ITANAGAR, Jun 16: Former Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Er Dube Dulom, passed away at Heema Hospital here on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 61. He is survived by his wife, Omem Gyama Dulom, three sons, one daughter and six grandchildren.
Born on August 5, 1964, to Late Lidu Dulom and Late Lije Nguki Dulom, he retired as Chief Engineer, PWD, North West Zone, Tawang, on August 31, 2024, after rendering 37 years of dedicated service to the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Er Dulom was affectionately and popularly known among the people as the “Dagda Bill Engineer,” a title that reflected his unwavering honesty, integrity and transparent dealings with the public. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned immense respect and admiration for his straightforward nature, fair administration and commitment to accountability. His exemplary character and professional ethics continue to serve as an inspiration for the younger generation of engineers and society at large.
He received his early education at Nari Kalyan Kendra, Daporijo, and GHSS, Daporijo, before earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Tripura Engineering College, Agartala. He joined the PWD as an Assistant Engineer on August 26, 1987.
During his illustrious career, he served in various capacities, including Executive Engineer (EE) at Daporijo and Sagalee PWD Divisions. He was subsequently promoted to CE (Vigilance & Training) and later CE, North West Zone, Tawang.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and infrastructure development, Er Dulom was conferred the State Silver Award in 2002 and the State Gold Medal Award in 2014.
Several organisations, including the Tagin Cultural Society (TCS), Tagin Welfare Society (TWS), Reri Welfare Society (RWS), Tagin Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society (TIFCS), Itanagar Capital Region, and the Alumni Association of Govt Higher Secondary School, Daporijo, expressed profound grief over his demise and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
TWS president Tana Yekar described him as a distinguished personality, visionary administrator and exemplary engineer whose honesty, transparency and accountability earned him widespread respect. He said the demise of Er Dulom is a great loss to both the Tagin community and the engineering fraternity.
Apart from his professional achievements, Er Dulom actively contributed to social and community welfare. He served as chief adviser of the RWS, Dulom Welfare Society and the All Villages of Daporijo Township Area Welfare Association (VDTAWA).
He also played a key role in the construction of the marble-clad main entrance gate of GHSS, Daporijo, and supported the renovation of classrooms, staff rooms and sanitation facilities as a gesture of gratitude towards his alma mater. He remained closely associated with the alumni fraternity and attended 11 of 18 alumni meetings held in Itanagar Capital Region.
A dedicated promoter of indigenous faith and culture, he served as secretary of Si-Donyi Hilo (erstwhile Si-Donyi Festival) in 1992 and Mithun donar in 1991. He played a significant role in preserving, promoting and protecting the indigenous faith and cultural heritage of the Tagin community.
The Alumni Association of GHSS, Daporijo, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its most senior alumnus, describing it as an irreparable loss to the alumni fraternity, teachers, students and the wider community.
His mortal remains will be taken to his native place, Daporijo, on June 17, while the final funeral rites will be performed on June 18.
“Late Er Dube Dulom will be remembered for his integrity, dedication to public service, commitment to community welfare and lasting contributions to the development of Arunachal Pradesh. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Dosh Dasi Tamin, chairman of the GHSS Daporijo Alumni Association, said.