Former chairperson of Nagaland Women Commission, and renowned writer and ethnographer, Padma Shri Dr. TemsulaAo was laid to rest on Monday at New Naga cemetery at Zani village. Dr. Temsula passed away on Sunday night and left behind one son, three daughters and grandchildren.
Earlier, the funeral service was held at the family residence, Lengrijan Dimapur, where hundreds attended the service and paid rich tributes to Dr. Temsula Ao.
Condolences: President of India Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nagaland Governor Jagdish Mukhi and chief minister Neiphiu Rio were among several who expressed condolence message at the passing away of Padma Shri Dr Temsula Ao.
In a tweet, President Murmu said TemsulaAo played a key role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the North East.
“In the demise of Dr TemsulaAo, we have lost a prolific author and ethnographer who also made valuable contribution to women empowerment. Honoured with Padma Shri, she played key role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of North East. Condolences to her family and friends,” Murmu tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sadness at the death of litterateur Temsula Ao. Modi said late Temsula played a pivotal role in popularising the Naga culture through her literary works.
Modi tweeted, “Saddened by the passing away of Dr. TemsülaAo, who played a pivotal role in popularising the wonderful Naga culture through her literary works. Her efforts in the fields of education and culture were noteworthy. Condolences to her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.”
Gov: Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi expressed pain over the demise of renowned litterateur Padma Shri Dr. Temsula Ao.
In a condolence message to late Temsula’s son, DGP Nagaland T John Longkumer, Mukhi said late Dr. Temsula’s literary works brought several laurels to the State and made the people proud. She was conferred with many awards in the field of literature including Sahitya Akademi Award and Padma Shri.
“She will go down in history for her contributions to the field of literature and a true humanist,” Mukhi added. In her demise, Mukhi said the Country has lost a noted Litterateur and a great thinker. On behalf of the people of Nagaland and on his own behalf, Mukhi conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayed to God to grant strength to the bereaved family to bear this tragic loss and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
CM: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed deep pain to learn about the passing away of former chairperson of the Nagaland Women Commission Dr. TemsulaAo, Pradma Shri awardee.
In a condolence message to T John Longkumer, Rio said Dr. Temsula, who was also a renowned author and an ethnographer had contributed much to the Naga society through her literary works.
Besides being a recipient of various laurels, Rio said she was humble about her achievements. Rio said she was a strong, hardworking and humble woman, who was ever ready to serve the people with no reservations in various capacities. As such, she was highly respected by all and her accomplishments in life has inspired many women, Rio added. In her demise, Rio said the Naga society has lost a mentor and a guardian and the void created by her absence will be difficult to fill.
“She will be truly missed but let us treasure and celebrate her life and it is my humble prayer that her legacy will be carried on,” Rio added.
Rio, joined by his family, conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that Almighty God grant them strength and comfort to bear the irreparable loss and for her soul to rest in peace.
NLA speaker: Expressing deep grief over the passing of Padma Shri Dr. TemsulaAo, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker SharingainLongkumer on Monday said Dr. Temsula was a very dynamic person who worked tirelessly for the welfare and upliftment of the Society.
In a condolence message, NLA speaker said she was always noticed for her willingness to walk that extra-mile to help the needy and all those approached her for help in various situations.
“Late Dr. Temsula Ao was a great role model and an inspiration to many,” Longkumer said, adding that she will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on for many years to come.
The speaker said that her death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and to the Ao Community in particular, adding that the void created by her passing will be difficult to fill.
Longkumer extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty God grant them solace and comfort at this hour of grief.
Dy.CM: State deputy chief minister Y Patton expressed sadness over the passing of Padma Shri Prof. Dr. Temsula Ao and said that in her death, Nagas have lost a treasure box of knowledge.
In a condolence note, Patton said that late TemsulaAo was one of the most renowned writers and ethnography personalities India has produced.
Patton, however, said that her works will continue to inspire and influence the minds of young writers even in the days to come.
The deputy chief minister conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God will comfort them during the hour of grief.
NSCW: Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), chairperson Khrienuo Tachu on behalf of the present team and on behalf of all the former chairpersons and members paid homage “to our mentor and leader, Padma Shri Dr. TemsulaAo, former chairperson NSCW.
Tachu said Dr. Temsula, has been a mentor, guide, and strongest supporter of NSCW till her last breath. She cared deeply for the welfare and empowerment of the Naga women and worked selflessly in her own capacity as the chairperson for two tenures (2012-2019).
During her time as the chairperson, Tachu said she brought many changes, both at the grassroots and at the level of higher policymaking. Her biggest footprint, amongst many, was a massive project conducted, titled, “Baseline Survey on Social, Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in Nagaland”.
She said NSCW and Naga women in general are reaping the benefits of her hard work and dedication today.
Though NSCW and Naga women have lost a guide, a torchbearer, and an exceptional mentor, Tachu said the commission will carry forward her legacy and work to make our Naga society a safe and better place for women and girl child.
“May her soul rest in Peace as she goes home to be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” Tachu stated.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden expressed shock over the demise of Padma Shri Dr. TemsulaAo, who it said took an immense role in popularizing the Naga culture to the outside world through her literary works, which were “commendable in all angles.”
In a condolence message, Ao Senden president ChubawatiLongchar and general secretary Imtipokyim said that Nagas in general and Ao tribe in particular have lost a great personality specially in the field of literature. Ao Senden conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
NMA: Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) expressed shock and pain over the demise of Dr. Temsüla Ao and said Naga women have lost a legend and the void will be difficult to fill.
Describing late Dr. Temsüla Ao as a woman of strength and wisdom,
NMA said she has left behind a rich legacy as a poet, writer and also as a woman of grace and simplicity.
Deeply mourning her demise, NMA however said it takes solace for the imprints she has left behind through her works, adding “she will continue to be our inspiration.”
NMA also prayed for peace, comfort and strength for the family at this difficult time.
Azo: UDA co-chairman Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA, has expressed deep pain over demise of Dr. TemsulaAo, who he said was considered as a treasure to Naga society.
In a condolence note, Azo said with her demise, the Naga society has not only lost a great soul but a personality “whom we all look upon as an exemplary role model and feel proud for all her works that she has contributed to our society.”
Azo expressed belief that her sacrifices and contributions towards the society will not go in vain, but it will be an example to Naga society to follow and cherished.
MLA conveyed deepest condolences and sympathy to bereaved family members and near and dear ones.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Dr. Temsula Ao and said that her contributions to Naga society and achievements will be fondly remembered for generations to come.
In a condolence message, NPCC president K Therie said late Dr. Temsula was a pioneer amongst Naga women, who rose to serve her people beyond the home throughout a lifetime of contributions in education, literature and culture.
Therie said that her efforts in documenting the oral traditions of the Ao community was regarded as the most authentic document.
NPC president on behalf of the party rank and file conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God comfort them through this painful time and in the days to come.
Sano Vamuzo: Former chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) Sano Vamuzo expressed deep grief over the demise of Padma Shri Dr.TemsulaAo.
In a condolence note, Sano Vamuzo said late Dr. Temsula was humble, sincere and had a heart to “serve our people well in all her endeavours.”
She said that Dr. Temsula’s passing was a huge loss for Naga people, and would be missed.
“At this painful time, our heart goes out to her beloved family and loved ones,” Sano Vamuzo said prayed that they will find comfort, peace and strength in the Lord.