State News

ITANAGAR, OCT 16: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday met executive members of the Adi Galo Welfare Society to discuss the way forward for wider consultations on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). In a social media post, Mein said the government remained committed to dialogue and constructive engagement, while stressing that creating a conducive atmosphere for meaningful discussions was a shared responsibility. He said community-based organisations had an important role to play in the process and urged organisations in the region to engage in open and constructive dialogue with the government to address concerns and apprehensions regarding the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR). Mein emphasised that the PFR was only a preliminary study to assess the project’s feasibility and did not represent a final decision on the project. He said open dialogue, mutual trust and a clear understanding of the process were essential to moving forward.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 16: Governor KT Parnaik on Friday said reliable telecommunication is no longer a luxury but an essential service that connects people with education, healthcare, government services, livelihood opportunities and the wider digital economy. Chairing a coordination meeting with the Army, Air Force, Information Technology department and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited at Lok Bhavan here on Friday, Parnaik emphasised bringing institutions together in a spirit of partnership to advance the national vision of Digital India, ensuring that people of even the most remote border villages become active participants in the country’s digital transformation. The governor stressed the need for a collective and coordinated approach, a Lok Bhavan communique said. The meeting was initiated by the governor and aimed to bring key stakeholders together to strengthen telecommunications connectivity across the state, particularly in remote and border areas. He called upon stakeholders to work collaboratively in the Vibrant Villages Programme, aligning their resources, infrastructure and expertise towards a shared objective. The governor encouraged stakeholders to maintain regular communication, openly share their operational requirements and identify areas where infrastructure, technical capabilities and logistical support could be pooled for mutual benefit. He said better coordination would help avoid duplication of efforts, optimise available resources and accelerate the expansion of connectivity. Parnaik also highlighted the importance of recognising the complementary roles of defence forces, BSNL and the state government in addressing the unique geographical and infrastructural challenges of the state. Recalling the assurance given by the AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force, of unwavering commitment to supporting the people and the state government, Parnaik advised the IAF to assist BSNL in transporting equipment required for setting up telecommunication towers in inaccessible locations. Observing that the initiative would lay a strong foundation for sustained inter-agency cooperation, the governor said a connected Arunachal Pradesh would strengthen national security while improving the quality of life of its people. (Source: PTI)    

DON, OCT 16: Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak on Friday called for the preservation and promotion of indigenous faith, traditions and cultural heritage while inaugurating the Donyi-Polo Kumko Don at Don village under Gepen Circle in Kamle district. Addressing the gathering, Tagak stressed the importance of safeguarding the Donyi-Polo faith and traditional knowledge of Arunachal Pradesh. He urged the younger generation to remain connected with their indigenous roots, values and traditions while contributing to the development of the state and the nation. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Daporijo MLA Taniya Soki, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Boni Tamin, Kamle Deputy Commissioner JT Obi, Superintendent of Police Ashish Kumar, Secretary of Water Resources Development and Indigenous Affairs Pige Ligu, and Arunachal Vikas Parishad president Gomar Angu, along with community leaders, religious representatives, students, youth and local residents. The programme began with traditional Dwraq chants by the Namlo priest, followed by the tying of Riddin and the unveiling of the inauguration pillar by Tagak. It also featured traditional prayers, cultural performances, special songs and addresses by community representatives and dignitaries. Students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Meg Dong, and St Vincent Pallotti School presented cultural performances. The inauguration marked an important step in the community’s efforts to preserve its indigenous faith, traditions and identity for future generations.    

ANINI, OCT 16: The Biodiversity and Tourism Management Society (BTMS), Anini, has restored 17 critical sections of the Pomo Trekking Trail to improve safety and accessibility amid record tourist footfall this year. The repair and maintenance work was carried out by a team led by BTMS chairman and former Zilla Parishad member Theko Tayu, along with District Tourism Officer Lamwang Aran and BTMS members Ganga Mili, Bachan Mipi, Inju Mimi, Niba Tacho, Londo Tayu, Robin Umpey and Pahi Mili. The team repaired and reconstructed sections of the trail where exposed roots, uneven surfaces and ram-rob had made trekking difficult and uncomfortable. The work aimed to minimise potential hazards and provide a safer, more comfortable experience for visitors. Although the trail is considered moderate in difficulty, the challenging stretches had made the journey particularly demanding for trekkers wearing Pani gumboots. Pomo Trek has recorded its highest tourist footfall this year, emerging as one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in Dibang Valley. (DIPR)    

DOIMUKH, OCT 15: The Department of English at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) celebrated its Autumn Lit Fest-cum-second Foundation Day of the Literary Activities Club (LAC) on Friday, marking two years of promoting literary appreciation and creativity among students and members of the university community. Established on October 15, 2024, the LAC provides a platform for fostering literary interest and creative expression. The department said the club’s efforts had begun yielding results, with members publishing their works within its first two years. RGU Registrar Dr N T Rikam and Joint Registrar (Academic and Conference) Dr David Pertin attended the inaugural session, along with faculty members, research scholars, students and literature enthusiasts from within and beyond the university. Head of the Department of English Prof Miazi Hazam delivered the welcome address, while LAC president and Assistant Professor of English Dr Bompi Riba outlined the club’s background and objectives. Rikam and Pertin highlighted the importance of cultivating literary appreciation among students and the role of the club in nurturing literary talent. Associate Professor Dr Doyir Ete, vice-president of the LAC, proposed the vote of thanks. The academic programme featured a panel discussion with author Subi Taba and poet Dr Moge Basar. Hindi poet and Associate Professor at Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar, Dr Taro Sindik, also spoke during the session. A major attraction was The Last Page, a skit performed by students of the Department of English and directed by Assistant Professor Dr P N Piraji. The festival also featured an open-mic session, a book exhibition-cum-fair, food stalls and a special session for children.    

TAWANG, OCT 16: A five-day barista training programme titled “A Beans to Brew Journey – From Origin to a Perfect Cup” concluded at the District Industries Centre in Tawang on Friday. Organised from October 12 to 16, the programme was initiated by the Coffee Board of India’s Coffee Quality Division in collaboration with Mezang Academy of Culinary Arts and Baking Science, Itanagar, and the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The programme aimed to equip local youth with professional coffee-making and barista skills, opening up opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and livelihood generation in the hospitality and tourism sectors. During the training, participants received hands-on instruction in coffee preparation, espresso fundamentals, milk steaming, latte art, brewing methods, sensory evaluation and coffee cupping. The sessions were designed to develop the technical knowledge and practical skills required to pursue careers as baristas or establish cafés and coffee-related businesses. Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo attended the concluding session and interacted with the participants. She appreciated the initiative and acknowledged the efforts of the organising institutions in bringing skill development opportunities to the district. She also thanked the organisers for equipping local youth with practical, industry-oriented skills that could support their economic empowerment and self-reliance. The Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship provided the venue for the programme. With Tawang emerging as a popular tourism destination, such specialised training initiatives are expected to support the local hospitality sector while creating employment opportunities and encouraging young entrepreneurs to establish cafés and coffee businesses. The programme highlighted the importance of collaboration among government departments, training institutions and industry bodies in addressing skill gaps and preparing local youth for emerging livelihood opportunities.