ITANAGAR, May 15: Leaders, social organisations, and public representatives have expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran social reformer, educationist, and indigenous rights activist Dr Bengia Tolum, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to the State and its indigenous communities.
Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik expressed profound sorrow over the demise of the noted social activist and community leader. He described Late Tolum as a visionary social reformer, dedicated educationist, and tireless cultural crusader who devoted his life to the welfare and upliftment of society.
He said Tolum worked relentlessly to strengthen unity and harmony among different tribes and communities while serving as a messenger of peace and understanding. The Governor also acknowledged his significant role in preserving the rich cultural heritage and indigenous traditions of the State and fostering stronger people-to-people relations between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Stating that his demise was an irreparable loss not only to his family and community but also to the entire State, the Governor said Tolum’s life and works inspired countless people towards social service, harmony, and collective progress. He also offered prayers to Almighty Donyi Polo for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein paid last respects to Late Tolum at his residence in Yazali and described him as a dedicated social worker who devoted his life to the protection and promotion of indigenous culture and traditions of the State.
Mein stated that as founding president of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and six-time former president of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES), Tolum played a vital role in uniting indigenous tribes and initiating pioneering works for social welfare and upliftment.
Health Minister Biyuram Wahge also paid floral tributes to the mortal remains of Late Tolum at Yazali and described him as a towering figure of the Nyishi community whose life was devoted to unity, culture, and selfless service. He said Tolum’s passing had created an irreplaceable void, but his legacy and contributions would continue to inspire future generations.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) also mourned the demise of Dr Bengia Tolum, describing him as a great visionary, social reformist, preserver of indigenous faith, educationist, and cultural activist who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the people of the State in general and the Nyishi community in particular.
The APLS stated that Tolum spent his life working for the upliftment of society, preservation of indigenous faith and cultural heritage, and promotion of unity among tribes and neighbouring communities. Describing him as an embodiment of justice and a strong voice against injustice, it said Arunachal Pradesh has lost one of its greatest sons whose contributions would remain permanently etched in the socio-cultural history of the State.
The literary body also urged the State Government to recommend Late Tolum’s name to the Government of India for conferment of the Padma Shri award posthumously as a befitting tribute to his lifelong service to society.
Former minister Yari Dulom also condoled the demise of the veteran leader and described him as a first-generation social and cultural reformer who played a pivotal role in strengthening the Nyishi community and uniting various tribes under one umbrella.
She stated that Tolum was a disciplined, principled, and devoted leader whose immense contribution towards society and indigenous communities would always be remembered. She conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for strength and comfort for them during the difficult time.