ITANAGAR, Oct 2: Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence were observed across several districts of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday with peace marches, cleanliness drives, plantation activities, awareness programmes and community initiatives highlighting the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

At Ziro, the Lower Subansiri district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme organised a series of programmes at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue. The observance began with Prabhat Pheris by school students across the town under the direction of the Deputy Director of School Education.

District officers, department heads, local leaders and residents later assembled at the statue to offer floral tributes. The administration also honoured Safai Mitras and other community members for their contribution to public hygiene and community well-being.

A mass cleanliness drive was subsequently conducted across the district under the leadership of the Executive Engineer, UD & Housing, with officials and residents cleaning Govt offices, schools, residential colonies, markets and hospital premises. Perme appreciated the public participation and stressed that the ideals of Gandhi should be reflected through cleanliness, civic responsibility and mutual respect.

At Yingkiong, Gandhi Jayanti was observed at Govt Higher Secondary School with a peace march, floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, and a Ramdhun.

Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Dr Ashok Tajo interacted with students and urged them to imbibe Gandhian values in their daily lives. He also stressed the importance of education and proper career guidance.

DDSE Duhon Tekseng highlighted the legacy of GHSS Yingkiong, established in 1958, and encouraged students to draw inspiration from its alumni. School Principal Lutni Perme spoke on the relevance of truth, non-violence, simplicity and perseverance. Teachers and students also delivered speeches on Gandhi's life and philosophy.

In Leparada, Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence were observed at Marto Kamdak Multipurpose Cultural Hall, Basar, under the Swachhata Hi Seva-2026 campaign.

MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi attended as chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena was the guest of honour. Assistant Commissioner Aastha Singh, ADC Tamo Basar, heads of departments, students and members of the public also participated.

The programme featured garlanding of Gandhi's portrait and administration of the Swachhata, Non-Violence and Peace, and Nasha Mukt Bharat pledges. A plantation drive was conducted around the MKMCH complex with support from the Forest Department.

A music video and an awareness video on cleanliness were released on the occasion. Certificates and trophies were distributed to individuals and teams for their contribution to activities under SHS-2026, while winners and runners-up of a volleyball championship were also felicitated.

Meena called for cleanliness to be treated as a collective social responsibility, while Dirchi stressed environmental conservation and greater community participation, particularly among youth, in efforts towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

Special Gram Sabhas were also conducted across Leparada, where Panchayat leaders and communities participated in shramdaan and plantation activities under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.

In Shi-Yomi, the district administration, in collaboration with the District Art and Culture Office, Urban Development Department, District Sports Office and Marathon Organising Committee, organised a marathon from Zero Point, Tato, followed by a Swachhata Bharat cleanliness drive.

The day-long programme culminated in a Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-Violence celebration at SFS School, Tato, attended by Deputy Commissioner Manjunath R, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tanya Rinya, Superintendent of Police and heads of offices.

Students presented welcome and patriotic performances, while speakers highlighted Gandhi's ideals of truth, non-violence, cleanliness and self-reliance. The SP also sensitised students on the harmful effects of addiction and administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge.

Prizes were distributed to participants of the marathon and other activities held as part of the observance.

YUPIA: Gandhi Jayanti celebrations were led by RD & PR Minister Ojing Tasing at Poma today, with a mass cleanliness drive under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 and a tree plantation drive under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ marking the occasion.

The Minister joined local residents and participants in reinforcing the message of cleanliness, environmental conservation and community participation.

The celebrations, organised by the Poma Gram Segment Panchayat in collaboration with the Department of Panchayati Raj (GoAP), also featured a Special Gram Sabha at the Poma community hall. The plantation drive was carried out at Bini Yanga Govt Women’s College, with the participation of public representatives, officials, SHGs, NGOs and local residents.

Advisor to the Minister-cum- MLA Daporijo Tanya Soki, Director Panchayati Raj Tajing Jonnom, ZPC Bamang Yayu and ZPM Baba Kinu were among those present.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister expressed happiness that the spirit of Swachhata Hi Seva has reached villages across the country. He noted that since its launch in 2014, people from different sections of society and organisations across various sectors have joined the cleanliness movement, describing the initiative as a befitting tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

He appreciated the conduct of the Special Gram Sabha and stressed the importance of youth-centric and women-centric programmes, observing that the progress of villages and society is closely linked to the progress of youth and women. He also urged people to learn more about Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) and other rural development initiatives and avail the opportunities available under them.

Highlighting the role of the Arunachal Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and Self Help Groups, Tasing said that SHGs have emerged as important platforms for rural women to participate in discussions, share knowledge and strengthen their livelihoods.

Soki appreciated the proceedings of the Special Gram Sabha and said that it was his first time attending a Gram Sabha. He requested the Minister to look into the issue of network connectivity on priority, particularly in view of the presence of major educational institutions in the area, where reliable connectivity is essential for students and institutions.

Director PR also spoke on the occasion, emphasising the importance of community participation in cleanliness and rural development.

As part of the programme, the SIRD team conducted a practical demonstration on waste segregation and preparation of a compost pit, promoting sustainable waste-management practices at the grassroots level.

YACHULI: The Keyi Panyor District Administration celebrated Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas with a special plantation drive under the nationwide campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ at the District Secretariat, Yachuli, on Friday.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Ankita Mishra, Deputy Commissioner Keyi Panyor, followed by floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, in remembrance of his ideals and enduring contributions to the nation.

Addressing the gathering, the DC highlighted three core philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi—Swachhata (Cleanliness), Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment) and Self-Reliance (Atmanirbharta). She emphasized that these timeless principles, when integrated into everyday life and collective action, can serve as a unified blueprint for building a just, healthy and empowered society.

She also underscored the importance of cleanliness, environmental responsibility and community participation in achieving sustainable development, urging everyone to translate the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi into meaningful action.

As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, the DC, along with the participating officers, officials and members of the public, planted saplings across the District Secretariat building and its premises. The plantation drive symbolized a collective commitment to environmental conservation, nurturing greenery and creating a sustainable future for coming generations. (Source: EoA)