ITANAGAR, Aug 6: Former Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Prof Tamo Mibang passed away at his Mirbuk village residence near Pasighat in East Siang district on Saturday after a prolonged illness.
He was 67 and is survived by his wife Rongili Mibang (retired Joint Director, School Education), two sons and scores of relatives.
Prof Mibang, a doyen of tribal studies and the first Arunachalee VC of the University, had retired in June 2020 after 41 years of path-breaking academic career. Post retirement, he also served as Pro Chancellor of Apex Professional University, Pasighat.
“Prof 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 the society is impeccable and endearing,” the RGU authority had said.
Born on July 1, 1955 at Jamoh village in West Siang district (now Siang district), Prof Mibang did MA in History from Gauhati University in 1977 and joined JN College, Pasighat as a lecturer in 1978. He worked there for 10 years before being posted as a Reader in the then Arunachal University’s (now RGU) History Dept (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 completing his term as VC, he rejoined the AITS on August 2, 2018.
Known as an expert in the field of history, Prof Mibang was awarded a gold medal by the Asiatic Society, Kolkata (2017) for his outstanding contribution to the field of ethnology and folklore.
Apart from his academic activities, he also held various positions as a society worker. He was the general secretary of Adi Agom Kebang (1993-1996), president, Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti (2008-11), president, Adi Agom Kebang (2012) and president of North East India History Association (2013).
Meanwhile, condolences poured in from several quarters as the new of his sudden death spread like a wildfire.
Condoling the sudden demise of Prof Tamo Mibang, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra 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.
“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,” said the Governor and prayed to Almighty Donyi Polo to give fortitude to the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss and eternal peace for the departed soul.
Expressing his grief over the demise of Prof Mibang, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, “A doyen of tribal studies, he remained committed to academics and contributed immensely to the state & nation”.
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 in his condolence message.
Education Minister Taba Tedir said, “I am shocked to know the sudden demise of Prof Tamo Mibang, former VC of RGU. He was great academician and protector of Indigenous Faith and belief. I express my deepest condolences.”
Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao wrote in Twitter: “I m deeply shocked & saddened by passing away of former Vice Chancellor of RG 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 & prayers for his sadgati.”
“Rest in peace, Prof Tamo Mibang, former Pro Chancellor, Apex Professional University, Pasighat and former Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar. Your work will continue to inspire millions of people, even after you’re gone. Words cannot describe what we are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your memories will never be forgotten! Those will always remain with us forever,” Acharya Dhanwant Singh of APU said in a social media post.
Meanwhile, MLAs of the East Siang district - Kaling Moyong, Ninong Ering and Lombo Tayeng and DC Tayi Taggu extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, associates and countless students, stating that they are saddened. 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,” they added.
His last rites will be held tomorrow, informed Prof Mibang’s son Daniel.