PASIGHAT, Apr 10: The ‘leader’ of technocrats from Arunachal Pradesh and former Chief Engineer Power, Ogam Apum passed away at his Diking village residence in East Siang district on Thursday (April 9).
He was 83 and is survived by his wife Oken Jamoh Apum and three sons and two daughters, who have “equally” excelled in their chosen fields.
As a mark of respect to the pioneering figure, the Pasighat Market remained closed yesterday.
His mortal remains were laid to rest today as a host of prominent personalities and people from various walks of life from East Siang and various parts of the State thronged the late technocrat’s Diking village residence to pay their last respects to the pioneer technocrat and illustrious son of Arunachal Pradesh.
Born to late Bangkin Apum and Autung Jomang Apum at Balek Village in East Siang, late Apum received his primary education from Balek School as the first batch (1946). He leaves behind a legacy of inspiring young generations to follow his footsteps and contribute to the future of the state through technology.
Late Ogam Apum left his indelible mark in the State’s history, with the distinction of being the first Electrical Engineering Graduate from the tribal society of the State and through his dedicated service became the first Chief Engineer (Power) from Arunachal Pradesh, rising from a humble and rural background as a young boy from Balek village.
His CV includes stints in public sector NEEPCO, Member of Indian Institute of Engineers, Rising Personalities of Indian Award 2000, as per sources.
The passing away of the first generation engineer of Arunachal Pradesh has been mourned deeply with outpouring of tributes from the highest echelons of the state, prominent personalities, CBOs, engineering fraternity, well-wishers, relatives, community members and general public.
A host of prominent figures including MLAs Tapi Darang, Ninong Ering, Zingnu Namchoom, Punyo Apum, Chief Councillor PMC Tagom Padung and his team of Councillors, former minister Bosiram Siram, Padmashri Yanung Jamoh Lego, representatives of community-based organizations, former DIPR Onyok Pertin, were among the hundreds of people who visited the late CE’s Diking residence to pay their last respects.
Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, East Siang MLAs Ninong Ering, Tapi Darang & Oken Tayeng and Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, SP Pankaj Lamba also extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. (DIPRO)