PASIGHAT, Aug 6: One of the prominent academicians of Arunachal Pradesh and the first Arunachalee to become vice chancellor of a central university, former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Professor Tamo Mibang, passed away Saturday afternoon at his Mirbuk residence after prolonged illness. He was 67 years and is survived by his wife Rongili Mibang (Retd. Joint Director, School Education) two sons and grand children. 
Governor Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu led in mourning the demise of the noted academician. In his passing away, the State has lost a brilliant educationist and academician, who made a lasting contribution to higher education in Arunachal Pradesh, they said.
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. In a condolence message this evening, Khandu said that Prof Mibang will be always remembered as the doyen of tribal studies, who remained committed to academics by contributing immensely to the state and nation till his last breath.
Khandu said Prof Mibang was a first generation academician of the state, who rose from the post of lecturer to the highest post of a university and will have the distinction of being the first Arunachalee Vice Chancellor of a university.
“His love and commitment for documentation and research on the rich tribal cultural heritage of the state laid the foundation of the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), where he served as Professor before donning the mantle of the University’s Vice Chancellor,” Khandu observed.
He further said that Prof Mibang’s love and attachment with the AITS could be vouched from the fact that after his stint as the Vice Chancellor he returned to AITS and guided young scholars as a professor till retirement.
“The Arunachalee society will be forever indebted to Prof Mibang, who not only had an impeccable career as an academician but also won one and all through his simplicity and sheer determination to preserve the indigenous tribal culture of the state. May Lord Buddha bless the departed soul eternal peace,” the Chief minister added.
Meanwhile East Siang MLAs Kaling Moyong, Ninong Ering and Lombo Tayeng and Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu extended their deepest condolences. Prof. Mibang was an amazing human being, an amazing academician, and an amazing mentor who always motivated all to give their best. We will always follow his wise and generous words. We will surely miss the presence of the great person, their messages read.
Born on 1st July, 1955, in Jomo village (presently in Siang district) Prof. Tamo was the first Arunachalee to become vice-chancellor of a central university. His contribution and achievements in the field of academia and academic administration is unparalleled.
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 (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.
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. He has also distinguished himself as a creative writer and his works on the score include 15 poems and 10 short stories.
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. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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