Ao Senden and Merangkong Medemsanger Putu have mourned the demise of Dr. Senkalong Yaden, the “Man of Science” from the United States of America, son of the late Takojungba from Merangkong Village, Mokokchung.
Born on April 21, 1935, in Mokokchung town, he completed his schooling at Government High School, Mokokchung. He later pursued an MSc in Zoology at the University of Bombay before moving to the U.S. to earn his PhD. He retired from Texas College in 2006 and resided in Tyler, Texas.
“It is a sad day that Dr. Senkalong Yaden, ‘Man of Science’ of the United States of America, son of the late Takojungba Yaden of Merangkong Village, has passed away to his eternal home to be with his Maker,” Ao Senden said in a press release.
Describing Yaden as “a humble but dynamic man of vision and a dedicated leader, who surpassed and excelled in life through his own diligence,” Ao Senden stated that he lived and led by example throughout his extraordinary life as a true-blooded Ao Naga.
“His academic achievements are true testaments to his wisdom and intelligence. His passing is an immense loss not only to his family and loved ones but also to the field of science,” Ao Senden added.
Furthermore, Ao Senden announced that it leads the Ao community in mourning his death and has declared March 17, 2025, as “a day of mourning as a mark of our respect and honor to the great person.”
“We pray that in this hour of great loss to mankind and science, the Almighty God shall grant peace and comfort to each and every one of us who are mourning,” Ao Senden said.
Merangkong Medemsanger Putu condoles
Merangkong Medemsanger Putu has also mourned the passing of Dr. Senkalong Yaden, the “Man of Science” from the United States of America, and son of the late Takojungba from Merangkong Village, Mokokchung.
“A humble and down-to-earth person who rose from modest beginnings to greatness through hard work and belief; a visionary who set his sights and achieved his dreams through self-sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering faith in Almighty God,” Merangkong Medemsanger Putu stated in a press note on Saturday.
“He was a man of numerous achievements, including an invitation to membership in the International Platform Association (1994), recognition in Who’s Who in America (1994 & 1997), and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (1996), among others,” it added.
The press note also highlighted that Dr. Senkalong Yaden served as a Peace Mission Volunteer at Peace Camp Chedema in 1966-67.
“Wherever he lived, he remained a true son of the soil of Merangkong, bringing laurels to our ancestral land and making us hold our heads high in dignity. In this hour of grief and sorrow, we pray that Almighty God grants solace and comfort to the bereaved family and relatives. We shall mourn until another Senkalong is born among us. May the Almighty God rest his soul in peace,” Merangkong Medemsanger Putu added.
Meanwhile, according to family sources, Dr. Yaden’s body was donated yesterday to the Southwestern Medical Center in Texas for medical research, as per his wish.