* He was also one of the signatories of the historic Assam Accord
OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (retd) Dr BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday condoled the sudden demise of the second Governor of the State R D Pradhan who died at a city hospital in Mumbai at the age of 92.
Expressing grief, the Governor said that a distinguished bureaucrat and admired administrator, Pradhan during his long and distinguished administrative career, in various capacities made immense developmental contributions to the nation and the state.
Pradhan took keen interest in the public service programmes, especially the education. It was during his period that, the Arunachal University, now rechristened as Rajiv Gandhi University was established. The people of Arunachal Pradesh will always cherish his fond memories, who groomed the State in its nascent stage, the governor said.
"I convey heartfelt condolence on his demise and join all my fellow citizens of the sate in praying to Almighty God for eternal peace for the departed soul," the Governor said in his condolence message.
Khandu in a condolence letter to the daughter of Pradhan, wrote "the news of the sad demise of Ram D Pradhan, the second Governor of Arunachal Pradesh came as a shocker to me. He had held the helms of the State in its initial years from where we have had an eventful journey of progress and ably emerged as a distinct and determined State, rubbing shoulders with our peers with pride."
"In his demise, the country has lost a dedicated and sincere administrator who set pinnacles in his chosen career. I believe, leaving this mortal world will not diminish the love and affection showered on him by the people and his soul will remain immortal," Khandu wrote in his letter.
"I know this would be the most trying time for the family members to cope with the irreparable loss, I hope my humble words of consolation would ease the grief even if a little. In this moment of grief, me, my family, colleagues in the government and people of Arunachal Pradesh extend our solidarity with you and share the pain inflicted on you and the people of our great nation by one of the greatest truths of life," the Chief Minister said.
"I pray almighty to bestow you with strength to bear the irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace in heavenly abode," the message added.
ASSAM INDUSTRIES MINISTER'S CONDOLENCE: Meanwhile, Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary mourned the demise of former Union Home Secretary and signatory of the historic Assam Accord, RD Pradhan. In a condolence statement, the Minister said, "RD Pradhan served our country in different capacities. He will be remembered by the people of Assam as a signatory of the historic Assam Accord. The former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh was also a prolific writer. His demise is an irreparable loss to our country." The Minister also extended his condolences to members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Also Watch: Education Policy to Benefit All Students: ABVP