Vilanuo Angela Yhome was accorded a grand funeral on August 1 with a Requiem Mass at Christ The King Church Kohima Village.
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | August 1
Calm, compassionate, courageous, devoted forgiving, remarkable leader, extraordinary woman, independent, sincere, humble, somebody who fearlessly stood for the cause of women and peace — these are some of the words used to describe Vilanuo Angela Yhome, President of the Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) who passed away peacefully in her residence on the morning of July 31 at the age of 67.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio had also called her “a distinguished daughter, an inspiring leader, and a compassionate voice for peace and social justice” while exuding hope that her legacy of selfless service, integrity and compassion, together with her immense contributions to education, women's empowerment, peace-building and community leadership would continue to inspire and uplift all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Having left such a legacy, people from all walks of life including family, friends, her entire community of the Catholic Church from different parishes across the state and beyond, civil society organisations, women, students and political groups among others paid their last respects during the Requiem Mass held in her honour at Christ the King Church, Kohima Village on August 1.
Her childhood friend, Rosemary Dzüvichü, who is also advisor to Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) expressed that, “Angela was more than a mother -a sister to many, a mother and father to all her nieces and nephews” while deeply acknowledging that she has contributed so much of her time to peace work.
“We follow in her footsteps and carry on,” she said and further drew on her qualities of humility, deep faith, and her readiness to forgive anyone who has hurt her.
Also recalling the discrimination, harassment, torture and threats she had to go through, very often for standing for women and peace, Dzüvichü said, “she would want me to talk about forgiveness, and in her name, I forgive all those who defamed her, hurt her, humiliated her” and urged for her to go in peace.
Especially for the family, her passing is unimaginable even as Kelhouneizo Andrew Yhome recalled that she never married and did not give birth to them, but “I consider her as my father, my brother, mother, aunty and friend.” In one way or the other, we were all taken care of by her. She took on the responsibility of motherhood and fatherhood, he added.
Having grown up fiercely independent from a young age, Vilanuo Angela Yhome also managed to look after her own education after her schooling.
The Global Naga Forum particularly remembered her as one of the courageous women leaders who fought tooth and nail for the issue of 33% reservation for women while noting that “her perseverance and courage paved the way for a historic milestone for generations of women to come.”
Among other things, Convenor of Global Naga Forum also recalled travelling with her to several conflict sites to talk about reconciliation, and remarked that, “these journeys revealed the true nature of her character, she was calm and compassionate” and also spoke about her unwavering commitment to peace.
“She devoted her life to public service, and wherever she served, she earned respect because of her sincerity, and humility,” he added.
Mteisuding Heraang, President of the Naga Students' Federation said her passing is “a very sad moment for the entire Naga people.” Stating that “we have lost a tall leader, a mother to many,” he expressed that, “we not only mourn the passing of a remarkable leader but also celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman, who, throughout her life, stood for the cause of peace, dignity and reconciliation, and unity among the Naga people.”
The Catholic Church thanked God for giving Angela to the Church, who not only had a strong faith but dared to be different and had the courage to speak her mind.
NMA President laid to rest
Vilanuo Angela Yhome was accorded a grand funeral on August 1 with a Requiem Mass at Christ The King Church Kohima Village.
Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima was the main celebrant along with a host of priests who took part in the Requiem Mass.
Proceedings of the mass featured bible reading by Ruovituo Robert, Sr. Catechist, CKC Kohima, gospel reading by Rev Dr Visosie-o Solomon Vizo and funeral rites. She was later buried at her residence in Billy Graham Road, Kohima.
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