In the captivating landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, a beacon of hope and opportunity has recently emerged for the vibrant youth of the state.
“The Platform: Avenues, Opportunities, Self-Employment,” a mega job fair organized under Mission Youth in collaboration with the Arunachal Photography Club (APC), transcends the conventional job fair label and has become a symbol of transformation, self-reliance, and empowerment.
Held over three days at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium of the state legislative assembly in Itanagar, the event aimed to cultivate avenues, opportunities, and self-employment for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.
Dr Radhe Natung, the CEO of The Platform, set the tone with a resounding welcome note, echoing the spirit of the event: “Come learn and empower yourself, ‘Ab Teri Bari Hai’, while APC president and event head, Bengia Mrinal, expounded on the club’s core concept of “Give Back to Society.”
Both Natung and Mrinal were also engaged as moderators throughout the event.
What sets ‘The Platform’ apart is its collaboration with the Arunachal Photography Club, a diverse group dedicated to photography and community service.
From its inception in 2012 to becoming a registered society in 2018, the club’s journey led by Mrinal at present reflects a commitment to community welfare, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The success of recent initiatives by the APC, such as workshops for college dropouts and the Youth Adventure Camp, laid the foundation for ‘The Platform.’ It serves as a conduit connecting unemployed youth with government schemes, nurturing entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
The significance of ‘The Platform’ was acknowledged by Shweta Nagarkoti, the additional deputy commissioner of Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), during her role as one of the event’s guests.
As a youth herself, she emphasized the pivotal role young individuals’ play in shaping the nation’s future, encouraging them to explore unconventional career paths.
The panel discussions during the event delved into critical sectors like agriculture, bamboo resource development, film-making, and blogging. These discussions provided valuable insights into agripreneurship, sustainable livelihood through bamboo resources, and alternative career paths in film-making and blogging.
Success stories presented during these panels showcased individuals who embraced unconventional career paths, challenging stereotypes, and contributing to their communities. These narratives reinforced the idea that with passion, hard work, and innovation, one can forge a successful and fulfilling career in non-traditional fields.
‘The Platform’ has the potential to reshape the narrative of Arunachal Pradesh by encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering awareness of available opportunities. It goes beyond being just a job fair; it is a catalyst for change, a platform where dreams can take root and flourish.
The youth of Arunachal Pradesh are no longer limited to conventional career choices; they are now equipped with the knowledge and resources to carve their unique paths to success.
The subsequent days of the event continued to illuminate the path towards self-reliance for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.
The panel discussions on skill development, entrepreneurship, tourism, and rural livelihoods provided a comprehensive overview of the efforts being made to uplift and empower communities in the state.
Discussions on skill development emphasized the need to align initiatives with industry demands. Success stories in the aviation industry demonstrated the impact of skill development programs in securing employment opportunities.
However, challenges such as inadequate stipends for trainees working in industries were discussed, prompting a need for further governmental support.
The tourism sector discussions highlighted the vast potential of Arunachal Pradesh. Success stories in homestays, cafes, and adventure sports showcased the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
The emphasis on community involvement and the positive impact of government initiatives like Chief Minister Paryatan Vikas Yojana (CMPVY) underscored the potential of local initiatives in transforming villages into thriving tourist destinations.
Panel discussions on rural entrepreneurship and agricultural development, led by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), showcased multifaceted initiatives undertaken to uplift rural communities.
The focus on credit planning, developmental functions, and bank refinancing has laid the groundwork for transformative changes in the rural landscape.
The involvement of NABARD in supporting Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) and securing Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Arunachal Pradesh products reflects a commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous products. The emphasis on financial inclusion, capacity building, and sustainable practices underscores a holistic approach to rural development.
Speaking to NewsFy, Neckom Debia, the joint director of agriculture, highlighted the valuable opportunity provided by ‘The Platform’ for the youth of the state to gain knowledge and insights.
Debia emphasized that the youth in the state heavily rely on government employment and with the government unable to cater to all, events like these serve as crucial platforms for broadening their awareness of alternative avenues for success in life.
Debia, however, said that the event should not be centralized in the capital alone but should be organized in different districts to ensure wider participation. He underscored the importance of coordinating with the resource persons beforehand to ensure they are well-informed on their topics.
Rigam Singhi, chairman of the Arunachal Hope Foundation, echoed Debia’s sentiments, expressing appreciation for government support to NGOs in organizing events focused on improving the quality of life for youth.
He urged organizers to identify and assist youth in need of counseling or employment, pledging full support to Dr Natung and his team in future endeavors.
Jumbom Riba, the assistant director of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, hailed the event as an ideal platform for disseminating information about government schemes aimed at unemployed youth, promoting self-reliance.
Riba also advocated for decentralization and increased publicity to boost participation, recognizing logistical challenges but emphasizing the benefits of wider outreach.
Renowned filmmaker Tai Gungte, a resource person at the event, commended the organizers for their efforts and expressed hope for increased participation in future editions.
He suggested that event venues should be more accessible to a broader audience, making it easier for people who might otherwise find it awkward to attend in upscale settings.
In essence, ‘The Platform’ and its subsequent panel discussions have set the stage for a more self-reliant and prosperous Arunachal Pradesh. The collaborative efforts of government initiatives, NGOs, and the active participation of the youth have created a roadmap for transformative change.
As these initiatives continue to unfold, Arunachal is poised to become a shining example of sustainable development, driven by the enterprising spirit of its youth.
In conclusion, ‘The Platform’ and its associated events have not only opened doors for the youth of Arunachal but have also laid the foundation for a future where innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement are the driving forces of progress.
The success stories and discussions showcase the power of collective efforts in shaping a brighter and more self-reliant future for all.
Also read: Time has come for Arunachal to become self-reliant: CM Khandu
