Shri Vijay Swami
Shri Vijay Swami is a researcher, social worker, author, and film-maker all rolled into one. He earned his Masters in Labor Welfare and Personnel Management along with Industrial development studies. After a brief 5 year stint as Labor Welfare Officer for an Indian government textile mill, he channelized his efforts towards various non-government social welfare organizations - working for Vivekananda Kendra (Kanyakumari). As a volunteer for Vivekananda Kendra, Vijay ji has spent over 20 years on socio-cultural development of north-eastern state of India - Arunachal Pradesh.
Among various other things, Vijay ji has also served in the role of Project Coordinator for Vivekananda Kendra Rural Welfare Project (a project for micro enterprise development in rural sector), Coordinator of Vivek Jyoti Yatra (a Walkathon from Itanagar to Kolkata, 1560 Kms in 39 days), and State Coordinator for Arun Jyoti (service project of Vivekananda Kendra). He also is the founding member of Gyanodaya (a career counseling center at Itanagar), Essomi Foundation Trust (a peoples’ organization for social awareness), Intaya Public School at Raoing, and 16 self help groups of women having a collective turnover of over $137,000 per year.
Shri Vijay Swami was awarded prestigious “Governors Commendation Certificate” in 2000 by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh for the commendable services rendered to the people of Arunachal Pradesh. In 2005, he was awarded Fulbright Fellowship by United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) under Indo-American Environment Leadership Program for addressing environmental issues in eastern Himalayas.
He also has written several books on Arunachal Pradesh depicting its culture, history and current challenges. He has made documentaries like 'Our culture our pride' - on rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, 'Pukar' & 'Nayi Disha' - on social awareness about healthy sanitary practices & safe drinking water, 'Ek Nayi Umang' - on movement of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Societies of Arunachal Pradesh etc.