ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) has urged the state government to recommend the name of noted social reformer and cultural activist Bengia Tolum to the Government of India for conferment of the Padma Shri award posthumously.

In a condolence message, APLS president Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi deeply mourned the demise of Late Tolum and described him as a visionary leader, educationist and preserver of indigenous faith and cultural heritage.

“He dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Nyishi community, and worked relentlessly for social upliftment, preservation of indigenous traditions and strengthening unity and harmony among different tribes and neighbouring communities,” Thongchi said.

He said Bengia Tolum always stood for justice and remained vocal against all forms of injustice and deprivation.

“Arunachal Pradesh has lost a great son whose name will forever remain in the annals of the socio-cultural history of the State,” he added.

The APLS also offered prayers to Almighty Donyi-Polo for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members.

“Conferring the Padma Shri posthumously on Late Bengia Tolum would be the most befitting tribute to his immense contribution to society,” the statement said.