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ZIRO : The Fashion and Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh (F&DCAP) on Sunday conducted the first phase of auditions and registrations for “Apatani’s Next Top Model” at the Hija Youth Association Badminton Hall in Hija village. The community-based indigenous modelling platform is being organised under Apatani Fashion Week and the broader vision of Arunachal Fashion Week — The Artisans’ Movement. According to the organisers, the initiative aims to build a professional and sustainable indigenous fashion ecosystem in Arunachal Pradesh by creating opportunities for aspiring models, designers, artisans, photographers, stylists, makeup artists and other creative youths from different communities of the state. F&DCAP stated that Arunachal Pradesh possesses rich indigenous textile traditions, weaving practices and cultural heritage, but organised professional platforms for youths interested in modelling and the fashion industry have remained limited. To address this gap, the council launched community-based fashion and modelling platforms beginning with the Apatani community. The upcoming Apatani Fashion Week will be held during the Dree Festival celebrations from July 1 to 6 at Hija village. The event will feature showcases of indigenous fashion, textiles, handloom traditions and handcrafted products by local designers, artisans and entrepreneurs. As part of the programme, “Apatani’s Next Top Model” will be organised on July 1 and 2 alongside runway presentations and designer showcases, while exhibitions, networking sessions, cultural exchanges and community fashion activities will continue till July 6. The organisers said the initiative forms part of the larger vision of “Arunachal’s Next Top Model”, an indigenous modelling platform created under Arunachal Fashion Week to professionally groom and promote talents from communities across the state. The platform includes multiple categories such as Miss Apatani’s Next Top Model, Mr Apatani’s Next Top Model, Inclusive Category and Adaptive Category to encourage wider participation and representation. F&DCAP stated that all registered participants would automatically become part of the F&DCAP Creative and Models Network, through which they would receive opportunities related to fashion shows, workshops, collaborations, mentorship programmes, exhibitions, campaigns and portfolio development. Selected participants will also undergo professional grooming, runway training and mentorship from fashion professionals and creative experts from Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India. Speaking on the initiative, Arunachal Fashion Week Founder and Chairperson Yana Ngoba Chakpu said the movement aimed to create opportunities, representation and long-term growth for indigenous creative youths of Arunachal Pradesh. “If we truly want to build a proper fashion industry in Arunachal Pradesh, we must first create the ecosystem ourselves. Every community already has beautiful textiles, artisans, weavers and unique cultural identities. Now it is time to create platforms for youths passionate about modelling, fashion and creativity,” she said. She further stated that the initiative was not limited to fashion shows alone, but also focused on employment generation, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and youth empowerment through the creative industry. Arunachal Fashion Week Chief Operating Officer Meena Noshi said the platform was envisioned as a long-term movement where aspiring youths could professionally enter the fashion and creative industry while remaining connected to future opportunities through the F&DCAP network. The organisers also announced that the second phase of auditions would focus on youths from rehabilitation centres and vulnerable backgrounds, using fashion and creativity as tools for confidence-building and positive transformation. The audition panel included Yana Ngoba Chakpu, Taba Tapang, Tana Ashwin, Bullo Tajung, Hibu Ollo, Taro Aku, Pura Tabiyo, Kago Tagang, Gianga Ramching Mara and Isha Sindik. Registrations for models, designers, artisans and other creative participants are currently ongoing, the organisers informed.      

