DIMAPUR — ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), a social and human development wing of Salesian of Don Bosco, Dimapur province, celebrated ‘World NGO’s Day’ at AIDA campus on Tuesday on the theme “Building a sustainable future: the role of NGOs in achieving the sustainable development goals.”
An update from AIDA stated that the event marked the launch of new environment protection programme called ‘Action for protection of environment in Northeast India region (APENIR),’ emphasising the crucial role play by NGOs in creating positive change in the society.
The event showcased the dedication of AIDA towards environmental sustainability and renewable energy committing to make a difference in the state. Through the new programme, the organisation aims to raise awareness, engage the community and implement practical solutions to protect the environment.
The celebration was attended by Tiakala Ao, chief general manager of NABARD, as the special guest, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Roy George SDB, executive director of AIDA; Rev. Fr, Nebu Mathew, rector of Don Bosco, Dimapur; Dr. Abel, principal of Connerstone College, Dimapur; along with the staff and students of Cornerstone College and AIDA staff.
Speaking at the programme, Tiakala described various NGOs and their staff as ‘unsung heroes’ of the society who deserve appreciation for their contributions towards eradicating poverty, hunger, human rights issues and support towards the marginalised section. Their impacts, she said, go beyond aid and services and are catalysts for pushing policies to change issues.
She highlighted how NABARD collaborated with different NGOs to serve people in the interior regions. She added that NGOs have always been one of the major partners to achieve NABARD’s developmental goals through the years.
Launching AIDA’s new programme ‘Action for protection of environment in northeast India region’ (APENIR), she congratulated the team for the efforts in setting smaller milestone in order to achieve the bigger goals. In this regard, she urged the students to actively volunteer and take initiatives in such environmental protection programme and inculcate a sense of ownership and responsibility, which could be achieved by following simple rules in their daily lives.
While emphasising on the importance of conserving and protecting environment for the younger generation, she said, “Every action counts and together we can make the environment a better place to live in.”
Rev. Fr. Roy George welcomed the gathering on behalf of the management and staff and briefed about the importance of the day, while Rev. Fr. Nebu Mathew congratulated the AIDA for their contribution and efforts over the years. He further urged the participants to do their part to bring about possible changes and developments in the society.