The funeral service of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan was held with full state honors on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Chennai. He was 80. Ganesan passed away on August 15, 2025.
The mortal remains of the late Governor were kept at Kannadasan Grounds, T Nagar, for the public to pay their last respects. Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, paid floral tribute on behalf of the Government of Nagaland. The state funeral and cremation took place at Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium at 5:00 pm.
The service was attended by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen (IAS), Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor Thavaseelan (IAS), Former Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor Rajesh Soundararajan (IAS), Director General of Police Rupin Sharma (IPS), among others.
Born in 1945 in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, into an orthodox Brahmin family, Ganesan lost his father at the age of nine. After completing his SSLC, he joined the Revenue Department as a Settlement Inspector. In 1970, he resigned from his government post to become a full-time Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Remaining a lifelong bachelor, he dedicated his life to public service and political work.
Over the years, Ganesan rose within the BJP, serving as State President of Tamil Nadu, National Secretary, and All India Vice President. He also served briefly as a Rajya Sabha MP from Bhopal constituency. He was editor of the Tamil party mouthpiece Ore Naadu and founder president of Pottramarai (Golden Lotus), an association of Tamil scholars. Known as an eloquent orator, writer, and lyricist, he was fluent in several Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, English, Telugu, and Malayalam.
In 2021, Ganesan was appointed as the Governor of Manipur and briefly held additional charge of West Bengal in 2022. He was sworn in as the Governor of Nagaland on February 20, 2023, and served until his passing.
Remembered for his humility, simplicity, and dedication, Ganesan was described by colleagues as a leader who lived by the values of honesty, benevolence, and patriotism.
As a mark of respect, the Government of Nagaland has declared seven days of state mourning from August 16 to 22, during which the National Flag will fly at half-mast on government buildings and all public entertainment events have been cancelled.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who accompanied the Nagaland delegation to Chennai along with Chief Minister Rio, Deputy CM TR Zeliang, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, and DGP Rupin Sharma, paid tribute to the late Governor. He called Ganesan’s demise “a great loss for Nagaland,” and remembered him as a leader “who served with humility, integrity, and dedication.”
Raj Bhavan, Kohima holds memorial service
A memorial service to honor the life, service, and dedication of late La Ganesan, Governor of Nagaland, was held at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, described the gathering as a fellowship to honor the Governor “as a sign of love and remembrance.” Expressing deep grief, he said the passing of the Governor had created “a huge vacuum.”
He informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, along with Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, were in Chennai representing the people of Nagaland at the Governor’s funeral, while members in Kohima gathered at Raj Bhavan in remembrance.
Highlighting Naga tradition, the Speaker noted that “the home of the departed is never left empty,” and said the fellowship was conducted in solidarity with the Governor’s family. He also thanked the elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for their presence, calling it a “profound gesture of respect to the constitutional head of the State.”
Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly joined the solemn occasion and paid floral tributes to the departed Governor. The program was chaired by State Chaplain Rev Izieteilung Tering.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla gets additional charge
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was on Saturday given additional charge as the Nagaland Governor, according to a communique issued by the President’s office.
The vacancy had arisen due to the demise of Nagaland Governor La Ganesan.
La Ganesan, 80, died on Friday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai, a Raj Bhavan official in Kohima said.
“Consequent upon the demise of Shri La Ganesan, Governor of Nagaland, the President of India has appointed Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, to discharge the functions of the Governor of Nagaland, in addition to his own duties,” the note read.