Dimapur, April 3 (MExN): Condolences have poured in from different individuals and organizations following the death of Yashitsungba Ao, a pioneering figure, philanthropist, and social worker, on April 3 in Dimapur. He was also chairpersons of Zion Hospital & Research Centre and Eden Medical Centre in Dimapur.
Kaito Aye: Minister G Kaito Aye stated in Yashitsungba’s death, “I have lost a fatherly figure, a shoulder that I lean on throughout my difficult times.” Stating that his demise is a “great and personal loss for me and my family,” Kaito added, “he was not only a pioneer businessman among the Nagas but also a great humanitarian.” Yashitsungba, he further stated, “was truly a trendsetter who has left a lasting legacy for the generations to come. Nagas have lost a prominent citizen and it will take time to fill the void created.”
Tongpang Ozüküm: Minister for Public Works Department, Tongpang Ozüküm expressed shock at the demise of Yashitsungba, whom he described as “honest, polite and upright man who stood for the welfare of the people and also a renowned philanthropist.” His death, the Minister said in a condolence message, is not only an irreparable loss to the family members but also to the whole Ao community in particular and the Nagas as a whole.
Kezhokhoto Savi: Advocate and Legal Advisor, Nagaland Govt. Registered Class-1 Contractors’ Union (NGRC-1 CU), Kezhokhoto Savi fondly remembered that he spent good time with Yashitsungba at his residence in Dimapur during July 2015 “exclusively listening to his great stories, a story of promoting dignity of labour, a story of strong and hard working and a story of great success who came from a very poor family and became one of the richest man in Nagaland during the late 70’s.” In a message, Savi added, “Y Ao’s good services to the people especially the poor section of our society will be remembered.”
ASUD: The Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) remembered Yashitsungba as “one of the most notable personalities among the Aos and a veteran in the field of business.” A condolence message from ASUD president, Lanutoshi Aier stated, “He was a compassionate soul who never hesitated to offer his services for the good of all and contributed much to society through his great wealth of wisdom and experience. At his passing away, we have lost a visionary leader and towering figure who was an inspiration to many, both young and old alike.”
CNTC: Describing Yashitsungba as “a true philanthropist who dedicated all his life, energy and resources in the service of his fellowmen,” the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) stated the services he rendered towards the people are “truly outstanding and noteworthy which the people of Nagaland will always fondly cherish in their memories.” In his demise, Nagas have lost one noble soul and fatherly figure, it added.
NCSU: The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) head office Kohima recounted that the deceased, who is founding member and “a good Advisor” of the union, was born and brought up in a poor family and as a “young dynamic and visionary boy,” he started his business from a very humble beginning at his native village Süngratsü. “Later on, he became one of the most prominent and successful contractors in Nagaland.” Stating that Yashitsungba’s good deeds for the poor and needy people as well as his immense contribution for the Naga society are engraved for the generations to come, the union said, “In his death we have lost a philanthropic person from our society and the vacuum created by his death can never be filled.”
NGRC-1 CU: The Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors’ Union (NGRC-1 CU) said Yashitsungba, one of the founding members and Advisors of the union, was a sincere and hardworking contractor, a strong and self-made man who come from a poor background and became one of the richest men in Nagaland during late 70’s. “He was a man of few words and he was one of the first industrialists amongst the Nagas who opened rerolding mill, veneer mill and saw mill in Dimapur,” it said, adding “Yashitsungba has contributed so much to the Nagas in general and the union in particular and he has also contributed immensely in health sector by investing so much of his wealth and resources in bringing out a private hospital in Dimapur.”
NDPP: The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) noted that Yashitsungba was a philanthropist who rose from a humble background. “Yet, his love and compassion for humanity was so immense that the Zion Hospital and Eden Medical Centre in Dimapur are the living examples which were developed under his sponsorship,” said NDPP president Chingwang Konyak in a message. “His demise is a great loss for Naga society and the vacuum created by his passing away will be impossible to fill. His personality, wisdom and guidance will be greatly missed by one and all,” it added.
NMDA: The Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) acknowledged that Yashitsungba was hard working and dedicated towards his service to the general and needy public of Nagaland. The Association expressed condolences to the family members and prayed to God to give them enough strength to bear the grief.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president, K Therie stated Yashitsungba was an honest contractor who also contributed immensely towards the uplift of Naga society through the numerous philanthropic responsibilities he shouldered till the very end.
“He has also made massive contributions to the health, welfare and future of the people of not only Nagaland but also of the neighbouring states in establishing Zion Hospital and Research Centre and the much long felt need of the region - Eden Medical Centre, bringing quality healthcare while making it more affordable for patients,” he added in a condolence message. The deceased, he said, will be remembered as a strong role model while his contributions to Naga society and the people of the State will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
NPF Minority: The death of Yashitsungba was also mourned by NPF Minority Wing. It described the deceased as “one of the pioneer businessmen, proprietor of Zion/Eden Hospital, a philanthropist, and prominent senior citizen of Dimapur.” The NPF Minority Wing further extended condolence to the bereaved family members.
