ITANAGAR, Oct 8: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said the 106-acre campus of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, is not sufficient for its future growth and called for expansion of the university.
Addressing the grand celebration of 'Vande Mataram @150' – marking 150 years of India's National Song – at APU, Rijiju said the university should be developed with all modern teaching and learning facilities and a long-term vision.
In his address to the Adi legislators and senior leaders present on the occasion, Rijiju said a university should have enough space to grow.
“A university cannot grow in a congested space. The present 106 acres is not sufficient for Arunachal Pradesh University. We need to expand the campus,” he said, adding that “such a proposal should come from the local legislators to my office and to the state government. The Centre and state government will do anything to help the growth and development of APU."
During the programme, Rijiju inaugurated the university’s newly constructed main gate, participated in a tree plantation programme under “Ek Ped Ek Bharat” and visited student exhibition stalls, including a photo gallery set up by the Arunachal Photography Club.
He said the university’s infrastructure should be planned keeping in mind the next 100 years. Appreciating the quality of the main gate, he said its construction reflected the seriousness of the university towards campus development.
Rijiju also urged students to become changemakers and contribute to the development of the State and the country, while describing teachers as “shapers of society and nation builders”.
On the PFR issue of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), Rijiju said the government would not impose any decision on the people.
“We will take the people into confidence. Nothing will be imposed,” the Union Minister said, stressing that, decisions would be taken in accordance with democratic processes and as per the will of the people.
He also assured that he would look into priority demands submitted by APU, including construction of three hostels for postgraduate and research students, a Tribal Heritage Museum, dedicated water supply to the university and a study on publicity outreach among minority communities in the Northeast.
Speaking on the significance of Vande Mataram, Rijiju said the national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, played an important role in awakening patriotic sentiment during the freedom movement. He said the celebration from Pasighat reflected the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.
During the programme, Rijiju also released the Book of Abstracts of a national seminar on 150 years of Vande Mataram, containing 70 papers from India and abroad, and distributed prizes and certificates to winners of various competitions held as part of the month-long celebration.
In his address, APU Vice-Chancellor Prof Ashan Riddi highlighted the historic role of Vande Mataram during the colonial period in spreading the spirit of patriotism across the country. He said Vande Mataram was the war cry of freedom fighters from Bengal to Arunachal.
He also said the university aims to develop as a centre of excellence based on the pillars of Access, Equality, Equity, Affordability and Accountability.
The event featured cultural performances representing different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Singpho, Galo and Wancho traditions.
Also present on the occasion were State BJP President Kaling Moyong, MLAs Tapi Darang, Ninong Ering, Tojir Kadu and Alo Libang, East Siang Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Gaon Burahs, PMC Councillors, and other leaders and officers of the district.
The three-day celebration, organised by the Department of Mass Communication, APU with support from the Ministry of Culture, will conclude with an offline seminar and valedictory programme on October 9.