Arunachal Pradesh sports and youth affairs minister Mama Natung on Friday declared open the 11th edition of All Arunachal Private Schools’ Association (AAPSA)-Sahodaya Talent Search at the Donyi Polo Vidya Bhavan ground in Itanagar.
During the inaugural programe, AIGP Kime Aya was also present.
Addressing a large gathering of students, teachers and heads of schools, Natung congratulated AAPSA for contributing towards the illustrious history of holistic education in the state.
Natung said, “The concept of talent search that AAPSA has come up with is the need of the hour.”
While appreciating the vibrant participation of the students, he wished all success and told them not to think of winning as the ultimate aim.
“The process of participation is the first learning curve for you in such event”, he said.
Natung also spoke about the keen interest that he has under the leadership of chief minister Pema Khandu to make Arunachal a leading sporting destination of Northeast.
He also said he will take up the issue of improving the condition of the road leading to Donyi Polo Vidhya Bhawan with the CM and assured all possible assistance for sporting activities in private schools.
Speaking as guest of honour, AIGP Aya opined that cultural and sporting activities bring out the nobler qualities in human beings.
“Both winning and losing teach us lessons and bring out the best in us,” the AIGP said while calling upon the students to put up a good competition but without losing friendship and fellowship.
Earlier while welcoming the guests, AAPSA general secretary and DPVB principal Levi E Katy asked all other participating schools to feel at home and enjoy the event in the right way.
Expressing happiness on his school being able to hosting Talent Search, he said that such events builds collaboration amongst the private schools.
Katy also spoke about the efforts that AAPSA is making to reach out to students, teachers and parents in the mission of education.
While giving an overview of AAPSA and its activities, Fr Cyriac SDB., founder patron of AAPSA, spoke about the categories of people AAPSA caters to annually.
“AAPSA is here to cater to the needs of the students, the teachers and parents and to create synergy among these stake holders which bring about a healthy ambiance of education,” he said.
Fr Cyriac also informed the gathering that AAPSA is a non-religious, non-sectarian and non-political organization, which has its focus only on education of the youth of Arunachal and their well-being.
He further requested minister Natung to be the chief patron of event for its next edition so as to make it even bigger.
Fr. Joshua SDB extended the vote of thanks.
Meanwhile, the students of Auxilium School, Gohpur presented a prayer dance invoking God’s blessings on the event. A special award of recognition was given to the newly joined treasurer of AAPSA, Pradeep Kumar, principal of Little Star School for his outstanding contribution to the growth of AAPSA.
The two-day long sporting, cultural and literacy extravaganza will see around 1400 students rub shoulders with their counterparts in the loyal competition while upholding the motto of the Talent Search which is “Together to Excel”.