Imphal: The sudden and tragic passing of Dr. Engam Pame, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Imphal, and Mr. Nampibou Marinmai, Director, Doordarshan Kendra (DDK), Aizawl, in a road mishap near Sateek Village in Mizoram, has come as a profound shock and deep sorrow.
The two senior officers of the Indian Information Service (IIS) were on official duty when the unfortunate road accident occurred. Their untimely demise is a great loss to the Government of India, the Indian Information Service, their colleagues, friends, families and the Luangdimai/Zeliangrong communities from which they came.
Dr. Engam Pame
Dr. Engam Pame, who was serving as Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Central Bureau of Communication, Regional Office Imphal, (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) was a senior officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS).
He cleared the Civil Services Examination in 1994 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission and was allotted the Indian Information Service. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served the Government of India in various capacities and made significant contributions to public information and communication.
Dr. Pame’s family originally hailed from Katang Village in Tamenglong, Manipur. His father, Pauheu Pame, was a government servant in Tamenglong. As the eldest among his siblings, Engam grew up in Tamenglong during a period when opportunities for higher education in the district were limited.
He received his early education at Christian Model English School, Tamenglong, during the 1970s. Even as a young child, he was known for his remarkable energy and enthusiasm. He was active in sports and excelled in different sporting activities. Those who knew him from his childhood remember him as a natural leader, full of life, fearless and optimistic.
His ability to lead became evident during his school years. In high school, he served as class captain and house captain, leading school parades and sports teams. Alongside his sporting and leadership abilities, he was also an excellent student and consistently remained among the toppers of his class.
For his matriculation, he moved to Shillong and joined Mizo Modern High School, from where he passed his matriculation examination with distinction, bringing pride to his family and community.
He subsequently completed his Pre-University studies in Shillong before moving to Delhi for his graduation.
The journey from Tamenglong to Delhi for higher education was not easy. Coming from a large family and modest financial circumstances, pursuing higher education outside the district required considerable courage and determination. Yet Dr. Pame pursued his aspirations with conviction, overcoming the obstacles before him with the belief that perseverance and hard work would eventually bear fruit.
Those who knew him remember him as a person who was always willing to extend himself beyond what was expected of him. Whether for his family, his friends or his community, he was always prepared to do more. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, inspiring those around him to strive for greater things themselves.
At the same time, Dr. Pame was known for his warmth and remarkable sense of humour. Jokes, laughter and good cheer were never far from him. Even in difficult circumstances, he had the ability to lift the spirits of those around him.
His interests extended beyond academics and professional life. He was deeply committed to physical fitness and martial arts and became a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. In Delhi, he trained many young people and students in the discipline. His influence in promoting karate among people from the Northeast was recognised at the time, and he was featured in the popular tabloid The Northeast Sun for his work and influence in karate.
Dr. Pame was the lead organizer of the Makuiluangdi Festival 2025 as Ngaipi, chairman. One of the distinctive features of the festival was the trail run from Makhel to Makuiluangdi, commemorating the traditional account of the Naga dispersal from Makhel to various parts of present-day Naga country, believed to have taken place around 2,000 years ago. He was also deeply involved with the research and production of Luangdilat Khuang, an endeavour to bring about a word book for the Luangdimai/Zeliangrongpui community.
Dr. Pame’s life was an example of fortitude and perseverance in the face of adversity; courage in pursuing one’s dreams despite difficulties; and dedication and discipline in the pursuit of one’s goals.
He leaves behind his wife and two children.
Mr. Nampibou Marinmai
Mr. Nampibou Marinmai, Director, Doordarshan Kendra, Aizawl, was also a senior officer of the Indian Information Service who lost his life in the tragic road mishap.
Mr. Marinmai hailed from Chiang Village in Tamenglong district, Manipur. His untimely passing, alongside that of Dr. Engam Pame, is a deeply painful loss to his family, colleagues and community.
Loss to Public Service
The untimely deaths of Dr. Engam Pame and Mr. Nampibou Marinmai have deprived the Indian Information Service of two experienced officers who were serving the Government of India at the time of their tragic deaths.
For the people of Tamenglong and the Luangdimai/Zeliangrongpui community, the loss is particularly poignant. Two sons of the community who overcame the challenges of their early circumstances and went on to occupy responsible positions in the service of the nation have been abruptly taken away in the prime of their lives while performing their official duties.
Dr. Engam Pame’s journey from Katang Village and the hills of Tamenglong to the Indian Information Service remains a story of determination, leadership, discipline and perseverance. His energy, courage, humour, commitment to physical fitness, dedication to his family and community, and long career in public service will remain cherished memories among those who knew him.
The loss of Mr. Nampibou Marinmai is equally mourned, and his contribution to public service and government information broadcasting will be remembered with respect.
The bereaved families of both officers are conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayers at this hour of profound grief. May they be granted strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
May the departed souls rest in peace.
Dr. Poujenlung Gonmei, Convenor, LCF and Digwamsappe Khate Zeliang, General Secretary, LCF
Condolence service in memory of Dr. Engam Pame and Nampibou Marinmai by YMA, Mizoram.
In Aizawl, the Mizoram Home Minister, Education Minister and Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Minister attended a condolence service held in memory of Dr. Pame and Marinmai. The service paid tribute to the two officers following their tragic deaths in the road accident in Mizoram.
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