AALO : Thrilling contests and spirited participation marked the second day of the 9th Edition State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy for Football and Volleyball (Under-16 Boys and Girls), with teams from across Arunachal Pradesh competing in a series of league matches. The volleyball events commenced at Siyom Army Ground, where 12 matches were conducted successfully, while football competitions continued simultaneously with 10 boys’ and eight girls’ league matches. In the boys’ football category, Namsai earned a walkover against Bichom, while Lohit and Kurung Kumey played out a goalless draw. Upper Subansiri registered an emphatic 5-0 win over Lower Dibang Valley, and Itanagar Capital defeated Pakke Kesang 3-0. Leparada outclassed Tirap 5-1, while Keyi Panyor edged Shi-Yomi 2-1. Kamle defeated Kra Daadi 2-0, and East Kameng and Upper Siang shared points in a 2-2 draw. Changlang and Lower Siang settled for a 1-1 draw, while Papum Pare defeated West Kameng 3-0. In the girls’ football matches, Lower Siang defeated East Siang 1-0, while Kamle secured a 2-1 victory against Anjaw. West Siang registered a comfortable 3-0 win over Leparada, and East Kameng edged Upper Siang 1-0. Itanagar Capital defeated Lohit 1-0, while Kurung Kumey recorded the biggest win of the day with a commanding 6-1 victory against Lower Dibang Valley. Papum Pare and Tirap played out a goalless draw, while Bichom defeated Tawang 3-0. The boys’ volleyball category witnessed several closely contested matches. Kamle and Lower Siang registered identical 2-0 wins against Siang and Changlang respectively, while West Siang defeated Lohit 2-1. Papum Pare secured a straight-set victory over Namsai, Upper Subansiri edged Leparada 2-1, and Tirap defeated Pakke Kesang 2-0. In the girls’ volleyball matches, Bichom defeated Lower Subansiri 2-0, while Lower Siang secured a similar victory over Siang. Kra Daadi defeated West Siang 2-1, Kurung Kumey overcame Kamle 2-0, and Papum Pare and Longding registered straight-set wins against Changlang and Lower Dibang Valley respectively. The tournament continued to showcase promising sporting talent, discipline and sportsmanship among young athletes, drawing enthusiastic support from spectators and officials. According to the Department of Sports, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the tournament will continue on Sunday from 7 am onwards with several crucial league fixtures scheduled across football and volleyball categories for both boys and girls. (DIPR)      

  YAZALI :  The mortal remains of noted social reformer and Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) president Dr Bengia Tolum was laid to rest at his residence, Tolum Polyi, in Yazali on Friday. Dr Tolum passed away at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, on Thursday at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, five sons and a daughter. Several political leaders, community representatives, well-wishers and members of the public gathered to pay their last respects to the late leader, whose contributions towards indigenous identity, social harmony and education left a lasting impact on the state. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also paid homage to Dr Tolum and described him as a towering indigenous leader whose contributions to society would always be remembered. “Paid my last respects and homage to Dr Bengia Tolum at his residence in Yazali. A widely respected figure and a towering indigenous leader of the state, his immense contributions towards society and preservation of our indigenous identity will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” Khandu stated in a social media post. Members of the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) also attended the funeral service and joined family members, residents and community leaders in paying tribute to the late social reformer. Expressing grief over his demise, APC president Amar Sangno described Dr Tolum’s death as an irreparable loss not only to the Nyishi community but to the entire state. “Dr Bengia Tolum was not merely a community leader; he was a bridge-builder, a guardian of indigenous heritage and a compassionate human being whose life was devoted to uplifting society. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” Sangno said. He added that Dr Tolum’s contributions towards social harmony, preservation of indigenous identity, education and journalism-friendly public engagement would be remembered for generations. The APC and APUWJ also conveyed condolences to senior journalist Bengia Ajum (son of late Dr Tolum) and the bereaved family, praying for strength and peace for the departed soul. Among those present at the funeral service were APUWJ president Dodum Yangfo, general secretary Sonam Jelly, APC general secretary Damien Lepcha, members of the Ziro Press Club and journalists from different parts of the state.

PASIGHAT :  Commerce and Industries Minister Nyato Dukam on Friday inaugurated ‘Tulang’, an edible oil extraction and production unit, at the Industrial Estate in Pasighat. Established as a subsidiary of Elam Industries, the unit will manufacture and supply pure mustard and sesame oil in the region. Speaking at the inaugural function, proprietor and retired Group Captain Mohonto Panging Pao said the factory is committed to producing pure and unadulterated edible oil. He clarified that the products are not being marketed as strictly organic as raw materials are sourced from different suppliers. The factory currently has a production capacity of 200 litres per day and carries out the entire process, including extraction, bottling and labelling, within the facility. Addressing the gathering, Dukam appreciated Pao for his contribution towards economic growth and employment generation in the state. He said Pao’s transition from the Indian Air Force to the industrial sector was an inspiring example of dedication and entrepreneurship. “The state government under Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is committed to developing Arunachal Pradesh into a key industrial hub,” the minister said. Dukam also assured administrative support to industrial initiatives in the region and said the memorandum submitted by the Siang Indigenous Manufacturers, Producers and Services Association would be reviewed with the Chief Minister and concerned authorities. Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang termed the venture a significant development for the local community and said the factory would provide market opportunities for local oilseed farmers while generating employment for youths. Ruksin MLA Ninong Ering and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng also addressed the gathering and called for collective support from the community for the success of the new industrial venture.