Itanagar, Nov 10: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik and Chief Minister Pema Khandu have condoled the demise of former Governor of the State, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya, who breathed his last on Friday.
He was 92 and is survived by his wife Kavita Acharya, three sons and a daughter.
Born in Udupi, Karnataka in 1931, PB Acharya served as the Governor of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura between 2014 and 2019. Prior to becoming Governor, he served Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the BJP.
In a condolence message to late Acharya's wife Kavita, Governor Parnaik said he was a distinguished social activist and an intellectual, who made immense contributions towards the welfare of the people of North East region, particularly Arunachal Pradesh.
He said numbers of people of the North East States benefited by the ‘My Home is India’ project of ABVP for the tribal children, in which he was actively involved. “In his death the State has lost a true friend.”
As the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, late Acharya took personal interest in the developmental and welfare programmes of the State. He worked hard for socially marginalized people, which was reflected in his initiative in the constitution of the Autonomous Puroik Welfare Board. The people of Arunachal Pradesh will always cherish the fond memories of his great deeds, he said.
“On behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Raj Bhavan Itanagar family and on my own behalf, I convey sincere and heartfelt condolence and pray to Almighty God for eternal peace of the departed soul,” the Governor said in a condolence message.
Expressing profound grief over the passing away of the former Governor, CM Pema Khandu said that he made significant contributions to the country’s development, leaving behind a lasting impact.
Extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, friends and well wishers, the CM prayed, may God grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
Condoling the death, Deputy CM Chowna Mein said, people of Arunachal Pradesh will always remember his guidance and contributions for the development of our State.
Mourning the demise of PB Acharya, the Arunachal Pradesh BJP said: “His sad demise is an irreparable loss for us”.
He was one of the first karyakartas of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) who came to Arunachal Pradesh in 1965 and started the Student’s Experience in Interstate Living (SEIL) program under 'My Home is India' initiative of ABVP.
Afterwards, he was a long time karyakarta of BJP, holding various posts in the Party including national secretary in-charge of North East region. He was also a long time Marg Darshak of BJP Arunachal Pradesh, the party said. (UNI)