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BORDURIA, SEP 13: Tezian Matey of Paniduria village emerged as the winner of Nocte Idol Season 1 at a grand musical finale held at the Towang Lowangdong Auditorium here, marking the first edition of the talent-hunt initiative for the Nocte community. The event, attended by music lovers, community members, dignitaries and officials, was organised with the objective of providing a platform for emerging musical talent within the community. Chairperson and sponsor of the show Chasuam Wangchadong, in her welcome address, highlighted the vision behind the initiative and the need to provide greater opportunities for local talents. Forest & Environment, Geology & Mining and Department of Transport and Civil Aviation (DoTCL) Minister Wangki Lowang congratulated Matey and all the finalists, stressing that participation itself was a victory. He appreciated the organisers for promoting local talent and suggested expanding the initiative into a “Tirap Idol” next year to provide a wider platform for aspiring singers. He also called for greater participation of women in future editions. MLA Tseten Chombay described Nocte Idol as a “historic platform” for the community and encouraged the finalists to pursue bigger platforms such as Arunachal Idol and Indian Idol. MLA Wanglin Lowangdong, Borduria-Bogapani, said music was a universal language that united hearts and communities. Matey received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Chinwang Dada was declared first runner-up and received Rs 50,000, while Samban Sawin secured the second runner-up position with Rs 30,000. Nokche Wangsa (Moktowa), Nokche Wangsa (Thinsa) and Ngoaban Moika secured the third, fourth and fifth positions respectively, each receiving Rs 20,000. The prizes were presented by the chief guest and guest of honour amid cheers from the audience. The finale was attended by MLA and Advisor to the Minister for Transport and DoTCL Chakat Aboh, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tirap Adv John K K Matey, BJP Tirap unit president Lankham Wangsu, retired Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran, Deputy Superintendent of Police Padi Payang, Chango Lowang and Sophia Chombay, besides other dignitaries, officials, community leaders and members of the public. The event concluded with a dinner and musical programme, with organisers and participants expressing hope for a larger edition in the coming years.    

DAPORIJO, SEP 13: Commissioner (Home & IPR) and Election Observer for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls Nyali Ete on Saturday reviewed the preparedness and progress of the SIR exercise in Upper Subansiri district and interacted with stakeholders at both administrative and grassroots levels. During his visit on September 12, Ete held a meeting with representatives of political parties, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). He reviewed the ongoing revision process and stressed the need for transparency, accuracy, inclusiveness and effective coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible electoral roll revision. Ete also launched a Digital Information Video Wall at the District Secretariat, Daporijo, aimed at disseminating public information, government programmes, official announcements and voter-awareness messages through a digital platform. He also launched the official uniform for Assistant Level Coordinators (ALCs) of the District Administration. The initiative is intended to provide a distinct identity to ALCs and facilitate their interaction with the public during field-level activities. On September 13, Ete visited polling stations in Giba, Chetam and Nilling circles and interacted with polling-level officials, Booth Level Officers (BLOs), local representatives and other stakeholders. He reviewed ground-level preparedness, sought feedback on issues being faced in the field and emphasised coordinated efforts to ensure that all eligible citizens are duly included in the electoral rolls. During the visit, Ete also donated a printer to Government Secondary School, Giba, as a gesture of support towards strengthening basic facilities for students and teachers. The visit provided an opportunity for direct interaction with stakeholders and reinforced the district administration’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, inclusive and citizen-centric electoral process.

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, SEP 13: Ponung Nangkar, Contestant No. 8, was crowned the 28th Miss Lune 2026 at the grand finale of the pageant held at Gi Notko, Pasighat, as part of the Central Solung Festival Celebration. Nangkar also won the Best Costume title. Api Tatin, Contestant No. 10, was declared the first runner-up and won the Miss Catwalk title, while Augusty Taggu, Contestant No. 15, secured the second runner-up position and was adjudged Miss Talent. The other subtitle winners were Ainam Tatin, Contestant No. 5, Miss Congeniality; Runima Pertin, Contestant No. 6, Miss Personality; and Ponung Eko, Contestant No. 7, Miss Popular. The winner received a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, while the first and second runners-up received ₹50,000 and ₹30,000, respectively. Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee (CSFCC) 2026 president Jorsing Moyong expressed gratitude to the chief guest, guest of honour, judges, sponsors and supporters. He urged the audience to encourage the contestants, noting that the participants had come forward not merely to showcase beauty but also their talent, confidence, personality and individuality. The finale was attended by chief guest Dui Gao and guest of honour Binaymoti Modi, vice-principal of Higher Secondary Mebo. The judging panel comprised Er. Mari Ete of the Greater Siang Committee, Miss Pura Sumpi, reigning Miss Universe Arunachal 2025, and Kime Ana Lingu, reigning Mrs Arunachal 4th Runner-Up 2025. The programme featured Traditional, Formal, Casual and Gown rounds, besides a fitness presentation by the East Siang Body Building Association, musical performances and felicitation of guests and sponsors. A special cultural element of the event was the display of images conceptualised by Aroti Jongkey, depicting elements of Adi mythology and folktales. The initiative added a cultural dimension to the pageant by connecting the celebration of young talent with the community’s traditional stories and heritage. Addressing the contestants, Dui Gao encouraged them to value the experience of participating in the competition, observing that not everyone could emerge a winner but participation itself offered opportunities to learn, build confidence and gain valuable experience. She also advised the contestants to give equal importance to education and academic pursuits. Binaymoti Modi echoed the importance of education and urged the young participants to remain focused on their studies while pursuing their interests and talents.    

