Rono Hills, Aug 4: Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Tesam Pongte underlined the importance of balancing constitutional rights with duties. He stressed that genuine progress stems from a transformative mindset, not merely infrastructural growth. Applauding Rajiv Gandhi University’s academic environment, he described the university as an ideal setting for such outreach initiatives.
Pongte was speaking at the curtain raiser event for the APLA@50 Outreach Connect Programme in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University at the University Campus. It is a programme from the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in collaboration with RGU. Organized by the Centre for Distance and Online Education as the nodal department, the event aimed to foster constitutional literacy among youth, with a special focus on Fundamental Duties and India's democratic values. The APLA@50 Outreach Connect will continue in educational institutions across the state till November 25 with Lecture Series, Essay Competition, Cover Design Competition and Debate Competition, and will conclude with the celebration of the Constitution Day on November 26 at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Held at the university's Mini Auditorium, the programme commenced with the National Anthem and the RGU anthem, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the felicitation of dignitaries with traditional scarves, mementos, and Rudraksha saplings.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. N.T. Rikam, the Registrar of the university traced Arunachal Pradesh’s political evolution from a loosely administered frontier to attaining full statehood in 1987. He commended Speaker Tesam Pongte for steering the Golden Jubilee celebrations and emphasized the significance of student engagement with democratic institutions.
The event featured distinguished speakers, including MLA Nabam Vivek, who highlighted the Assembly’s resilience since its inception on August 15, 1975, amidst administrative and political challenges. Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), delivered a moving keynote address, charting Arunachal’s journey from the North-East Frontier Tract to a progressive legislative state. He lauded the state’s youth for their excellence in diverse fields such as sports, music, and the arts, and described the North-East as a rising force in India’s future, accelerated by recent developmental initiatives.
MLA Laisam Simai, in his address, praised Arunachal's strides in infrastructure and called attention to the APLA building, now ranked among the finest in the North-East and third-best nationally. He urged young people to become active contributors to the state's progress.
Prof. S.K. Nayak, Vice Chancellor of the University, reflected on Arunachal’s literary and economic achievements and potential, including its rich natural resources like hydropower and minerals. He encouraged embracing both achievements and setbacks as part of holistic development.
Programme highlights included the screening of the short film My Rights, My Duties, which presented student perspectives on constitutional responsibilities. The event also witnessed the formal launch of competitions under the 'APLA@50 Connect' initiative, including essay writing, debate competition, and a cover design contest for the commemorative souvenir.
An engaging Q&A session allowed students to voice concerns on various state matters. APLA Secretary Tadar Meena delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and contributors.

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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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