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ZIRO, MAY 6: Saint Claret College Autonomous, Ziro (SCCZ) organised its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, marking the graduation of 265 undergraduate students. The programme, themed “Launching to Life”, was held at the college auditorium and was presided over by Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung. SCCZ Principal Dr Fr Allwyn Mendoz administered the commencement pledge, with graduates affirming their commitment to uphold the institution’s values and serve society responsibly. On the occasion, scholarships and awards worth Rs 5.33 lakh were distributed to 90 students. These included institutional and donor-supported scholarships such as the Fr Tomy Scholarship, SCCZ Academic Awards, Single Step Foundation Scholarship, Saju-Bindu Scholarship, Residential and Academic Scholarships, Edacheriparambil M E Memorial Scholarship, Gigi-Mini Scholarship, Nirmala Frank Xavier Scholarship, Tiny Miracles Scholarship, along with contributions from Habung, Lod and Kuru donor clans. Addressing the gathering, MLA Toko Tatung urged graduates to face life with purpose, integrity and courage, noting that they are entering a highly competitive world. He encouraged them to pursue meaningful goals that contribute positively to society and to view themselves as responsible global citizens. Highlighting the importance of personal integrity, Tatung described it as a vital yet rare quality and reminded students that their choices would shape their future. He called on them to become agents of change and reflect on their role in building a better society. In his address, SCCZ Principal Dr Fr Allwyn Mendoz emphasised that challenges faced during academic life help build resilience and character. He encouraged students to apply their learning beyond classrooms and to embrace risks as part of growth and self-discovery. He reaffirmed the institution’s focus on holistic development and urged the graduating batch to carry forward the spirit of the college. The valedictorian address was delivered by Yiyum Boje from the Department of History, who reflected on the shared experiences and learning journey of the graduating class.

PASIGHAT, MAY 6: Ayi Ke Ekum, a senior day care centre, celebrated its third foundation day at Engo Takar Dere Hall in Pasighat on Wednesday, with participation from elderly members and well-wishers. Established on May 6, 2023, Ayi Ke Ekum is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the care and well-being of senior citizens aged 70 years and above, particularly those experiencing social isolation. The initiative focuses on supporting elderly individuals who are often left alone at home due to family members being away for work. While not destitute, many face loneliness and lack of companionship. The centre provides a platform for interaction, emotional support and community engagement in a safe and inclusive environment. Over the years, the organisation has worked towards improving the physical, emotional and social well-being of its members, fostering a sense of dignity and belonging. A total of 36 elderly members attended the celebration and appreciated the initiative. During the interaction, participants highlighted the need for a permanent infrastructure, noting that the absence of a dedicated facility limits the centre’s ability to expand its services. The organisation appealed to individuals, institutions and well-wishers to extend support, particularly towards establishing a permanent structure for the centre. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring a dignified, engaged and fulfilling life for senior citizens in the community.

YINGKIONG, MAY 6: In a key step towards the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), residents of Migging, Panggo and Moshing villages in Upper Siang district have extended significant support to pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed on Wednesday at the Circle Officer (Headquarters) in Migging between Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang, representing the state government, and the pro-PFR families in the presence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang, who is also Advisor to the Chief Minister, along with officials and members of the public. A total of 39 families from Panggo, 50 from Migging and 45 from Moshing participated in the exercise, taking overall support for the PFR activities in the three villages to around 80 per cent. Representing the villagers, Paset Panyi of Panggo, Gebong Lonchung of Migging and Kutchi Tali of Moshing signed the agreement. Addressing the gathering, the DC explained various aspects of the PFR exercise, clarifying concerns raised by project-affected families (PAFs). He emphasised that the PFR involves preliminary studies and assured that the process would be conducted with transparency and public participation. MLA Alo Libang also interacted with villagers, reiterating that the government would keep people informed at every stage and ensure continued engagement throughout the process. The district administration facilitated the signing process as part of its outreach initiative to deliver services at the grassroots level, with officials visiting Migging to interact directly with residents. The programme was attended by over 200 villagers, along with heads of departments, State Nodal Officer (SUMP) Er Atek Miyu, Chief Engineer Er K Perme, Under Secretary HPD Toli Karga and other officials. Local BJP leaders, including district president Ojing Peyang and general secretary Tago Jijong, were also present. Appreciating the villagers’ participation, officials described the initiative as a reflection of growing aspirations for development and progress in the region. (DIPR)

