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PASIGHAT, SEP 21: World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 was observed at Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, under the theme “Changing the Narrative”, with a focus on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and timely intervention. The programme was organised by the District Health Society, East Siang, in collaboration with the Mental Health and Counseling Cell and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of JNC Pasighat. Addressing the gathering, JNC Vice-Principal Dr Leki Sitang and District Medical Officer (DMO), Pasighat, Dr Dilip Dutta, emphasised the importance of mental health awareness and timely intervention in preventing suicide. District Surveillance Officer (DSO), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Dr Kato Lego, highlighted the objectives and significance of the programme. Psychiatrist at Bakin Pertin General Hospital (BPGH), Pasighat, Dr Freeda Tamut, conducted a session on “Behind the Crisis: Understanding Suicidal Distress, Cognition, and Behaviour”. She stressed the need for open and sensitive conversations on suicide, addressing misconceptions and encouraging timely intervention. Clinical Psychologist, District Mental Health Programme, Kenyam Pertin, spoke on “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, highlighting the importance of a supportive and understanding approach towards mental health and suicide-related concerns. Assistant Professor, Department of Dravyaguna, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine Research, Pasighat, Dr Vivekanand, delivered a session on “The Path to Mental Resilience: An Ayurvedic Approach”, focusing on resilience and holistic approaches to mental well-being. The programme aimed to promote open dialogue on mental health, strengthen awareness about suicide prevention and encourage a supportive environment for individuals experiencing emotional distress. The programme was coordinated by Dr Apilang Apum and Dr Liha Mena.  

PASIGHAT, SEP 21: The Arunachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Association (APUTA) has expressed appreciation for Dr Milorai Modi, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge)-cum-Director of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, for his contributions to Arunachal Pradesh University during his interim tenure. APUTA members, led by its President Dr Eli Doye, called on Modi at his office at the university on Sunday and presented him with a memento in recognition of his administrative leadership, guidance and support towards the institution’s development. Modi assumed charge as interim Vice-Chancellor of Arunachal Pradesh University on March 9, 2026, while continuing as Director of Higher and Technical Education. During the tenure, he handled both responsibilities, travelling regularly between Itanagar and Pasighat. Under his guidance, the process of finalising the University Ordinance reached its concluding stage, aimed at strengthening the university’s academic and administrative framework. He also supported the initiation of proposals for research grants for university faculty to promote research and academic development. During his tenure, two private colleges were affiliated with the university. Several infrastructure and administrative initiatives were also undertaken, including the introduction of the SMART portal for online admissions, construction of a parking shed for students and a bus garage. Interacting with faculty members, Modi reiterated his commitment to the development of the university and stressed the need to foster a strong research culture and research-oriented academic practices while maintaining excellence in teaching and learning. He called upon faculty members to work collectively to strengthen the academic environment and contribute to the institution’s long-term growth. APUTA President Dr Eli Doye acknowledged Modi’s administrative skills, institutional guidance and supportive approach, and conveyed the association’s best wishes for his continued service in higher and technical education in the state.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 20: Rigainlu Kri and Shayon Ghosh of Global Valley School, Roing, emerged champions in the third edition of the statewide Battle of Minds quiz competition, securing 320 points in the grand finale held here on Sunday. Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the winners in a social media post and also lauded the finalists, participants, teachers, mentors and parents for their contribution to the competition. Marpin Bagra and Gobin Daw of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Aalo, secured the second position with 245 points, while Jumnam Rallen and Castro Meme of Ramakrishna Mission School, Narottam Nagar, finished third with 165 points. Niton Kadu and Basar Megu of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Oyan, secured the fourth position with 120 points. The competition, organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, covered 18 centres across the state. The preliminary rounds brought together teams from all 28 districts before the top four teams advanced to the grand finale. The four finalist teams had qualified through the preliminary rounds and a tie-breaker conducted in Itanagar. Congratulating the finalists, Khandu said the teams had demonstrated knowledge, teamwork, confidence and courage through the various stages of the competition. He described the event as a celebration of young intellect and acknowledged the efforts of the students, teachers, mentors and parents. The chief minister also highlighted the statewide journey of the competition, which travelled through centres including Tawang, Bomdila, Seppa, Ziro, Palin, Daporijo, Likabali, Basar, Aalo, Boleng, Pasighat, Roing, Jairampur, Khonsa, Namsai, Longding, Tezu and the Itanagar Capital Region. The third edition witnessed participation from hundreds of teams across the state, with the preliminary stage alone involving 688 teams comprising 1,376 students. The Battle of Minds competition, which began in 2024, has expanded steadily in its reach, providing young people with a platform to demonstrate knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork and competitive spirit.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 20: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), in a coordinated operation with the Arunachal Pradesh Police, seized nearly 325.5 kg of cannabis (Ganja) from the West Kameng district of the state on Friday. The operation was carried out by troops of the 61 Battalion SSB, Bhairabkhunda. One person has been arrested in this connection. The seizure comes weeks after the Assam Police seized over 307 kg of ganja near the state’s border with Arunachal Pradesh. According to officials, Arunachal Pradesh has now turned into a major producer of narcotics like Opium and Cannabis (Ganja). This illicit cultivation takes place in remote parts of the state. Cultivators and traffickers believe that the terrain and difficult landscape will leave their operations undetected. However, security agencies have launched a drive to prevent the production and trafficking of narcotics. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed all agencies to remain alert towards the movement of narcotics through states in northeastern India that are close to the infamous Golden Triangle. This is part of the Government’s drive against narcotics as part of its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The state government in Arunachal Pradesh has also launched a crackdown on the cultivation of illegal drugs. The state has so far destroyed 18.587 acres of illegal poppy (opium) and 64.59 acres of cannabis cultivation in the state, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta said recently. “Such operations are crucial to prevent the consumption of narcotics in the strategic border state as well as their transportation elsewhere. This illegal activity is related to crime and even insurgency. There is evidence that insurgent groups promote such trade for profit. It is also a way of recruiting the youth from such states by engaging them in this trade,” an official said. Central Armed Police Forces and paramilitary forces like the SSB and Assam Rifles are now assisting local authorities in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura to tackle the menace of narcotics. “There is better coordination between the state police and central forces now. Intelligence networks have been created, and there are regular crackdowns on the trafficking of narcotics. Thousands of kg of narcotics – both cultivated locally and smuggled from across the border have been seized over the last few months. This action will continue,” the official said. Groups involved in the racket are also being identified, and members are being apprehended during the operations. (Source: IANS)  