Makam Tayeng PASIGHAT, SEP 13: A 5.5-km timed mini marathon themed “Run for Vande Mataram” was organised in Pasighat on Sunday to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram and promote patriotism, fitness, discipline and a healthy lifestyle, particularly among the youth. Organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), the run began at Gandhi Chowk and culminated at the APU campus, drawing a large number of participants. Speaking as the chief guest, BJP State President Kaling Moyong said the event was not merely a sporting activity but also an opportunity to remember the spirit of the freedom struggle and the sacrifices made during the country’s journey. He said the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram should inspire the younger generation to understand the nation’s history while taking pride in India’s progress and achievements. “Today, we are not only remembering our history but also celebrating the progress of Bharat. We are becoming manufacturers and giving technology to the world. This stage belongs to Bharat,” Moyong said. Appreciating the enthusiastic participation, Moyong stressed that physical fitness was essential for building a healthy and productive society. He urged young people to stay away from harmful and addictive substances and focus instead on sports, education, fitness and other constructive pursuits. “Hum Fit Hain Toh India Fit Hai,” he said, emphasising that a physically active and healthy population contributes to a stronger nation. The mini marathon featured separate male and female categories, with cash prizes for the top three finishers and consolation prizes in both categories. Marathon T-shirts were distributed to the first 100 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The event combined the spirit of patriotism with the promotion of fitness and encouraged participants to celebrate the country’s heritage while adopting a healthy, disciplined and responsible lifestyle.  

PASIGHAT, SEP 13: Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, organised a 5.5-km mini marathon, ‘Run for Vande Mataram @ 150 (VM150)’, on Sunday as part of its month-long celebration marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The programme is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Organised by the Department of Mass Communication as a prelude to the three-day grand finale scheduled from October 7 to 9, the run aimed to promote patriotism, physical fitness and social responsibility. The marathon was flagged off at 5.45 am from Gandhi Chowk by BJP Arunachal Pradesh State President Kaling Moyong and culminated at the main entrance of APU. Despite light drizzle, 209 male and female runners from across East Siang district participated enthusiastically. In the male category, BIB Nos. 76, 37 and 91 secured the first, second and third positions respectively, while BIB Nos. 92, 177 and 216 emerged as the top three finishers in the female category. Addressing the participants, Kaling Moyong recalled the historic role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle and paid tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters. He said the song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, continued to inspire nation-building. Moyong emphasised the need to harness the country’s youth power to transform India from a consumer-driven economy into a producer-driven and self-reliant nation, guided by the spirit of Vande Mataram. APU Registrar Narmi Darang stressed the importance of physical fitness in building a healthy nation and reiterated the university’s commitment to promoting sports and wellness among students and faculty. He urged participants to make fitness a daily habit and invited them to join the ‘Swachh Nadi, Swachh Bharat’ River Cleanliness Drive at Siang on September 19 under the VM150 celebrations. The flag-off ceremony was attended by APU Dean Academics Prof. P.C. Jena, heads of departments, faculty members, staff, scholars and students, besides representatives of the BJP and Pasighat civic bodies. The event was organised in collaboration with Itanagar-based NGO Trigonometry. Its members, including Nun Pertin and Prem Camdir, encouraged young people to embrace fitness, discipline and community service. Marathon Committee chairman Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir said cash prizes for the winners would be presented on October 7 during the main VM150 function, while all participants who completed the race would receive e-certificates. VM150 Celebrations-APU convenor Dr Kombong Darang thanked the chief guest, district administration, Pasighat Press Club, university administration, volunteers, Trigonometry and participants for their support. He said the celebrations would continue with a river-cleanup drive, a national seminar on ‘Vande Mataram: Cultural, Historical and National Perspectives’, cultural performances, art and craft and photography exhibitions, an ‘Ek Ped Ek Bharat’ plantation drive and outreach programmes across East Siang, culminating in the grand finale from October 7 to 9.