Rono Hills, Feb 4: Minister of Education, Passang Dorjee Sona, emphasizes on urgent need of education reforms in the state.while attending Rajiv Gandhi University’s (RGU) 42nd Foundation Day as the Chief Guest.
Congratulating RGU on its all-round development and national recognition, the minister underscored the need for a holistic approach to education, stressing that every stakeholder—from policymakers to educators and students—must contribute to meaningful change.
He highlighted a critical issue observed during his inspection tours across the state: the weak foundation of students entering senior secondary schools and colleges. Acknowledging this as a major concern, he asserted that strengthening primary education would be the government’s top priority, as a strong base is essential for long-term academic success.
The minister also addressed the quality gap between government and private schools, despite competitive recruitment processes for government teachers. He assured that the focus will shift from quantity to quality, and appealed to the public for patience, allowing the government time to revamp the public education system to make it one of the best in the country.
Furthermore, Shri Sona urged university students to be responsible and visionary, particularly in their engagement on social media, encouraging them to use the platform constructively rather than impulsively.
The 42nd Foundation day of Rajiv Gandhi University was celebrated with enthusiasm and all round activities at RGU Campus, commemorating the laying of foundation stone of the university on 4th February, 1984 by the then Prime Minister of India. The formal function commenced with inauguration of exhibition stalls by local entrepreneurs and from various Departments of the university showcasing their products. The event was inaugurated by Honourable Minister of Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Passang Dorjee Sona who attended the function as Chief Guest. Shri S. Regunathan, former Vice Chancellor of the University was present as the guest of honour and delivered the 42nd foundation day lecture.
Addressing the gathering of faculties, staff, students and community members at convention hall of the university Shri Regunathan, who visited the campus after 33 years congratulated and expressed his experiences during his time in the university. He praised the university which has grown up from strength to strength with new departments, courses, institutes and other infrastructural developments. He acknowledged the role of RGU in development of nearby localities especially the transformative development of Doimukh area. It was also emphasised by the foundation day speaker that the concrete jungles should not replace traditional bamboo homes which has been a characteristic feature of the state. It was further highlighted that the students and scholars should always remain connected to their roots and culture for their relevance lies in returning the fruits of education back to the society. He also stressed on realising and harnessing the power of AI so that students can cope with the changing scenario.
Prof. S.K. Nayak, Vice Chancellor (acting) of the university in his speech shared that during the time of independence the state had only two schools and now the state has schools in every village, the state has now private colleges, private law colleges, technical institutes of repute and we are witnessing a rejuvenated focus on education in the state. The gross enrolment ratio of the state is 30% which is above the national average. It was resolved that with perseverance and a research oriented positive outlook, RGU would further advance towards academic excellence.
Dr. N. T. Rikam, Registrar of the university delivered the welcome speech during which he also shared the evolutionary journey of the University. It was highlighted that in the beginning, the University had only three departments and 48 students and now the University have over 40 departments and 5374 students enrolled. He also applauded that the university has been meticulously maintaining the academic calendar with the best practice of organising convocation on fixed date i.e. 30th November each year. He also highlighted a significant achievement of the university which is A accreditation by NAAC in 2024. He also acknowledged the vital role of teachers, students, staff, alumni and community members in building and shaping the Rajiv Gandhi University where it stands today. Prof. Otem Padung, the Finance Officer and Chairman of the oraginsing committee proposed the vote of thanks to all the guests and participants.
As a mark of celebration the university also organised a photography and essay competition for the students and employees. In the Photography competition Mr. Sashakamoni Kashyap secured first position, the second position was shared by Mr. Songio Tania and Ms. Priya Lomdak and Mr. Shashank Mishra was adjudged as the third. In the essay competition organised on the theme, ‘RGU of My Dreams: Milestones, Challenges and Way Forward’, Mr. Nima Dorjee stood as the winner, Ms. Ankita Hazarika and Mr. Tutumoni Borah received the second and third prizes, respectively.
The university also honoured the outgoing teachers, officers and staff for the preceding year. Prof. Bhagabat Nayak, Shri Kurian Thomas, Shri Tikendra Nath, Shri Sanjib Kumar Sur, Mr. Lalit Chandra Gogoi and Shri Padma Bahadur Lama were felicitated as outgoing employees of the university. The university also started an annual award series for the best employee of the university to give a moral boost to the employees, Mr. Kanak Barman, Mr. Bake Karu, Mrs. Rupan Kalandi, Mrs. Tadar Monju, Mr. Raju Jomoh, Mr. Manik Das, and Mr. Shib Shankar Dutta were felicitated in this category for their exemplary services.
Following the formal program of the foundation day there was a sports competition and a cultural evening for the students and employees. The university also organized an exhibition where students and employees of different departments exhibited various item like Books, ethnic food, traditional dress and accessories, fruits and vegetable and other unique artisans/accessories.
