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ZIRO, SEP 25: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) attended the Ziro Music Festival at Ziro Valley on Friday and interacted with organisers, artists, volunteers and district administration officials. Appreciating the organisers, artists, volunteers and the Apatani community, the Governor said the festival had emerged as one of India’s prominent independent music festivals, bringing together culture, creativity and community participation while creating opportunities for youth. Since its inception in 2012, the festival has attracted musicians and music lovers from across India and abroad, while promoting sustainable tourism and showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage. Parnaik also highlighted its eco-friendly ethos, bamboo infrastructure and strong community involvement. The Governor said music was a universal language that transcended boundaries, connected people and inspired positive thinking. He said festivals such as Ziro provided young people with a constructive platform to express themselves, build confidence and channel their energy into creative pursuits. He added that creativity extended beyond music to entrepreneurship, innovation, arts, literature, technology and community leadership. Interacting with local youth and musicians, Parnaik encouraged them to pursue excellence with dedication and discipline. He said Arunachal Pradesh was blessed with immense artistic talent and urged the younger generation to harness their potential and become ambassadors of the State’s rich cultural identity. He encouraged aspiring musicians to use music to tell the stories of their land, traditions and aspirations to national and international audiences. The Governor commended the Apatani community for its hospitality and exemplary role in hosting visitors through homestays and community participation. He said such interactions promote cultural understanding, strengthen national integration and create livelihood opportunities for local families. The festival, he noted, had become a major tourism attraction, drawing visitors to Ziro Valley and contributing to the local economy. Calling upon the youth, particularly Gen Z, to draw inspiration from the festival, Parnaik stressed perseverance and hard work in nurturing talent. He urged them to remain rooted in their cultural values while embracing new ideas and opportunities and expressed confidence that the creative energy of the festival would inspire young Arunachalis to innovate and contribute meaningfully to a vibrant and developed Arunachal Pradesh.    

TAWANG, SEP 25: An Artificial Insemination (AI) programme for yaks and cattle was conducted by the Indian Army in collaboration with the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Yak), Dirang, Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development and Tawang district administration at Tsachin near Bumla, Kumrotser near Taktsang Gonpa and Mera GG towards Chema. The initiative aims to improve the genetic quality and productivity of yaks and address inbreeding depression, which can adversely affect traits such as body size, milk production and disease resistance. The programme is expected to contribute to healthier and more productive yak herds and support efforts to increase the yak population in Tawang district. Principal Scientist Dr Vijay Paul and Dr Mukhtar of NRC-Yak, the Officer Commanding (OC) of the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC), Tawang, and veterinarians from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development participated in the AI process. District Veterinary Officer Tawang Dr Thuptan Tashi appealed to Brokpas and yak herders to avail themselves of the facility. He said AI involves considerable cost for individual herders, but the present initiative is being provided free of cost with the support of the Indian Army. Tashi said wider adoption of scientific breeding practices would help improve the health, productivity and population of yaks while supporting the traditional yak-rearing livelihood of the Brokpa community. Additional Deputy Commissioner Tawang Rinchin Leta, Commanding Officer Lungrola Battalion, Assistant Commissioner Nawang Thutan, DVO Dr Thuptan Tashi, DHO Koncho Gyatso, Veterinary Officer Dr Sang Khandu and Registering Officer APB & OCWWB Phurpa Tsering attended the programme at Tsachin. The initiative reflects collaboration among the Indian Army, scientific institutions, district administration and line departments to promote scientific livestock management and support yak herders in the high-altitude areas of Tawang.    

CHONGKHAM, SEP 25: Over 700 people benefited from a Mega Free Health and Medical Camp organised under the Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan–Sewa Diwas at Arunachal Pali Vidyapeeth, Chongkham, on Friday. A total of 735 patients availed themselves of outpatient department (OPD) services, while 39 units of blood were donated during the camp. The camp was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein in the presence of Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Lohit MLA Dr Mohesh Chai, Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, Lohit Deputy Commissioner KN Damo, PRI leaders, senior officials and a large number of people. The camp provided free health check-ups, medical consultations, medicines, diagnostic services and blood donation facilities. The District Medical Officer outlined the objectives of the initiative and stressed the importance of accessible and quality healthcare services. Addressing the gathering, Mein called for greater awareness and utilisation of available government healthcare facilities and schemes. He stressed the need to take healthcare services closer to the people and ensure that eligible beneficiaries can access healthcare services and welfare schemes. Mein said the government was committed to providing quality healthcare and continuously upgrading infrastructure at District Hospitals, Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres. He also emphasised the need to address shortages of medical personnel, particularly in remote and rural areas, so that people can access essential healthcare services closer to their homes. Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering highlighted the importance of such camps in bringing healthcare services closer to the people and urged the public to make maximum use of the facilities provided. Lohit MLA Dr Mohesh Chai expressed concern over HIV and drug abuse in the region and called for coordinated efforts towards prevention, awareness, early detection, counselling and treatment. Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom highlighted the healthcare facilities available to the people and appreciated the efforts of the Health Department and other stakeholders. Mein also felicitated members of the Health Society for their contribution towards strengthening healthcare services and supporting the organisation of the camp. He later visited various health facilities and service stalls and interacted with healthcare personnel, beneficiaries and volunteers. The Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan–Sewa Diwas is being observed from September 17 to October 17 with a focus on public service, community participation and welfare-oriented activities. Following the camp, Mein visited the Pali Vidyapeeth Museum at Chongkham and reviewed the ongoing digitisation of age-old Tai-Khamti manuscripts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Government of India.  

