Itanagar, Oct 23: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), participated in the silver jubilee celebration of the Socio Educational Welfare Association (SEWA), at Dibrugrah, Assam today. Established in 2000, SEWA has devoted 25 years to uplifting the underprivileged through compassion, education, skill-building, and empowerment across Assam and the North-Eastern region.
The Governor commended SEWA for its multi-dimensional work, from promoting gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, mental well-being, and disaster resilience to pioneering organic tea cultivation, clean cookstove adoption, and elderly care programmes. He said that SEWA’s Family Counselling Centre, which has supported over 2,300 families, and its WASH interventions, which have transformed sanitation and hygiene in tea garden communities.
Encouraging SEWA to look ahead with renewed vision, the Governor urged the organization to expand its efforts in climate action, sustainable farming, and mental health awareness. He emphasized the importance of engaging youth and volunteers, fostering leadership, and strengthening institutional sustainability to ensure SEWA’s continued impact.
The Governor said that as SEWA steps into the future, it must continue to walk with the same humility, courage, and compassion that defined its past. The challenges may change, but the mission remains to empower the voiceless, uplift the marginalized, and build a society rooted in equality, dignity, and hope.
The Governor paid his respect to Late Shanti Gogoi, the founder of SEWA, and lauded her vision, compassion, and lifelong dedication to social reform and women’s empowerment. He also commended Smt. Nandita Hazarika, a seasoned civil servant, for her dynamic leadership, and Air Marshal Anjan Kumar Gogoi (Retd.) for his continued guidance in strengthening SEWA’s credibility and reach.
The Governor conferred the Best Community Action Awards to  Smti Anastacia Toppo of Kellyden Tea Estate, Smti Hemma Reddy of Kellyden Tea Estate, Shri Nepolian Meli of Majuli, Shri Paulus Basumatary of Udalguri, and Smti Anita Kumari of Margherita Tea Estate.
Parnaik also launched the 'Sesh Yatra' Van and Service on the occasion. He also released the silver jubilee souvenir of SEWA, and witnessed the colourful cultural presentation, including Jhumur Dance, organized to commemorate the special occasion.
Air Marshal Anjan Kr. Gogoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Smti. Nandita Hazarika, President, SEWA, Shri Arfan Hussain, Vice President, SEWA, Prof. Alak Kumar Buragohain, Former Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University, Shri Kaushik Deka, Managing Editor, India Today Magazine, Shri Bikram Kari, District Commissioner, Dibrugarh District, and Smti Anastacia Toppo, Community Health Volunteer, Kellyden Tea Estate, shared their thoughts on the occasion.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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