Force and Crime Branch, along with Inspector Generals of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Superintendents of Police from Itanagar Capital Complex and Papum Pare, and family members of martyrs. The Arunachal Pradesh Police reiterated its commitment to supporting serving personnel, caring for the families of martyrs and upholding the values of duty, integrity and service.