Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh – In a spirited call to action, Arunachal Pradesh’s Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation, Ojing Tasing, inaugurated the Adi Youth Festival (AYF-24) at Giidii Notko, Pasighat. Addressing the youth, Tasing urged them to embrace innovation and dedication, emphasizing their vital role in shaping a bright future for the Adi community and the state as a whole.
The three-day festival, organized by the Adi Ba:ne Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW), brings together youth delegates from across Arunachal with the theme, “Empowering Youth, Building Tomorrow & Say No to Drugs and Yes to Life.” Prominent attendees included MLAs Ninong Ering, Tapi Darang, and Oken Tayeng, as well as Chief Councilor Okiam Moyong Borang, Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu, SP Pankaj Lamba, and leaders from the Adi Ba:ne Kebang (ABK) and Adi Baane Ane Kebang (ABAK).
Reflecting on the legacy of community pioneers, Tasing encouraged youth to follow in their footsteps, aiming for excellence across various fields. He praised the ABKYW for addressing key issues such as drug awareness and youth empowerment, which are central themes of the festival.
In his address as Guest of Honour, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and self-employment, encouraging the youth to explore sectors like tourism, agriculture, and skills-based industries. Tayeng urged young people to look beyond government jobs, which he said would foster a more self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh.
ABK President Tadum Libang, ABKYW President Oki Dai, and General Secretary Apak Pertin also spoke, emphasizing community unity and the importance of responsible leadership. The event’s highlights included the honoring of ABKYW pioneers, the release of an amended ABK bye-law, and the ceremonial festival flag hoisting.
AYF-24 features a rich lineup of events, including sports, cultural performances, literary contests, a youth parliament, and the Miss Adi pageant. The festival aims to foster unity, cultural pride, and community spirit, creating a strong foundation for the next generation of Adi leaders.