A journey of triumph and tribulation

50^th Years of AAPSU’s Constitutional Journey

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union is going to celebrate the 50 years of AAPSU Constitution from 15^th to 19^th October 2017 at IG Park Itanagar and expecting host of students, youths, dignitaries, public etc. however, it is important to flash back to pay our tribute and look forward with enthusiasm to counter new challenges. The AAPSU has taken up “Gratitude and New Beginnings” as it theme to commemorate the Celebration.

The present structure of apex and premier student organisation of the state All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has traversed a long march and evolve along with the present state of our beloved Arunachal Pradesh from a mere “Geographical Expression” to a union territory in 1972 and as a full-fledged state on 20^th February 1987. The student Union in the region in late forties initially with the nomenclature ADI Mishing students’ Union with its headquarters at Pasighat with Late Dr. Daying Ering (Former Union Deputy Minister) and sri. Matin Dai (Retd. Chief Secretary) as founder light of education among the tribals by convincing them to send their wards to schools and also by organising periodical meetings, cultural programs to explain the meaning and value of their traditional culture, its preservation and promotion. With the formation of NEFA in 1959, Adi Mishing students’ Union was replaced by All NEFA students’ Union with Late Talom Rukbo as President and Late Bakin Pertin as General Secretary. However then the union was mostly confine at Pasighat and did not draw much support from other educational institute in the NEFA and almost remain vague without much organisational set up till 1967.

Nevertheless, it plays a pivotal role in laying the future road map of the union by placing demand to the then NEFA administration like change of medium of instruction from Assamese to English with Hindi as second language in NEFA, shifting of NEFA headquarter from Shillong to a place within NEFA, to upgrade NEFA administration to Union territory with a Lt. Governor, creation of more administration centres in all vulnerable and strategies places of the region, establishment of higher educational institute within NEFA as till then only a fortunate few could go to Shillong, Guwahati and other places for college education, enhancement of stipend for NEFA students and creation of hostel facilities for NEFA students studying at Shillong and reservation of seats in various science and technical institutions of the country for the student of NEFA.

However, with the changing time and establishment of first institute of higher learning in the state JN College Pasighat in the year 1964 the need for a strong student union and social organisation was urgently felt. Accordingly, on 14^th October 1967 a high power committee was formed with Lt. Lummer Dai as Chief Advisor and Shri. Nyodek Yonggam (Ex. MP), as coordinator with the students of NEFA were studying in different part o f the region and the country converging at JN College Pasighat. Consequently, after hectic parleys and discussion for two days the Constitution of the present AAPSU which gave a federal structure was drafted by Lt. Lummer Dai and adopted with 16 Articles by the house present 0n 15^th October 1967.

The Motto of the Union “Learn to serve” was proposed by Sri Nyodek Yonggam and the Union Emblem was drawn by Er. C.T Manpong.

The new development usher a new phase of students’ organisation in the region that took an organised shape and elected a new office bearer with Nyodek Yonggam (former MP) Lt. Sobeng Tayeng (former Minister) Lt. Rinchin Norbu as President, Vice President and General secretary respectively along with other bearers.

As such in order to commemorate and rejoice the historic day of adopting the Union’s Constitution on 15^th October 1967 that gave the union the union a federal structure thereby it an inclusive and Pan Arunachal Identity among the various students Community of the state. The AAPSU to mark the 50^thanniversary in appreciation of the eventful day have decided to rejoice the historic occasion by celebrating “Golden Jubilee cum Inter Tribe Youth Festival -2017” from 15^th to 19^th October 2017 to reaffirm and equip ourselves for the future challenges by bringing together all the 28 major tribes and 100 plus sub tribes under one roof. The week long regale will include games & sports, cultural events, literary competition mostly of indigenous touch and delicacies of traditional cuisine.  The Union in its celebration would continue to strive for the greater welfare of the students community and keep its stand clear to foster on the social and cultural aspect of the indigenous people of the state. The union will continue to work to sought our boundary disputes, refugee issues, other issues of the state.

A write up on the history of AAPSU Golden Jubilee on behalf of All Arunachal Pradesh students’ Union  by Nepha Wangsa (nephawangsa@gmail.com) Dy. Spokesperson AAPSU.

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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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