RONO HILLS : As part of the ongoing National Service Scheme (NSS) Annual Special Camp 2026, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) organised a skill development and motivational session for NSS volunteers here on Monday, featuring social entrepreneur and Arunachal Life Saving Foundation chairman Ramesh Jeke and tourism entrepreneur and Lungta Homes proprietor Lobsang Chombey.
The session aimed to inspire young volunteers through real-life experiences in leadership, entrepreneurship, community service and social responsibility.
Welcoming the participants, Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars’ Forum (RGURSF) president Habum Hagio lauded the contributions of both resource persons towards community development, humanitarian service and youth empowerment. He said their journeys offered valuable lessons for young people aspiring to become responsible citizens and active contributors to society.
Addressing the gathering, Chombey shared his experiences in the hospitality sector and highlighted the transformative potential of community-based tourism. He said homestay tourism goes beyond providing accommodation and serves as a powerful tool for livelihood generation, cultural preservation and community empowerment.
He also briefed participants on various government schemes supporting entrepreneurship, including the Chief Minister’s Paryatan Vikas Yojana (CMPVY), UNNATI and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
Citing Shergaon as a successful example of community-driven tourism, Chombey said the village has evolved from having virtually no homestays before 2016 to becoming a thriving tourism destination with more than 60 homestays, resorts and farm stays. He noted that the sector’s growth has generated local employment and encouraged reverse migration by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth.
Highlighting the importance of digital presence, strategic marketing and community participation in promoting tourism enterprises, he remarked that “community success is shared success.”
In his address, Jeke recounted his journey in humanitarian service, recalling a tragic incident in 2004 involving the loss of a child due to the unavailability of blood. The experience, he said, inspired him to dedicate his life to blood donation awareness and community welfare.
He informed the gathering that the Arunachal Life Saving Foundation has organised over 6,000 blood donation camps across the state and assisted in the dignified handling of more than 300 unclaimed bodies. The foundation also supports 17 children and several elderly individuals as part of its broader social welfare initiatives.
Drawing attention to the state’s blood shortage, Jeke said Arunachal Pradesh requires nearly 15,000 units of blood annually, while only around 9,000 units are currently available. He stressed the need for greater public participation in voluntary blood donation to bridge the gap.
He also introduced participants to the Government of India’s e-RaktKosh platform, which enables citizens to locate blood availability and connect with blood banks. Encouraging responsible digital behaviour, Jeke advised students to verify information before reacting to social media content and emphasised the importance of informed and responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the occasion, RGU NSS Programme Officer Dr Tage Monju said the NSS Annual Special Camp, which began on June 12, will continue till June 18. She informed that this year’s theme is “Empowering Youth for Sustainable Community Development.”
Dr Monju said the weeklong camp includes blood donation drives, environmental awareness programmes, cleanliness campaigns, skill development sessions and workshops on important social issues. “Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the changemakers of today.
Through these activities, we aim to nurture socially responsible and community-oriented citizens,” she said.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by RGURSF general secretary Ringam Bam, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, university authorities, organisers, research scholars, students and NSS volunteers for their participation.
The session provided volunteers with valuable insights into entrepreneurship, community engagement and humanitarian service, reinforcing the importance of combining professional aspirations with social responsibility.
