CHANGLANG, Nov 14: As part of the ongoing APLA@50 Outreach Connect - a flagship student engagement initiative commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the State Legislative Assembly - a thought-provoking debate and interactive session was held yesterday at the Rang-Frah Govt College, Changlang.
The event was jointly organized by the State Legislative Assembly Secretariat in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), with the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) serving as the nodal coordinating institute.
The day’s event began with registration followed by a lively debate competition among students on the motion ‘Adopting a Uniform Civil Code ensures equal rights for all and strengthens national unity’. Participants from various departments articulated strong arguments both for and against the motion, showcasing remarkable awareness of constitutional principles, diversity, and national integration.
Delivering his special address, State Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte commended the successful execution of the APLA@50 Outreach Connect across nearly 25 higher education institutions in the State. He observed that the Assembly could have confined its celebration within its premises but instead chose to reach out to students across the State, bridging governance and education. Reflecting on the evolution of Arunachal Pradesh from five districts to 28, he underlined the importance of understanding the State’s democratic journey.
Expressing a personal note of pride, Pongte mentioned that he himself is an alumnus of Rang-Frah Govt College, and that it was a matter of great privilege and honour for him to return to his alma mater in the capacity of the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly. He shared his journey as an example of how perseverance, discipline, and commitment to learning can transform lives.
Encouraging the students, he said that while not everyone may secure government jobs, the youth must look beyond employment and explore entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities. “We must aim to become job creators, innovators, and community leaders who contribute to the progress of our state,” he said. He urged students to be patient, tolerant, and responsible, to value both rights and duties, and to work for the collective well-being of society.
Citing examples from neighbouring countries, he highlighted the stability of India’s Constitution and appreciated Indian citizens for upholding it as the supreme guiding framework of democracy.
In his keynote address, Prof Ashan Riddi, Department of History (RGU), traced the evolution of Arunachal’s political identity - from its self-governing tribal systems to the establishment of formal administrative structures under the British, marked by the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. He connected this historical narrative to the making of the Indian Constitution, elaborating on the Fundamental Rights and Duties, particularly the Right to Equality, and underscoring that equality is not absolute but balanced by responsibility. He emphasized that fulfilling fundamental duties is integral to safeguarding national unity and serving the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Hamjong Tangha, MLA Changlang South, appreciated the outreach initiative for creating awareness about the state’s political journey. He remarked that governance must be a dialogue between the State and its citizens, saying “what has been done and what remains to be done must be collectively discussed.” Urging students to uphold constitutional values, he warned against the menace of drug abuse and called upon youth to protect society through determination and moral strength.
Dr. Saurav Mitra, Assistant Professor, CDOE-RGU, presented an overview of the APLA@50 Outreach Connect initiative, highlighting its mission to nurture constitutional awareness and civic responsibility among students across Arunachal Pradesh.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the best speakers.
State Assembly Jt Secretary Khangshung Jugli also spoke.
Earlier, Polkam Mossang, Principal RFGC, lauded the initiative for bringing governance closer to young citizens and fostering a culture of informed debate.
The winners of the zonal debates will now proceed to the State-level Debate Competition scheduled to be held on 25th November at Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills. The final awardees will be felicitated at the State Legislative Assembly, Itanagar on 26th November 2025, as part of the Constitution Day celebrations, according to an official press note.