In the easternmost state of India, Arunachal Pradesh, also called the Land of the Rising Sun, 37 young officers are rising above official duties to develop their home state. In a unique gesture of generosity and magnanimity, these officers from the 2016 batch of Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS) pool in their own money every second month and utilize it to undertake developmental works for the people. So, it’s not just the first rays of the morning sun that touch the Arunachali people, but the Project 37 group is also touching their lives by bringing them hope.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, one of the officers from the Project 37 group, Tashi Wangchhu Thongdok, who is Lower Subansiri District’s Yazali Block officer, explained the group objective in detail and outlined the projects they have undertaken so far.
PROJECT 37
Mr. Thongdok revealed that the idea came up in August 2020, when all 37 officers discussed about the need for a group initiative to touch lives. They were unanimous in their wish to give back to society and took the decision that every member would contribute Rs. 3000 every two months to a fund. They also formed a WhatsApp group, and it was decided that the officers will put forward their proposals to utilize the money in this group and the idea that receives the highest vote will be taken up and executed with the pooled money.
“Unfortunately, one of our colleagues passed away. So, Project 37 has 36 officers now. Each one of us chip in Rs. 3000 every two months which amounts to a total of Rs. 1,08,000, which is then utilized in one project. If it’s my turn, I decide what project to work on and then go for crowdfunding accordingly. At times, we also approach public leaders for additional funds for a project, but the execution of the project is done completely by us,” Mr. Thongdok told Indian Masterminds.
PROJECTS EXECUTED TILL NOW
The group has successfully executed seven projects till now. In the very first project of the initiative, the officers pooled in their money to renovate an old library in Khimiyang circle. The second time, a ring well cum water supply project for a government upper primary school was inaugurated in Pakke-Kessang district.
The amount pooled for the third project was contributed as relief assistance to the fire victims of Longliang village under Lazu circle in Tirap district. The fourth project was the refurbishment of the boys’ hostel complex of a government higher secondary school in Sille block.
Under the fifth project, a new conference hall was inaugurated at the circle office in Papum Pare district while the sixth project developed tourist spots at Jenging in Upper Siang district.
MODERN LEARNING CENTER
Under the seventh project, the group dedicated a modern learning center to a government residential school in Yazali circle. The school has around 130 students.
“I decided to provide a modern style of education to the children, complete with three sets of computer with printers, microscopes with slides, new and interesting books for the library, and 30 sets of desks and benches,” Mr. Thongdok said.
This project fund exceeded the collected amount as the total cost was Rs. 2,80,000. Hence, a few officers from the group contributed more than usual. Few local MLAs also contributed to this project.
Most of the students in the school did not know the basics of computers, while some saw computers for the first time in their life.
“I wanted to give them the basic computer knowledge so that they know all the components and are able to operate it. I have also donated comics like Tinkle, Chacha Chaudhary, Amar Chitra Katha etc., to the school so that the students’ understanding of language and grasping power are developed through interesting pictures and accompanied texts,” Mr. Thongdok informed.
In conclusion, the officer appeals to all privileged people in the country to give back to society in some way. Even a little contribution can go a long way in lighting up someone’s life – a life that has been existing in darkness, without basic necessities, without care, without love and, sadly, without hope.
