DIMAPUR, SEP 19 (NPN): Ura Academy president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu has announced that the Ura Academy Hall would henceforth be renamed “Rev. Beilieü Hall” in memory of late educationist Beilieü Shüya, who passed away on September 18.
In a condolence message, Dr. Shürhozelie recalled Beilieü’s contribution to education and the establishment and growth of Ura Academy, describing her as one of the pioneers of education among the Nagas. He said Beilieü’s full name was Rheibeilieü Shüyatsu, daughter of Lhousuohie of Meriema Village, who was among the first educated persons from the village. Her mother, Zenuo, was the sister of A.Z. Phizo of Khonoma.
Recalling the early days of educated persons from the Tenyimi community settling in the Mission Compound, Dr. Shürhozelie said it was regarded as an epicentre that influenced others in matters of dress and everyday life. He described Beilieü as one of the mature figures whom people could look up to and respect.
Dr. Shürhozelie said the condolence gathering was not something anyone had prepared for, adding that he was grieved by her death but grateful for the opportunity to share memories of her.
Recalling the origins of Ura Academy, he said some Angami leaders had gathered on May 23, 1970, at Chüziema village in the Northern Angami Community building, where the formation of an Angami Literature Committee was resolved.
The committee comprised Rüzhükhrie Sekhose, Dr. H.V. Sakhrie, Kezhagwelie Peseyie, Beilieü Shüya and Shürhozelie Liezietsu. At a subsequent meeting held on June 8, 1970, at Rüzhükhrie’s residence, Zhavise Vihienuo, Tsolie Chase, Neilichu Belho and Vikeyieu Chalieu were included.
Dr. Shürhozelie said the committee initially had neither a proper place to conduct meetings nor funds. Beilieü, who had founded the National School at the present location, allowed the committee to conduct its meetings and programmes there, which helped sustain its activities.
He said the Angami Literature Committee was renamed Ura Academy after one year with the objective of making it inclusive of the entire Tenyimi community. From 1971, the Academy began organising an annual workshop.
According to Dr. Shürhozelie, whenever the annual programme was scheduled, Beilieü would close her school for three days to facilitate the event. She would have her students clean the compound and assist with arrangements, besides putting up flags around the area.
He said her sense of ownership and commitment enabled the programmes to be conducted smoothly and reduced the burden on other committee members in making preparations.
As the activities of Ura Academy expanded, the need for a separate building arose, but finding a suitable site became a concern. Dr. Shürhozelie said Beilieü subsequently decided to donate the land where the Academy currently stands, which had been gifted to her by her parents.
Describing the donation as a sacrifice made with love for the entire Tenyimi community, he said the community should remember and acknowledge her contribution in the years to come.
Dr. Shürhozelie said Ura Academy was considered an institution belonging to the entire Tenyimi community and working for its present and future generations.
He said Beilieü had been associated with Ura Academy since its inception in 1970 and had served as a member of the Ura Academy Chatha (Board of Directors) until September 18, 2026.
Although she had passed away, he said the community and posterity would remember her as the “Mother of Ura Academy”.
He described Beilieü as a faithful servant of the Lord who had chosen to “rest in the Lord” and prayed for God’s blessings upon those present.
Sunday, September 20, 2026