ATAL Conclave 2018 Arunachal Rising

Public participation is one of the most important elements in any blooming democracy and when 40% of the population of a state is youth between the age group of 18-30 years, it becomes extremely important that the needs and demands of this population is represented in the policy-making process of the government.

Keeping this in mind and to know the perspective of the youth on the developmental issues faced by the State, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in association with Vision India Foundation, organized a youth conclave which will help the Government in tackling some of the most pressing challenges in front of them through the innovative ideas and grassroot experience of the youngsters of the state. The event was named in fond memory of Former Prime Minister of India, Bharat Ratna Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee as ‘ATAL (Arunachal Pradesh Transformational and Aspirational Leadership) Conclave’ and was organized from 28th September to 30th September 2018 at Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre in Itanagar. The theme of this year’s conclave was Arunachal Pradesh Vision 2040: Opportunities and Challenges.

The young and dynamic team of Vision India Foundation travelled across different districts in Arunachal Pradesh, spreading the word about ATAL Conclave and searched for the young aspiring change makers who participated in the ATAL Conclave as delegates. The team travelled across 15 districts, 25 towns in Arunachal Pradesh and covered 46 colleges across the State interacting with over 4,800 young minds from the state within a short span of 10 working days. Simultaneously, a lot of enthusiasm was seen among the youth during the online registrations and on social media. Colleges also nominated students who were interviewed for being selected as delegates for this Conclave.

In the second phase, all applicants underwent telephonic interview facing questions on the challenges Arunachal faces and the opportunities which can be leveraged in order to fulfill the dream of Arunachal Rising. Out of all the eligible applicants, 115 delegates were selected to attend the conclave. The Conclave was designed as a 3 day event with a 2 day pre-conclave gathering of selected Delegates, for two days i.e. 26th and 27th September 2018.