The Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti (ASVS) celebrated its 31st Foundation Day on November 18 with programmes held across Vidya Niketans and residential schools in several districts, reaffirming its commitment to value-based, culturally grounded, and community-oriented education. What began more than three decades ago as an effort to strengthen schooling in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh has today grown into a network that promotes both academic excellence and traditional values among young learners. The central celebration was held at the ASVS headquarters at Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin, located at the Kamak Nagar campus in Naharlagun. A formal flag-hoisting ceremony marked the occasion, attended by senior members of the organisation, including Secretary Tumge Lollen, Joint Secretary Gyamar Kassung, and State Coordinator Sukumaran K. The event highlighted the organisation’s long-standing mission of nurturing responsible and culturally aware citizens.
Addressing the gathering, ASVS patron and former adviser to the chief minister, Tai Tagak, stressed the importance of protecting Arunachal’s rich linguistic heritage. He urged students to practise local songs, converse in regional languages, and stay closely connected with their families. According to him, such practices form an essential part of holistic learning and are key to preserving the state’s cultural identity. Secretary Tumge Lollen expressed gratitude to parents and students for their continued trust in the Samiti. He noted that despite infrastructural limitations in certain areas, ASVS remains committed to maintaining high academic and cultural standards across its institutions. Lollen also announced that the organisation will felicitate its top-performing students from the 2024–25 academic session — including state board toppers from Classes 5 and 8, and CBSE Class 10 toppers — at a special ceremony scheduled for November 24 at the headquarters.
To mark the Foundation Day, schools under ASVS in Papum Pare, West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Lower Siang, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Namsai, and Changlang districts organised various activities such as essay writing, drawing competitions, and patriotic song contests. Kendriya Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) also participated in the celebrations, adding to the enthusiasm across the state.
