NARI-KOYU, 18 Jul: A wide range of literary and educational activities were organised in schools across Nari and Koyu circles of Lower Siang district during the National Reading Month 2026, which concluded on Saturday.

The events included reading sessions, library orientation programmes, essay-writing, short story writing, poetry, quiz competitions, extempore speech, dramatic presentations, and other creative literary activities designed to enhance students’ reading, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Addressing the students during the closing ceremony at GHSS, Nari, APCS officer Marge Sora highlighted the importance of cultivating the reading habit and encouraged them to view books as lifelong companions for learning, personal growth, and leadership.

Sora, also an alumnus of GHSS, Nari, advised students to pursue excellence through discipline, curiosity, and continuous reading.

To mark the closing ceremony, essay-writing and extempore speech competitions were organised, where students from GHSS Nari, GHSS Telam, and other educational institutions participated.

Winners of various competitions held during the month were felicitated in both junior and senior categories.

Awards were presented for quiz, short story writing, essay writing, and extempore speech competitions. The winners received motivational books, story books, autobiographies, encyclopaedias, certificates, and cash awards as tokens of encouragement.

Tater Gadi, Principal (i/c) of GHSS Nari, expressed gratitude to NE-HEALS, and described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind in Lower Siang district, noting that it created a vibrant culture of reading and learning among students.

He also appreciated the dedicated efforts of all participating schools, teachers, volunteers, and organisers in making the campaign a grand success.

A similar concluding programme was also organised in Koyu, where Assistant Commissioner Dr Marngam Kakki encouraged students to continue reading beyond the campaign, saying that strong reading habits form the foundation of academic achievement, informed citizenship, and professional success.

Students and teachers from the participating schools echoed similar sentiments, stating that the month-long series of literary activities had enriched their learning experience, enhanced their confidence and communication skills, and would have a lasting positive impact on their academic and personal development.

The campaign, which was launched on 19 June, was organised by the North East Foundation for Health Education and Livelihood Skills with the support of the Nari subdivisional administration to promote reading habits, strengthen library culture, and encourage lifelong learning among students.

In Namsai, the closing function of the National Reading Month was held at the district library on Saturday.

On the occasion, floral tributes were paid to the portrait of PN Panicker, the father of library movement in India.

Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayanan Mundayoor, fondly called ‘Uncle Moosa’, stressed the importance of reading, saying, “If the child cannot reach the book, the book must reach the children.”

Namsai ZPC Chow Sujana Namchoom said such programmes help in building character and personality, and advised students to put the values they learn into practice. He also advised students to avail themselves of the facilities at the district library.

Namsai DC CR Khampa presented a brief on the literary activities conducted during the month-long campaign, saying that such activities are essential to create an environment where knowledge and intellect will lead in the coming days.

Retired IAS officer Tape Bagra highlighted the values of education, perseverance, and discipline. He advised students to channelise their energy positively, while making reading, writing, and discussion a daily habit.

Namsai ADC NK Namchoom urged students to imbibe the habit of reading, and to follow the advice and guidance shared by the dignitaries.

DPO Dr K Sharma spoke on the importance of time management and its crucial role in personal development.

Winners of district-level literary events organised by the district library were felicitated. (With DIPRO input)