ITANAGAR, 15 May: Governor KT Parnaik has expressed profound grief over the passing away of noted social activist and respected community leader Dr Bengia Tolum.

The governor said that late Tolum was a visionary social reformer, dedicated educationist, and tireless cultural crusader who devoted his life to the welfare and upliftment of society. He said that Tolum worked relentlessly to strengthen unity and harmony among different tribes and communities, while also serving as a messenger of peace and understanding.

The governor further said that late Tolum’s contributions towards preserving the rich cultural heritage and indigenous traditions of the state would always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. He also acknowledged his significant role in fostering goodwill, friendship, and stronger people-to-people relations between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Parnaik said that the demise of Bengia Tolum is an irreparable loss not only to his family and community, but also to the entire state, as his life and works inspired countless people towards social service, harmony, and collective progress.

The governor joined the people of Arunachal Pradesh in offering prayers to almighty Donyi Polo for eternal peace of the departed soul, and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, friends, and admirers during this moment of sorrow.

The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) expressed profound shock and grief over the demise of its former president Tolum, saying that his death is an irreparable loss to the state and its people.

He was a multifaceted social and cultural leader and a tireless advocate for communal harmony, who dedicated his life to community service, unity, and progress, the NES said in a condolence message.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to society, he received State Government Awards twice, in 1997 and 2014, and was also conferred the NES Lifetime Achievement Award on 19 April, 2023.

“Tolum played a pivotal role in signing the 2nd Nyishi-Bodo Accord at Seijosa, East Kameng district, on 16 February, 2012, and worked tirelessly to promote harmony among neighbouring communities through initiatives like the Bomdila Declaration 2012 and the historic Nyishi-Apatani Summit in 2015,” NES president Prof Tana Showren said in the message.

In education, under Tolum’s leadership, the NES initiated the school adoption programme in Nyishi-inhabited districts to improve academic performance in interior areas. He instituted the Academic and Professional Achievers Award as a calendar event to recognise and encourage outstanding achievers from the community. One of his important projects was the establishment of the NES Research & Heritage Centre in Richi Jullang (Itanagar), which was completed in 2022, with voluntary support from the community.

“The NES profoundly acknowledges his immense contributions and selfless service in uplifting socioeconomic conditions and strengthening community unity, which will be remembered forever. He leaves behind a legacy of simplicity, perseverance, and dedicated public service that will continue to inspire future generations,” the message said.

“May his departed soul rest in eternal peace,” the NES prayed.

The society also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the almighty to grant them strength to bear this irreparable loss.

The Central Longte Committee [CLC] also deeply mourned the demise of Tolum and offered prayer for eternal peace of the departed soul.

The CLC also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The committee, meanwhile, stated that the general conference of CLC, which was scheduled for 16 May, has been deferred and rescheduled for 23 May as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) has also deeply mourned the demise of late Tolum, describing him as a great visionary, social reformist, preserver of indigenous faith, educationist and cultural activist who dedicated his entire life for the cause of the people of the state in general and for Nyishi people in particular.

“He spent his whole life struggling for the cause of the society for all-round betterment, whether it was in the field of taking ahead Nyishi people to the forefront in the state, whether it was for fighting for the preservation of indigenous faith and cultural heritage, or for establishing harmony and unity not only within the tribes of the state but also with the people of neighbouring states,” the APLS said in a condolence message.

“He was the embodiment of justice who always fought for neglected and deprived people, and was vocal against any kind of injustice. In the demise of late Bengia Tolum, Arunachal Pradesh has lost a great son whose name will always remain in the annals of the socio-cultural history of Arunachal Pradesh,” it said.

The APLS further urged the state government to recommend Dr Tolum’s name to the Government of India for conferment of the Padma Shri award posthumously on him, saying that it would be “the most befitting homage” to the departed soul of late Tolum.

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee [APCC] president Bosiram Siram also mourned the demise of Dr Tolum and offered prayers for the departed soul.

Siram said Dr Tolum was one of Arunachal’s most respected social reformers, cultural visionaries, and indigenous leaders, and his demise is an irreparable loss not only to the Nyishi community but to the entire indigenous society of the state.

“Dr Tolum was not merely a leader; he was an institution in himself, a man of wisdom, humility, courage, and extraordinary vision whose life inspired countless people across Arunachal Pradesh and beyond,” the APCC president said.

He said that Dr Tolum dedicated his entire life to the service of society, preservation of indigenous identity, and advancement of education and communal harmony in Arunachal.

As NES and AITF president, he played a historic role in strengthening the voice, dignity, and unity of indigenous communities across the state, Siram said, adding that the vacuum created by his death will be deeply felt for generations.

Siram also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.