ITANAGAR, 31 Jul: One of the state’s most popular teachers and principal of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Dr MQ Khan, superannuated from service on Friday.
People from all walks of life, including his former students, well-wishers, and colleagues, came together to pay a fitting tribute to him on his last day at work.
A farewell programme was organised at the DNGC golden jubilee auditorium here to celebrate Dr Khan’s long and distinguished career.
Hailing from Sitamarhi in Bihar, Dr Khan came to Arunachal Pradesh in 1989 and had since been teaching English in government colleges across the state. During his 37-year career, he has written 16 books, 10 research papers, 15 articles, and 40 poems. He also served as a member of the drafting committee for the Arunachal Pradesh Education Act, 2010.
For more than two decades, he conducted result-oriented free coaching for UPSC, APPSC, and other competitive examinations as a coordinator and resource person. In recognition of his outstanding and versatile contribution to higher education in the state, he was conferred the Outstanding College Teacher’s Award by the government.
He is also a recipient of the Teacher Research Award from the Indo-American Centre for International Studies (IACIS), formerly ASRC, Hyderabad.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri awardee YD Thongchi described Dr Khan as a true servant of the people of Arunachal.
“His contribution to the fields of education and literature will always be remembered by the people of the state,” said Thongchi.
Former minister Tater Kipa, who is also a former student of Dr Khan, paid glowing tributes to his teacher.
“When Dr Khan joined DNGC, he was a young teacher. I was the general secretary of the DNGC Students’ Union. We worked closely together for the improvement of the college. Dr Khan has played an important role in the growth of DNGC,” said Kipa.
Former ANSU leader Techi Nera said generations of students would forever remain grateful to Dr Khan for imparting quality education.
“Apart from gaining knowledge, especially in English, we learned many other aspects of life from him. He is not just a teacher but also a friend, guide, and mentor to many of us. Arunachal Pradesh will forever remain grateful to him for everything he has done for the state’s education sector,” said Nera.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Khan said Arunachal is his home and will always remain so.
“I came here as a young man, and now I am retiring after spending the greater part of my life here. This is my home, and I will always remain available to serve the people of this wonderful state in whatever capacity I can. People of Arunachal have given immense love and respect to me,” he said.
Dr Khan also revealed that his deep attachment to Arunachal led him to decline opportunities to join government service in his home state.
“I had opportunities to join service in Bihar and Delhi, but I fell deeply in love with Arunachal and its wonderful people. Today, my students are contributing significantly in every sphere, including the civil services, education, police, mass media, entrepreneurship, and public service. It gives me immense happiness and satisfaction,” he added.
His family members were also present on the occasion.
