At a time when Arunachal is dreaming anew to refurbish its ailing education sector, the shabby condition of its only Sainik School will only make pessimism condense further. Having a school of this kind is always a dream and prestige for any state due to the sheer quality of education that is imparted and it is expected that there are constant efforts for their advancement and enrichment. But it seems it’s not the case here and in spite of several deliberations and discussions including top level ones, there has been little or no perceptible positive changes.
The concept of Sainik School and the motto it nurtures commands a great significance in a country like India where the national army is always held in high esteem. Conceived way back in 1960s by then Defence Minister V.K. Krishna Menon primarily to rectify the imbalance caused by religion, class and creed among the officer cadre of armed forces, Sainik Schools are institutions which grooms the defence personnel of tomorrow in the most appropriate manner. They are scattered all over the country and the central idea of this pattern of presence is to make to the Indian army more representative that would     reflect the     nation’s wide demographic variations. Controlled entirely and centrally by Ministry of Defence and pursuing a common CBSE curriculum, these schools ensure all round development of students     through various training processes in academics, sports and co-curricular activities with special emphasis on inculcating sense of discipline, optimism, patriotism and high moral values, which are all necessary not only     to make them prepare for entry into Indian Armed Forces, but also to turn them into ideal citizens. It is no wonder it’s always a dream for many parents to get their wards admitted in these revered temples of learning.
The only Sainik School of the state at Niglok in East Siang district was a long-felt necessity and soon after its rather unprepared commencement last year it was felt that all infrastructural shortcomings will be duly taken of. But to the utter dismay of the parents of admitted children and also prospective future enrols, the     realities are harsh, same as it was at birth. The most basic of the requirements such as own school building, playground, teachers’ accommodation and a host of others which defines the essential characters of a typical Sainik School are still to come up and it is incomprehensible how the new batches will be accommodated in this already chock-a-block environment.    
When most states with Sainik School presence is pursuing efforts to add to the numbers, Arunachal’s one is submerged with shortcomings. It can only be hoped that all efforts are employed for its revival on an urgent mode to make the state’s education landscape a little brighter.     

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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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