ITANAGAR, May 15: Tanw Supun Dukun, an apex council of the Apatanis has deeply mourned the untimely demise of its former President, Khoda Ruja who breathed his last, today at his Ziro residence at the age of 62. 

Terming Ruja’s death as an irreparable loss to  Arunachal society in general and Apatani in particular, TSD in its condolence message has said that society has lost a great philanthropist and social worker who selflessly contributed for social development and communal harmony both in his capacity as an administrator during his service tenure as Director, Textile and Handicrafts, Government of A.P. and as President, TSD. 

Born on March 1, 1957 in a humble family, Khoda Ruja was son of Lt. Khoda Mudo and Khoda Dumi of Reu village, Lower Subansiri district. He did his schooling from High School Hapoli and later graduated from Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat in the year 1997. He also obtained a Diploma in Business Management from Shillong and Productive and Industrial Engineering Training from Madras. 

On the strength of his excellent academic performance and record, he was appointed as Assistant Director of Industry in December 1980 by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. For his great dedication and good track record in service he was promoted as Director, Textile and Handicrafts in the year 1999. During his successful and chequered career he organised various important workshops and conferences, trade fairs and festivals of Arunachal which gave meaningful platforms and windows for deliberations and discussions for growth and development of handicraft industry in the state as a whole. He also attended various national and international seminars, workshops and trade fairs. Due to his calibre in administration and management he also held additional charges of Director, Trade & Commerce, Sericulture and Chief Executive Officer, Khadi & Village Industry Board, Arunachal Pradesh. In recognition of his meritorious services, he was awarded “Silver Medal” in 1994, Bharat Excellence Award and India Gold Star award. He was also unanimously selected as President of TSD in December 2016.

Ruja is survived by his wife, four sons, three daughters and one grandchild.

Expressing deep grief over the untimely demise of Khoda Ruja, the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) in its condolence message stated “We share our profound grief and sorrow to our Apatani brethren and the family members at this crucial juncture of abrupt loss of a guardian of the community.” 

Director, Trade & Commerce, Tokong Pertin on behalf of staffers and officials of Department of Trade & Commerce also condoled  the demise of its former Director.

A two minute silence was also observed here today by staffers of the department as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union in its condolence message said that the state has lost a great soul and a selfless social figure. 

The Union stands with the entire Apatani community and the TSD in this moment of grief and despair, it added.