ITANAGAR, OCT 2:
Gandhi Jayanti and Swachhata Diwas were observed across districts of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday with cleanliness and plantation drives, Special Gram Sabhas, peace marches, awareness programmes and other activities highlighting the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the importance of community participation.
At Basar: Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence were observed at the Marto Kamdak Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Basar, with a programme organised by the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA), Leparada, to commemorate the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and reaffirm the commitment towards cleanliness, environmental conservation, non-violence and responsible citizenship.
Basar MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Leparada Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena was the Guest of Honour. Assistant Commissioner Aastha Singh, ADC Tamo Basar, Heads of Departments, students and members of the public also participated.
The programme began with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by the Swachhata, Non-Violence and Peace, and Nasha Mukt Bharat pledges. A plantation drive was also conducted around the MKMCH complex with the support of the Forest Department.
Executive Engineer (Urban Development) Nabam Kai briefed the gathering on activities being undertaken across Leparada under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign.
A music video and an awareness video on cleanliness were released by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively. Certificates and trophies were presented to individuals and teams for their contributions to cleanliness-related activities under SHS-2026. Winners and runners-up of the volleyball championship organised as part of the campaign were also felicitated.
Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on peace, non-violence and service and stressed that cleanliness should be a collective social responsibility. MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi highlighted the importance of cleanliness, environmental conservation and community participation and called for concerted efforts towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat, particularly among youth.
Special Gram Sabhas were also conducted across the district, with Panchayat leaders and local communities participating in Shramdaan and plantation activities under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
At Yingkiong: Gandhi Jayanti was observed at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Yingkiong, with a peace march, floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, and a rendition of Ramdhun.
Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Dr Ashok Tajo interacted with students and urged them to imbibe Gandhian values in their daily lives. He also stressed the importance of education and proper career guidance and encouraged students to remain focused and sincere in their studies.
Upper Siang Deputy Director of School Education Duhon Tekseng highlighted the legacy of GHSS Yingkiong, established in 1958, and encouraged students to draw inspiration from its alumni. Principal Lutni Perme spoke on the relevance of truth, non-violence, simplicity and perseverance in contemporary life.
Teachers and students also delivered speeches on the life, ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
At Tezu: Gandhi Jayanti was observed at Tezu with a programme highlighting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, peace, communal harmony and non-violence.
The programme began with a welcome address by Tezu ADC (Headquarters) Sotailum Bellai, followed by Ramdhun by students of GHSS No. 1, Tezu. TMWA President Picasso Chai also addressed the gathering, while a Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha was held as part of the observance.
Lohit DC Kesang Ngurup Damo recalled the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and urged people, particularly the younger generation, to imbibe Gandhian values in their daily lives.
Assistant Commissioner Kartu Bam, Tezu DySP Oging Lego, officers, officials, students and members of the public attended the programme. It concluded with the Non-Violence and Peace Pledge.
At Poma: Gandhi Jayanti was observed at Poma in Papum Pare with a mass cleanliness drive under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, a plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and a Special Gram Sabha.
Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Transport Minister Ojing Tasing joined local residents and participants in the activities organised by the Poma Gram Segment Panchayat in collaboration with the Department of Panchayati Raj.
The plantation drive was conducted at Bini Yanga Government Women’s College with the participation of public representatives, officials, Self Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs and local residents.
Advisor to the Minister and Daporijo MLA Tanya Soki, Director Panchayati Raj Tajing Jonnom, ZPM Baba Kinu and ZPC Bamang Yayu were among those present.
Addressing the gathering, Ojing Tasing highlighted the significance of Swachhata Hi Seva and stressed the importance of youth- and women-centric programmes in rural development. He also urged people to learn about Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) and other rural development initiatives.
He highlighted the role of the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and SHGs in strengthening rural women’s livelihoods and participation in community affairs.
Tanya Soki appreciated the Special Gram Sabha and highlighted the need to improve sanitation, cleanliness, tourism promotion and network connectivity in the Poma-Sandupota area.
ZPM Baba Kinu said the Poma Gram Segment Panchayat had launched the “Poma Rising” campaign focusing on cleanliness and environmental conservation. He said fishing and hunting had been prohibited in the area for the past few years and that Panchayati Raj members had undertaken exposure visits to cleaner destinations to learn from their practices.
A practical demonstration on waste segregation and preparation of a compost pit was also conducted by the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) team. The Special Gram Sabha proceedings were conducted by CEO-cum-Member Secretary Pura Ralo.
At Yachuli: The Keyi Panyor district administration observed Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas with a plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” at the District Secretariat, Yachuli.
Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra led the programme, which began with ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Assistant Commissioner Mumne Borang, Circle Officer Hibu Dindie, Executive Engineer (Urban Development and Housing) Tai Kalley, Deputy Director of School Education Koj Tajang, KVK Yachuli Head Dr Hage Munth, Trade Development Officer Tai Arun, other HoDs, officers, officials, police personnel and members of the public participated.
Addressing the gathering, Ankita Mishra highlighted Gandhi’s principles of Swachhata, Sarvodaya and self-reliance, stressing the importance of integrating these values into everyday life and collective action.
She also emphasised environmental responsibility and community participation in sustainable development. Saplings were planted across the District Secretariat premises as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, reaffirming the commitment towards environmental conservation and a greener future.
At Tato: Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence were observed in Shi-Yomi district with a marathon, cleanliness drive and a programme highlighting the values of truth, non-violence, cleanliness and self-reliance.
The day-long programme was organised by the Shi-Yomi district administration in collaboration with the District Art & Culture Office (DACO), Urban & Development (U&D) Department, District Sports Office and the marathon organising committee.
The observance began with a marathon from Zero Point, Tato, followed by a Swachhata Bharat cleanliness drive focusing on the importance of a clean, healthy and drug-free society. The programme culminated at SFS School, Tato.
Shi-Yomi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath R., IAS, attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tanya Rinya was the Guest of Honour. The Superintendent of Police and heads of offices also attended.
Students of SFS and VKV schools presented a welcome song and patriotic performances. Speeches highlighted the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the relevance of truth, non-violence, cleanliness and self-reliance in contemporary society.
Shi-Yomi Superintendent of Police highlighted the growing concern of addiction and sensitised students and teachers on its harmful effects. A Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge was also administered on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries called upon the youth to uphold peace, discipline, cleanliness, self-reliance and responsible citizenship while embracing Gandhian values in their daily lives.
Prizes were distributed to participants of the marathon and other activities organised as part of the observance.
