The Adi Youth Festival 2024 (AYF-24) was inaugurated with a call for youth empowerment by Ojing Tasing, Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation. Addressing a spirited gathering at Giidii Notko in Pasighat, Tasing encouraged the youth of the Adi community to drive progress and innovation in Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring their critical role in shaping a prosperous future for the state. Joined by dignitaries including MLAs Ninong Ering, Tapi Darang, and Oken Tayeng, Chief Councilor Okiam Moyong Borang, DC Tayi Taggu, and SP Pankaj Lamba, the Minister emphasized the legacy of community pioneers.
“Their contributions are a proud heritage, and it’s up to the youth to build on this with excellence and dedication,” Tasing said, commending the Adi Ba. Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) for making anti-drug initiatives a central theme of the festival. Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, guest of honor, echoed this sentiment, urging young people to explore entrepreneurship and self-employment in fields like tourism, agriculture, and skills development. “We need to shift from a government job-centric mindset and create self-reliant opportunities within our state,” Tayeng said.
The three-day festival, organized by ABKYW under the theme “Empowering Youth, Building Tomorrow – Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life,” will feature sports, cultural events, youth parliament sessions, and the Miss Adi pageant. Aimed at fostering unity and a spirit of community, AYF-24 provides a platform for Adi youth from across districts to connect, celebrate, and inspire.