Women’s empowerment is essential for building 'Viksit Bharat', says Everester Kabak Yano at CBC-conducted SOP at SLSA

ITANAGAR, Feb 28: Aimed at inspiring young sportspersons and sensitise them on the importance of gender equality and women empowerment in nation building, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) successfully organised a Special Outreach Programme (SOP) on ‘Nari Shakti & Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ at the Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA) here today.

Kabak Yano, the first Nyishi woman to scale Mount Everest and the fifth woman from Arunachal Pradesh to achieve the feat, graced the occasion as a resource person. Sharing her inspiring journey to the summit of the world’s highest peak, Yano spoke about her struggles, determination and eventual success. Emphasising the need for gender equality, she stated that women deserve equal respect and opportunities as men. She encouraged young girls to dream big, remain determined and work hard towards their goals, noting that women’s empowerment is essential for building a Viksit Bharat.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Tadar Appa, Director Sports (GoAP), highlighted various schemes being implemented by the Government of India for the welfare and advancement of girls. He urged young students to take full advantage of these initiatives. Referring to achievers such as Tine Mena, Anshu Jamsenpa and Kabak Yano, the Director called upon the girls to draw inspiration from their accomplishments and strive towards self-reliance and excellence.

Prasanta Das, Publicity Assistant CBC, emphasised that along with empowering girls, it is equally important to inculcate the value of respect among boys. He stated that mutual respect and equality form the foundation of a progressive and developed society.

Earlier, Aritra Mukhopadhyay, News Editor Akashvani Itanagar, in his inaugural address, motivated the students by narrating the inspiring journey of Sandeep Thakur, who balanced his professional responsibilities as a journalist while relentlessly pursuing his passion as a pace bowler. His address underscored the values of dedication, discipline and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams.

As part of the event, a Judo competition for girls was organised with the help of SLSA Head Coach Utpal Phukon. After a closely contested event, Pona Jenchan bagged the first position, followed by Chapho Hakhen in second place, while Jum Jabaju and Chumto Lamkhu jointly took the third spot.

The programme also featured a vibrant folk dance performance by the Bugun Cultural Society, adding cultural fervour to the event, which concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners.