Goken Basar, a pioneering public servant, passed away on 26 June after a prolonged illness. Born in 1950 in Gori village in Leparada district, Basar was a distinguished figure of his community who dedicated his life to serving the people. He graduated from JN College, Pasighat, in 1972, and earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree from Gauhati University in 1974, becoming the first from the Basar clan to earn an MA degree and setting a path of inspiration for generations to come.
His professional life was defined by an unwavering commitment to the growth and administration of the region. He began his career in the Education Department as a junior teacher at the Desi Lower Primary School and the Basar High School in 1974 and 1975. Recognising his leadership potential, he was appointed as a circle officer in 1975, beginning an illustrious career that saw him serving in critical roles across the state.
He served as a circle officer and block development officer in Nari and Diyun/Miao, an assistant project officer and block development officer in Aalo, and an extra assistant officer in Likabali. His reputation for dedicated service grew as he took on the roles of extra assistant officer and block development officer in Jung and Basar, and served as a subdivisional officer in Namsai and Tuting. As the first additional deputy commissioner in Tuting and later as a deputy secretary for DA/GA and transport in Itanagar, his influence and guidance were felt across various levels of government.
He later served as deputy commissioner of Upper Subansiri and retired as director of the Department of Industry in 2008. Beyond his official roles, Basar will be remembered as a trailblazing icon of the community, having been the first from his clan to hold the positions of circle officer, deputy commissioner, and director of the Department of Industry.