TAWANG, MAY 6: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein attended the inaugural session of a regional workshop on “Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India” held in Tawang on Wednesday. The workshop brought together delegates from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and various Indian states to deliberate on strengthening regional cooperation and promoting a Buddhist tourism circuit, with emphasis on women-led rural tourism models. In his address, Mein highlighted the state’s rich Buddhist heritage, noting that it uniquely represents both Mahayana and Theravada traditions. He said western regions such as Tawang, West Kameng, Mechuka and Tuting follow Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, while eastern districts like Namsai are prominent centres of Theravada Buddhism. He emphasised the cultural and spiritual significance of Tawang, home to a 400-year-old monastery and associated with the Sixth Dalai Lama, along with other heritage sites including Dirang Dzong, Thembang, Pemako and Mechuka valley. Referring to eastern Arunachal, Mein noted the growing prominence of Namsai as a hub of Theravada Buddhism, with the Golden Pagoda and ongoing development of a 108-foot Buddha statue strengthening its appeal for spiritual tourism. Highlighting the state’s cultural diversity, he said Arunachal Pradesh is home to 26 major tribes living in harmony, each with distinct traditions, languages and attire. He also underlined the state’s vast potential in eco-tourism, adventure tourism and spiritual tourism. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to heritage preservation, Mein said steps are being taken to digitise and conserve ancient manuscripts and traditional knowledge systems for future generations. He also spoke about Arunachal Pradesh’s long-standing cultural linkages with countries such as Sri Lanka and noted the growing prominence of events like the Maha Sangken International Festival in Namsai. On infrastructure, the DCM pointed to improved connectivity through projects such as the Trans Arunachal Highway and the upcoming Frontier Highway, which are enhancing access to remote areas including Tawang, Anini, Mechuka, Vijaynagar, Walong and Kibithoo. Calling for a coordinated approach, Mein proposed the development of an integrated Buddhist circuit linking Arunachal Pradesh with other northeastern states and neighbouring countries. He suggested naming the initiative the “Tawang Initiative” to create a globally recognised tourism framework. He also expressed plans to host an international tourism event in the state later this year to promote Arunachal Pradesh as a global destination. The workshop featured technical sessions on regional cooperation, connectivity, branding and women-led rural tourism, along with discussions on identifying key Buddhist sites across the region. The event was attended by Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, Sri Lanka Member of Parliament Gammana Liyanage Hasara Nayanathara Premathilaka, Tarayana Foundation Executive Director Sonam Pem, Bagmati Province lawmaker Yankila Sherpa and other delegates.

RIAU, MAY 6: An official delegation from Arunachal Pradesh led by Agriculture and Allied Minister Gabriel D Wangsu visited Pekanbaru in Indonesia’s Riau province as part of an overseas exposure programme to study global best practices in oil palm cultivation. The delegation comprised senior officials, including Agriculture Department Secretary, Horticulture Department Secretary, district administrators, agriculture officers and farmers. The visit was hosted by the Consulate General of India in Jakarta, facilitating interactions with local authorities and industry stakeholders. During the programme, the team undertook field visits to oil palm plantations and processing units, focusing on cultivation techniques, productivity enhancement, harvesting systems and value chain management. The delegation also visited the Minama Research Centre, where members observed advanced breeding programmes, production of high-yielding planting materials and the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, drones and satellite imagery in plantation management. Exposure was also gained in biocontrol measures and integrated pest and nutrient management practices. Interactions with industry experts and researchers provided insights into policy frameworks, investment models, smallholder integration, terracing techniques and sustainability practices, including certification standards, environmental safeguards and community engagement. Officials said the exposure offered a comprehensive understanding of the oil palm value chain and would support the state’s efforts to scale up cultivation under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) while strengthening farmers’ livelihoods through improved technologies and practices. During the visit, Wangsu also held discussions with companies to explore potential collaborations in the oil palm sector. Earlier, the delegation visited Malaysia, where it interacted with progressive farmers and agriculture officials to study advancements in oil palm cultivation. The team also visited SD Guthrie Seeds and Agricultural Services at Carey Island in Selangor, a leading global supplier of oil palm seeds. The visit highlighted the need to address critical gaps in achieving NMEO-OP targets, including expansion of oil palm cultivation, strengthening farmer-industry linkages, improving productivity and developing processing infrastructure for a sustainable oil palm ecosystem in the state.

ITANAGAR, MAY 6: Arunachal Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department has become the fifth department in the state to operationalise the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS), marking a step forward in strengthening the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) framework. Three key services have been brought under the online platform: application for fire safety certificate, application for no-objection certificate (NOC) prior to commencement of construction activities, and renewal of fire safety certificate. These services are now accessible through the state’s EoDB portal. A team from the Planning and Investment Department, led by Vikas Vijay, along with EoDB Cell members Nihal Pegu, Ankit Kumar and Nathan Shibu John, conducted hands-on training for officials of the Fire and Emergency Services Department to facilitate smooth implementation of the system. Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park Chief Executive Officer Tabe Haidar commended Fire and Emergency Services Director Chukhu Appa, SP Fire John Pada, Station Officer Buru Mali and other officials for adopting the digital initiative. He also appreciated the EoDB technical team for successfully onboarding the services. Fire and Emergency Services Director Chukhu Appa urged citizens to avail the online services under the EoDB initiative to ensure transparent, efficient and seamless service delivery.

ITANAGAR, MAY 6: Consul General of the United States, US Consulate General, Kolkata, Kathy Giles-Diaz, called on Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik Retd at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday. According to a Raj Bhavan statement, the two leaders exchanged views on areas of mutual interest and explored opportunities for meaningful cooperation. Both sides expressed intent to translate goodwill into tangible partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable development and strengthening people-to-people ties. Parnaik said that as India-United States relations continue to deepen, the people of Arunachal Pradesh look forward to stronger and more vibrant engagement between the citizens of the two democracies. He emphasised the need for inclusive partnerships, with particular focus on the aspirations and welfare of the state’s tribal communities. Highlighting Arunachal’s natural and economic potential, the Governor identified key sectors such as hydropower, horticulture, mineral resources and tourism as promising avenues for collaboration. Referring to the state’s emergence as an organic hub with rich horticultural output, he stressed the importance of strengthening market linkages and leveraging advanced American expertise in food processing and value addition. He also underscored the need to promote skill development initiatives in specialised sectors to enhance youth employability. The Consul for Political and Economic Affairs at the Consulate, Braphus Kaalund, was also present during the meeting.