Once Upon a Life: A Glimpse at Temsüla Ao’s works

October 19, 2022 53 Views No Comment

Naga Scholars’ Association organises Requiem

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 18

Nine days since the passing away of Temsüla Ao on October 9, the Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) organised a Requiem— “Once Upon a Life: A Glimpse at Prof Temsüla Ao’s Works (1945-2022)” in honour of her exemplary life and illustrious body of works on October 18 via Zoom.

Reminiscing her years as a student during which Prof Temsüla taught her, Dr Easterine Kire shared that connecting with former colleagues of NEHU (North-Eastern Hill University) in the past week took her back in time to the early years the university, which was established in the year 1973.

She recalled that Prof Temsüla joined the University in 1975 and that, she was part of that august body that was building up a unique university that would bring together all the seven states of North-East.

“She was a representative of the Naga people and what a worthy representative she was!” she expressed, while recollecting that, “in the classroom, she impressed with her intelligence, her dignity, and her impeccable diction.”

Her departure, she articulated “has brought together thoughts of death and deathlessness” while putting across that “we celebrate the deathless acts that she has left behind. Even in her death, she leaves for us the deathlessness of inspiration.”

Prof Esther Syiem also recollected Prof Temsüla as someone she worked closely with, and one who was a mentor and a friend.

Remembering her meeting with her last December, she noted: “She was frail in body but strong in spirit always.”

Talking about their close association over the last many decades, Syiem highlighted Prof Temsüla’s respect for others, dedication to work, love for community and home as well as how even after retirement, she continued to work for the benefit of other women and gave voice to them.

“She is an irreplaceable person in our lives. It was a privilege and honour to have had an opportunity to work with you and learn so much from you”, she added.

Shelmi Sankhil, who moderated the programme also read out a message by Prof Temsüla’s daughter Prof Jungmayangla Longkumer, Nagaland University, where the latter appreciated the NSA for honouring their mother with the tribute.

“If only my mother could see all the accolades and tributes and messages pouring in, I am sure she would be amazed and so very moved,” she said.

Prof Longkumer further shared that her “mother was an intensely private person and was not the type to put herself forward and she had no patience for self-glorification. She was so very humble and even self-effacing.”

In her own way, she expressed that “she let us know what was most important in life. Family and friendships were top priority. Education was also something close to her heart. She has supported and educated several relatives and maybe others too but she never let on about such things. She did what she had to do and that was her business as far as she was concerned.”

Most of all, she added: “My mother lived her life with respect. She gave respect to all and I saw how it was given back to her hundred-fold throughout her life and especially when she passed away. She always led by example.”

Prof Longkumer also recalled that when they were growing up, their mother faced a lot of hardships as a single mother to feed, clothe, and educate them.

“But she loved tea and that was one luxury she allowed herself and us to indulge in. Whenever we had tea, it had to be freshly made, even the second cup if we wanted. She made tea special for us all and we felt rich throwing away the freshly brewed tea just to make another fresh cup of tea. We never felt that we were poor or couldn’t afford so many things; we always had a strong fresh cup of tea to comfort us,” she shared.

The special tribute programme also featured readings of her works titled, “Songs Dedicatory” by Dr Avinuo Kire; “Lament for Earth” by Dr Monica Taruba; “Blood of Other Days” by Rhelo Kenye; “An Old man Remembers” by Dr Vizovono Elizabeth; “The Old Storyteller” by Dr Emisenla Jamir; “The Tombstone in My Garden” by Lhütü Keyho; “Last Songs” by Nzanmongi J Patton; “Laburnum for My Head” by Haidamteu Zeme; “October” by Dr Achingliu Kamei and Tribute by Dr Tialila Kikon.

Earlier, Elvina S Amongla, General Secretary, NSA gave the welcome note while Rev Dr Ricky N Medom said the prayer and Dr Veio Pou proposed the vote of thanks.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/once-upon-a-life-a-glimpse-at-temsla-aos-works