ANINI, SEP 20: The fifth edition of the Anini Winter Fest unfolded amid the mist-clad mountains, pristine rivers and scenic landscapes of Dibang Valley, celebrating the region’s culture, music and adventure. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Minister for Urban Affairs, Land Management and Civil Aviation Balo Raja as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Raja said the festival had added another vibrant dimension to Anini’s growing presence on the tourism map. He congratulated the organising committee for successfully carrying the festival into its fifth edition and appreciated Mopi Mihu, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Geology and Mining, for his continued guidance and encouragement to the youth of Dibang Valley. Mopi Mihu also lauded the dedication of the organising team and encouraged them to continue nurturing the festival and take it to greater heights. The inaugural programme was attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sadhu Mihu, Deputy Commissioner Yashwant Meena, Superintendent of Police James K Lego, Zilla Parishad Members, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), heads of departments, officers, dignitaries and members of the public. (DIPR)      

RONO HILLS, SEP 20: The Artists’ Guild of Arunachal (AGA), in collaboration with the Department of Fine Arts and Music, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), conducted a two-day Plein Air Painting Workshop on September 18 and 19 at RGU. The workshop introduced Fine Arts students to the fundamentals of landscape painting through watercolour demonstrations, discussions and direct observation. The programme began with an interaction between AGA members and Fine Arts students, who were divided into three groups under the guidance of AGA mentors. The sessions covered composition, preliminary drawing, pictorial planning and colour theory, followed by a practical demonstration of watercolour painting. A presentation titled “Landscape as Practice” explored the five Ws—what, why, where, when and which—in relation to landscape as a contemporary artistic practice. Using examples of historical and contemporary artists and a photographer, the session examined diverse approaches to landscape and its conceptual possibilities. Students from different semesters participated in the interactive session along with faculty members. On the second day, students took part in a five-hour plein air painting session, working directly from observation. AGA members provided technical and conceptual guidance while also producing their own plein air studies alongside the students, creating an environment of shared learning and artistic practice. The paintings produced by students and mentors were later displayed in the department. An interactive discussion followed, during which students presented their works and reflected on their artistic choices and learning experiences. AGA is a recently established collective comprising primarily alumni of RGU’s Department of Fine Arts, including Punyo Chobin, Ejum Riba, Ligang August, Marba Kamki, Nabam Charchang, Tana Tallam and Tatu Mara, besides other RGU alumni trained in painting and sculpture. The workshop aimed to strengthen students’ practical engagement with landscape painting while encouraging observation, dialogue and knowledge-sharing between practising artists and students.