User:PADIKHR

Apatani Youth Association (AYA) is the most comprehensive non-governmental organization of the Apatani people. It was founded in the year 1974 A.D (19 May), AYA pioneered the NGOs movement in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and it has been serving relentlessly for the society since its inception and brought about many drastic social changes in our society. The first office bearers of the association were:
 * President         :  Dr. Dani Duri
 * Secretary General :  Sh. Koj Tajang

The present head of the association (2017-2020) are:
 * President          :    Mr. Habung Tamang.
 * Secretary General  :    Mr. Racho Kacho

LEGAL STATUS: It is registered under the Society Registration Act 1960 vide No. SR/ITA/49/83.

ACTIVITIES and ACHIEVEMENTS: Brief description of the activities and achievement of AYA are as follows:-
 * Banned the Yalu system : (Traditional procedure to resolve unsettled disputes between two individuals, involving the slaughtering of cattle in front of the opponent's house alternatively, as well as, in certain cases, the ritual destruction of prestige valuables)
 * Abolition of Child marriage in the Apatani community.
 * Eradication of TATTOO system: Tattooing amongst men and women of Apatani community was done for beautifying themselves; it was believed that women with face tattoos, nose plugs and elongated earlobes got good husbands. When the education began to spread, AYA initiated banning face tattoos in the year 1974 because they were being easily identified and were being discriminated against.
 * Broadening of village narrow lane to a motorable road.
 * Encouraged girl’s education, inter-class marriage amongst Apatani.
 * Campaigned against the evils of drugs and alcohol.
 * Took the initiative of valley's cleanliness under the theme "Clean Ziro, Green Ziro".
 * Initiated "Mission Clean Kley River" under Swatch Bharat Mission.
 * Lunched Mega Election Awareness Campaign on theme “Money Free & Fair Election” on 04.11.2018.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
 * To promote better understanding and harmony amongst the younger generation.
 * To organize social welfare and cultural activities.
 * To promote science & literature and to impart knowledge.
 * To bring about any necessary social reforms in our society.
 * To undertake relief and rehabilitation measures.
 * To promote and preserve traditional festivals, dresses, folk literatures, songs & dances.
 * To preserve and protect traditional agriculture practice, flora & fauna and forest.

The changes be it educational or political or social, Apatani Youth Association (AYA) had always been in the front-line.Thus, every bonafide youth of Apatani may join us and be a part of youth movement in molding our society into a better society.