Arunachal’s Former Minister Karma Wangchu who died at the age of 86 has been conferred the Padma Shri Award Posthumously.

Wangchu was the first person from Tawang district to become a minister in the state Cabinet. He was born in Seru village in 1936.

During his political career, he served as pro-tem speaker of the legislative assembly, and minister for health, transport and cooperation in the government headed by the late Tomo Riba.

In his extensive political career, Wangchu never lost any election. However, he retired from active politics in 1994.

Wangchu worked for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in the border areas of the state. He was a pioneer in taking government policies and development schemes to the remotest corner and border areas of Tawang district.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Padma Awards on Wednesday, on the eve of the 74th Republic Day. The awards will be conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function, which will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan between March and April this year.

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