Celebrating India’s Independence: Moje Riba’s Historic Unfurling of the Tiranga in Arunachal Pradesh

Tezpur: Moje Riba was a freedom fighter who made history by hoisting the Indian National flag in Dipa village, Arunachal Pradesh, on August 15, 1947. This day marks a significant moment in India’s journey toward independence, yet many are unaware of Riba’s crucial role outside his home state. In West Siang district, he is celebrated as a courageous leader who spread the message of freedom in the heart of tribal regions.

Back in 1947, Arunachal Pradesh was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). This territory was part of colonial India and eventually became a Union Territory in 1972, gaining full statehood in 1987. Riba was born in 1911 in Daring village, driven by a deep desire to fight for India’s freedom. His journey led him to meet key figures of the Indian National Congress, like Gopinath Bordoloi and Lalit Hazarika. Inspired, he became the first President of the Congress in what would be Arunachal Pradesh.

Moje Riba wasn’t just a leader; he was a mobilizer. He distributed Congress flags and pamphlets to rally locals behind the independence cause. He founded the Dipa Congress Committee, the first political party in Arunachal Pradesh, and organized protests against colonial rule. His activism didn’t go without consequences—he was arrested along with fellow Congress members but was later released when the British officer overseeing them was removed.

His daughter, Jemen Riba, reflects on her father’s impact, stating, “My father was a hero of the freedom movement.” She explains that his travels for trade introduced him to the injustices of British rule, igniting his passion for the independence struggle. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, he encouraged his fellow villagers to join the fight for freedom.

On that historic day—August 15, 1947—Riba raised the Indian flag, a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for the local people and their place in the larger Indian independence story. He urged tribal communities to resist colonial oppression, establishing a Congress camp in Daring to foster awareness and activism, despite the British viewing such political pursuits as a threat.

After independence, Riba played a vital role in his community, serving four terms as president of the Bogum-Bokar Kebang, a traditional tribal council. He worked to merge traditional values with the demands of modern governance, leading important meetings in Dipa and neighboring areas.

In recognition of his contributions, the Government of India awarded him the Tamrapatra in 1974. This honor came after an oversight prevented him from receiving it during the 25th anniversary of independence in 1972. Moje Riba passed away on January 22, 1980, leaving behind a powerful legacy.

In 2021, the Department of Posts honored him with a commemorative stamp, and a bronze statue was unveiled in West Siang. Despite these tributes, Jemen believes her father’s story deserves more visibility: “Patriotism isn’t limited to location. It can arise from bustling cities or silent forests, wherever a person dares to dream beyond the plains.”

Riba’s legacy serves as a reminder of how grassroots activism played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle, influencing future generations to stand up for their rights. As we reflect on these historical figures, it’s crucial to understand their stories so that their contributions continue to inspire us today.

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MOJE RIBA, NATIONAL FLAG IN ARUNACHAL, FIRST TIRANGA IN ARUNACHAL, ARUNACHAL AND MOJE RIBA, THE TIRANGA'S FIRST UNFURLING IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH: MOJE RIBA AND INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE