ITANAGAR, 9 Oct: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs organised 'Namo Seva - Ankahi Kahaniyan', a nukkad natak (street play) in Namsai on Friday as part of the Seva Sankalp Utsav, commemorating 25 years of public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The street play was presented by the National School of Drama, Itanagar, under the direction of Riken Ngomle. Through an engaging and impactful theatrical presentation, the performers depicted India's transformative journey from 'seva' to 'sankalp', highlighting the spirit of public service, the nation's development journey, and the collective resolve towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, state BJP president Kaling Moyong, Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, and Dambuk MLA Punnyo Apum, among others.

Distinguished guests, international, national and state awardees from Namsai, representing various fields, and members of the public also attended the programme and witnessed the presentation.

The event underscored the significant role of youths and other citizens in carrying forward the spirit of seva and sankalp, inspiring collective participation in the nation-building journey and contributing towards the shared vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047.

In Tawang, traditional sports competitions under the Seva Sankalp Utsav 2026 were inaugurated on Friday by local MLA Namgey Tsering at the festival ground in Mentsem-Tse. The events were organised by the district sports office.

The traditional sports competitions featured six indigenous games: tug of war, bamboo archery, gilli danda, bamboo climbing, dali haka hinam (a traditional bamboo game), and bamboo poles running. The games reflected the rich cultural heritage and traditional sporting practices of the region.

The competitions are being conducted at the district level on a zilla parishad constituency-wise basis, and the winners will progress to the state-level competitions.

Speaking on the significance of Seva Sankalp Utsav, the MLA stated that the celebration forms part of the month-long nationwide observance marking 25 years of public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He appealed to the people to work collectively for the development of the nation while maintaining peace, harmony and brotherhood in society.

The MLA extended his best wishes to all the participants and encouraged them to compete with discipline, dedication and sportsmanship.

In Upper Siang district, traditional sports competitions were organised at the general ground in Yingkiong as part of the Seva Sankalp Utsav.

The competitions were organised by the district administration with the aim of preserving, promoting and reviving the indigenous sporting traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, while encouraging the younger generation to reconnect with the state's rich cultural heritage.

Youth participants from all zilla parishad constituencies under Tuting-Yingkiong and Mariyang-Geku Assembly constituencies took part in various traditional sporting events, such as tug of war, bamboo archery, gilli danda, bamboo pole climbing, dali haka hinam (a traditional bamboo game) and bamboo stick running.

Among the attendees were ZPC Api Kombo and Everester Kishon Tekseng.

Addressing the participants, Kombo encouraged them to participate with team spirit, discipline and sportsmanship. She emphasised the importance of such events in fostering unity among youths while promoting traditional sporting practices.

Tekseng described traditional sports competitions as an important initiative for reconnecting the younger generation with indigenous games that are gradually fading from public memory. He stressed that reviving these sporting traditions would help preserve the cultural roots of the state.

Later, cash prizes were distributed to the winners of various sporting events.

In Keyi Panyor, the district administration organised district level traditional games competition in Yachuli on Friday as part of Seva Sankalp Utsav 2026, with the objective of preserving, promoting and reviving traditional indigenous sports and games.

The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra, ZPC Nabam Piju, SP Dr Akanksha Milind Tamgadge, District Sports Officer (DSO) Dr Mumne Borang, HoDs, zilla parishad members, PRI members, and match officials from the District Olympic Association, among others.

Addressing the participants, DSO Dr Borang outlined the objectives of the competitions, and encouraged the participants to compete with true sportsmanship, discipline and mutual respect.

The deputy commissioner in her address expressed concern over the growing preference for modern sports such as badminton, tennis and football, "while traditional games risk being forgotten." She highlighted that through Seva Sankalp Utsav, the government is making efforts to promote and revive the country's traditional sporting heritage.

The ZPC appreciated the government's initiative to promote traditional sports through Seva Sankalp Utsav, and urged the state government to make the event a regular calendar event to ensure preservation and promotion of indigenous games.

The competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation across various traditional sporting disciplines. The winners and position holders were:

1. Archery: Joram Ade (Yachuli zilla)

2. Bamboo climbing: Neelam Bath (Deed zilla).

3. Bamboo race: 1st position - Raban Pangta (Yachuli zilla), 2nd position - Taba Lej (Yazali zilla), 3rd position - Khoda Tada (Deed zilla).

4. Gilli danda: 1st position - Licha Taja (Yazali zilla), 2nd position - Jummar Karbak (Pitapool zilla), 3rd position - Joram Lej (Yachuli zilla).

5. Tug of war (female): 1st position - Deed Zilla, 2nd position: Yachuli zilla.

6. Tug of war (male): 1st position - Pitapool zilla, 2nd position: Yazali zilla, 3rd position: Yachuli zilla.

In Longding district, traditional sports competitions - tug of war, bamboo archery, gilli danda, bamboo climbing, dali haka hinam, and bamboo sticks running - were organised in the headquarters as part of Seva Sankalp Utsav.

Teams deputed by the respective ZPMs participated in the range of traditional indigenous games, showcasing their sporting talent, teamwork and enthusiasm while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The participants displayed remarkable zeal, competitive spirit and sportsmanship throughout the event.

Addressing the gathering, Longding district BJP president Chemnga Wangpan lauded the initiative of organising traditional sports under Seva Sankalp Utsav, saying that such events play a vital role in preserving indigenous cultural heritage and keeping traditional games alive for future generations.

Urging the younger generation to remain connected to their cultural roots, he called upon them to take an active role in preserving and promoting indigenous traditions and practices. (With inputs from DIPROs)