Itanagar, Sept. 3: Social worker and Padmashree from Arunachal Pradesh, Binny Yanga, lost her battle against cancer at a Guwahati hospital today.

Yanga had dedicated her life to helping weaker sections of society, including orphans through her NGO, Oju Welfare Association, which was set up in 1979 and registered in 1988.

The NGO operates the Oju Mission - a child care home - and is also involved in various development activities for women and children.

She was born on July 7, 1958 and completed her schooling from Banasthali Vidyapith in Rajasthan.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007 and died at 1am. Her family said her last rites would be performed at Naharlagun.

The daughter of a political assistant, Yanga began her social work with the formation of All Subansiri District Girls' Welfare Association, speaking out against the practices of child and forced marriages. She also worked as a teacher before joining the first batch of policewomen in the state.

Many affectionately referred to Yanga as aane (mother) because of her work with children. She is the recipient of several awards.

Chief minister Nabam Tuki wrote to her eldest daughter Moushimi Lokam today expressing his condolences."We have lost a noted social worker, an eminent entrepreneur, an educationist and a very good human being," he said.

The Arunachal Pradesh Women's Commission also extended its condolences stating that her "contribution towards society is unfathomable" and that her death has "created a great void in society".

Yanga is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters.