Shillong, Dec. 18 :     Eminent scholar and former education minister, Barrister Pakem, died early this morning after a prolonged illness. He was 62. Pakem was also the former former vice-chancellor of the North Eastern Hill University (Nehu). Meghalaya Governor M.M. Jacob, chief minister B.B. Lyngdoh, Speaker E.K. Mawlong, leader of the Opposition D.D. Lapang and others visited Pakem?s residence to pay homage. Family sources said Pakem?s funeral service will be held at Jowai on Tuesday. Pakem is survived by his wife, Neini Roy, and seven children. Sources said Pakem?s death was a great loss to the Northeast and the Centre which often sought his advice on matters related to the Northeast. Born to Lebius Dkhar and Quesneybon Takem of Moolait Sutnga village in Jaintia Hills district on June 10, 1937, Pakem became a renowned social scientist specialising in politics. He not only theorised on political science but was also elected as an MLA for two terms between 1978 and 1988. Pakem became education minister during his first term in the Assembly. His term as education minister is often referred to as ?the best.? Pakem also held the post of vice-chancellor for two terms till he resigned on August 5 this year on health grounds. Family sources said he suffered from acute gout and arthritis. Pakem was a guiding light to the Khasi-Jaintia society to which he belonged. He never hesitated to give his studied comments and offer insights, no matter how unwelcome they might have been. Pakem was educated in St. Anthony?s College in Shillong, Gauhati University and the School of International Studies under the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. He taught political science in many colleges and at Dibrugarh University. He was also honorary director of the North East India Council for Social Science Research. He has written several books and scores of articles about the Northeast in regional and national journals.