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PANGIN : A public awareness and community engagement programme focusing on avocado cultivation, scientific horticulture practices and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) was conducted at Pangin village to promote sustainable farming and enhance public awareness about the developmental significance of the proposed project. The grassroots outreach initiative, which commenced on May 27, witnessed active participation from villagers and local households. The programme aimed to encourage scientific agricultural practices while facilitating informed discussions on infrastructure development, regional progress and community welfare. Siang Horticulture Development Officer Leniya Pertin attended the programme as the chief guest and shared insights on advanced avocado cultivation techniques, scientific horticulture methods and sustainable farming practices. She emphasised the importance of adopting modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity, strengthen livelihoods and support long-term rural development. The programme was also attended by senior public leader Oyar Gao and youth leader Tatop Panor, whose presence encouraged active interaction and participation among the villagers. An open interactive session enabled community members to raise queries and share their views on horticulture development and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). More than 25 participants took part in discussions on avocado farming, crop management, infrastructure development and community welfare. As part of the awareness drive, information booklets on SUMP were distributed among villagers to promote transparency and improve public understanding of the project and its proposed objectives. The organisers stated that the programme helped strengthen awareness of sustainable horticulture practices while encouraging informed community participation on issues related to agriculture, development and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.      

RONO HILLS : In a significant initiative to strengthen mental healthcare systems in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Council of Medical Research-Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Study (ICMR-AITS) Project Team of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organised a consultative-cum-stakeholder meeting of mental health professionals and advocates at the university. The meeting brought together around 25 mental health professionals and advocates representing various organisations and service sectors across the state. Participants included counsellors from District Child Protection Units (DCPU), clinical psychologists and counsellors from Tele-MANAS Arunachal Pradesh, professionals from Midpu Mental Hospital, substance abuse counsellors from Kripa Foundation and Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) Centres, representatives of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), private practitioners, school counsellors and mental health advocates. The deliberations focused on the prevailing mental health scenario in Arunachal Pradesh, covering emerging mental health concerns, contributing factors, help-seeking pathways, barriers to treatment, family and parenting issues, and gaps in mental health infrastructure and service delivery. The consultation was facilitated by ICMR-AITS Project Research Scientist-II Dr Leeyir Ete. During the discussions, participants highlighted the critical role of family environment and parenting practices in shaping mental health outcomes and stressed the need for preventive interventions and stronger emotional support systems within families and communities. Another key recommendation was the development of culturally relevant and context-specific mental health interventions alongside conventional counselling approaches. Participants emphasised the importance of integrating local cultural practices, community resources and indigenous knowledge systems to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of mental healthcare services. Speaking during the meeting, Tele-MANAS Arunachal Pradesh In-charge Dr Hatobin Mai highlighted the programme’s contribution in expanding access to mental healthcare services across the state. He also underscored the role of District Mental Health Programmes (DMHPs) operating in 16 districts in improving outreach and service delivery. ICMR-AITS Project Principal Investigator Dr Tarun Mene described the consultation as an important step towards building a more coordinated and responsive mental healthcare ecosystem in the state. He emphasised that meaningful progress in mental health requires sustained collaboration among professionals, institutions, communities and policymakers. Co-Principal Investigator Dr Amit Kumar highlighted the responsibility of mental health professionals in addressing growing mental health challenges and stressed the need for collective efforts to strengthen support systems and service delivery mechanisms. A major outcome of the meeting was the development of a referral linkage pathway connecting mental health professionals and service providers according to their areas of expertise. The initiative is expected to facilitate timely referrals, improve inter-agency coordination and ensure that individuals receive appropriate care and support. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from stakeholders to continue collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing mental health awareness, strengthening referral systems and expanding access to quality mental healthcare services across Arunachal Pradesh.    

RONO HILLS :  The Department of Physical Education, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), successfully conducted the All India Football Federation (AIFF) D Certificate Coaching Course from May 28 to June 2 in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA). A total of 24 aspiring coaches from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam participated in the six-day programme aimed at enhancing grassroots football coaching skills and practical competencies. The course was conducted by AIFF-certified Coach Educator and RGU Assistant Professor Sangey Tsering, while Dawa Tsering served as Course Coordinator and Tasi Leya provided physiotherapy support. The training combined classroom sessions with extensive field-based instruction, covering coaching methodology, player development, session planning, football teaching principles and grassroots football development. More than 85 young football trainees from various academies across the state took part in practical sessions, enabling participants to gain valuable hands-on coaching experience. A key highlight of the programme was the Grassroots Football Festival, which provided trainee coaches with practical exposure to organising football activities for young players in a fun and development-oriented environment. The course concluded with a theory examination and a valedictory function at the university. Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) Vice Chancellor Prof Jayadeba Sahoo attended the event as the chief guest, while RGU Registrar Dr NT Rikam was the guest of honour. Also present were Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences Dean Prof Sambhu Prasad, Department of Physical Education Head Dr Tadang Minu, APFA representatives, faculty members and participants. Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries underscored the importance of coach education in strengthening grassroots football and nurturing future sporting talent. They congratulated the participants on successfully completing the course and encouraged them to contribute actively to football development in their respective communities. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, group photograph and refreshments, marking another significant step towards the promotion of football in Arunachal Pradesh.    

  NAMSAI : A sapling distribution programme was organised at Jona Kochari village in Namsai district on Tuesday under the NABARD-funded JIVA (Natural Farming) Project to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. As part of the initiative, saplings of guava, malta, mousambi, cocoa, lemon and other suitable species were distributed to project farmers for plantation along farm bunds. The programme was conducted under the project component, “Regeneration of Soils and Improving Moisture/Water – Plantation on Farm Bunds”, aimed at improving soil health, conserving moisture, preventing soil erosion, enhancing biodiversity and creating additional sources of nutrition and income for farming households. The JIVA Project, an agroecology-based initiative promoting environmentally sustainable and low-input natural farming practices, is being implemented by Namsai Organic Spices Agricultural Products Producer Company Limited (NOSAAP) as the Project Facilitating Agency. In his opening remarks, NOSAAP Chief Executive Officer Chau Athina Chauhai highlighted the project’s objectives, including restoration of soil health, promotion of natural farming, strengthening nutrition security and improving the livelihoods of tribal farmers. Addressing the gathering, NABARD Assistant General Manager (District Development) Kamal Roy informed farmers about the recently launched nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, which will be observed throughout June. He said the campaign focuses on balanced fertiliser use, soil health management, promotion of natural and organic farming, prevention of counterfeit agricultural inputs and saturation of Kisan Credit Cards among eligible farmers. Roy noted that the JIVA Project complements the campaign’s objectives by encouraging the adoption of sustainable and nature-friendly farming practices. He further stated that the project was launched by NABARD following the successful implementation of the TRIBES/Integrated Tribal Development (WADI) Project and reflects the institution’s holistic approach towards sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and livelihood enhancement. The programme was attended by project beneficiaries and Self-Help Group (SHG) members. It concluded with the distribution of saplings and an appeal to farmers to actively participate in natural farming and environmental conservation initiatives. (DIPR)