March 22, 2025
March 22, 2025
ITANAGAR, Oct 10: The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS), led by President Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, honored its founder member and the state’s pioneering journalist Pradeep Kumar Behera at a function held at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Thursday.
Behera who devoted half of his life to journalism in the state is set to depart for his native state of Odisha soon.
Established in 2006 by a group of literature enthusiasts, the APLS, with Thongchi, Mamang Dai, and Behera as president, general secretary, and publicity secretary respectively, has fostered a culture of literary activities under the motto "Start Writing, Keep Writing."
Reading from the citation, Thongchi highlighted Behera’s contributions to journalism in Arunachal Pradesh.
"Behera arrived in 1983 to work at Donyi-Polo Vidya Bhawan and launched the weekly Echo of Arunachal on February 20, 1988, at a time when the state lacked a newspaper to promote vibrant journalism. He also served as Editor of The Arunachal Times, Arunachal Front, and Arunachal Observer, along with being a stringer for UNI, PTI, and ANI, and a consulting editor for Northeast publications. His guidance has been instrumental in mentoring young journalists," Thongchi said.
Behera played a significant role in revitalizing the APC, serving as its president for two terms and currently as chief advisor. He is also the chief advisor of the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists and the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
Among his notable contributions, Behera was part of a 25-member national team that accompanied former President Pratibha Devising Patil during her tours to the UAE, Dubai, Damascus, and Syria in 2010. He also interviewed former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam twice.
“His motivation, especially in creative writing and poetry, has popularized APLS across the state and inspired young writers, facilitating the growth of literature and journalism,” Thongchi added, praising Behera's wife, Kalpalata Behera, for her support.
The state’s first Chief Minister, Prem Khandu Thungan, honored Behera as the chief guest, stating, “Man being mortal is born and dies but leaves behind memories, which can be indelible for others to emulate.” He recognized Behera as a symbol of resilience, stating, “In those tough days, he faced challenges and endeared himself to all Arunachal communities, including the Nyishi, earning their trust.”
Highlighting Behera's educational background, Thungan noted his Diploma in Mass Communication from INGOU, recalling how he had contributed to establishing IGNOU in Arunachal Pradesh during his tenure as Chief Minister.
Capital DC Talo Potom, as the guest of honor, mentioned Behera's strong ties with the Tarh, Bamang, and Bengia tribes, reflecting their affection for him. He commended Behera’s efforts in forming the Tani Jagriti Foundation to protect and promote Donyi-Poloism.
Behera was celebrated as a multilingual poet and a beacon of inspiration by APLS former general secretary Tokong Pertin. Acknowledging his legacy, APC vice president Bengia Ajum reflected on Behera’s influence on the state’s journalism landscape, mentioning that he had faced backlash for his reporting due to the disparity between Delhi and local journalism.
Mamang Dai reminisced about Behera encouraging her to return to Arunachal after her initial assignments with Sentinel and Hindustan Times. “He was the only non-local journalist in the state who brought a new turning point to the profession,” she added.
Dr M Q Khan, principal of DNGC, expressed gratitude for Behera's advocacy for the regularization of ad hoc lecturers in 1989, while IPR secretary Nyali Ete praised his tenacity as a journalist. IPR director Onyok Pertin characterized Behera as a “multi-faceted personality,” and former APLS AGS Dr Pekba Ringu noted his role as a philosopher and guide for younger generations.
APLS general secretary Mukul Pathak recognized Behera’s 41 years of dedication to journalism and social service, emphasizing that his contributions would always be remembered.
In his farewell remarks, Behera recounted past reports and urged media professionals to portray Arunachal Pradesh, especially sites like Tawang Monastery and Bhismak Nagar, accurately to attract religious tourists. He expressed his desire to remain spiritually connected to the state and recited a self-composed poem.
Behera commended Thongchi, calling him a living Buddha and acknowledging his Sahitya Akademi Award in 2005 and Padma Shri in 2020 for his contributions to literature and education.
He concluded with a heartfelt wish to be reborn in Arunachal Pradesh in his next life.
