5th Dec 2020 12:12:AM State
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

ITANAGAR, Dec 4: The former Director of Higher & Technical Education and ex-member, Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, Pratik Potom passed away here in the state capital on Thursday night at the age of 76 after prolonged illness.
Potom’s demise has been deeply mourned by various sections of society. Extending condolences on behalf of the Galo community, the Galo Welfare Society (GWS) said with his death, the community has lost a true patron, renowned educationist, social worker, philosopher and an institution of wisdom and honesty. “His enormous contributions for the upliftment of society will always be remembered by the Galo community.
The GWS expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members at this time of profound grief and offers sincere prayers to the Almighty to bestow strength to them to bear this irreparable loss and prays for eternal peace of the departed soul,” the condolence message read. 
The Galo People’s Federation (GPF) while deeply condoling the demise of the pioneer educationist said with his departure, the state and the Galo community have lost a true son and the void will always remain unfilled. 
Conveying condolences to the bereaved family members of the veteran academician who was also the first APST Director of Education, the Kargu Kardi Welfare Society (KKWS) and Lodu Ao Welfare Society (LAWS) remembered him as a thorough gentleman and social worker who worked tirelessly for the preservation of indigenous culture and faith. President KKWS Toyi Raksap and President LAWS Bidu Poyom said with Potom’s demise, the state has lost one of the first-generation educationists who worked for development of education in the state in general and the Kargu Kardi and Lodu societies in particular.
Late Potom, whose original name was Mentu Potom was born to Late Gomen Potom and Late Larpi Yomgam Potom on February 1, 1944 in Sala Potom village of Darak Circle in West Siang district. Commencing his primary school education from Government Primary School, Yomcha in 1953, he bagged the NEFA merit scholarship and appeared for the middle school examination from M.E. School, Pasighat in 1956 wherein he secured 9th position among 72000 students in the Greater Assam Board Examination. The Government of Assam awarded Rs. 250 as a one-time merit scholarship and the then Governor of Assam Jairamdas Daulatram awarded Silver medal as token of appreciation for his proficiency in studies. 
After completing matriculation from High School, Pasighat in 1960, Potom graduated in B.A from St. Anthony College, Shillong in 1965 followed by M.A from Guwahati University in 1969. Prior to joining as a Lecturer in Political Science at J.N. College, Pasighat in 1972,  he did his B.Ed from North Lakhimpur B.Ed. College under Dibrugarh University. Besides being awarded with the Lieutenant Governor Silver Medal in 1977 for meritorious services in overall development of J.N. College, he also received bronze medal from the President of India in 1972. 
After taking charge as the Deputy Director of Public Instruction (PCI) in 1980, he served the post till his promotion as the Joint DPI in April 1986. Thereafter, he was promoted to the rank of Additional DPI in August 1993 and was appointed the first tribal Director of School Education of Arunachal Pradesh. He was also the first Arunachalee to be appointed as the Director of Public Instruction (DPI) in January 1995 and it was during his tenure the then DPI was bifurcated into Directorate of School Education and Directorate of Higher & Technical Education. After this bifurcation, Potom became the first Director of Higher & Technical Education in the state and served the post till his retirement on January 31, 2002. After retirement, he joined as a member of the APPSC and discharged duties up to the age of 62. He also authored a book on Adi language translated in English.
Till the time of his passing, Potom served as an honorary member of the State Security Commission and as the working President of Arunachal Pradesh Vikash Parishad (APVP). He is survived by his wife Yide (Ode) Boje Potom, two sons-Atum Potom (PRO to Governor) and Akap Potom, three daughters, seven grandchildren and other family members.
His mortal remains were laid to  rest at his residence in the capital on Friday. 


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.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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