A group of 24 students from the Puroik tribe, one of the most vulnerable and minuscule communities of Arunachal Pradesh, recently embarked on an inspiring exposure tour to Delhi. For the students hailing from remote villages, this journey was not merely about visiting places, but about igniting hope and envisioning a better future.
The Puroik community has long been struggling to catch up with the progress of other tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Their history is marked by bonded labor cases, lack of access to education, deep-rooted poverty, unemployment, and inadequate support for their persistent efforts to improve their lives. Yet, their indomitable spirit shines through.
It was heartening to learn that the community has taken proactive steps by forming organizations such as the Puroik Welfare Association (PWA) and the Puroik Students’ Union (PSU). These groups, driven by young leaders, have been extending support to their youth in pursuit of education and economic empowerment. Among the inspiring figures are Bihuh Pachey of PWA and Lokap Mecha of PSU, both energetic young social workers dedicated to uplifting their community.
Helping Hands, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, will soon collaborate with PWA and PSU to introduce scholarships for competitive examinations, reward star performers in schools and colleges, and provide career guidance for Puroik students in Seppa. This step aims to empower the community’s youth with education and opportunities that can change their trajectory.
During the Delhi tour, the students had the privilege of visiting Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhavan. The experience left a deep impression on them, filling them with inspiration and motivation. Their emotive sharing of struggles, challenges, and aspirations revealed both the pain of their present and the promise of their future.
As Robin Hibu, IPS, President of Helping Hands, emphasized: “If you educate and empower the most vulnerable among our fellow tribal brethren, you strengthen the collective march of society towards a better tomorrow.”
This initiative stands as a reminder that when society extends a hand of support to its most disadvantaged members, it not only uplifts them but also enriches the collective journey toward equality and progress.
