PASIGHAT, FEB 1: “Universities must function as centres of excellence, not merely as institutions for issuing degrees,” declared Chayangtajo MLA Hayeng Mangfi during the Valedictory Programme of APUFEST 2026, marking a powerful conclusion to the third annual cultural and academic celebrations at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU).
Addressing a packed assembly of students and faculty, the Chief Guest cautioned that higher education should never be treated as a mere formality, as obtaining certificates without acquiring tangible skills and discipline would render the youth liabilities rather than contributors to society.
He emphasized that as products of the state’s only state university, APU students carry a unique responsibility to help overcome the developmental challenges of Arunachal Pradesh.
The MLA further underlined that building a world-class institution requires a collective effort of honesty and patience, advising student leaders that their roles in the union are co-curricular responsibilities intended to foster unity and a pan-Arunachal identity rather than a full-time profession.
Echoing this sentiment of holistic development, Guest of Honour Rahul Tamuk, Councillor, Pasighat Municipal Council, reminded the gathering that education must extend far beyond the confines of textbooks.
He described APUFEST as a critical platform for students to showcase and refine their hidden talents, urging them to take immense pride in APU as the state’s first full-fledged university. He challenged the current batch to set such high standards of conduct and achievement that they become a benchmark for all future generations, ensuring the university is remembered for its positive contributions to the region.
In a comprehensive and firm address, the APU Vice-Chancellor Professor Tomo Riba congratulated the APUSU for a successful third edition, noting that the festival’s growth has caught the attention of the state’s top leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister expressed great satisfaction with the university's visible progress, leading to direct instructions for the Education Commissioner to include APU’s infrastructure and academic expansion requirements in the upcoming budget.
However, he balanced this optimistic news with a stern reminder regarding academic rigor, issuing a "zero compromise" policy on the mandatory 75% attendance requirement.
He warned that the university would not lower its standards, citing previous instances where seniors were disqualified from exams due to poor attendance.
"Hard work is the only true definition of luck," the VC stated, challenging students to remain informed, engage in research, and make constructive use of campus facilities.
He particularly lauded the evolving dedication of the faculty, who are increasingly working through weekends and vacations to guide PhD scholars and secure research projects, calling on students to match this commitment with their own discipline.
The Vice-Chancellor further inspired the audience by sharing the story of Kato Tayeng, the first president of the APU Students' Union, who exemplified the university's spirit by balancing his studies with an entrepreneurial poultry and vegetable business while simultaneously using union resources to repair the university road.
This spirit of resilience was reflected in the festival’s competitive results, where Subansiri House emerged as the Overall Winner (Best House) following a dominant performance in sports. Subansiri secured a clinical 3-1 victory over Kameng House in the boys’ football final and clinched the boys’ volleyball title after the disqualification of the Lohit and Kameng teams. 
Meanwhile, Kameng House was honored as the Best Discipline House, and Siang House earned the Best Hut award and the girls’ volleyball title.
The festival concluded with the VC’s encouragement to keep the campus vibrant through small-scale, innovative engagements, proving that meaningful development is always possible through dedication and teamwork.

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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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