ZIRO, 18 Sep: The APLA@50 Outreach Connect programme, designed to establish a deeper bond with the student community of Arunachal Pradesh, advanced into its second phase on Tuesday at St Claret College Ziro (SCCZ) here in Lower Subansiri district on Tuesday.
The event was attended by over 700 students from SCCZ and Neelam Taram Government College, Yachuli. The event not only showcased intellectual engagement but also reaffirmed the vision of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) to nurture young minds as stakeholders in the democratic journey of the state.
The highlight of the programme was a high-spirited debate on the motion, ‘Adopting a uniform civil code ensures equal rights for all and strengthens national unity’. Students spoke both for and against the motion with remarkable conviction, clarity, and logical reasoning. The vibrant exchange of ideas reflected not only their preparation and hard work but also their growing sense of civic responsibility.
The second session of the programme shifted focus towards the broader purpose of the golden jubilee outreach initiative, sensitizing students to the journey of the APLA over the past 50 years.
Speaking on the occasion, RGU Centre for Distance and Online Education Assistant Professor Dr Saurav Mitra said that the intent of this initiative is to instil a sense of belongingness among the youths, reminding them that they are not just passive participants but active stakeholders in the functioning and future of the state legislature.
RGU Registrar Dr NT Rikam in his address lauded SCCZ for mobilizing such a large and enthusiastic gathering of students. He observed that this itself was a benchmark, reflecting the eagerness of young learners to actively participate in discourses of constitutional and societal importance.
RGU Law Department Associate Professor Dr Topi Basar in her keynote address spoke on the constitutional dimensions of the fundamental rights and the moral obligations inherent in the fundamental duties. She underscored the point that no right is absolute, and that truth must always remain at the heart of engagements as citizens.
Sharing from her own practice, she said, “I read the Constitution every day, and you should do the same.” Her words served as a reminder that giving back to society, in whichever capacity possible, is the true measure of citizenship.
Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung expressed delight in being part of APLA’s golden jubilee celebrations. He reaffirmed his faith in the strength of Indian democracy and urged young people to shoulder the responsibility of shaping Arunachal into a beacon of hope not just for the state but for the entire nation.
Stressing that the Constitution begins with the words “We the people,” he reminded the students that the greatest asset of any state is its citizens. Drawing examples from Ziro’s agricultural and cultural heritage, he observed that traditional practices, once dismissed as outdated, have proven their enduring relevance and value. He exhorted the youths to preserve and carry forward this legacy socially, culturally, and politically, while also striving to correct what is flawed and strengthen what is noble.
Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa addressed the students with a call to recognize themselves as the future leaders of the state. He emphasized that the direction of Arunachal’s democratic development would ultimately rest on their shoulders, particularly vis-à-vis how they balance fundamental rights with fundamental duties. He also took the audience through the inspiring journey of the APLA from its humble beginnings in 1975 to its present golden jubilee milestone.
APLA Undersecretary Bijum Yomcha also spoke.
Winners of the debate competition were felicitated with trophies, marking the culmination of a memorable day of learning and celebration. (Speaker’s PR Cell)
