DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Founder of Livingstone Foundation School, Dimapur, and noted educationist Arthur Edwards passed away on Monday after a brief illness. He was 80.
According to family sources, the funeral service will be held on July 29 at 3.30 p.m. at the Livingstone Foundation International School campus, Thahekhu/Kevijau, Dimapur.
Born on December 22, 1945, in Darjeeling to late Augustine Tarsus Edwards and late Agnes Teresa Edwards, Arthur Edwards studied at St. Robert’s School and St. Joseph’s College, North Point, Darjeeling.
He later married Nisheli Sema, daughter of late Hoshikhe Sema, former PA to the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto and Head GB of Sukhalu Village.
A pioneering entrepreneur, Edwards began his career in Dimapur in the early 1970s and established several ventures, including Tourist Lodge, Full Nagarjan (now the Power House Office), Park Hotel and Restaurant, Midland, Breeze Restaurant and Breeze Bakery on Church Road.
He was also among the earliest entrepreneurs in Dimapur to introduce signboards for business establishments, a move that contributed to the identification of roads such as PWD Road, Church Road and Army Supply Road (now Dr. Hokishe Sema Road).
In February 1988, Arthur and his wife founded Livingstone Foundation School, which has since grown into one of Nagaland’s leading educational institutions.
In recognition of his contributions, he received the Nation’s Pride of the Millennium Award at the All Achievers Conference in New Delhi in 1999.
Edwards also served as an Advisory Board member of the Gorkha Union, Dimapur, a charter member of Rotary District 392B and a patron of the Nagaland State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society from 1989. A devout Catholic, he was a senior member of Holy Cross Church, Dimapur, and remained actively involved in church activities.
He is remembered as an entrepreneur, educationist and community leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on Dimapur and Nagaland.
Condolences
Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA), Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN) and NPF Central Minority Wing have expressed grief over the demise of Livingstone Foundation School founder and educationist Arthur Edwards.
NMDA: In a condolence message, NMDA described Edwards as a veteran and respected citizen of Dimapur, recalling his contributions as the founder of Breeze Bakery and Restaurant and as an educationist and social activist. The association said he devoted his life to the welfare of society and the development of Dimapur.
NMDA also noted that Edwards was the guardian of its president, Ato Yepthomi, and said his guidance and wisdom had been a source of strength to the association. It extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength to overcome the loss.
LMFN: The Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN), in a message issued by its chairman Bishnu Bhattacharjee, described Edwards as a highly respected senior citizen who was closely associated with linguistic minorities and permanent settlers of Dimapur. LMFN said he promoted diversity, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and brotherhood, adding that his legacy of inclusiveness, compassion and communal harmony would continue to inspire future generations.
NPF minority wing: The NPF Central Minority Wing also mourned the passing of Edwards, describing him as a visionary educationist and social worker whose commitment to quality education, character building and nation-building transformed the lives of countless students across the Northeast. The wing extended condolences to the bereaved family and the Livingstone Foundation International community, praying that his soul rest in eternal peace.
