HT Correspondent
ZIRO, Sept 18: The golden jubilee celebrations of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) reached a new milestone as the APLA@50 Outreach Connect Programme advanced into its second phase with an event hosted at Saint Claret College (Autonomous), Ziro.
The fifth edition of this first-of-its-kind initiative witnessed an overwhelming participation of more than 700 students from Saint Claret College and Neelam Taram Government College, Yachuli, underlining the Assembly’s resolve to strengthen its bond with the youth of the state.
Designed to make students active stakeholders in the democratic journey of Arunachal Pradesh, the programme combined intellectual engagement with awareness of the Assembly’s 50-year legacy.
Related Posts:
The event opened with a debate on the motion “Adopting a Uniform Civil Code ensures equal rights for all and strengthens national unity,” which saw spirited arguments from both sides.
Students displayed remarkable clarity, logical reasoning, and civic awareness, impressing the audience and dignitaries alike with their preparation and ability to marshal facts.
The second session of the programme shifted focus towards sensitising participants about the Assembly’s golden jubilee journey.
Dr Saurav Mitra, assistant professor, Centre for Distance and Online Education, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), explained that the outreach initiative seeks to instil a sense of belonging among the youth, reminding them that they are not passive bystanders but active contributors to the functioning and future of the legislature.
The event began with a welcome address by Allwyn Mendoz, principal of Saint Claret College, who greeted the dignitaries and said the presence of eminent personalities had elevated the significance of the programme.
A ceremonial felicitation of guests followed.
Dr N T Rikam, Registrar of RGU, lauded the college for mobilising such a large gathering of students and described it as a benchmark for youth engagement.
He urged young learners to focus on new avenues of development, pointing out that innovation and progress were essential for Arunachal Pradesh to realise its full potential.
In her keynote address, Dr Topi Basar, associate professor, Department of Law, RGU, spoke on the constitutional dimensions of Fundamental Rights and the moral obligations tied to Fundamental Duties.
Stressing that no right is absolute, she urged students to keep truth at the centre of their civic life.
Citing her own practice, she said, “I read the Constitution every day, and you should do the same,” reminding students that true citizenship lies in giving back to society.
The occasion was further enriched by the words of two legislators.
MLA Toko Tatung (16th Yachuli Constituency) called upon the youth to safeguard democracy and preserve Arunachal’s cultural and agricultural traditions, which he said continued to prove their enduring relevance.
Stressing that the Constitution begins with “We the People,” he reminded students that citizens are the greatest asset of any state.
MLA Hage Appa (17th Ziro-Hapoli Constituency) urged students to recognise themselves as future leaders whose ability to balance rights and duties would shape the state’s democratic development.
He traced the journey of the Assembly from its inception in 1975 to its present golden jubilee year, calling it an inspiring story of growth and resilience.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Bijum Yomcha, under secretary, APLA, who expressed gratitude to dignitaries, organisers, and students for their enthusiastic participation.
Debate winners were felicitated with trophies, adding a celebratory note to the day.
The APLA@50 Outreach Connect Programme will continue with its upcoming editions at Government Model College, Basar, on September 19, 2025.