DEOMALI, SEP 25: A delegation of the District-level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD), Tirap, led by Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, visited the New Way Foundation Rehabilitation Centre at Deomali to review its functioning, infrastructure and rehabilitation activities. The delegation, comprising officials from various line departments, inspected the centre and interacted with inmates undergoing treatment and counselling. New Way Foundation Rehabilitation Centre Chairperson Jangphua Tangjang briefed the delegation on the centre’s activities, stating that it undertakes detoxification and rehabilitation of persons affected by substance abuse, besides targeted interventions relating to HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. Since its establishment on January 24, 2025, 155 persons have undergone rehabilitation at the centre, of whom 131 have completed their programmes and returned to their families. At present, 24 inmates are undergoing treatment and counselling with the assistance of two counsellors. One HIV-positive patient is also receiving treatment at the facility. During the interaction, officials highlighted the harmful effects of substance abuse and stressed the importance of sustained recovery, counselling and rehabilitation. They encouraged inmates to support one another, rebuild healthy family relationships, avoid environments and peer groups associated with substance abuse, and engage in positive activities. District Medical Officer Dr Bimal Ratan expressed concern over the impact of substance abuse on individuals, families and society, particularly among the younger generation. He called for collective efforts to prevent drug addiction and appreciated those who had successfully completed rehabilitation as well as the centre’s management and staff. Addressing the gathering, the DC said drug abuse was not merely an individual problem but a serious societal challenge affecting families and communities. He called upon parents, community-based organisations, civil society, the public and all stakeholders to work with the district administration and police in combating substance abuse. Tawsik also urged inmates and recovered persons to make positive changes in their lives and cooperate with law-enforcement agencies in identifying and reporting drug peddlers and suppliers. He assured that information shared with authorities would be handled confidentially in accordance with applicable procedures. He further stressed timely intervention, counselling and rehabilitation as key components in addressing substance abuse. The delegation appreciated the New Way Foundation team for its efforts to help persons affected by addiction return to normal and productive lives. Inmates also shared recovery testimonials during the programme. The visit concluded with a commitment to strengthen rehabilitation, awareness and coordinated action towards a healthier and drug-free Tirap. During the vote of thanks, Matphoa Wangsu informed that the centre is currently being run on a self-help basis without government or political funding. Despite limited resources, the centre provides free rehabilitation to around 7–8 economically weaker inmates on humanitarian grounds. He expressed hope for government grant-in-aid to strengthen and expand its services.    

YUPIA, SEP 25: A recipe competition was organised as part of Poshan Maah 2026 by the Papum Pare district administration in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development at the ZPC Conference Hall, Yupia. Anganwadi Workers from all Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Cells across the district participated in the competition under the coordination of their respective Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs). Participants showcased nutritious and innovative recipes prepared from locally available ingredients. Addressing the gathering, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage appreciated the initiative and said promoting local cuisine through locally available ingredients would encourage healthy dietary practices while helping preserve traditional culinary knowledge. She suggested documenting local cuisines and displaying them at Anganwadi Centres along with nutritional charts highlighting their nutritional value. Deputy Director, Women and Child Development, Jaya Taba, briefed participants on Poshan Maah 2026, being observed across the district in convergence with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Additional Deputy Commissioner Tame Yajum emphasised incorporating locally available food products into daily diets and highlighted the nutritional benefits of millets, encouraging their greater use in everyday meals. The recipe competition winners were Nabam Lawani Hina, Khrime Milli, and Mari and Karter. Six Best Anganwadi Workers and six Best Anganwadi Helpers were also felicitated for their dedicated services. The Best Anganwadi Workers were Hari Meenu, Meta Tok, Tadar Yacha, Chasa Pansa, Tarak Ana and Tago Yaro, while the Best Anganwadi Helpers were Kabak Mariyam, Bullo Yamang, Bamin Yaja, Nabam Merry, Tadar Jar and Tago Bikia. The programme highlighted the importance of nutrition, locally sourced foods and traditional culinary knowledge in promoting healthier communities and strengthening grassroots nutrition initiatives.