DEOMALI, OCT 27:
Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker and Changlang North MLA Tesam Pongtey on Tuesday called for promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) region beyond its geographical boundaries and urged young people to stay away from drugs while addressing the 24th Annual College Day celebration of Wangcha Rajkumar Government College (WRGC), Deomali.
Pongtey attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, while Khonsa West MLA and Advisor to the Transport and DoTCL Minister Chakat Aboh was the guest of honour.
Emphasising the importance of education and constructive pursuits, Pongtey cautioned students against experimenting with drugs and urged them to channel their energy towards intellectual growth and personal development. He also encouraged students to make the most of co-curricular activities to discover their abilities, develop new skills and nurture their talents.
Commending the performances by the four college houses, he stressed the values of teamwork, healthy competition and sportsmanship. Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Wangcha Rajkumar Government College Students’ Union (WRGCSU), he assured the students that he would make efforts to forward their demands for construction of the college approach road and entrance gate to the higher authorities and concerned departments for necessary consideration.
Guest of honour Chakat Aboh also expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse in the region and appealed to the youth of Tirap district to shun narcotic substances and other harmful activities. She urged students to remain focused on education, exercise discipline and make responsible choices.
Responding to the students’ demand for laptops and desktop computers, Aboh assured them that she would make every possible effort to address the college’s urgent requirements. She also extended financial assistance towards the programme.
In her welcome address, WRGC Principal Watsen Bangsia informed the gathering that the college had secured the second position among colleges affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University, recording a pass percentage of 98.92%. She credited the achievement to the dedication of faculty members and students and highlighted the institution’s preparations for National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation. She also stressed the need for better campus roads and other essential infrastructure.
The celebration featured traditional dance competitions among Barap, Terat, Chatjo and Dirok Houses, a ‘Go As You Like’ competition and the finals of the boys’ and girls’ tug-of-war events. An exhibition of students’ arts and crafts showcased their creativity and artistic skills.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, a floral tribute to the portrait of Lt. Wangcha Rajkumar, flag hoisting, the lighting and relay of the Olympic torch, an NCC ceremonial salute and a flag march by participating contingents. Pongtey formally declared the celebration open.
Among those present were Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, Additional Superintendent of Police Khonsa R Khomrang, Deomali Sub-Divisional Police Officer Thumgon Tali, Deomali Zilla Parishad Member Yalik Lowang, Yatdam Panchayat Block Zilla Parishad Member Komlo Hodong, college principal Watsen Bangsia, heads of departments, faculty members and students.
The annual celebration highlighted the college’s commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation and the holistic development of students.
