DAPORIJO, Oct 18: The Alumni Association of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Daporijo, has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for the decisions to rename Government Model College in Upper Subansiri district as Popak Bage Government College and Government Higher Secondary School, Daporijo, as Punji Mara Government Higher Secondary School.
In a statement, association chairman Dosh Dasi Tamin described the decisions as historic steps towards recognising the contributions of two eminent personalities whose lives and legacies have left a lasting imprint on the cultural, educational, political and social history of the Tagin community and Upper Subansiri district.
He said naming educational institutions after distinguished personalities would not only preserve their memories but also inspire future generations to uphold the values of education, cultural identity, integrity, public service and social responsibility.
Late Popak Bage, born on February 22, 1947, to late Gipo Bage and late Yajar Param Bage, is remembered as a pioneer of the cultural awakening of modern Tagin society and the first graduate from Upper Subansiri district.
According to Tamin, Bage made significant contributions to preserving and promoting the indigenous faith, beliefs, traditions and cultural identity of the Tagin community. His efforts helped strengthen cultural consciousness and collective participation in safeguarding the community’s ancestral heritage.
Bage played an important role in the establishment of SI-DONYI HILO in 1975, alongside several cultural pioneers and community leaders. The movement emerged as an important platform for promoting indigenous faith, customary practices, rituals and cultural traditions.
Tamin recalled that Bage personally undertook door-to-door visits across Daporijo township, meeting senior citizens, community leaders and other members of society to encourage greater participation in the preservation of indigenous traditions. Through these efforts, he sought to strengthen unity and foster a shared sense of cultural identity among the Tagin people.
He also used traditional ritual-related songs and awareness verses to communicate the importance of indigenous faith, spiritual consciousness and collective responsibility. His efforts, the statement said, demonstrated that preserving indigenous heritage required not only the observance of festivals and rituals but also sustained community participation and the commitment of younger generations.
Bage subsequently entered public service after qualifying for the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service in 1977. His administrative career included postings at Vijaynagar in Changlang district, the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang district and as Circle Officer at Zemithang. Before joining the administrative service, he had worked as an Upper Division Clerk and a junior teacher.
Describing Bage’s life as a blend of educational achievement, cultural leadership and public service, Tamin said the decision to name the government college after him would serve as a lasting tribute to his contributions.
He expressed hope that Popak Bage Government College would emerge as a centre of academic excellence while inspiring students to pursue knowledge, preserve their indigenous heritage and dedicate themselves to the welfare of society.
Hailing the decision to rename GHSS Daporijo as Punji Mara Government Higher Secondary School, Tamin called it a matter of pride and honour for the family of late Mara, the Mara Kambv, Leyu Welfare Society, the Tagin community and the people of Upper Subansiri at large.
Born on November 1, 1944, to late Makpung Mara and late Yajor Mara, Punji Mara was a prominent political leader who represented the people as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for five terms and rendered 25 years of public service in various capacities.
His long political career and contribution to public life, Tamin said, formed an important part of the political and social history of the district.
He said the renaming of the school would preserve late Mara’s memory and provide students with an opportunity to learn about his life, leadership and commitment to public service.
Tamin expressed hope that Punji Mara Government Higher Secondary School would maintain high educational standards while nurturing responsible, socially conscious citizens committed to the development of Arunachal Pradesh.
The alumni association also acknowledged the role of Commerce and Industries Minister Nyato Dukam in taking up the renaming proposals with the state government. It expressed appreciation to the Tagin Cultural Society and other well-wishers who contributed to the initiative.
Tamin expressed hope that the two renamed educational institutions would become lasting symbols of the contributions of Popak Bage and Punji Mara and inspire future generations through education, cultural awareness, leadership and responsible citizenship.