RONO HILLS, Jun 15: As part of the ongoing NSS Annual Special Camp of Rajiv Gandhi University, a skill development and motivational session was organized for NSS volunteers on Day 4, featuring renowned social entrepreneur and humanitarian, Ramesh Jeke, and tourism entrepreneur Lobsang Chombey.
The session aimed to inspire the volunteers through real-life experiences of leadership, community service, entrepreneurship and social responsibility.
Jeke, who is also Arunachal Life Saving Foundation (ALSF) Chairman, in his address, shared deeply moving experiences from his long journey in humanitarian service. Through initiatives such as voluntary blood donation drives, support for old-age homes and shelter homes, and assistance to vulnerable sections of society, Jeke has spent nearly two decades serving communities across the State.
He informed the gathering that the ALSF has successfully organized over 6,000 blood donation camps across the State and extended support in the dignified handling of more than 300 unclaimed bodies. He also highlighted the Foundation's efforts in caring for 17 children and several elderly individuals, reflecting its broader commitment to social welfare.
Addressing the critical issue of blood availability in Arunachal Pradesh, Jeke emphasized the urgent need for voluntary blood donation, noting that while the State’s annual blood requirement stands at approximately 15,000 units, only around 9,000 units are currently available, leaving a significant gap that can only be bridged through greater public participation. He also spoke about the rare Bombay Blood Group, informing the attendees that only 37 individuals with this blood type have been identified and that a dedicated network has already been established to ensure timely assistance during emergencies.
He acquainted the participants with the Government of India’s e-RaktKosh platform, explaining how the digital system helps citizens locate blood availability and connect with blood banks. Clarifying common misconceptions, he elaborated on the concepts of replacement donation and blood exchange mechanisms followed by blood banks.
Responding to a query from a student, Jeke urged young people to verify facts before forming opinions online, cautioning against reacting to every social media post without understanding the complete context and encouraging responsible and informed digital citizenship.
Addressing the session, Lobsang Chombey, who is also proprietor Lungta Homes, shared insights from his journey in the hospitality industry and highlighted the transformative potential of community-based tourism.
He emphasized that homestay tourism extends beyond accommodation services, serving as a means of livelihood generation, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Chombey underscored the role of homestays in fostering cultural exchange and showcasing Arunachal’s rich traditions and hospitality.
He also familiarized the participants with various government schemes and entrepreneurship support programmes, including the Chief Minister’s Paryatan Vikas Yojana (CMPVY), UNNATI, and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which provide financial assistance and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Citing Shergaon as a successful model of community-driven tourism, he noted that the village has grown from having virtually no homestays before 2016 to becoming a thriving tourism destination with more than 60 homestays, resorts, and farm stays. He highlighted how the growth of homestays has contributed to reverse migration, creating local employment opportunities and encouraging young people to return to their native villages to build sustainable livelihoods.
He explained how digital presence, strategic marketing, collaboration with travel agencies, and community participation have contributed significantly to the growth of tourism enterprises in the State. Emphasizing the importance of collective progress, he remarked that “community success is shared success.”
Dr Tage Monju, NSS Programme Officer (RGU), stated that the NSS Annual Special Camp 2026 commenced on June 12 and will continue till June 18. She informed that the theme of this year’s camp is ‘Empowering Youth for Sustainable Community Development’.
Highlighting the objectives of the camp, she said that a variety of activities have been planned throughout the week, including a blood donation camp, environmental awareness programmes, cleanliness drives, skill development sessions, and workshops on important social issues. “Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the changemakers of today. Through these activities, we aim to nurture socially responsible and community-oriented citizens,” she added.
Earlier, Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars' Forum (RGURSF) president Habum Hagio lauded the remarkable contributions of both resource persons and emphasized the importance of youth participation in nation building.