Dimapur, Oct. 10 (EMN): A host of organisations, political leaders and individuals have condoled the demise of Padma Shree Dr. Temsula Ao who passed away on October 9 in Dimapur.
Ao Senden: The Ao Senden is expressed shock at the demise of Dr. Temsula Ao, a litterateur, poet and a charismatic professor. “She took an immense role in popularising the Naga culture to the outside world through her literary works that are commendable in all angles,” Ao Senden stated in a condolence message. It also stated that the Nagas in general and Ao tribe in particular have lost a great personality, especially in the field of literature.
NLA Speaker: Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, in a condolence message said late Dr. Temsula Ao served the state in various capacities in the most distinguished manner and was a very dynamic person who worked tirelessly for the welfare and uplift of the society. “Late Dr. TemsulaAo was a great role model and an inspiration to many. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on for many years to come. Her death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and to the Ao community in particular and the void created by her passing away will be difficult to fill,” Longkumer said.
Temjen Imna Along: Minister of Tribal Affairs and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along in a condolence message said late Temsula was a God-fearing woman, a kind mother and a creative personality whose contributions towards the literary world are well known. “In her passing, the Naga society as a whole had truly lost a gem of a person, an empowered woman whose memories shall always be cherished and treasured and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” Along said.
Former NSCW chairperson and members: Former Nagaland chairperson of State Commission for Women (NSCW), Sano Vamuzo, and former NSCW members Abeni TCK and Ellen Konyak, have condoled the death of Dr. Temsula Ao. “One highlight of her career was serving as the chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women from 2012 to 2015 & 2015 to 2019, through which we had the privilege of associating with her. She was humble, sincere and had a heart to serve our people well in all her endeavours,” the three former NSCW members stated in a joint condolence message.
Kuzholuzo Nienu: Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, in a condolence message said late Temsula was considered as a treasure to Naga society and that with her demise, the Naga society has not only lost a great soul but a personality whom all “look upon as an exemplary role model and feel proud for all her works that she has contributed to our society.” “I believe that her sacrifices and contributions towards our society will not go in vain, but it will be an example to our Naga society to follow and cherish,” Nienu said.
Naga Scholars’ Association: The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) in a condolence message said in her (Temsula) passing away, Nagas have lost a towering literary figure whose distinguished volumes of work exude exemplary testament to her enormously influential scholarship, brilliant forward-thinking mind, the storehouse of cultural archives, conscientious informant of the region, and selfless humanitarian services. “One of the most prominent Naga writers, she played a pivotal role in bringing Naga writing into the mainstream, for which we remain immeasurably indebted to her,” NSA stated
K Therie: NPCC president K Therie described Late Dr. Temsula Ao as a pioneer amongst Naga women who rose to serve her people beyond the home throughout a lifetime of contributions in education, literature and culture. “Her efforts in documenting the oral traditions of the Ao community are regarded as the most authentic document. She has set the bar very high in her service to the Nagas making her an inspiration and role model to many young women,” Therie said in a condolence message.
Imkong L Imchen: NPF legislator, Imkong L Imchen, in his condolence message said late Dr. Temsula was a woman of substance, an intellectual in her own right, a rare quality-woman of in the academic field.