Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 10
The President of India Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today led others in mourning the demise and paying tribute to noted Naga Poet, Writer and Teacher, Prof Dr Temsula Ao, who passed away at a private hospital in Dimapur on October 9.
The Padma Shri Awardee was 76 and is survived by her son, three daughters and grandchildren. Her funeral service was held today in Lengrijan Dimapur at 1:00 pm, where people from different walks of life paid tributes.
Besides being an accomplished scholar, writer and poet, Late Dr Temsula also served as the Chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women and Director of the North East Zone Cultural Centre. She was also a recipient of the Governor Gold Medal as well as the Sahitya Akademi Award for literature.
She retired as Professor, Department of English, and Dean of the School of Humanities and Education at the North Eastern Hill University, Shillong in 2010. Among others, Late Prof Temsula’s ethnographic work, The Ao-Naga Oral Tradition has been widely acknowledged and referred as one of the most authoritative accounts of the Ao-Naga tribe traditions. Her poems are included in universities’ syllabi
Her major public appearances in recent times were during the launch of her books, Songs Along The Way Home and Aosenla’s Story in February and The Tombstone in My Garden: Stories From Nagaland in April, 2022.
‘Pivotal role in popularising Naga, NE culture’
Meanwhile, the President of India Murmu paid tribute to Late Dr Temsula for promoting the rich cultural heritage of North-East as well as women empowerment.
“In the demise of Dr Temsula Ao, we have lost a prolific author and ethnographer who also made valuable contribution to women empowerment,’ stated a condolence note posted in the office Twitter account of President of India.
“Honoured with Padma Shri, she played key role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of North East. Condolences to her family and friends,” it added.
Meanwhile, PM Modi paid tribute to Late Prof Temsula her for playing a pivotal role in popularising the Naga culture through her literary works.
He also acknowledged her noteworthy efforts in the fields of education and culture.
“Saddened by the passing away of Dr. Temsüla Ao, who played a pivotal role in popularising the wonderful Naga culture through her literary works. Her efforts in the fields of education and culture were noteworthy. Condolences to her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed sadness over the demise of the renowned author and ethnographer.
She had contributed much to the Naga society through her literary works and although she was a recipient of various laurels, she was humble about her achievements, Rio said in a condolence message.
“I found her to be a strong and hardworking and humble woman, who was ever ready to serve the people with no reservations in various capacities. As such, she was highly respected by all and her accomplishments in life have inspired many women,” he stated.
“In her demise the Naga society has lost a mentor and a guardian and the void created by her absence will be difficult to fill. She will be truly missed but let us treasure and celebrate her life,” he added.
“It is my humble prayer that her legacy will be carried on.”
In the message addressed to Late Prof Temsula’s son and the present Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, T John Longkumer, Rio and his family conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
“It is our humble prayer that Almighty God will give them strength and comfort to bear the irreparable loss. May her soul rest in peace,” it added.
The lone Nagaland women legislator and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) S Phangnon Konyak, while mourning the demise noted that Late Prof Temsula will remain an eternal inspiration.
“Saddened by the demise of Padma Shri Dr. Temsüla Ao. She was an excellent writer who brought stories to life with her vivid description which often touched upon the socio-cultural aspects of the Naga people. She will remain an eternal inspiration May her soul rest in peace!” she tweeted.
