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ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) has selected Tony Koyu for the Luminous Lummer Dai Literary Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to literature and language development in Arunachal Pradesh. Koyu is the inventor of Tani Lipi, the first indigenous script developed for the Tani tribes of the state. Using the script, he has authored novels, poems, short stories and articles in the Galo language, besides contributing literary works in Hindi and English. He has also received several honours, including the Bharat Jyoti Award, Sanskar Bharati Award and Penguin Publication Award. A founding vice-president of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society, Koyu played a significant role in the growth and development of the organisation during its formative years. According to an APLS statement issued by general secretary Mukul Pathak on Wednesday, the award — regarded as the only state-level literary honour in Arunachal Pradesh — was selected by the president of the society. The award will be presented during the celebration of the 87th birth anniversary of late Lummer Dai, regarded as the doyen of Arunachal literature, on June 1, 2026. The award carries a specially designed memento created by noted Assamese sculptor Biren Sinha, along with a citation, a set of books and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.  

ITANAGAR : Union Minister of State (MoS) for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suraj Gopi held an interactive meeting with Arunachal Pradesh Trade and Commerce, Industries and Skill Development Minister Nyato Dukam and senior officials during his visit to the state to review the functioning of the Film and Television Institute (FTI), Itanagar. During the meeting, Gopi emphasised the need for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to develop the Film and Television Institute into a centre of excellence and a major national asset in the region. Highlighting the importance of supporting infrastructure around the institute, Gopi stressed the need for establishing a Community Health Centre in the area, considering the presence of institutions such as the FTI, National Institute of Technology (NIT) and Law College, as well as the distance from major hospitals. The MoS also underscored the necessity of setting up a police outpost to maintain law and order, stating that any untoward incident at such a nationally important institution could have wider implications. The minister further called for expediting road connectivity and water supply arrangements for the institute. Referring to the tourism potential of the region, Gopi said the sector remained largely untapped and required focused development initiatives. The Union Minister also stressed the importance of skill development programmes for rural communities to promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. During his visit to the Civil Secretariat park in Itanagar, he gave a practical demonstration highlighting the productive uses of banana peels. Meanwhile, Dukam assured all possible support for the growth and development of the Film and Television Institute and related infrastructure. Among those present at the meeting were Education Commissioner Amjad Tak, Home and Intellectual Property Rights Commissioner Nyali Ete, Industries, Textiles and Skill Development Commissioner Mimum Tayeng, Tourism Secretary R Ngowa, Inspector General of Police Chukhu Apa, besides directors, faculty members and officials of the Film and Television Institute.      

ITANAGAR : The 3rd State Level Junior-cum-Inter-School FIDE Rating Chess Championship-2026 concluded at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Chimpu on Wednesday with enthusiastic participation from young chess players across Arunachal Pradesh. Organised by the All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association (AAPCA), the championship witnessed participation from around 160 students representing 28 schools from different parts of the state, including nine International Chess Federation (FIDE)-rated players. Officials informed that nine participants from the tournament are expected to receive their FIDE ratings soon. Intaya Public School Roing student Nyadar Poyom emerged champion after scoring 8 points from nine rounds. VKV Chimpu student Jito Dirchi and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Megdong student Oonshu Haging secured second and third positions respectively with 7.5 points each. The top three finishers will represent Arunachal Pradesh at the National Under-19 Chess Championship-2026, with the AAPCA sponsoring their participation. Jumsi Lollen, who scored 5.5 points, was adjudged the Best Performing Girl of the tournament. A total of 20 players, along with winners across eight age-group categories, were felicitated with trophies and incentives during the valedictory function. Kamle former Zilla Parishad Chairperson Biri Shanti attended the closing ceremony as chief guest, while AAPCA honorary secretary Tamchi Kache attended as guest of honour. The age-group category winners included Koj Hempyo (Under-9 Boys), Jumman Lollen (Under-9 Girls), Nyelam Beomen (Under-11 Boys), Posmi Ronya (Under-11 Girls), Begia Josh (Under-13 Boys), Lukna Lomdak (Under-13 Girls), Chuku Niting (Under-15 Boys) and Binia Lomdak (Under-15 Girls). The organisers expressed gratitude to all participants, schools, officials and guests for contributing to the successful conduct of the championship.      

TUTING : The Indian Army’s Spearhead Division under Spear Corps successfully concluded the second edition of the Siang Futsal Tournament at Tuting Sports Complex in Arunachal Pradesh’s picturesque Siang Valley. The tournament, which began on May 8, culminated in an electrifying final between Gelling Norbulling Youth and Nyigong Boying Banggo Kebang (NBBK) Society. Displaying exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship, NBBK Society emerged champions of the tournament. The grand finale drew an enthusiastic crowd, turning the sports complex into a vibrant celebration of youth talent, unity and community spirit. Spectators passionately cheered for their teams, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the event. A total of 12 men’s teams and three women’s teams from nearby villages and educational institutions participated in the tournament. Players showcased remarkable discipline, determination and sporting talent, highlighting the growing popularity of futsal among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh. The participation of women’s teams also reflected increasing inclusivity and empowerment through sports initiatives in the border region. The closing ceremony was attended by senior Army officials, representatives of the Tuting civil administration, village elders, youth clubs, schoolchildren and residents from nearby border villages. Their presence underscored the strong bond of trust and cooperation between the Indian Army and local communities. The winning and runner-up teams were felicitated with trophies, medals and cash prizes, while all participants were appreciated for maintaining the spirit of fair play and exemplary conduct during the tournament. Organised to promote physical fitness, healthy competition and constructive youth engagement, the tournament also served as a platform to strengthen social harmony and community relations in the frontier region. Addressing the gathering, Army officials appreciated the support extended by local residents and reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment towards the welfare, empowerment and holistic development of border communities through outreach initiatives. The successful conduct of the tournament once again highlighted the Indian Army’s continued efforts to foster unity, national integration and enduring peace in the country’s frontier areas. (Source: DIPR)