Yearlong celebration of Dr T. Ao’s birth anniversary kick starts

January 28, 2018 833 Views No Comment

Governor, P.B Acharya unveiling the portrait of Dr. T Ao on the occasion of the inaugural function of the yearlong celebration of 100th birth anniversary of Dr. T. Ao on 28th January, 2018 at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.(DIPR)

Governor of Nagaland, P.B Acharya unveiled the portrait of Dr. Talimeren Ao, popularly known as Dr. T. Ao on the occasion of the inaugural function of the yearlong celebration of 100th birth anniversary of Dr. T. Ao on 28th January, 2018 at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest expressed his delight to host the program to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. T. Ao, the football icon from Nagaland. He described Ao as a man who excelled not only in studies but also displayed a strong inclination towards sports and athletics activities.

He also mentioned some of his achievements in the field of sports. Dr. T. Ao was not only the captain of the Indian football team in the 1948 summer Olympics in London but also the flag bearer of the Indian contingent, he added. He said his footprints have encouraged and inspired the Naga people and the football lovers. His contributions to the society and country as a footballer and as a doctor are highly commendable, he mentioned.

The Governor also mentioned that in honour of his contributions, the Raj Bhavan has instituted awards in the field of sports, Academics and extracurricular activities in schools, colleges and universities. Stressing on the importance of sports, he felt that the state is in need of infrastructure facilities so as to cater events of both national and international levels.

On this great occasion, he also conveyed deep appreciation and love to the family members of Dr. T. Ao for upholding and encouraging him in his profession. In honour of the legendary footballer on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, the government of both Nagaland and Assam would be releasing a commemorative stamp in their respective capitals, he said. An exhibition football match between Assam Governor’s XI & Assam Chief minister’s XI would be played at Guwahati to pay tribute to Dr. T. Ao, he added.

Er. Lanu Toy, a friend of Dr. T. Ao, speaking on the occasion said that it is a great satisfaction and treasure to honour and remember the worthy son of Nagaland. He said no Naga deserves this kind of honour and respect more than Dr. T. Ao. He described him not only as a great sportsperson but also a great person with full of humility. He was admired by people of all ages and known even to the remotest during the peak of his career. His contributions towards his profession left an indelible mark for the upcoming generation to emulate, he added.

Er. Lanu said he was fortunate to have been associated with him particularly in the development and promotion of games & sports but he also expressed regret that his valuable and unprecedented contributions in the field of sports were not given enough recognition during his lifetime.

Er. Indianoba Tally, the youngest son of Dr. T.Ao spoke on behalf of the family members expressed gratitude and delight for honouring and remembering Dr. T. Ao on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary. He believed that his father’s stupendous achievements in the field of sports would ignite the minds of young upcoming sportspersons. He described his father as a person who never tried to promote himself rather he left all his achievements to Almighty God.

On behalf of Nagaland Olympics Association, Meren Paul offered a tribute to Dr. T. Ao and conveyed profound homage to Ao on the occasion of his birth centenary. He also described him as a person who was not only a legendary footballer in the history of Indian football but also a great physician. He further said that he was more popular in Bengal than in Nagaland.

GOVERNOR RELEASES COMMEMORATIVE STAMP

Governor of Nagaland, Shri PB Acharya released the commemorative stamp on the occasion of the Birth Centenary of Dr. T Ao at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 28th January, 2018.

The stamp was simultaneously released in Guwahati, Assam to mark the occasion.

Governor Acharya appreciated the efforts put in by the Post Master General and his team and thanked the Department of Post for the wonderful initiative taken in such a short time. The Governor also expressed his pleasure at Assam celebrating the Birth Centenary and honouring Dr. T. Ao.

The stamp valued at Rs. 5 will be available at the Kohima Head Post Office.

Source: DIPR