Damien  Lepcha

ITANAGAR, Oct 12: Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message — “Service to man is service to God” — a small group of friends from the 1997 batch of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) has spent nearly two decades quietly transforming lives across Arunachal Pradesh.
This is the story of HALO Society — an alumni-led initiative proving that meaningful change doesn’t always require big budgets, only big hearts.
Formed in 2006 and formally registered in 2007, HALO Society consists of just 19 committed members led by Patron Dr Joram Beda, Chairman Pisa Kachi, and General Secretary Ledo Thungon. Every project is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from its members — with no external sponsorship or government support.
“When we started, it was just a handful of us with the belief that if we can do something good — even in a small way — it will inspire others too,” said Pisa Kachi, Chairman of HALO Society.
“Our strength lies in collective willpower, not in resources.”
What began with small steps like installing waste bins at local festivals and joining river clean-up drives has grown into a steady movement of service. Every year, the group takes up at least two community projects across the state.
HALO’s footprint runs deep: providing clean drinking water to rural schools, building toilets in villages, installing solar street lights, donating books to libraries, supporting orphanages, conducting medical camps, and raising environmental awareness.
They’ve provided relief to orphanages after fire accidents, distributed essential supplies, and brought festive joy to children at OJU Mission during Deepawali. Their medical outreach during the Ziro Festival of Music and health camps for students in remote schools have reached hundreds of beneficiaries.
“We all have our regular jobs and responsibilities, but HALO is our way of giving back. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference for a village school or a child in need,” said Ledo Thungon, general secretary.
As proud VKV alumni, the group has also given back to their roots — donating scooters to meritorious students, CCTV sets, PA (public address) systems, solar lights and extending financial help to teachers and staff in times of need.
Their more recent efforts include building toilets for government schools, setting up water systems at Nirjuli, and supporting local police stations, libraries and NGOs.
“Vivekananda taught us that service to humanity is the highest form of worship. We carry that spirit with us,” added Kachi.
Continuing their annual tradition, HALO Society on Saturday handed over a new library to the Government Middle School in Veo, Pakke Kessang district. The team also organised a career counselling session at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Nangnyo — guiding students towards educational and career opportunities.
“We never thought someone from outside would come here and build something so useful for our children,” said the head gaon bura (village chief) of Veo.
“This library will change the way our students learn and dream.”
“This kind of community effort inspires us too. It shows that development isn’t only about big government schemes — it can begin with people who care,” added Gambo Nima, another gaon bura of Veo village.
In a world where many wait for someone else to act, this small group of 19 friends stands as a shining example of what collective will can achieve.

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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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