Nagaland
‘Nagaland’s Gandhi’ Natwar Thakkar dies at 86
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 7 (EMN): Eminent Gandhian Natwar Thakkar, popularly known as Nagaland’s Gandhi, passed away at the Apollo Hospital in Guwahati on Sunday morning at around 7:10 am. He was 86 and a recipient of the Padma Shree award.
Thakkar is survived by his wife Lentina Ao, who is also a Padma Shree, a son and two daughters.
According to Thakkar’s son, Dr. Aotoshi, his father was rushed to Eden Medical Centre in Dimapur on Sep. 11 and later referred to Apollo Hospital in Guwahati on September 19 after he complained of uneasiness in his body ‘because of chest problem and diabetes.’ He was kept in the intensive care unit at both the hospitals.
The son further informed that though his father showed signs of improvement initially, his health condition started declining from Saturday morning when his blood pressure started going down and both his kidneys stopped functioning.
It was informed that a condolence service would be held at Sarania Ashram in Assam to pay last homage to the late Gandhian by well-wishers after which the mortal remains will be taken to his Ashram in Chuchuyimlang village later in the evening. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, it was informed.
A brief biographical note on Thakkar:
Thakkar, more commonly called as Natwar bhai, was born on Oct. 9, 1932 to Gujarati parents late Chhabildas and Leelawati at Dahanu, a small town in Thane district, on the western coast of Maharashtra.
Inspired by the upsurge of nationalism in his younger days, he volunteered to go to Nagaland with a mission of service; and eventually made Nagaland his home. Thakkar was only 23-years-old when he reached Chuchuyimlang in the Naga Hills of those days in pursuance of this goal to promote goodwill and emotional integration through voluntary social service on Gandhian lines.
However, political unrest took a violent turn within a few months of Thakkar’s arrival at Chuchuyimlang. A reign of violent clash between Naga freedom fighters and Indian military might was its peak all over Nagaland and there was constant fear and a sense of insecurity pervaded in every village.
Nevertheless, he founded the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram at Chuchuyimlang village in Mokokchung district in 1955 under the auspices of Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangha and worked as its chief functionary.
Notably, Thakkar’s life was also exposed to serious threats. But true to his idealism he went round the neighbouring villages and exhorted the villagers to strive in favour of peace. He was instrumental in removing misunderstandings between the ordinary villagers and the government establishment, which averted many ugly situations.
Natwar Thakkar is one of the few non-Nagas whose name is known in many parts of Nagaland and is generally admired. In a conservative, closed-society of Nagaland it is an important gain, his very survival for such a long time, raising the banner of Gandhi and national integration was in itself a major achievement. Indifferent to routine worldly gains, he worked in unfamiliar and complex surroundings in the midst of heavy odds and constant resistance.
Thakkar was also christened Gandhi of Nagaland by his admirers for his relentless endeavour to spread Gandhian philosophy and principles of peace in the northeastern state. He also worked under many committees constituted to work for the weaker section of the society under government of India.
His 62-year-old ashram at Chuchuyimlang village is the ultimate testament to his social service, which continues to draw visitors from across the country and occasionally from abroad.
Some prominent awards and commendations:
Awarded the Governor of Nagaland Commendation certificate in 1964
Indira Gandhi National Integration Award 1994 for outstanding contribution to the cause of national integration
National Citizen’s Award 1995 for unique contribution presented by Mother Teresa on the 2nd March 1996
Mahatma Gandhi Award 1996 instituted by the government of Meghalaya in recognition of services rendered to Naga people
Padma Shree Award for 1999
Diwaliben Award 2000 for ‘Pioneering work in tribal welfare and promoting national integration’
First recipient of ‘Siu ka Pha’ national award instituted by the government of Assam
Conferred ‘Lifetime Service to Naga People Award’ on 29th Dec., 2009 at Chuchuyimlang, by the Chuchuyimlang Senso Mungdang
Acharya and Rio share grief
Governor PB Acharya issued a statement on Sunday mourning the death of ‘a good human being, freedom fighter, noted social worker and a personal friend.’
“I had visited his Ashram in the year 1965 during my maiden visit to Northeast after the disastrous Chinese aggression in 1962. His demise is a personal loss to me,” Achraya said in the statement. Thakkar, he said, was the frontrunner in fostering “goodwill and emotional integration through voluntary social service” among the people of Nagaland, using Gandhian principles.
“I convey my heartfelt condolence to the members of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty God to grant strength and solace to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement read.
In a separate condolence letter, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed pained at the passing of Thakkar.” He worked selflessly to spread the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and in the course of his social and humanitarian activities, he became a renowned Gandhian. He was also the recipient of numerous awards including the Padma Shree in 1999 in recognition of his service to the people.
“In his demise, Nagas in particular have lost a friend and guide who left the comforts of his home in Maharashtra to come to Nagaland and work for the people. I express deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray that Almighty God will bestow you with strength and solace. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” Rio said. (More condolence messages in page 2)