ITANAGAR, Sep 4: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has paid tribute to Late Nabam Runghi, former Agency Council Member of the erstwhile North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and one of the pioneers associated with the formative years of Arunachal Pradesh, recalling his contribution to the establishment of Itanagar as the state capital and his efforts to document the contributions of the state’s founding leaders.
In a statement on Friday, Mein said that while going through some old papers, he was reminded of Late Nabam Runghi and remembered him with “deep respect and gratitude.”
Mein said Runghi played a significant role in the establishment of Itanagar as the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and was duly recognised for his contribution towards the founding of the capital city.
The Deputy Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Runghi for documenting and acknowledging the contribution of his late father, Chow Pook Gohain, during the formative period of the state.
According to Mein, Late Nabam Runghi had recorded that during an Agency Council meeting held in connection with the bifurcation of NEFA, his father had proposed the name “Arunachal Pradesh.” Other names suggested during the deliberations, according to the record, included “Ita Pradesh” and “Hill Pradesh.”
In his representation to the state government, Runghi had specifically highlighted the contribution of his fellow NEFA Agency Council members, saying that although his own contributions had been recognised by various government and non-government organisations, the contributions of his council colleagues remained largely overlooked.
Runghi had appealed that all members of the NEFA Agency Council who worked for the progress of the state deserved equal recognition and honour. In particular, he had sought that Late Chewpak Gohain, who he stated had suggested the name “Arunachal Pradesh”, be remembered and acknowledged for his contribution.
Runghi had further proposed the establishment of a “Celotus Park” in the Capital Region in honour of the dignitaries who contributed to the formation of Arunachal Pradesh. He had also sought the establishment of similar parks at every district headquarters as a tribute to the pioneers and to educate future generations about their role in the making of the state.
The proposed park, as outlined in his representation, was envisaged to include statues and memorial inscriptions, educational displays showcasing the history and role of NEFA Agency Council members, green recreational spaces, and a library or museum section for preserving historical documents and records.
Mein said the old records also highlight the collective contribution of the members of the NEFA Agency Council, who played important roles in shaping the administrative and political identity of what subsequently became Arunachal Pradesh.
He noted that the official records contain spelling variations in the names of several Agency Council members, which may have resulted from clerical errors and the limitations of the typewriter era. Late Nabam Runghi was recorded as “Nabam Runkhi”, Late Dani Kunya as “Doni Kunya”, while Chow Pook Gohain (Mein) appeared as “Chew Pak Gohain” or “Chow Pok Gohain” in different records.
“Such errors in official records, however, neither diminish their identity nor take away from the respect, dignity and immense contributions of these pioneers to the making of Arunachal Pradesh,” Mein said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Runghi’s efforts to bring to light the contributions of his fellow council members were particularly significant, as many of those who worked during the formative years of the state had remained largely overlooked.
“I shall remain indebted to Late Nabam Runghi ji for documenting and bringing to light the contributions of those who worked together during those formative years,” Mein said, adding that his pioneering efforts and contribution to Arunachal Pradesh would always be remembered with respect.
Mein also offered his humble prayers for the eternal peace of Late Nabam Runghi.