State News

YUPIA, AUG 21: The Papum Pare district administration and District Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Cell Yupia, in collaboration with various line departments, observed Beti Janmotsava under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme at the SDO’s Conference Hall Doimukh on Friday. More than 70 participants, including lactating mothers benefiting under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and adolescent girls, attended the programme. Speaking as the Chief Guest, Doimukh SDO Nyelam Tan appreciated the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department for regularly organising awareness programmes for the welfare of women and children. He described Beti Janmotsava as more than an event, saying it conveys an important social message to value, protect, educate and empower the girl child. Tan also encouraged parents to avail themselves of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) through post offices to help secure the financial future of their daughters. In her welcome address, District ICDS Cell Yupia Deputy Director Jaya Taba highlighted various welfare schemes and initiatives of the WCD Department and explained the objectives of BBBP, with emphasis on the safety, dignity, health, education and empowerment of the girl child. As part of the programme, gift hampers were distributed to mothers with infants, while sanitary napkins were distributed among adolescent girls to promote menstrual hygiene. Medical Officer Dr Tilling Pamung conducted an awareness session on menstrual health and hygiene. Advocate and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) member Likha Asha sensitised participants on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, including legal safeguards and remedies available to women facing domestic violence. The programme concluded with a call for collective efforts by families, communities and government departments to create a safe, supportive and empowering environment for girl children and ensure equal opportunities for their growth, education and development.    

NAMSAI, AUG 20: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday said greater use of space technology could significantly strengthen development planning, disaster preparedness and sustainable management of resources in Arunachal Pradesh. Mein was speaking at the inaugural programme of National Space Day 2026 celebrations at Namsai, organised jointly by the Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre (APSAC) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC). He said India’s space programme had evolved from an endeavour focused primarily on exploration into a powerful tool for nation-building and improving people’s lives. Satellite-based technologies, remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS) and other space applications, he said, were increasingly contributing to disaster management, agriculture, natural resource mapping, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring and governance. He said the importance of space technology was particularly significant for Arunachal Pradesh due to its vast geographical area, difficult terrain, rich natural resources and vulnerability to earthquakes, landslides and floods. Greater application of space-based technologies could strengthen planning, improve disaster preparedness and support inclusive and sustainable development, he added. Mein appreciated the participation of students and their interaction with scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), saying such exposure would encourage curiosity, scientific thinking and innovation. He said continued engagement with ISRO, APSAC and NESAC could inspire more students from the state to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and related fields. Highlighting the contribution of APSAC and NESAC, Mein said their work in resource mapping, agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure planning and environmental monitoring had considerable potential to support the state’s development priorities. Later, Mein inspected the site of the upcoming state-of-the-art Science Centre (Category-II) and 10-metre Dome Digital Planetarium (Category-II) at Namsai. The facility is being developed under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The project is being implemented by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), with the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology under the Department of Science and Technology as the state nodal agency. The Public Works Department (PWD), Namsai Division, is executing the construction. Mein reviewed the progress of work and directed the executing agency to maintain quality standards and expedite construction. He urged the PWD to make every effort to complete the building ahead of the scheduled completion date of March 2028 so that the facility could be made operational for students and the public at the earliest. He said the Science Centre and Planetarium would strengthen the state’s scientific and educational infrastructure by providing students and citizens opportunities to engage with science, astronomy and space exploration through interactive learning and modern technology. Mein said Arunachal Pradesh had immense potential to benefit from advancements in space technology and must continue to strengthen collaboration with national institutions. He said investment in education, science, technology and innovation would contribute to the state’s vision of Viksit Arunachal Pradesh and the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul, Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Science and Technology Secretary Wayong Khimun, ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘G’ Dr Nagendra B R, Science and Technology Director Dr Chau Dhanya Mungyak, APSAC Director Dr H Dutta, APSAC Joint Director Dr Liagi Tajo and NESAC State Coordinator Arunachal Pradesh Dr Chandan Goswami were among those present. The programme featured interactions with ISRO scientists, talks on India’s space programme and Moon missions, presentations on space applications for societal benefit, an exhibition, audio-visual presentations and a quiz competition for students.  

