ITANAGAR, Mar 8: Joining the rest of the nation, Arunachal Pradesh today celebrated the International Women’s Day with marked enthusiasm, championing the cause of women’s equality. Governor Brig. (Dr.) B.D.  Mishra (Retd.), the state’s First Lady Neelam Misra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu participated in separate events on the day and there were also programmes by various women’s organisations across the state.
Raj Bhavan
The Governor presented the ‘Nari Shakti Samman’ award to seven ‘Women of Substance’ at the Raj Bhavan in line with this year’s IWD theme. Tsering Drema from Tawang, Tongam Angu from Likabali, SMO, Itanagar Dr. Jennifer Tayeng, Social Worker from Nahalagun Pani Renya, DD, Health Services Dr. Runi (Tasung) Bhattacharjee, Khuncha Techi from Changlang and Chairperson, Oju Welfare Mission, Naharlagun Ratan Anya, all of whom have immensely contributed towards the welfare of the state’s people during COVID pandemic were felicitated by the First Lady.
Extending his greetings on the occasion, the Governor said the message of IWD must reach every home and the nation will prosper if women are treated equally and with respect. To empower women, society must welcome the birth of girl children and provide opportunities for their education and make them self-reliant, he said. Recalling the high status of women in ancient times, during the freedom struggle and in modern days, the Governor said that the process of empowering women must be qualitative, effective and inclusive. Adding grace to the occasion, meritorious ladies and girls from Aastha Dance Academy, team from Women Helpline and Children Home presented a cultural programme. Women from all walks of life, including the members of the Legislative Assembly and eminent social leaders were present on the occasion.
RGU
First Lady Neelam Misra participated as Chief Guest in IWD celebration at Rajiv Gandhi University and inaugurated food stalls and an exhibition.
Commending the state’s women, including ASHA and Anganwadi workers who immensely contributed in the fight against COVID, she said it was them who encountered the toughest challenges. While observing that women are more qualified and efficient in many sectors than the males, she exhorted them to excel in their respective fields. Congratulating VC Professor Saket Kushwaha and the varsity fraternity for progressing from 100th position to second position in all-India ranking of Central universities, the First Lady hoped RGU will continue to perform well. Later, she inaugurated the food stalls and the exhibition and gave away prizes to the winners of poetry recital, painting and photography competitions held on the occasion.
A ‘Diversity Walk’, participated by the women and children of the varsity in their traditional attires, reflecting the cultural diversity of the campus was the highlight of the day’s events. RGU fraternity also felicitated the COVID-19 warriors, including doctors, police personnel and health workers on the occasion.
IWD was celebrated by ArSRLM at the Poma Hall of D.K Convention Centre graced by General Secretary, Women Against Social Evils (WASE) Joya Tasung Moyong as Chief Guest and President, Swayam Foundation Anuradha Talwade as Guest of Honour. 
Acknowledging the role of ArSRLm in empowering rural women and providing them the required platforms Moyong cautioned them about the menace of drugs including alcoholism amongst the youths in the state. She informed that WASE is contemplating over mass sensitisation against polygamy. On the occasion, 9 numbers of the PLF under DAY-NRLM were awarded for their selfless services during lockdown.
In a separate event in the capital organised by One Stop Centre Naharlagun and supported by Singcha Ghene Welfare Society, EAC Datum Gadi on behalf of the ICR District Administration handed over essential items  to Tailyang Shanti, the Founder and Chairperson of Mother’s Home Lekhi, a shelter home for the destitute.
While briefing the EAC on the details of the Home, Shanti informed that currently there are 7 inmates who are being looked after by them and as she can’t afford to keep additional workers, her family have voluntarily come forward to help her in this noble cause. She however expressed her gratefulness to the Departments of Health and Social Welfare for extending occasional financial assistance. Later, Shanti also appraised the EAC regarding the various issues faced by them in running the Home and sought help from the DA, to which the EAC assured to convey the same to the authority. The Mother’s Home founder also thanked ICR Deputy Commissioner Komkar Dulom for providing various essential items including blankets and groceries for the inmates.
A team of doctors from Sarah Poly Clinic and Physiotherapy Centre led by Dr Mitali Singh attended the camp and provided free treatment to the inmates.
International Women's Day was also observed at Government College Doimukh.
East Siang
In East Siang the day was observed through felicitation of Retd. Principal Bormoti Dai, Jt. Director (Retd.) Rongili Mibang and DD Agri. Yanung Jamoh Lego at the DC Conference Hall in Pasighat.
ABK Women Wing (East Siang unit) and WASE were also felicitated on the occasion organized by the Women & Child Development department in collaboration with One Stop Centre (OSC) and District Legal Services Authority. Lauding their immense contribution to society, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kinny Singh said that women are born leaders and managers and have immense capacity to excel in any field. Chief Councillor, PMC Okiam Moyong Borang sought support from all for a safe, clean and green Pasighat. Special Guest, Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, DLSA, East Siang Budi Habung urged all to create awareness particularly in rural areas on various provisions/Acts like POCSO, Compulsory Registration of Marriage etc. DD, ICDS, Machi Gao, members of ABK (WW) District Unit and WASE, Deputy Chief Councillor Rebecca Panyang Megu, ZPMs were among others who attended the event.
