In a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh’s academic community, students from Don Bosco College, Itanagar, presented groundbreaking research on pressing social issues, drawing attention from educators, policymakers, and civil society alike. The event, held during the college’s annual academic seminar, showcased a diverse range of student-led research addressing societal challenges such as gender inequality, substance abuse, mental health, and environmental degradation in the Northeast.
This pioneering initiative is being hailed as a transformative step in youth-led social analysis and evidence-based activism in the region.
Empowering Youth Through Research and Dialogue
The seminar, themed “Voices of the Youth: Research for Social Impact”, was designed to encourage students to engage with real-world social issues through academic exploration. Faculty members guided students in applying research methodology to grassroots challenges, ensuring each presentation was backed by credible data, field surveys, and actionable recommendations.
Speaking at the event, the college principal Fr. Jose George said, “This is not just an academic exercise—this is about preparing our students to become change agents. The youth of Arunachal have the talent and insight to address the state’s most pressing challenges.”
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Key Research Highlights
Among the standout presentations were several student papers that garnered attention for their depth and relevance:
- Substance Abuse Among Youth in Papum Pare – This research explored the alarming rise of drug and alcohol use in urban and semi-urban areas of Arunachal. The findings highlighted a correlation between unemployment, peer pressure, and substance abuse.
- Gender Inequality in Rural Education Access – A team of female researchers presented compelling statistics showing a gender gap in school retention in interior villages. They proposed localized intervention models such as community-based scholarship programs.
- Mental Health Awareness Among College Students – Another standout study assessed the awareness levels and stigma around mental health in colleges. The research emphasized the urgent need for campus counseling centers and peer-support networks.
- Environmental Impacts of Rapid Urbanization in Itanagar – A group project that focused on how rapid construction and lack of planning are damaging the ecological balance in and around the capital city. Their recommendations included stricter implementation of building codes and community tree-planting drives.
Bridging Academia and Policy
The presence of government officials and NGOs during the seminar reflected the growing synergy between academia and real-world governance. Representatives from the State Planning Department and the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society praised the students’ work and hinted at possible collaborations for implementing some of the proposals.
One official remarked, “The insights shared today can directly inform state policy. When students become researchers and advocates, society moves forward faster.”
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A Step Toward Informed Citizenship
Faculty members involved in mentoring the students emphasized that research is not merely academic—it’s a form of informed citizenship. Prof. Mary Taba, Head of the Sociology Department, stated, “When students take ownership of the challenges in their community, they stop being passive observers and become part of the solution.”
The college also announced plans to compile the best research papers into a published volume that will be distributed to state policymakers and educational institutions across the Northeast.
Community and Cultural Impact
Parents and community leaders who attended the event expressed pride in seeing local youth take on such meaningful initiatives. For many, this was the first time their children had presented in a formal academic setting with real-world policy implications.
“This kind of engagement helps our children stay rooted in our culture while also learning how to improve society,” said one elder from a local village.
A Model for Other Institutions
The Don Bosco College seminar has set a powerful example of youth empowerment through research in Arunachal Pradesh. By connecting academic inquiry with social responsibility, the institution is nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and reformers.
With strong faculty support, enthusiastic student participation, and growing policy interest, the college is poised to become a model for research-driven community development in the region—and beyond.
