Thousands of people from all walks of life, including political leaders, bureaucrats, business community and other prominent citizens, paid rich tributes on Wednesday to Yashitsungba Ao, one of the pioneering businessmen and philanthropists of Nagaland, who passed away here on Tuesday.
A public funeral service was held at State Stadium near DC court here under the aegis of Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), before his body was finally laid to rest at Naga Cemetery.
A prominent contractor, late Y Ao was the chairman of Zion Hospital and Research Centre and Eden Medical Centre. He was also the former president of the Army Contractors and Suppliers’ Union and former advisor of Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers’ Union (NCSU).
Late Y. Ao was conferred Lifetime Achievement Award at the North East Expo’ 2010 in recognition of his contribution as an entrepreneur.
All shops in the city downed their shutters from 12 noon to 2 pm at the call of Business Association of Nagas (BAN) as a mark of respect to the departed soul, while most Ao entrepreneurs downed their shutters for the entire day as requested by Dimapur Ao Lanur Telongjem.
Meanwhile, Governor P.B. Acharya, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, agriculture and cooperation minister G Kaito Aye, Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang, Ao Senden, Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors’ Union, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries and Dimapur District Ao Pensioners’ Union sent their condolence messages that were read out by associate pastor DABA, Rev Lima Jamir during the funeral service.
Zion Hospital managing director and Yashitsungba’s son, Dr Moangwati thanked all the people who had assembled to pay their last respects. He said the public funeral for his father had been organised by ASTD, of which his father had been a treasurer for over 30 years.
Narrating briefly about his father’s life, Dr Moangwati said Yashitsungba had begun his career as a businessman in Mokokchung and went on to become a government contractor.
In later years, he concentrated his efforts on building institutions that would outlive him and improve the quality of public life and resulted in institutions like Zion Hospital and Eden Medical Centre.
Moangwati recalled that when he began working as a government doctor, his father forbade him from bringing salary home and told him to use it to help the needy.
According to Moangwati, even during his father’s last days, he never complained and had a positive outlook. He also sought forgiveness of anyone his father might have hurt during his lifetime.
In his speech, Yashitsungba’s son-in-law Toshi Wungtung, who is advisor I&PR, SCERT and Village Guards, acknowledged all the mourners and well-wishers. He described Yashitsungba as his best and loyal friend, an unfailing father, an outstanding teacher, a guide and a down-to-earth humble visionary.
Condolence messages were also delivered by family members, followed by a floral tribute by his grandchildren, staff of Zion Hospital, Eden Medical Centre and office bearers of Nagaland Foot Hill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), Dimapur Ao Union, Nyamo Lotha Colony (Khermahal), Dimapur Asetkong Union, Sungratsu Baptist Church and Dimapur Sungratsu Union.
They recalled their close association with Yashitsungba, whom they fondly addressed as “Uncle”. They described him as honest, simple and easily assessable.
As a director, he was always ready to welcome the decision of the medical staff, a doctor from Zion Hospital remarked.
The medical fraternity from Eden Medical Centre also recalled how Yashitsungba cared for the employees and was a source of encouragement for them. The speakers also lauded his vision for the welfare of the people and said his noble deeds were immeasurable.
NFHRCC member Supu Jamir recalled the contribution made by the pioneering businessman when the committee faced problems to begin earth cutting work on the Foothill Road in 2013.
He said the committee approached Naga contractors to take up the work on credit, but they all refused. It was Yashitsungba who came forward in December 2013 to take up the work. Supu further said though Yashitsungba was no more, the road would remain and would always be remembered by the younger generations.
A song dedicated to the philanthropist was presented by granddaughters Ayen and Menti.
DABA pastor Rev Dr N Tzudir delivered a message, followed by a mass prayer.
Former Odisha governor Dr SC Jamir and legislators Imkong L Imchen and Moatoshi were among other prominent political leaders who attended the funeral service.
Gov condoles: Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, has expressed sadness at the demise of Yashitsungba Ao on April 3, 2018 in Dimapur and said his passing away was a great loss to the Ao community in particular and the people of Nagaland in general.
In his condolence message, Acharya stated that late Yashitsungba’s contributions for the welfare of the people, especially the downtrodden, would be remembered by all.
The governor also said that the life story of Yashitsungba inspired many young budding entrepreneurs of the state, adding that his philanthropic activities were commendable.
The governor conveyed heartfelt condolences to all members of the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty grant strength and solace to overcome the grief.