Itanagar, Aug 27: The importance of sports, discipline and active youth participation in nation-building was highlighted at a National Sports Day: Khelo India Samvad programme organised by the NSS Cell of Don Bosco College, Itanagar, in collaboration with MY Bharat, Arunachal Pradesh, at the college auditorium here on Thursday.
The programme featured a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the youth and was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak, Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu, Under-15 national badminton champion Gumsh Licha and other dignitaries.
Modi, in his address, emphasised the potential of India’s youth, the achievements of Indian sportspersons and the need to further strengthen the country’s sporting ecosystem in pursuit of the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Welcoming the guests, Don Bosco College Principal Dr Fr Jose George underlined the significance of National Sports Day and the role of sports in shaping disciplined, confident and responsible young citizens.
MP Tai Tagak, in his address, stressed that youth and sports are crucial to the development of the nation. He highlighted government initiatives aimed at supporting athletes and improving India’s performance at international sporting events, including the Olympics.
Referring to the selection of Arunachal Pradesh sportspersons for the 2026 Asian Games, Tagak said their achievements and representation at major international events should inspire more youngsters in the State to take up sports seriously.
He also spoke about the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and called upon students to focus their energies on constructive and development-oriented activities. He urged them to maintain discipline, stay active and remain accountable for their actions.
A panel discussion with national-level badminton player Gumsh Licha was conducted by L Boje. Licha spoke about his journey as a sportsperson, his inspirations and experiences on the badminton court. The Yuva Samvaad session saw students engaging with him through an open question-and-answer interaction.
The programme also carried a social message against substance abuse, with NSS Programme Officer Samsom Mossang administering the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge to the participants. Dr Salam D Singh, Director, MY Bharat, Arunachal Pradesh, proposed the vote of thanks, bringing the programme to a close.