Webinar on 75 Years of India's Independence at RGU

13th March 2021 :

RGU Conduted Webinar on 75 Years of India's Independence - Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on 12.03.2021

As part of the country's 75 years of Independence – "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono hills, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh join hands with the country in celebrating this auspicious occasion. The Govt. of India, New Delhi through its Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and UGC, New Delhi, has decided to launch 75 weeks long programme which started on March 12, 2021, the very same date on which in 1930 Gandhiji; the father of the nation had launch the 'Dandi March' at Champaran, Bihar.

In the inaugural session of the Webinar Prof. Kesang Degi, HOD, Department of Education welcomed the distiguished guest spekers aand participants, and outlined the purpose of the webinar. She informed the virtual gatehriing that five broad themes have been decided for this celebration. These are; (i) Freedom struggle (ii) Idea at 75, (iii) Achievements at 75, (iv) Action at 75, and (v) our Resolve at 75.

Dr. N.T. Rikam, Registrar, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, on the occasion summerised the events of Dandi March lead by Gandhiji, that how in just three weeks times, entire nation was galvanized against the Britishers, Salt was made as the symbol of protest, and youths were called upon to eradicate them from the country. Dr. Rikam urged the coming generations to be a responsible citizen, and to inculcate sincerity, dedication and quality work habits.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amitava Mitra, Rajiv Gandhi University, shared his words of wisdom and threw light on the freedom fighters of North- East India, and went on explaining how they contributed in the freedom struggle, even without getting much recognition thereafter in the history. He further mentioned the significance of retrospection and introspection on this occasion of 75 years of India' Independence.

He stressed on the need to retrospect on the ways India fought for freedom, and the need to honour and remember the sacrifices of the freedom fighters. He referred India's struggle as a mass struggle, and talked about the tales of struggles and sacrifices of North East India's freedom fighters which were not even mentioned in the History books. He opined that we need to introspect on what India has achieved after Independence and how it can be maintained and taken forward to new heights to include all in its fold.

Distinguished speaker of the day Group Captain (Retd) Mohonto Panging, Vayu Sena Medal, the very first person from North East India to command a Sukhoi-30MKI Squadron, presently an entrepreneur, columnist and social worker in his talk argued and lamented that even after seven decades of Independence, and looking at the current plight of the country, such as; terrorism, poverty, employment, corruption, literacy rate, anti-national activities, border issues and Jammu & Kashmir issue etc, questioned, "are we independent in true sense".

Through this question h brainstormed the minds of the participants and talked about the perception of independence to each and every individual. He uttered about the affairs of North East States, specifically Arunachal Pradesh and its related shortcomings in terms of production of goods and services in the light of economic independence.

He opined that Arunachal Pradesh is still dependent on other states despite having available resources, and emphasized on the schemes like Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat, Vocal for local for the country in general and for Arunachal Pradesh in particular, and elaborated the scope for the the youths to come forward, take part in the affairs at their helm in order to achieve these ideals and goals. He opined that N.E States require another Dandi March to convey peace and stability and youths need to lead it. He congratulated Rajiv Gandhi University for topping and being the centre for excellence in Higher education.

Distinguished guest and speaker of the day Prof. Pritish Chandra Acharya, Professor of History at Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneshwar elaborated the legacy of Indian National Movement. He summarised the various movements that occurred between 1857-1947 and mentioned about the three main mass movements which was participated by youths and women also resulting into huge changes in the patriarchal society. He also mentioned that freedom struggle was a coordinated and collective movement wherein many sections participated and contributed to.

Prof. Saket Khushwaha, Hon'ble Vice- Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters, and appreciated the sacrifices they made of the nation. He expressed that every individual should know the importance of celebrating this Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav, in order to inculcate the values and essence of the beauty of democracy required for peaceful life.

Dr. Sumin Prakash, Coordinator of the webinar announced the winners of Essay Competition, held on 11.03.2021 as part of the celebration of Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, whwerein a total of 191 participants from schools, RGU affiliated colleges and RGU participated in. For the junior category the theme was 75 years of India' Independence: My Nation, My Dreams, wherein Biri Yakuno from Govt. School, RGU campus won the First Prize. For the Senior category (RGU and its affiliated colleges) the theme was 75 years of India' Independence: Prospects and Challenges, wherein Tanusa Gogoi from VU Benthem College, Namsai won the First Prize.

Prof. T. Lhungdim, Department of education Convener of the Webinar also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the efforts of chief patrons, coordinators, colleagues, principals of different educational institutions and participants who participated in this worthy programme.

Prof. Dr. Jayadeva Sahoo, Dr. Moyir Riba, IDE, RGU, Dr. Vivek Singh, NCC Officer, RGU, Mr. Sushnt Nayak, Department of Education, Prof. Sumpam Tanjang, DSW, RGU, Dr. Sambhu Prasad, Nodal Offier, EBSB, RGU, Deans of various Faculties and Heads of various Departments of the University, Principals of various RGU affiliated colleges, students of RGU and colleges, people from academia and common people also participated in and virtually graced the occasion. Dr. Tunung, IDE, RGU conducted the sessions on Google meet platform.