Itanagar, Oct 6: In a moment of pride for Arunachal Pradesh and the tribal communities of the North East, Katung Wahge, a respected elder and educationist from the Nyishi tribe, has been conferred the Sant Eshwer Samman at a grand ceremony held at the Bharat Ratna C Subramaniam Auditorium, Pusa, New Delhi, on Sunday.
A retired Chief Engineer (PWD), Wahge has devoted his post-retirement years to preserving indigenous values while ensuring that tribal children have access to quality education. In 2020, he founded Nyibu Nvwgam Yerko in Rang, East Kameng district, as a model institution that blends modern academics with traditional wisdom, rituals, and identity of Arunachal’s native communities.
What began as a single school has now grown into a movement. Today, four institutions across the State carry forward his vision of culturally integrated learning: Nyibu Nwgam Yerko (Rang), Nyibu Nwgam Yerko (Mwya) – Keyi Panyor, Menjwk Menqkok Rwguu – Basar, Leparada, and Nilung Tungko – Pabo, Komsing village, Siang district.
These institutions have become cultural anchors, ensuring that education remains connected to the land, language, and customs of the people. Their success has inspired other tribal communities to replicate this model, creating a wave of culturally integrated education across Arunachal Pradesh.
The Sant Eshwer Samman, now in its 10th edition, honours individuals whose work reflects courage, compassion, and commitment to Indian values. This year, 18 changemakers were felicitated, with Rs 32 lakh in grants distributed across various categories. Since its inception, the award has honoured 153 reformers and grassroots leaders working in fields such as tribal development, rural upliftment, women and child welfare, and cultural preservation.
The event was graced by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, among other dignitaries, civil society leaders, and educators.
Accepting the honour, Wahge expressed gratitude on behalf of the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh, commenting that “true education is that which preserves identity while opening doors to opportunity.” He dedicated the award to the children who carry forward the wisdom of their ancestors.
His recognition marks not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of Arunachal’s indigenous resilience and the transformative power of community-led education.