Former Nagaland Governor PB Acharya passes away at 92; Condolences pour in

Mokokchung, 10 November (MTNews): Padmanabha Acharya, the former governor of Nagaland and Senior BJP leader, passed away in Mumbai on Friday at the age of 92. Originally from Udupi, Karnataka, he breathed his last at his residence. In addition to his political roles, Acharya had significant involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. He served as the governor of Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

PM Modi, Nagaland Guv, CM Rio, NDPP condoles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his condolences.

“He devoted his life to serving society and also played a role in making the BJP stronger across India. He was greatly committed to furthering development in the Northeast. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the PM tweeted.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed his condolences by remembering Acharya for his admirable social, political, and administrative skills.

“He was a kind and a good friend to the citizens of Nagaland. The people of Nagaland will remember him for his diligence, intelligence, and kindness, especially to children. He deeply cared for society’s welfare and was an inspiration to many youngsters,” stated Rio in a statement.

He also mentioned how during his tenure in Nagaland, Acharya handed over library books to many schools as part of a mission to ensure that every school is equipped with a library.

“He always encouraged the students to respect their teachers and to enrich themselves with knowledge. He also encouraged the students to read as much as they could and make use of the library in their schools,” the CM added, stating that his death was a great loss to the nation, especially to the people of Nagaland, with whom he had endeared himself as one of the most loved Governors of Nagaland.

The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) remembered Acharya as someone known for his integrity and dedication in his service to the people, and whose benevolence and generosity were second to none.

“He also did not mince his words when it came to accountability and transparency towards ensuring good governance, be it with the Government or the society,” the NDPP stated in a release.

Regarding his political ideology, the NDPP remarked how the Governor was a lifelong member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), yet he never let his or the party’s interests come in the way of the discharge of his duties and responsibilities during his tenure as the Governor of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

“At his passing, the people of the North-East, in general, and Nagaland, in particular, have not only lost a friend but a fatherly figure who devoted his life to the upliftment and betterment of society,” the party mourned.

Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan remembered the late Acharya as a genuinely warm, hospitable, generous and down to earth person.

“His compassionate nature and unwavering concern for the welfare of the staff of Raj Bhavan Kohima will forever be cherished. His dedication to helping the less fortunate, particularly the orphans and destitute leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion,” Governor La Ganesan stated, adding that the Raj Bhavan Kohima stands in solidarity with the family.