Itanagar, August 06: Former and first Arunachalee Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) Prof. Tamo Mibang is no more.
He breathed his last today after prolonged illness at his Mirbuk residence, Pasighat, East Siang.
Arunachal Pradesh govorner BD Mishra condoled the demise of Prof Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) condoled the sudden demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang, former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University. He said that in his passing away, the State has lost a brilliant educationist and academician, who made a lasting contribution to higher education in Arunachal Pradesh. The Governor said that Prof. Mibang’s path-breaking academic career and achievements in the field of academia and academic administration is unparalleled and he will be always remembered for being the first Arunachalee to become vice-chancellor of a central university. Joining the people of Arunachal Pradesh in the hour of grief, the Governor offered prayers to the Almighty Donyi Polo to give fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss and eternal peace for the departed soul. ”
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu condoled the demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “I deeply mourn passing away of former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Prof Tamo Mibang. A doyen of tribal studies, he remained committed to academics and contributed immensely to the state & nation. Prayers to Lord Buddha to give peace to the departed soul.”.
Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao condoled the demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by passing away of former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Prof Tamo Mibang. A true pedagogical committed to academics who contributed immensely to the state & nation. My deepest sympathy goes to the family members and prayers for his sadgati.”
Arunachal Pradesh legislative assembly speaker PD Sona also condoled the demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “Deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Prof. Tamo Mibang. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his departed soul Rest In Peace.”
Education Minister Taba Tedir condoled the demise of Prof Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message said, “I am shocked to know the sudden demise of Prof Tamo Mibang former VC RGU. He was a great academician and protector of Indigenous Faith belief. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.”
MLA Kaling Moyong also condoled the demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “It is really saddening to learn that one of the most learned person of Adi belt, Dr Tamo Mibang (Former Vice Chancellor RGU) has breathed his last today at his residence in Mirku Dapi village. A void which will be felt in generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to Mimi (Mrs R.Mibang) and his sons Gautam Mibang, Shri Daniel Mibang and family members.”
BJP ST morcha (Arunachal Pradesh) president Hinium Tachu also condoled the demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “It’s very sad to bear the news of the untimely demise of former Vice-Chancellor RGU Prof Tamo Mibang Sir. Your contributions toward Country will always be remembered. Team ST Morcha BJP Arunachal Pradesh extended heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families. Rest in Peace, Prof Tamo Mibang Sir.”
All Arunachal Pradesh Student’s Union president Dozi Tana Tara also condoled the demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “I’m saddened to hear that one of the most respected professor of our state, Late Professor Tamo Mibang, has succumbed to prolonged illness today at Mirbuk, Pasighat. Professor Mibang, the former VC of Rajiv Gandhi University, was loved by all, and indeed, it’s a great loss for our state. I pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace.”
BJP Arunachal Pradesh General Secretary Chow Zingnu Namchoom also condoled the demise of Prof Tamo Mibang. In his condolence message he said, “With the demise of Prof. Tamo Mibang, we have not only lost an academician but also a commitment towards tribal studies. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends in this hour of grief. May his soul rest in Peace.”
Late Prof. Mibang was the champion of the cause for tribal and one who initiated Arunachal Tribal Institute of Studies(AITS), RGU.
He was positioned as pro-VC, vice-chancellor (i/c) and vice-chancellor of the Rajiv Gandhi University.
He was not only in the Department of History till August 1995, but an important member and a Sessional President of NEIHA. Later as Director of the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies he initiated lots of research on indigenous communities of the state.
The level of regard for Prof Mibang was evident by the latent desire of almost everyone to speak a few words for him. Only a few were fortunate enough to sing the accolades of the legend.
Professor Mibang, through his academic discernment, has contributed exponentially in the field of academics in Arunachal Pradesh in particular and the nation at large. His contribution to society is impeccable and endearing.
The initiation of his academic voyage was set to sail when he joined as a lecturer under the government of Arunachal Pradesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat. He worked there from 1978-1988. His next destination was undertaking the task of a Reader in the Department of History, the then Arunachal University (Rajiv Gandhi University) from 1988 – 1995. Before joining as the vice-chancellor of the University, he served as a professor in the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), RGU, from 1995-2012. After completion of his stint as the vice-chancellor of the University, he rejoined the AITS on August 2, 2018.
As a researcher of unwonted eminence and authority, he has to his credit 16 books, reviews of four books, 46 research papers published in reputed international and national journals besides 32 radio talks and several unpublished lectures and talks delivered on various occasions both at academic and administrative forums like the Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), Kolkata, Guwahati University, Manipur University, Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS), Chennai, Manipur University, Imphal, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), Itanagar, Sanskriti-NEICR, Guwahati, Dibrugarh University, IGRMS, Bhopal, and various Department Seminars of our own Rajiv Gandhi University. With eight Ph. D. theses and 22 M. Phil. dissertations produced under his able supervision, he has examined dozens of PhD theses for several Universities.
He was on the expert panel of recruiting, funding and award granting bodies like Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi, General Council Sahitya Academy, New Delhi, Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions Cultures & Heritage (RIWATCH-Advisory Committee), Roing, NERC-ICSSR Advisory Committee, North East Region, Shillong, Governing Body, Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies, Dahung, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, Anthropological Survey of India, Kolkata, Governing Body North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, State Women Empowerment Commission, Arunachal Pradesh, Board of Management, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) etc. He has been in the Selection Board of UPSC, New Delhi; Selection Board of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (AAPSC); and associated with various Universities as visitor’s/Chancellor’s nominee for recruitment of University teachers. He also acted as the Chief Consultant for “The Tribal Transition: Cultural Innovations in Arunachal Pradesh”, A Major Project undertaken in collaboration with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, British Museum, London, CCRD and Arunachal University, 2002 – 2007.
Recognising his excellence and contribution in the field of his expertise, the Asiatic Society, Kolkata awarded him the Bimala Churn Law Gold Medal in 2017 for outstanding contribution to the field of Ethnology and Folklore. He has been a member of professional bodies like Tata Fellowship in Folklore, National Folklore Support Centre, Chennai, Indian History Congress, North East India History Association (NEIHA), Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang, Pasighat, Adi Agom Kebang (Adi Sahitya Sabha), Pasighat, Adi Baane Kebang (ABK), Pasighat, Sristi Society, Pasighat, etc.
He was held important positions in social organizations as general secretary, Adi Agom Kebang (Adi Sahitya Sabha), Pasighat 1993 – 1996; president- Arunachal Shiksha Vikash Samiti, 2008- 2011; president- Adi Agom Kebang (Adi Sahitya Sabha), 2012; president- North-East India History Association (NEIHA), 2013, to name a few. He has also distinguished himself as a creative writer and his works on the score include 15 poems and 10 short stories.
As chairman of several Committees and Boards – for RGU Ordinance, Statutes for EC and AC, BPGS, BUGS, Distance Education Management etc., as pro-vice-chancellor, RGU, and Head of the Department, and the Faculty Dean, he has left behind a dynamic legacy of a robust leadership. From being the state University to being promoted as the only Central University in Arunachal Pradesh, Prof Tamo Mibang played a pivotal role in this regard.
