Commemorating World Youth Skills Day 2026, the Indian Army’s Spearhead Division under Spear Corps, in collaboration with the Menchuka Youth Club, organised a marathon and an interactive motivational programme for the youth and students of Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative underscored the shared commitment of the Indian Army and the local community towards promoting fitness, education and skill development among the youth.
The marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 200 boys, girls and local residents, alongside Indian Army personnel, reflecting the strong bond between the Army and the people of the region. The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Menchuka, Smt Tana Yaho, senior Army officers and two distinguished sporting personalities from Arunachal Pradesh, who served as Race Ambassadors.
Among the Race Ambassadors were Ms Jyoti Mane, the first athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to win a medal at the National Games, and Mr Tajum Dere, the first cyclist from the State to qualify for the National Games 2025. Addressing the participants, the sporting icons encouraged the youth to pursue excellence through discipline, perseverance and dedication.
To recognise sporting talent and encourage greater participation in athletics, cash prizes of ₹15,000, ₹10,000 and ₹5,000 were awarded to the first, second and third position holders respectively in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.
Following the marathon, the Indian Army conducted an interactive motivational session highlighting the significance of skill development, vocational training, innovation and lifelong learning. Participants were encouraged to identify their strengths, acquire practical and future-ready skills, and explore emerging career opportunities. The session also familiarised the youth with various Government initiatives aimed at promoting employability, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The event exemplified the spirit of military-civil cooperation and the Indian Army’s commitment to Seema Jan Kalyan, bringing together the Army, civil administration, youth organisations and the local community on a common platform. By integrating sports with awareness on skill development, the initiative sought to inspire the youth of this frontier region to lead healthy, productive lives while contributing to nation-building and the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
