■ Tom Simai ■ Namsai
■ August 06
The incredible life journey of Chow Bilaseng Namchoom is nothing short of inspirational, a story of temerity in the face of adversity, staunch commitment to public service, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. While many would have succumbed to despair under the weight of personal loss, Namchoom chose to stand tall, carve his own path, and let the fire within illuminate his course. His gentle demeanor, soft-spoken charm, and commanding presence only add to the quiet strength that defines him.
Born on March 3, 1982, in the tranquil village of Lathao nestled amidst the picturesque plains of Namsai District, he is the proud son of the late Chow Digen Namchoom. From his earliest days, the virtues of hard work and humility were woven into the fabric of his upbringing. His educational journey began at VKV Sunpura during his formative pre-primary years and continued through Secondary School Namsai and Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Itanagar. He later completed his secondary education at the prestigious Don Bosco School in Tinsukia before pursuing his higher secondary studies between Namsai and Tezu, laying a strong intellectual foundation that would support him through the triumphs and trials ahead.
Fate, however, struck a cruel blow with the untimely demise of both his parents. Left to navigate life on his own, Chow Bilaseng rose to the occasion with quiet resolve. Setting aside his personal ambitions, he assumed the responsibility of supporting himself and others, taking up the noble profession of teaching at Green View School in Namsai. Even in this challenging chapter, his quest for learning never waned.
With a creative spark igniting within, he pursued a Diploma in Photography in Guwahati, a decision that would shape the trajectory of his professional life. In 2006, his perseverance bore fruit when he successfully cleared the public recruitment process and joined the government service as a photographer.
What sets Namchoom apart is his relentless commitment to self-improvement. Even while serving in government, he pursued and completed both his undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, deepening his expertise and expanding his horizons. True to his belief in lifelong learning, he now aspires to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), reflecting his unrelenting drive to evolve intellectually and professionally.
His distinguished service career began at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, where he served as a photographer. Armed with a creative mind and a communicative flair, he quickly made a name for himself. Over the years, he adeptly adapted to the rapidly changing media landscape, embracing new-age tools in public relations, social media, and artificial intelligence to stay at the cutting edge of communication.
For over a decade, Chow Bilaseng served with remarkable dedication as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the office of the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. His tenure was marked by professionalism, innovation, and administrative efficiency. He credits much of his growth to the mentorship of visionary bureaucrats and senior officials, particularly the guidance he received from the Directors and Deputy Directors of IPR.
Highly regarded for his multifaceted expertise, Namchoom has become an indispensable figure in the government's communication machinery, contributing to public relations, human resource coordination, event hospitality, and state publicity. As Chairman of the Itanagar Chapter of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), his leadership has cultivated collaboration, innovation, and excellence among fellow communication professionals.
His articulate writing and nuanced understanding of the region’s socio-cultural fabric have earned him frequent bylines in Eastern Panorama and several national and regional dailies. His articles on development, tourism, and cultural heritage have helped shape public narratives around Arunachal Pradesh’s identity and future.
In recognition of his sustained contributions, Chow Bilaseng was nominated for the prestigious Silver Medal State Award on the occasion of the 30th Statehood Day, a testament to his commitment to service and excellence.
Yet, his service extends far beyond the walls of his office. Deeply passionate about preserving the heritage of his homeland, he played a vital role in a landmark research initiative that delved into the historic Anglo-Tai Khamti War of 1839 and the lives of unsung tribal heroes of Arunachal Pradesh. His efforts helped retrieve over 2,000 pages of priceless archival records from various national and international institutions. These rare documents were later formally handed over to the Department of History at Rajiv Gandhi University by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, marking a watershed moment in the preservation of Arunachal’s historical legacy.
With a dynamic career that elegantly straddles governance, media, education, and cultural preservation, Chow Bilaseng Namchoom is a living embodiment of purposeful life and intellectual pursuit. His journey is far from over; it is still unfolding with grace, ambition, and a heart steadfastly committed to his roots.
As he continues to scale new summits, his story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a powerful reminder that determination, humility, and passion can transform even the harshest trials into triumphant legacies.
