ITANAGAR, 4 Oct: The ashes of veteran social worker A. Balakrishnan, who played an instrumental role in the establishment of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKV) in Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the Northeast, were immersed in five major rivers across the state over the last three days.

The immersion ceremonies were held in accordance with Balakrishnan's final wish to have his ashes immersed in the rivers of Arunachal Pradesh.

Balakrishnan passed away at Kanyakumari on 27 August.

Following his cremation, his ashes were brought back by members of the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Alumni Association (VKVAA), divided into five urns and entrusted to respective VKVAA units for immersion at designated locations.

The ceremonies were held at the Tirap river in Changlang town, Lohit river at Parshuram Kund, Subansiri river at Kuporijo, Siang river at Komolighat in Pasighat and Kameng river at Seppa.

The ceremonies were marked by prayers and tributes, with local indigenous shamans joining VKVAA members in offering traditional prayers.

At Komolighat, the immersion was led by John Pada, along with VKVAA chairman Dr. Minggam Pertin, Dr. Amin Tayeng and others. At Parshuram Kund, the ceremony was led by Moshaso Minin, while Lardak Murtem led the proceedings at Kuporijo.

The immersion at Seppa was led by Basang Wage, while Kamjai Taisam led the ceremony at Changlang. Changlang deputy commissioner R.D Thungon also participated in the Tirap ceremony.

Members of the VKV Alumni Association, Vivekananda Kendra, Arun Jyoti and others joined the ceremonies to pay their final respects to Balakrishnan.

The five-river immersion, held from 1 to 4 October, fulfilled Balakrishnan's final wish and marked a final farewell to the social worker remembered for his contribution to the growth of the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya movement in Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast.