Yashitsungba Ao, pioneering businessman and philanthropist, passed away in Dimapur on Tuesday. He was 90 and leaves behind two sons, two daughters and four grandchildren.
According to family members, the funeral service would be held at Dimapur State Stadium (Near Dimapur Government College) on April 4, 2018 at 12 noon.
Born on April 15, 1927, Yashitsungba, chairman of Zion Hospital & Research Centre and Eden Medical Centre, started his career as a businessman in 1960s and went on to become a prominent contractor.
He was also former president of Army contractors and suppliers’ union and former advisor of Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers’ Union (NCSU).
Besides, he was treasurer of Dimapur Süngratsü Union (1986 till date) and treasurer Ao union Dimapur (1988 till date).
Yashitsungba Ao’s achievements include Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion of North East Expo’ 2010 in recognition of his contribution and achievements as an entrepreneur. He was also awarded Süngratsü Senso Mongdang, Best Citizen Award 2007.
CM, others condole
CM: Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, has expressed sadness at the demise of Yashitsungba Ao and said that in his demise, the state has lost a good soul whose contributions to the society would stand the test of time.
In his condolence message, Rio said late Yashitsungba was one of the senior-most contractors who was well-known for his humanitarian works. “He was generous and active social worker who built numerous churches besides helping various unions and organisations. He was wholeheartedly involved in the health care sector,” the chief minister said.
As chairman of Zion Hospital and Research Centre and Eden Medical Centre, Rio said late Yashitsungba endeavoured to provide state-of-the-art yet affordable health care facilities and services to the people of the state besides raising his children to be exemplary citizens of the state.
Although his absence will be deeply felt by all sections of the society, the chief minister said his memory would live on through the humanitarian works he undertook and through those works that continue in his name.
The chief minister expressed heartfelt condolences to all members of the bereaved family in his hour of grief and prayed that Almighty God would bestow His grace and strengthen them to bear this profound loss. He also prated that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Kaito: Expressing shock and grief over the sudden demise of Yashitsungba Ao, the minister for agriculture and cooperation, G Kaito Aye, said his demise was “a great and personal loss for me and my family.”
In a condolence message, Kaito said “In his death, I have lost a fatherly figure, a shoulder that I lean on throughout my difficult times.”
The minister also said that late Yashitsungba was not only a pioneering businessman among the Nagas but also a great humanitarian. He was truly a trendsetter who has left a lasting legacy for the generations to come, Kato said, adding that Nagas have lost a prominent citizen and it would take time to fill the void created.
Further, the minister extended heartfelt condolences and shared the pain with the bereaved family members at this hour of grief. He prayed that Almighty God comfort and give strength to them to overcome this difficult time.
Tongpang: PWD minister, Tongpang Ozüküm, expressed deep shock over the demise of late Yashitsungba Ao and said his death was not only an irreparable loss to the family members but also to the whole Ao community in particular and Nagas as a whole.
In a condolence message, Ozüküm described late Yashitsungba as an honest, polite and upright man who stood for the welfare of the people.
PWD minster conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members at this moment of grief and sorrow. He also prayed that Almighty God give strength and courage to the bereaved family members to overcome this tragic loss.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has extended sincere condolences on the demise of late Yashitsungba Aier and stated that his demise was a great loss for Naga society and the vacuum created by his passing away would be impossible to fill.
In a condolence message, NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak, said late Yashitsungba was a Philanthropist who rose from a humble background, yet his love and compassion for humanity was so immense that the Zion Hospital and Eden Medical Centre in Dimapur was the living example which were developed under his sponsorship. “His personality, wisdom and guidance will be greatly missed by one and all,” Konyak said.
Further, all rank and file of the NDPP have extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray that God grant them strength and solace to overcome the grievous loss.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) mourning the death of late Yashitsüngba Ao, said that he was an honest contractor who also contributed immensely towards the uplift of Naga society through numerous philanthropic responsibilities he shouldered till the very end.
In a condolence message, NPCC president, K Therie, said late Yashitsüngba also made massive contributions to the health, welfare and future of the people of not only Nagaland but also of the neighbouring states in establishing Zion Hospital and Research Centre and the much long felt need of the region – Eden Medical Centre, bringing quality healthcare while making it more affordable for patients.
NPCC president said that late Yashitsüngba’s demise has created a vacuum that cannot be filled and he would be remembered as a strong role model. Therie also stated Yashitsüngba’s contributions to Naga society and the people of the state would continue to be remembered for generations to come.
Meanwhile, all rank and file of the NPCC have expressed condolences to the bereaved family members. They prayed that the Almighty God comfort and console them all through this most difficult time of grief and that His Grace shine upon them all.
CNTC: Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) said it was deeply saddened by the demise of Yashitsungba, a true philanthropist who dedicated all his life, energy and resources in the service of his fellowmen.
CNTC through its media cell stated that the services he rendered towards the people were truly outstanding and noteworthy, which the people of Nagaland would always fondly cherish in their memories.
In his demise, CNTC said Nagas have lost a one noble soul and fatherly figure which has left a vacuum and would be very hard to fill. CNTC also expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty grant solace to them in this hour of grief.
ASUD: Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) has mourned the demise of Yashitsungba Aier of Sungratsu village, who was one of the most notable personalities among the Aos and a veteran in the field of business.
In a condolence message, ASUD president, Lanutoshi Aier, said late Yashitsungba, a philanthropist by nature, was credited for the establishment of institutions like the Eden Medical Centre in Dimapur. ASUD also said that he was a compassionate soul who never hesitated to offer his services for the good of all and contributed much to society through his great wealth of wisdom and experience.
At his passing away, ASUD said “we have lost a visionary leader and towering figure who was an inspiration to many, both young and old alike.”
Further, ASUD prayed for the departed soul and sought heavenly peace and comfort for the family members and relatives whom he leaves behind.
NCSU: Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) Head Office Kohima has expressed deep shock over the demise of late Yashitsüngba Aier, founding member and an advisor of the union.
In a condolence message, NCSU president, Pele Khezhie, and secretary, Imsunok Jamir, said late Yashitsüngba was born and brought up from a poor family and as a young dynamic and visionary boy, he started his business from a very humble beginning at his native village. Later on, NCSU said he become one of the most prominent and successful contractors in Nagaland.
In his death, NCSU said they have lost a philanthropic person from the society and the vacuum created by his death can never be filled. However, they said the legacy he left behind would remain.
The union stated that his good deeds for the needy people and his immense contribution for the Naga society were engraved for the generations to come.
Further, NCSU conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members at this hour of grief and prayed that Almighty God grant solace and comfort.
NGRC-1CU: Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors’ Union (NGRC-1CU) has expressed shock at the untimely demise of Yashitsungba Ao, who was one of the founding members and advisors of the union.
In a condolence message, NGRC-1CU president, Seyiekuolie, and vice president, S. Bendang Jamir, described him as a sincere and hardworking contractor, a strong and self-made man.
NGRC-1CU stated that Yashitsungba contributed so much to the Nagas in general and the union in particular. It said that he has also contributed immensely in health sector by investing so much of his wealth and resources in bringing out a private hospital in Dimapur. His services to the union and Nagas would be remembered by one and all, it added.
NGRC-1CU also said his demise was a great loss to the union and has created a huge vacuum that would be hard to fill.
Further, the union conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
NMDA: Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) has expressed deep shock over the demise of Yashitsungba, a renowned and respected owner of Zion Hospital of Dimapur.
In a condolence message, NMDA honorary general secretary, Ashok Kr. Singhal, described Yashitsungba as a hardworking person and dedicated towards his service to the general and needy public of Nagaland.
Extending condolences to the bereaved family members, NMDA prayed to Almighty God to give them enough strength to bear this moment of grief. NMDA also prayed that the departed soul rest in peace.
NPF Minority Wing: Naga People’s Front (NPF) minority wing central has mourned the death Yashitsungba, one of the pioneer businessman, a philanthropist and prominent senior citizen of Dimapur, on April 3. 2018.
In a condolence message, NPF minority wing central also extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for departed soul to rest in peace.