Dr P Ngully (March 18 1956- July 3, 2025)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 3
Dr Phyobemo Ngully, one of Nagaland’s pioneering psychiatrists and a leading voice in peacebuilding and mental health advocacy, passed away on July 3 at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima. He was 69.
A funeral service for the departed leader is scheduled to be held at 7:30 AM at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council Convention Centre Kohima on July 4.
Thereafter, the mortal remains of Dr Ngully will be taken to his native place in Chukitong, Wokha, for the final rites.
A respected figure, Dr Ngully was widely known for his decades-long work addressing addiction, trauma, and mental health issues as well as a peace activist.
He was the second Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Kohima Educational Trust and, at the time of his passing, Chairman of the Kripa Foundation Nagaland, one of the foremost organisations working with people affected by chemical dependency and HIV/AIDS.
He was a wise leader and mentor in addressing issues and challenges related to substance use (drugs and alcoholism), mental health disorders, as well as crisis and conflict intervention/resolution, the Foundation noted in a statement.
Besides his professional engagement, Dr Ngully was also a member of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), contributing to efforts for peace and dialogue among various Naga political groups.
Most recently, he was part of the Naga delegation that visited the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford from June 8 to 14, 2025, to engage in dialogue regarding the repatriation of ancestral Naga human remains held at the museum.
In an interview with The Morung Express in 2022, Dr Ngully highlighted the often-overlooked link between political conflict and mental health.
Reflecting on studies conducted on traumatic events such as the Oinam (1987) and Mokokchung (1994) incidents, he said, “We came across a lot of individuals who had gone through Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSDs).”
He consistently advocated for community-based care and deeper societal engagement with these issues.
Speaking at the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) event titled ‘The Naga Morung’ on August 14, 2024, he addressed the philosophical crisis of the present era, stating: “We are in an era of fear, greed and desire for power.”
In response, he upheld the African Indigenous philosophy of ‘UBUNTU’ or the essence of being human, as a guiding principle.
“A human being cannot exist in isolation and must remain connected and interconnected with each other, and do what is good and do it well to spread out for the whole of humanity,” he stressed, adding, “May our theme of Kuknalim imbibe the spirit of UBUNTU.”
In the same lecture, he cautioned about invisible but pervasive factors like trauma, victimhood, and entitlement mindsets which he cautioned were “slowly and steadily eroding our society.”
In another lecture, Dr Ngully underscored how the feeling of superiority is the root cause of discrimination.
He also advocated for empathy and sensitivity as means to rediscover and promote dialogue between cultures and generations.
Dr Ngully was remembered by many as a soft-spoken yet deeply committed figure, whose compassion, humility, and courage earned him the respect of both colleagues and communities.
Naga anthropologist and Professor at the Department of Anthropology, University of California Santa Cruz, Dolly Kikon paid tribute to Dr Ngully as “Our guide and friend, elder and wisdom keeper.”
“Our hearts are broken as you leave us. Irreplaceable Naga elder and visionary who walked with us to work for peace, hope, and justice. God’s beloved Heaven rejoices to welcome you. Go well. You lived an exemplary life,” she added.
The statement from Kripa Foundation Director, Abou Mere further highlighted how Dr Ngully’s demise is a huge loss to the people of Nagaland, especially to marginalised groups.
“We will continue to remember him with respect and admiration for his able leadership and contribution, especially in the field of substance use disorder, HIV programmes, and to the Naga peace process,” it added.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton also expressed sadness over the demise and stated that Dr Ngully’s legacy reflected his dedication to healthcare, human rights, and community service.
“His passing is not just a personal loss for me, but a profound loss for the Naga people. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and join them in prayer for the departed soul to find eternal rest,” he added.
Former MLA, writer, and poet Mmhonlümo Kikon also paid tribute to the departed leader as a Peacemaker. “Nagas will be forever grateful to you for your contribution towards Peace and Reconciliation. We will remember & Honor your pioneering works for the future of our people!,” he added.
