Nagaland: Veteran educationist Kiremwati dies

Veteran educationist and former director of Higher & Technical Education, Kiremwati Ao, passed away on Thursday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 96.
His wife predeceased him. He is survived by one daughter, eight grandchildren and a great grandson. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 8 am at NSF Solidarity Park, Kohima, according to family sources.
Kiremwati also served as Pro Vice-Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and was regarded as a pioneer of modern education in Nagaland.
A brief sending-off programme was held at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), attended by former chief minister and former Governor Dr. S.C. Jamir.
Born on July 16, 1929 at Mongchen village under Waromung, he passed matriculation in first division from Gauhati University in 1951, completed Intermediate in Science from Cotton College, Guwahati in 1952, and secured a first class B.Sc. (Honours) in Geology from Gauhati University in 1954. In 1959, he obtained his M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Calcutta, becoming the first among Nagas to earn a Master of Science degree. Though he passed the National Geologists Examination, he chose to serve in education.
He began as headmaster of Naga National High School, Mokokchung, later serving as first headmaster of Government High School, Wokha, and Government High School, Mokokchung. He was principal of Kohima Science College (1971-83), held additional charge as joint director of Education in 1977, served as director of Higher & Technical Education (1983-86), and Pro Vice-Chancellor of NEHU (1986-92). He retired on June 30, 1987.
Post-retirement, he served as president, Board of Governors, Clark Memorial School, Impur; chairman Nagaland Education Commission; education consultant to the State government and president Nagaland Pensioners’ Association (2001-05).
He also took part in church and youth activities and was among members of the first Naga Choir to attend the 13th Baptist World Congress in Stockholm in 1975.
AKM condoles: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Dr. Kiremwati, the first Naga M.Sc. (Geology), first director of Higher and Technical Education and first Naga Pro-Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University.
In a condolence message, AKM president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba described late Dr. Kiremwati as a distinguished educationist and administrator who was humble, patriotic and hardworking, and a man of rare qualities. AKM stated that he was a visionary leader and a true son of the soil who dedicated his life to the service of the Naga people.
AKM said his tireless contributions to education and community service have left an indelible mark on the state, adding that his demise was a great loss of a noble guide and strong pillar of society. The conference conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty grant them strength and comfort during their time of grief and also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.