Mokokchung, October 10 (MTNews): The President of India Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Governor of Nagaland, Prof Jagdish Mukhi and many others have joined in mourning the demise of Dr Temsula Ao, who passed away in Dimapur on October 9. The noted Naga writer, poet and scholar was 76 and is survived by her son, three daughters and grandchildren. Her funeral service was held today in Lengrijan, Dimapur.
President of India, Droupadi Murmu expressed sadness at the death of litterateur Temsula Ao on October 10. Taking to Twitter, the President of India also wrote, “In the demise of Dr Temsula Ao, we have lost a prolific author and ethnographer who also made a valuable contribution to women’s empowerment. Honoured with Padma Shri, she played a key role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of North East. Condolences to her family and friends.”
Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar also expressed sadness at the passing away of the noted litterateur, Dr Temsula Ao. “Her illustrious body of work brought the rich culture & ethos of Nagaland to life. A crusader of women’s rights, Dr Ao strove relentlessly for their empowerment. My deepest condolences to her bereaved family,” the Vice President conveyed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to her, saying she played a pivotal role in popularizing Naga culture via her literary works. “Saddened by the passing away of Dr Temsüla Ao, who played a pivotal role in popularizing the wonderful Naga culture through her literary works. Her efforts in the fields of education and culture were noteworthy. Condolences to her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace”, the PM wrote in a Twitter post.
Governor of Nagaland, Prof Jagdish Mukhi also expressed sadness over the demise of Padma Shri Dr. Temsula Ao, saying that her literary works brought several laurels to the State and made our people proud.
“In her demise the Country has lost a noted Litterateur and a great thinker. I, on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf, convey our heartfelt condolences. I also pray to God to give strength to the family to bear this tragic loss and grant them peace and solace at this hour of pain,” the governor said.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed sadness over the demise of Temsula Ao by saying that the Naga society has lost a mentor and a guardian. “Dr. Temsula, who was also a renowned author and an ethnographer had contributed much to the Naga society through her literary works. Although she was a recipient of various laurels, she was humble about her achievements. I found her to be a strong and hardworking and humble woman, who was ever ready to serve the people with no reservations in various capacities. As such, she was highly respected by all and her accomplishments in life have inspired many women.”
In the condolence message addressed to Late Prof Temsula’s son and the present Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, T John Longkumer, Rio and his family conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
The lone Nagaland women legislator and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, S Phangnon Konyak, while mourning Temsula Ao’s demise noted that she will remain an eternal inspiration.
“Saddened by the demise of Padma Shri Dr. Temsüla Ao. She was an excellent writer who brought stories to life with her vivid description which often touched upon the socio-cultural aspects of the Naga people. She will remain an eternal inspiration May her soul rest in peace!” she tweeted.
Three former chairperson Nagaland State Commission for Women Sano Vamuzo, Abeni TCK and Ellen Konyak expressed grief over the loss of the widely known and distinguished Litterateur from Northeast India.
“One highlight of her career was serving as the Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women from 2012 to 2015 & 2015 to 2019, through which we had the privilege of associating with her. She was humble, sincere and had a heart to serve our people well in all her endeavours. Dr. Temsula’s passing is a huge loss for our people, and she will be missed,” they said.
NPF leader Azo Nienu also condoled the death of Dr. Temsula Ao, Padmashri saying that he was deeply pained.
“She was considered as a treasure to our Naga society and so with her demise, the Naga society has not only lost a great soul but a personality whom we all look upon as an exemplary role model and feel proud for all her works that she has contributed to our society. I believe that her sacrifices and contributions towards our society will not go in vain, but it will be an example to our Naga society to follow and cherish,” he said.
NPCC President, K. Therie in his condolence message called Dr. Temsula Ao a pioneer amongst Naga women who rose to serve her people beyond the home throughout a lifetime of contributions in education, literature and culture.
“Her efforts in documenting the oral traditions of the Ao community are regarded as the most authentic document. She has set the bar very high in her service to the Nagas making her an inspiration and role model to many young women. Her contributions to Naga society and achievements will be fondly remembered for generations to come,” he said, adding that the rank and file of NPCC conveys their deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.