Kakching: In commemoration of World Youth Skills Day, observed globally on 15 July to highlight the importance of equipping young people with capabilities for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, the Assam Rifles successfully conducted a series of youth empowerment and community development initiatives across Manipur. Under this year’s United Nations theme, “Skills for a Shared Future”, the day emphasizes fostering a balanced set of competencies, combining technical trades with life skills like communication and problem-solving to build resilient communities. Aligning with this vision, the force orchestrated interactive educational and resource distribution programmes on 14 and 15 July 2026.
The sequence commenced in Kakching District, where an Intra School Debate Competition was organised at the Assam Rifles Public School on 14 July 2026. The forum engaged 06 students on the topic “Silence in the face of bullying is as harmful as bullying itself”, challenging them to analyze multi-perspective arguments, differentiate emotional abuse from respectful pauses and build public speaking confidence. The event, witnessed by around 40 students and school panel members, concluded with a prize distribution ceremony to nurture young talent.
The momentum carried forward on 15 July 2026 with dual skill-building engagements. In Imphal West District, troops based at Longa Koireng organised a vibrant drawing competition at the Vocational Guide School in Sangaithel. The platform witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 30 school children expressing their unique aspirations and talent through art, with merit prizes awarded to the best entries to encourage creative development. Simultaneously, a major livelihood enhancement programme unfolded at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Relief Camp in Kakching District, attended by 55 residents comprising 20 men, 25 women and 10 children. Representatives from the District Administration, including the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Kakching, also attended the event. The initiative promoted traditional skills and modern vocational practices, highlighting trades like carpentry, agriculture and allied farming, house painting and basic electrical work for men, alongside weaving and traditional handicrafts for women. Children were encouraged to participate in sports and games, while stationery and sports equipment were distributed to them. Live demonstrations on bakery products prepared by the Assam Rifles Bakery were held for the women to foster entrepreneurship, and men were provided with tools related to carpentry, painting and electrical work to secure sustainable development
