Rono Hills, Apr 9: The XIII Inter College Youth Festival 2024, hosted by Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), concluded with great enthusiasm and success after three days of vibrant cultural, literary, and sports competitions.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by MLA Topin Ete, as the Chief Guest. The program commenced with a warm welcome address by RGU Registrar, Dr. N. T. Rikam, setting a gracious tone for the closing event. He informed the gathering that with the financial support from the State government the Inter-College Youth Festival will be conducted at regular intervals, for which modalities will be worked out shortly in consultation with affiliated colleges and other stakeholders. 
In his address, Topin Ete extended heartfelt greetings to all attendees and expressed his gratitude to the university for the invitation. He emphasized the significance of such festivals in nurturing brotherhood among the diverse communities of Arunachal Pradesh. “Competitions like these give students the confidence to move forward in life and enrich them with valuable experiences,” he remarked.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the youth, Ete said, “Students are the architects of the future. Events like these not only build character and personality but also make you a better person.” He also stressed the importance of preserving native languages and dialects as an integral part of protecting cultural heritage and identity.
Addressing developmental strides under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the MLA acknowledged the progress Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing. However, he also expressed concern about the growing menace of drug abuse in the state, urging the youth to stay focused and make positive life choices.
The ceremony culminated in the distribution of medals and trophies to winners and runners-up of various competitions. Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar, emerged as the Overall Champion, while Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu, and Saint Claret College, Ziro, secured the First and Second Runners-up positions respectively. Dorjee Khandu Govt. College, Tawang has been adjudged as the best discipline team amongst the 27 participating colleges. 
Prof. SK Nayak, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, reiterated the beginning of the festival and how it has reached this stage of multiple events and large numbers of colleges. He also expressed happiness over the announcement of the state government in supporting the festival to be organized as an annual event.
The valedictory ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Nabam Naka Hina, Dean of Students’ Welfare, bringing the curtain down on a highly successful and memorable youth festival.
It can be mentioned that ICYF-2025 features diverse activities such as games and sports, essay writing competitions, debates, extempore speeches, and cultural exchange programs. These events are aimed at nurturing talent, building confidence, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie among the student community. The motto of this edition was “Empowering Youth and Celebrating Unity”. 
This edition witnessed the participation of 27 colleges and 484 participants competing in 8 different disciplines.

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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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