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NIRJULI :  The GAJRAJ Corps conducted a motivational lecture and weapon and equipment display during the Combined Annual Training Camp of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion National Cadet Corps (NCC) at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli. Organised by an infantry unit of the Indian Army in the presence of officials of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 350 NCC cadets and students from various educational institutions. The programme aimed to familiarise participants with modern military weapons, surveillance systems and equipment employed by the Indian Armed Forces, including several indigenously developed platforms. Among the weapons displayed were the SIG Sauer 716 rifle, Negev 7.62 mm light machine gun, SAKO TRG-42 sniper rifle, 84 mm Recoilless Launcher Mk-IV, 40 mm Multi Grenade Launcher, MP9 and AK-203 assault rifle. The equipment display included the Uncooled Hand-Held Thermal Imager, Thermal Imaging Sight, Reflex Sight, Spotter Scope and Holographic Sight, offering participants an understanding of advanced surveillance and target-acquisition technologies used in modern military operations. Cadets and students also interacted with Army personnel serving in frontier areas, providing them with valuable insights into military life and fostering a deeper sense of patriotism, discipline and civic responsibility. Among those present were National Institute of Technology Jote Associate NCC Officer Capt Dr Achyut Sarkar, Government Higher Secondary School Naharlagun Associate NCC Officer A K Yadav, Model Higher Secondary School Itanagar Associate NCC Officer Salam Babul Singh, Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Itanagar Associate NCC Officer Priya, NERIST Caretaker Training Officer Prof Bhagyalakshmi Narayanapuram, NERIST Caretaker Training Officer Dr Aswini Kumar Patra, along with the Permanent Instructional Staff of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC. The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants gained deeper insights into the capabilities of modern military equipment and the professionalism and dedication of the Indian armed forces in safeguarding the nation.    

TAWANG : A Career Counselling and Training Programme for young and adolescent students on gender equality under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative was organised at the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Tawang on Monday. The programme was jointly organised by the Education Department and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Tawang, under its Information and Publicity Programme. It aimed to create awareness on education, gender equality, mental health, career opportunities, social responsibility, legal awareness, environmental conservation and financial literacy. Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner in-charge Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta attended the programme as chief guest, while Tawang Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang was the guest of honour. Among those present were Tawang Deputy Superintendent of Police Tasso Kato, Tawang Deputy Director of School Education Hridar Phuntsok, GHSS Tawang Principal Aseng Modi, Kyidphel Administrative Officer Sange Norbu, resource persons, teachers and students. In his introductory remarks, Phuntsok highlighted the objectives of the programme and stressed the importance of empowering young minds through awareness, education and skill development. Addressing the gathering, Rinchin Leta emphasised that education remains the foremost responsibility of every student. He encouraged students to adopt the values of dedication, discipline and determination as guiding principles for achieving success and becoming responsible citizens. Delivering an awareness session, Tasi Darang sensitised students on the dangers of drug abuse and explained key provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including awareness on good touch and bad touch. He also highlighted important aspects of the Motor Vehicles Act, including road safety, legal driving age, drink-and-drive offences, pedestrian rights and provisions under the new criminal laws. Speaking on environmental conservation, Sange Norbu highlighted the adverse impact of single-use plastics on marine ecosystems, water resources, soil health and agricultural productivity. He urged students to become advocates of environmental protection and sustainable practices. The programme also featured expert sessions by KDS District Hospital Tawang Clinical Psychologist Tenzin Dolma on mental health and emotional well-being, and Psychologist Lobsang Youton on drug addiction and its long-term consequences. District Development Consultant, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Kritika Kashyab conducted a session on financial literacy and skill development, highlighting the importance of informed financial decisions and career-oriented competencies. A special session on career opportunities in the armed forces was delivered by 190 Mountain Brigade Education Officer Lt Col Mini Saxena, who provided insights into various career avenues in the Indian Army and encouraged students to explore opportunities in the defence sector. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and served as an effective platform for promoting awareness on gender equality, education, health, environmental responsibility, financial literacy and career development, reinforcing the objectives of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Nearly 200 cyclists, athletes, youth volunteers, fitness enthusiasts and citizens participated in a cycling rally organised on Sunday to mark World Bicycle Day 2026. The rally commenced from Akashdeep in Itanagar and concluded at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia. Organised by the Arunachal Cycling Association under the Department of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and My Bharat, the event promoted fitness, sustainable mobility and environmental awareness. Held under the theme “Pedal Towards a Healthier and Greener Future,” the initiative brought together cyclists and youth from across the state to advocate active lifestyles, community participation and environmental responsibility. The programme was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini, legislators Mutchu Mithi and Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Health & Family Welfare Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain, Sports & Youth Affairs Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal and other senior officials. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu lauded the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, the Arunachal Cycling Association, SAI and My Bharat for successfully organising the event and promoting the message of fitness, healthy living and sustainable transportation. In a social media post, Khandu said World Bicycle Day serves as an important reminder of the need to adopt active lifestyles and environmentally friendly modes of transport. “Cycling is not only a means of fitness and recreation but also a simple and effective way to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute towards a cleaner future,” he said.  

