Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that though late Dr Temsula was recipient of various laurels, she was humble about her achievements and 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.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Renowned academician, writer and ethnographer, Padmashri Dr Temsula Ao who breathe her last on Sunday night at Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur, at the age of 80, was finally laid to rest on Monday after a brief funeral service held at her residence in Lengrijan Colony, Dimapur.
A renowned poet, scholar, novelist and ethnographer, late Padma Shri Dr Temsula Ao held different positions and served the people in various capacities including the chairperson, Nagaland State commission for Women (NSCW).
She is survived by three daughters and a son, T John Longkumer, DGP, Nagaland, and also blessed with 10 grandchildren. T John Longkumer speaking at the funeral service of his late mother, reminiscences the time his mother introduced to him to the sound of Jazz music when he was still a kid and shared that apart from being intellectual, she had a very ecstatic taste in music and was also a very good singer.
He also said that her poetry defines her life which she loved, wrote and lived. Describing late Padma Shri Dr Temsula Ao as humble, approachable, and who was a good listener, a member from the Dimapur Changki Senso Telongjem (DCU) while speaking at the funeral service also stated that late Dr Temsula was a very patient and a resolute woman and a “real” teacher and her demise was a
“great loss” not only for the Nagas but also for the humanity. Messages were also shared by the family members, neighbours, and Changkiri Kidong (Clan) of late Dr Temsula.
Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, in his condolence message addressed to DGP Nagaland, T John Longkumer, son of late Dr Temsula Ao, said the late academician and ethnographer had contributed much to the Naga society through her literary works. He said that though late Dr Temsula was recipient of various laurels, she was humble about her achievements and 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. Also stating that in her demise the Naga society has lost a “mentor and a guardian” and the void created by her absence would be difficult to fill, the Nagaland chief minister further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.
Deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Temsula Ao, Padma Shri awardee. May the departed soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/177pFPp1vE
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 10, 2022
In the demise of Dr Temsula Ao, we have lost a prolific author and ethnographer who also made valuable contribution to women empowerment. Honoured with Padma Shri, she played key role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of North East. Condolences to her family and friends.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 10, 2022
NPCC
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has also mourned the demise of former chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women, academician, renowned writer and recipient of the Padma Shri award, Dr Temsula Ao on October 9.
According to a condolence message issued by NPCC president, K Therie, late Dr Temsula Ao, was a pioneer amongst Naga women who rose to serve her people beyond the home throughout a lifetime of contributions in education, literature and culture.
Her efforts in documenting the oral traditions of the Ao community is regarded as the most authentic document and she has set the bar very high in her service to the Nagas making her an inspiration and role model to many young women.
Her contributions to Naga society and achievements would be fondly remembered for generations to come, added Therie.
On behalf of the rank and file of NPCC, Therie further conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God comfort them through this painful time and in days ahead.