DAPORIJO, 18 Oct: The alumni association of the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) here has welcomed the Chief Minister Pema Khandu-led state government's decision to rename two major educational institutions in Upper Subansiri district after two distinguished personalities.

The Government Model College has been renamed as Popak Bage Government College, and GHSS, Daporijo as Punji Mara Government Higher Secondary School.

Terming it a landmark decision, the alumni association stated that the move recognises and honours the invaluable contributions of the two distinguished sons of the soil, whose lives, achievements, and legacies have left an enduring imprint on the cultural, educational, political, and social history of the Tagin community and Upper Subansiri district.

"Naming educational institutions after such eminent personalities is far more than an act of recognition. It is a profound tribute to their contributions and an inspiration for future generations to uphold the values of education, cultural identity, public service, integrity, and social responsibility," the alumni association's chairman Dosh Dasi Tamin said.

Born on 22 February, 1947, Popak Bage was the first graduate from Upper Subansiri district and contributed immensely to the preservation and promotion of the indigenous faith, beliefs, traditions and cultural identity of the Tagin community.

Bage played a key role in the establishment of Si-Donyi Hilo in 1975 and mobilised community, along with some distinguished pioneers to preserve its indigenous identity. He undertook door-to-door visits across Daporijo township, meeting senior citizens, community leaders, and responsible members of society to awaken collective consciousness, strengthen unity, and encourage people to embrace Si-Donyi Hilo as a common platform for cultural solidarity and preservation of indigenous traditions, the association said.

Later, he passed the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service (APCS) examination in 1977 and served in Vijaynagar in Changlang district, Tawang and in Zemithang in various capacities.

Late Punji Mara, born on 1 November, 1944, served as MLA for five terms and rendered 25 years of public service in various capacities.

The alumni association stated that renaming of the two educational institutions is true recognition of the contributions, sacrifices, and legacies of two eminent personalities. It expressed hope that both institutions would emerge as "centres of academic excellence, character-building, cultural awareness, leadership, and responsible citizenship."

The association thanked the chief minister, minister Nyato Dukam, the Tagin Cultural Society, and other well-wishers for their support in making the initiative possible.