ITANAGAR : Students from Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, Amity University and Don Bosco College, Itanagar participated in an awareness programme conducted at the Women Police Station, Itanagar, on Sunday. The session focused on the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) and its mobile application, the new criminal laws, legal provisions available for women, and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. Students were also informed about various helpline numbers available for immediate assistance during emergencies. According to a statement issued by the Capital Police, the programme was organised to enhance legal awareness and promote responsible citizenship among young people. In view of the prevailing bandh calls in the Capital Region and the susceptibility of youth to external influences, participants were sensitised to the legal and social consequences of engaging in violence and unlawful activities. The students were encouraged to adopt lawful and democratic mechanisms for addressing grievances, including filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs), Right to Information (RTI) applications and writ petitions, rather than resorting to disruptive or violent means. The participants were also briefed on the services provided by “Ane’s Home – An One-Stop Support Hub” functioning within the Women Police Station. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, during which students were encouraged to uphold the rule of law, act as responsible citizens and contribute towards maintaining peace and harmony in society.      

ITANAGAR :  Arunachal Pradesh athlete Tamo Taller was accorded a warm reception at Donyi-Polo Airport, Hollongi, on Sunday after winning a silver medal at the United World Wrestling (UWW) Asian Grappling Championship 2026 held in Vietnam. Taller, a native of Ziro in Lower Subansiri district, brought laurels to the state with his impressive performance on the continental stage. The reception was organised by the Grappling Association of Arunachal Pradesh (GAAP). Among those present were GAAP President Loku Sono, General Secretary Goken Bam, office bearers of the association, Apatani Students’ Union leaders, social workers, public representatives, government officials, family members, relatives and well-wishers. Speaking to the media, GAAP President Loku Sono described Taller’s achievement as a significant milestone for Arunachal Pradesh and the country. “Tamo Taller has brought immense pride to the state and the nation by securing a silver medal at the UWW Asian Grappling Championship. His achievement reflects exceptional determination, skill and sportsmanship and will serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the state,” Sono said. He said the association, which has recently been affiliated with the Sports Authority of Arunachal Pradesh (SAAP), remains committed to providing greater opportunities for athletes to participate in zonal, national and international competitions. Sono further informed that Taller was the lone participant from the Northeast among the 11-member Indian contingent. The Indian team secured a total of five medals at the championship, including two silver and three bronze medals. GAAP Capital Complex Unit President Kipa Onam and other officials also felicitated the silver medallist during the reception programme.      

TEZU :  Book lovers in Tezu were treated to an engaging evening of storytelling as students from six schools across Lohit district participated in the first Amar Chitra Katha Storytelling Contest, themed “A Hero(ine) I Admire”. Organised by Bamboosa Library and the Forum of Library Activists, the event was held to honour the memory of renowned Amar Chitra Katha scriptwriter Kamala Chandrakant and journalist Mypalli Chandrakant of Mumbai. Students from Classes VI to X captivated the audience with inspiring narratives drawn from the lives of admired personalities. Tezu District Transport Officer Dr Asmi Mega and Government Higher Secondary School No. 2 teacher Arindam Sarkar served as judges for the competition. Addressing the participants, Dr Mega praised their enthusiasm and confidence, saying that experiences gained through such activities would benefit them throughout their lives. Sarkar, a library activist, observed that similar training sessions in schools could significantly strengthen students’ learning and communication skills. Tezu District AIDS Control Officer Bitchey Rijiju, who attended as a special guest, congratulated the participants and encouraged them to speak from the heart rather than rely solely on memorised presentations. Speaking on the occasion, Lohit Youth Library Network Coordinator S. Suresh recalled his five-decade association with Kamala Chandrakant and the guidance she provided during his formative years as a writer. “Kamala aunty was an ever-energetic personality. It was due to her encouragement that I was able to write the story of Kanaklata for an Amar Chitra Katha title in the early 1980s, bringing her inspiring life story to a national children’s publication for the first time,” he said. He added that Chandrakant remained a steadfast supporter of the youth library movement even after the establishment of Bamboosa Library. In the junior category, Solong Krong of Nimkay Vidya Niketan secured first place. The second prize was jointly awarded to Ome Olung Tatak and Kalung Odi, both from Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) Sunpura, while Rehanso Kathak of Nimkay Vidya Niketan finished third. In the senior category, Arpita Ram of Government Higher Secondary School No. 1 won first prize for her narration on Dr Varghese Kurien. Kanyan Jami Kham of VKV Sunpura secured second place, while Asni Yun of VKV Tafrogam finished third. Earlier, senior volunteer and storyteller Manisha Halai proposed the vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude to Maharishikaa Preeti of Goa, daughter of Kamala Chandrakant, for sponsoring the annual contest in memory of her parents. Halai also commended teachers and parents for encouraging students to participate in creative activities such as storytelling, noting that such a contest was being organised in Tezu after nearly a decade.