Wakro, Nov 15: In a heartening Children’s Day gesture, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Wakro, A J Lungphi, dedicated the new library premises of APNE Library to the youth of the circle, describing it as “a lamp of knowledge” that will continue to enlighten generations. The library has been shifted to a renovated old government building, now transformed into a vibrant learning space for young readers.
ADC Lungphi praised the library’s remarkable journey and the leadership of its dedicated group of young women volunteers. He assured full administrative support for its continued service to the youth. “Its achievements over the last 16 years are commendable, and we hope it grows further in its new home,” he said, congratulating senior volunteers for their all-round accomplishments.
Library patron and retired Chief Engineer Lupalum Kri delivered an encouraging address, lauding the volunteers’ community spirit and their role as front-runners of the Mishmi society. He highlighted the achievements of APNE Library’s young talents, including Manisha Halai, recent international film award winner in Bali, and Nishanlu Kri, gold medallist in MA Sociology from Central University of Gujarat.
He appealed to the youth to stay away from opium and focus on career-building, while expressing deep appreciation for Uncle Moosa for his long-standing contribution to the region’s reading movement.
Recounting the 17-year evolution of the library, coordinator of Lohit Youth Library Network, S Mundayoor credited Rohinso Krisikro, Chairman of ASSET and Head of Apna Vidya Bhavan & KGBV Wakro, for nurturing young readers and encouraging them to become library volunteers. He thanked parents for placing trust in their daughters, who have emerged as confident first-generation learners shaping the region’s reading culture.
Joint Secretary of Forum of Library Activists (FLA), Bethem Marai, who compered the programme, echoed similar sentiments of gratitude towards Chairman Krisikro and KGBV Wakro. Parent representative Solen Rangmang spoke of witnessing firsthand how APNE Library’s reading activities transformed young minds.
Founder-patron Silotmai Dellang expressed delight at seeing young readers blossom into accomplished women. Senior volunteer and PhD scholar Keselo Tayang shared the collective achievements of APNE Library readers.
Young volunteers from Bamboosa Library, Arpita Ram and Solong Krong, impressed the audience with their fluent Kaman Mishmi narration, sharing memorable experiences from Tezu, Shillong and Tawang. Junior volunteers Anushka Kumari and Jaison Rai presented poetry and story readings.
In her vote of thanks, Solina Kambrai, vice president of FLA, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to ADC Lungphi for providing the new premises and extending support. She also thanked all patrons and well-wishers for enabling APNE Library to begin a renewed chapter in promoting education and reading culture in Wakro circle.