ITANAGAR, 11 Aug: Poem writing and drawing competitions were organised here on Tuesday by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, in collaboration with the Science Centre, and with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Limited, to encourage environmental creativity and artistic expression among college students.
The event was held as part of the annual Yagamso River Arts and Expression Competition (YAREC), which aims to encourage young minds to explore environmental issues through creativity, literature, and art.
In the poem writing competition, Tania Metu secured the first position, while Langda Sanam stood second. In the drawing competition, Ngechi Yampi secured the first position, while Obuk Nyitan stood second. All four winners are students of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar.
As part of the programme, the poem competition winners recited their poems and explained the meaning and message behind their compositions.
Similarly, the drawing competition winners presented their artworks and briefed the audience on the ideas and environmental themes reflected in their work.
Speaking on the occasion, YMCR vice chairman Keyom Doni said the competitions were aimed at instilling a sense of environmental responsibility among the youths through creative expression. He said such platforms allow students to reflect deeply on issues concerning river conservation and the environment, and to communicate their concerns in ways that reach a wider audience. He further said that the YMCR would continue to organise such initiatives to encourage young people to engage meaningfully with environmental causes.
Meanwhile, the YMCR distributed certificates to 25 students who completed its 21-day summer internship programme 2026 at a graduation and certificate distribution ceremony held on Tuesday at the Science Centre in IG Park here.
The interns comprised 24 students from DNGC and one student from Binny Yanga Government College, who were inducted into the programme as part of a separate YMCR initiative.
Throughout the internship, the students actively engaged in a range of environmental awareness and conservation activities, community outreach programmes, river clean-up drives, and social service initiatives. The programme provided them with practical exposure to environmental stewardship while encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
During the ceremony, the interns shared their experiences and reflections from their 21-day journey. They expressed pledged to share the knowledge and experience they have gained with others. They also expressed their commitment to remain associated with the NGO and to participate in its future environmental and community-based initiatives.
YMCR vice chairman Keyom Doni commended the interns' dedication and active participation throughout the 21-day programme. He wished them the very best in their future academic and professional endeavours, and expressed hope that the values of environmental stewardship and community service they imbibed during the internship would stay with them for life.
He encouraged the interns to continue their association with the YMCR, and to take forward the spirit of conservation and social responsibility in whatever paths they choose to pursue.
DNGC Assistant Professor Dr Pema Thungon also spoke on the occasion, expressing her gratitude to the YMCR for providing the students with the internship opportunity. She encouraged the students to continue their association with the organisation and to actively participate in its activities in their free time.
The programme concluded on an inspiring note, with the interns carrying forward not only their certificates but also a renewed sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation, community service, and sustainable living.
