Former Governor of Nagaland and senior BJP leader Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya passed away in Mumbai on Friday morning. He was 92 and leaves behind two children and his wife. According to family sources, the funeral was held on Friday evening at Mumbai.
Acharya who hailed from Udupi in Karnataka, breathed his last at his Mumbai residence.
The BJP veteran had also worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.
Acharya had served as governor of Nagaland, Tripura, Assam and also handled the responsibilities as the governor of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
In his condolence message, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said Acharya remained committed to the organisation’s ideology.
Governor, CM and others condole
Nagaland governor La Ganesan and chief minister Neiphiu Rio led others in condoling the demise of former governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, who passed away in Mumbai on Friday.
In a condolence message to Mrs. Kavita Acharya, governor La Ganesan said that the loss of a loved one was always challenging, adding that the loss of former governor PB Acharya has left a void in all.
Governor said late Acharya’s remarkable qualities as a genuinely warm, hospitable, generous and down to earth person would always be remembered. Ganesan also said that late Acharya’s compassionate nature and unwavering concern for the welfare of the staff of Raj Bhavan Kohima would forever be cherished.
“His dedications to helping the less fortunate, particularly the orphans and destitute leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion,” governor said.
CM: State chief minister expressed shock and grief over the demise of PB Acharya, who served as governor of the state of Nagaland from July 19, 2014 to July 31, 2019. In a condolence message, Rio recalled that late Acharya, during his tenure, had the distinction of serving with three chief ministers of Nagaland, and had an excellent rapport with all of them.
Describing late Acharya as “a down to earth statesman and a noble soul”, whose main concern was to serve the people, the chief minister said he had good relations with political parties across the spectrum in the State.
Rio said late Acharya was particularly fond of children from destitute and welfare homes and opened his heart and Raj Bhavan Bhavan for them.
Rio said people of Nagaland would remember him for his diligence, intelligence and kindness, especially to children.
During his tenure in Nagaland, chief minister said Acharya handed over library books to many schools as part of a mission to ensure that every school is equipped with a library.
“His death is a great loss to the nation, especially to people of Nagaland, with whom he had endeared himself as one of the most loved Governors of Nagaland,” the chief minister said, adding that his absence would be deeply felt by those who worked with him and loved him.
The chief minister, on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and on behalf of his family, extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. Rio prayed that the bereaved family find comfort and strength in the Almighty as they come to terms with this loss.
Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed deep pain at the passing away of former Nagaland governor P.B. Acharya in Mumbai.
Sharingain said that Acharya was one of the most revered leaders known for honesty, integrity and uprightness.
“He will be remembered for his eagerness to master tribal dialects and his initiatives to advocate for Naga languages in prominent universities across major cities and states in India,” he said
In his death, the speaker said that the people have lost a visionary leader who made immense contribution for the betterment of Nagaland.
On behalf of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the speaker conveyed deepest condolences to Mrs. Kavita Acharya and all his near and dear ones.
Patton: State deputy chief minister Y.Patton condoled the death of PB Acharya, whom he described as “a straightforward and compassionate gentleman, whose love for Northeast India is unparalleled.”
In a condolence message, Parron said Acharya’s demise was a big loss for the region and the nation.
On behalf of the state BJP legislators, the deputy chief minister extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in peace.
TR Zeliang: State deputy chief minister TR Zeliang expressed grief over the demise of former Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya.
In a condolence message, Zeliang described late Acharya as “a statesman and a true leader” with whom he had the pleasure to serve during his stint in Nagaland. “He was hardworking and dedicated to Nation building. A fatherly figure who guided and gave advice politically and personally for the good governance of the State,” Zeliang recalled and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Nagaland Post: Editor, Nagaland Post, Geoffrey Yaden, expressed deep shock and grief at the passing away of former governor of Nagaland, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya.
In a condolence message to Mrs. Kavita Acharya, Geoffrey Yaden described late Acharya as “a kind hearted, simple and honest man” who endeared himself to all those who knew him. “He was the most unassuming incumbent of the Raj Bhavan and a true people’s governor,” Editor, Nagaland Post said, adding he always kept the doors of his heart and the Raj Bhavan open to all especially the ordinary public.
Editor recalled that late Acharya graced the historic celebration of 25th anniversary of the first newspaper Nagaland Post in 2015, a memory that they will forever cherish.
Geoffrey Yaden also said late Acharya inspired the launch of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan in the entire north east including Nagaland. “Late P.B. Acharyaji was a special person, to all of us and his passing away has left a void that will be difficult to fill for a very long time,” he said and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God grant them all strength to overcome their grief.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has expressed shock and deep grief over the demise of former governor of Nagaland PB Acahrya, who it said was known for his integrity and dedication in his service to the people.
In a condolence message, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak said late Acharya was a lifelong member of BJP, but he never let his or party’s interest come in the way of the discharge of his duties and responsibilities during his tenure as governor.
At his passing, Chingwang said 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 in the upliftment and betterment of society.
Chingwang recalled that late Acharya as governor swore in the first ever NDPP-led Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDA) government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio as the chief minister on March 8, 2018.
NDPP president along with party rank and file conveyed condolences and prayers to Mrs. Kavita Acharya and the members of the bereaved family.
Thenucho: Former speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Thenucho Tunyi expressed deep sadness over the passing of PB Acharya, and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
In a condolence note, Thenucho described late Acharya as “a man of humility”, who had “a charming personality.” Former speaker said Acharya, who was a true and committed social worker, engaged himself in several activities driven by a concern for the upliftment of the common people. In his passing, Thenucho said people have lost a good administrator and a dedicated social worker.