RONO HILLS, AUG 20: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) inaugurated the state-of-the-art Broadcast and Digital Media Resource Centre at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here on Thursday, marking a significant step in strengthening media education, experiential learning and public communication at the university. Speaking during the first live telecast from the facility, the Governor said the new centre marked another milestone in RGU’s journey in media education and public communication. Recalling the inauguration of the university’s Community Radio Station Radio Rono 91.2 FM in August 2023, he said the two facilities would have a far-reaching impact on higher education, public awareness and the development of Arunachal Pradesh. Parnaik said the Media Resource Centre should serve not merely as a physical facility but as a hub for learning, creativity, communication and public service. It will provide students with practical exposure to broadcasting, production, editing, anchoring and visual storytelling while promoting informed dialogue, educational programming and cultural preservation. Emphasising the influence of mass media, the Governor urged media practitioners to use the medium responsibly to promote transparency, civic awareness and social change. He suggested developing well-researched programmes on issues such as drug abuse, corruption, environmental protection, public health and social justice to build a more informed and responsible society. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to strengthen the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and empower women through the Lakhpati Didi initiative, Parnaik urged RGU to utilise the centre as an instrument of positive social transformation. He called for impactful content and awareness campaigns against drug abuse, particularly among youth, while highlighting success stories of women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups. The Governor said the centre could also showcase local role models, innovative livelihood initiatives and community-led development efforts to inspire young people towards productive and healthy lifestyles and encourage greater participation of women in economic activities. “Media, when used responsibly, has the power not only to inform but also to motivate behavioural change and contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he said. RGU Department of Mass Communication Assistant Professor Moji Riba said the centre was established as a modern audio-visual production and training facility to strengthen experiential learning, digital content creation, institutional communication and professional media education. He said students would receive hands-on training across the media production workflow, including broadcast journalism, news production, anchoring, camera operation, studio lighting, audio production, video switching, programme direction, floor management, podcasting, editing, colour grading, sound design, documentary production and virtual production. As part of the inaugural programme, the Governor also participated in a plantation drive under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, symbolising the bond between mother and child and collective responsibility towards environmental conservation. He expressed confidence that the initiative would inspire greater environmental responsibility and create a lasting green legacy for future generations. RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Shivaraj, Registrar Dr NT Rikam, Dean Faculty of Communication Studies Prof Uttam Kr Pegu and Head of the Department of Mass Communication Prof KH Kabi were present on the occasion.  

RONO HILLS, AUG 20: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) participated in the valedictory function of TRACTION 2026 – Residency and Film Challenge at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here on Thursday and called upon young filmmakers, content creators and influencers to use their influence responsibly to promote social harmony, environmental awareness and constructive development. The Governor conferred awards on the two best filmmakers, Aron Pradhan of Meghalaya and Rinpi Das of Assam. Each award comprised a trophy, citation and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Addressing the participants, Parnaik said the theme of TRACTION 2026 aptly reflected the spirit of creativity, innovation and purposeful action. He urged young creators to go beyond merely observing the world and instead engage with it, interpret it meaningfully and contribute to positive transformation. “Your passion will drive you to open new horizons, inspiring innovation, creativity, and opportunities for growth and achievement,” he said. Highlighting the growing influence of digital content, the Governor said videos, documentaries and social media posts could reach millions within hours and have the power to educate, inspire and influence society. He said the true measure of success should not be views, likes or followers, but the positive impact created in society. He called upon participants to create content that promotes social harmony, environmental awareness, responsible citizenship and national development, while cautioning against sensationalism and short-lived popularity. He stressed the importance of fact verification, cultural sensitivity, informed consent and dignified representation, observing that “integrity and credibility are the true foundations of lasting impact and meaningful storytelling”. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s immense potential for storytellers, Parnaik said its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage, encompassing more than 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, offered a wealth of stories for national and global audiences. He encouraged greater collaboration with RIWATCH, cultural organisations, researchers, local communities and knowledge keepers to authentically document indigenous traditions, community wisdom and the relationship between people and nature. He also called for greater focus on artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, athletes, innovators and cultural custodians, as well as local products, traditional crafts, organic farming, eco-tourism and community-led conservation. The Governor congratulated the awardees and participants, saying completion of the residency marked not an end but the beginning of a larger journey. He expressed confidence that the participants would emerge as responsible storytellers capable of inspiring hope, strengthening understanding and contributing to constructive change. He appreciated the thematic sessions conducted during the residency on Arunachal’s culture and traditions, tourism content creation, travel filmmaking, research methodologies, media ethics, storytelling and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. He said such programmes were particularly relevant in the digital age, when visual storytelling has emerged as a powerful medium of communication. RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Shivaraj, Registrar Dr NT Rikam and Director of Industries Gyabo Perting also addressed the gathering. Course Director of TRACTION 2026 Moji Riba presented a report on the key activities and outcomes of the 15-day residency and film challenge, noting that the programme began with the premise that social media was not merely a medium for consumption and entertainment but also an emerging source of livelihood. Organised under the theme ‘Explore, Create, Move’ by the RGU Department of Mass Communication in collaboration with the Centre for Cultural Research and Documentation Naharlagun and the Department of Industries Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the programme brought together 25 participants from eight states of the Northeast, who produced 25 films. Papum Pare Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar, deans, heads of departments, institute directors and participants from across the eight northeastern states attended the valedictory function.