Nagaland’s Gandhi, Natwar Thakkar, no more

Last rites to happen in Chuchuyimlang on Monday

Dimapur, October 7 (MExN): Eminent Gandhian Natwar Thakkar, popularly known as Nagaland's Gandhi, passed away at Apollo Hospital in Guwahati on the morning of October 7 after a brief illness.  

He was 86 and is survived by his wife, Lentina Ao, two daughters and a son. He was first admitted to a private hospital in Dimapur, but shifted to Guwahati on September 19 after his health condition deteriorated.  

His condition improved considerably but suddenly his blood pressure started dropping, and later, the kidneys failed, his son Dr. Aotoshi told PTI on Sunday.  

Late Natwar Thakkar's mortal remains will reach Chuchuyimlang on Monday morning where his last rites will be held. In a generous display, the Chuchuyimlang Village Council has reportedly reserved a space in the village for his last rites.  

“Late Natwar Thakkar was a personal friend of mine and had a long period of association with him. I had visited his Ashram in the year 1965 during my maiden visit to North East after the disastrous Chinese aggression in 1962. His demise is a personal loss to me,” stated Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya, in a condolence message received here today.  

Popularly known as Natwar Bhai, Thakkar was a Gandhian social worker and established the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram in Chuchuyimlang village in 1955 at the age of 23.  

“He was the frontrunner in fostering goodwill and emotional integration through voluntary social service among the people of Nagaland, using Gandhian principles,” noted the Governor while condoling Thakkar’s family.  

At the initiative and efforts of Thakkar, an extension centre of National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology was started in Chuchuyimlang village in 2006 and also the Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Social Work. In recognition of his selfless service and contributions towards the society, he had been honoured with numerous awards including the Padma Shri in 1999.  

“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,” stated Nagaland State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his condolence message, praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.  

“A true follower of the Gandhian principles, he exemplified these principles through his selfless deeds throughout his life,” noted Leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang, in a condolence message from his family, praying for “Almighty God to grant solace to the members of the bereaved family.”