Lower Subansiri
In Lower Subansiri district, two separate events were organised in Ziro and Yachuli.
In Ziro, IWD was celebrated in a befitting manner at Abotani Hall attended by Deputy Commissioner Somcha Lowang. President, AWAZ Tadu Rinia exhorted the women to play an active role in curbing the menace of drugs. DFO Abhinav Bhindra assured to extend all-possible assistance to the women organisations in the district in curbing the menace and sought their cooperation in regulating picnic activities in Pange. CDPO Kago Maya highlighted the welfare schemes of the department and exhorted the ZPMs attending the programme to share the relevant information among people.
Later a tree plantation drive was conducted at VKV, Dobi. SHG members, NGOs, Anganwadi workers and women from all walks of life attended the event.
In Yachuli, organisations like Kal Paiyin Cluster Level Federation, Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society, ArSRLM, Government College Yachuli, World Vision, Legal Aid and Services Authority Ziro joined together to celebrate the day at Yachuli General Ground. Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Likha Sangchoree attended the programme as Chief guest and spoke at  length on women's struggle to achieve gender equality .
A colourful cultural programme highlighting the importance of conserving water was one of the main attractions of the day’s events.
Dibang Valley
Dibang Valley District Administration celebrated IWD with the theme ‘Women in Leadership : Achieving an Equal Future in a Covid-19 World’ in Anini in collaboration with the Departments of WCD, IPR, DVWWS and DLSA.
A COVID-19 awareness programme attended by the HoDs, PRI members and common people was also organised by the Department of IPR to encourage vaccination. As  Chief Guest, DC Minga Sherpa spoke on the importance of the day. Women officers and achievers were felicitated on the occasion. A colourful cultural programme highlighting the role of women in society was presented by various SHGs of the district. The Students of J.N.V performed a play on Covid awareness and the importance of the vaccine.
Tawang
In Tawang, IWD was celebrated with enthusiasm with DC Sang Phuntsok gracing the main event at Kyidphel Multipurpose Club as Chief Guest.
The event was organised by Women's Welfare Association, Tawang in collaboration with ICDS project Tawang, Kyidphel Block. The DC felicitated the women panchayat members, ASHA and Anganwadi workers. CDPO Tawang and others spoke on the occasion.  Arunachal Pradesh State Livelihood Mission members observed the day at Zomkhang Hall along with similar events at other administrative centres. 
Lower Dibang Valley
In Lower Dibang Valley, Team AMYAA, the NGO and Childline celebrated International Women's Day in Roing which was attended by the district’s SHGs and Anganwadi workers.
Speaking on the theme ‘Choose to Challenge’, Secretary, AMYAA RK Paul spoke on women’s achievements and gender equality. A short display of motivational video on women was the highlight of the event.
Lohit
The Women’s Cell of Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu organized a daylong celebration to observe IWD, focusing  on the theme ‘Choose to Challenge’. 
Along with the faculty members, Padma Shree Satyanarayan Mundayoor (Uncle Moosa) and President, Mishmi Welfare Society, Women’s Wing Sailu Bellai graced the celebration. 
Attending the function as chief speaker, Padma Shree Sathyanarayan Mundyoor talked  at length on the genesis and conceptual framework of ‘Mahila Samakhya’ movement. He also narrated his personal experiences working in the field of education in many rural places in the country and highlighted the role of women in the Chipko Movement and in many other literary movements. An interaction session on issues such as domestic violence was held at the end of the programme  between the Resource Persons and the participants.
Tirap
In Tirap, Nocte Women’s Welfare Association (NWWA) celebrated IWD at Khela with the theme ‘Choose to Challenge’, graced by Deputy Commissioner Taro Mize as Chief Guest and Superintendent of Police Kardak Riba as Guest of Honour.
The celebration was participated by the villagers from 59 villages of the Nocte community residing in the district. Chairperson, NWWA Chasuam Wangchadong who is also first lady of Borduria highlighted the significance of the day and the need for spreading awareness on women's rights and issues among the Nocte women. Responding to a memorandum submitted by the NWWA Chairperson, the DC assured to render help for construction of the protection wall of the NWWA office building. DMO Dr. N. Lowang as Resource Person spoke on the need for getting vaccinated to remain protected from Covid-19. She informed that all frontline workers under the DA, Tirap Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF have already received 2 doses each in the last month and the 2nd phase is in progress. The SP appealed to the Nocte women to join hands with the police to eradicate the menace of drugs and opium in the district.
Meanwhile, IWD was also celebrated at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa by the Women’s Welfare Association in which ZPC Tirap Chathong Lowang graced the occasion as Chief Guest.The DC accompanied by ZPM Khela-Bunting Block and officials visited the construction site of Eklavya Residential School during when he stressed on the need for extending cooperation to the work agency executing the project for its timely completion. PRO Raj Bhavan, CMO, DIPRO

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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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