Padma Shri Dr Temsula Ao remains ‘an eternal inspiration’

Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 11

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. The tribute also came in with deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayer for her soul rest in peace. 

The President of India Murmu paid tribute to 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. 

PM Modi paid tribute to 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,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

The Governor of Assam and Nagaland, Prof Jagdish Mukhi said that her literary works brought several laurels to the State and made our people proud. “She will go down in history for her contributions to the field of literature and a true humanist. In her demise the Country has lost a noted Litterateur and a great thinker,” the Governor conveyed in a message. “I on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on my own behalf, convey our heartfelt condolences,” he added. 

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio 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.”

The lone Nagaland women legislator and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) S Phangnon Konyak, while mourning the demise noted that 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.

The NLA Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer remembered Dr Temsula was a very dynamic person who worked tirelessly for the welfare and upliftment of the society. She was always noticed for her willingness to walk that extra-mile to help the needy and all those approached her for help in various situations. Longkumer said that Dr Temsula was a great role model and an inspiration to many. “She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on for many years to come. Her death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and to the Ao Community in particular and the void created by her passing away will be difficult to fill,” he stated. 

In a condolence note, Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) Former Chairperson. Sano Vamuzo and former members Abeni TCK and Ellen Konyak expressed deep grief on the demise of Dr Temsula. ‘A recipient of several awards, Dr Ao is widely known and respected for her distinguished literary achievements, and as a major literary voice in English from Northeast India,’ they stated while adding that one highlight of her career was serving as the Chairperson of the NSCW from 2012 to 2015 & 2015 to 2019, through which we had the privilege of associating with her. “She was humble, sincere and had a heart to serve our people well in all her endeavours. Dr Temsula’s passing is a huge loss for our people, and she will be missed,” they stated. 

Meanwhile, the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) Chairperson (Sept 2019-Sept 2022), Khrienuo Tachu added that Prof Temsula had been a mentor, guide, and strongest supporter of the NSCW till her last breath. Tachu said that during her time as the Chairperson, Temsula brought many changes, both at the grassroots and at the level of higher policymaking. Her biggest footprint, amongst many, was a massive project conducted, titled, “Baseline Survey on Social, Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in Nagaland.” 

“The NSCW and Naga women in general are reaping the benefits of her hard work and dedication today. The NSCW and Naga women have lost a guide, a torchbearer, and an exceptional mentor. The NSCW will carry forward her legacy and work to make our Naga society a safe and better place for women and girl child,” the Commission added. Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) paid tribute to Dr Temsula as a woman of strength and wisdom. “Dr Temsüla Ao has left behind a rich legacy as a poet, writer and also as a woman of grace and simplicity. Naga women have lost a legend and the void will be difficult to fill. We deeply mourned at her demise but take solace for the imprints she has left behind through her works, and she will continue to be our inspiration,” NMA added.  

The Ao Senden office said that Dr Temsula took an immense role in popularizing the Naga culture to the outside world through her literary works that are commendable in all angles. “The Nagas in general and Ao tribe in particular have lost a great personality specially in the field of literature,” it stated in a message. 

Higher Education and Tribal Affairs Minister, Temjen Imna Along said that Dr Temsula was a God fearing woman, a kind mother and a creative personality whose contributions towards the literary world is well known, the minister stated in a condolence message  received here. A life well lived; Dr Temsula Ao was an exceptional and brilliant writer, a renowned Poet, Scholar, Novelist, Ethnographer, a Professor of English and Padmashri Awardee, he added.

With all the accomplishment she had, she was a woman of noble character whose duties towards her family and society remained her utmost priority throughout her life, the minister added. In her passing, the Naga society as a whole had truly lost a gem of a person, an empowered woman whose memories shall always be cherished and treasured, he stated.

Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of NPF Legislature Party & Co-Chairman UDA, Nagaland while mourning the demise said that Dr Temsula was considered as a treasure to the Naga society and so with her demise, “the Naga society has not only lost a great soul but a personality whom we all look upon as an exemplary role model and feel proud for all her works that she has contributed to our society.” “I believe that her sacrifices and contributions towards our society will not go in vain, but it will be an example to our Naga society to follow and cherished,” Azo added. 

NPCC President, K Therie remembered Dr Temsula as 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 are regarded as the most authentic document. 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 will be fondly remembered for generations to come,” Therie added. 

Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) said that one of the most prominent Naga writers, Dr Temsula played a pivotal role in bringing Naga writing into the mainstream, “for which we remain immeasurably indebted to her. Indeed we have lost a most earnest and powerful voice, and with her departure, a huge void is created in the artistic, writing, and academic community; A flourishing era has come to an end.” NSA said that she was a leading powerhouse who encouraged upcoming scholars to engage with an informed understanding of their cultural roots, heritage, and history alongside the commitment to give relevance to the social, cultural, and political reality at the helm of the modern Naga context. 

“We cherish her life and pay homage to her spirit of courage, honesty, humility, and the will to live life on her own terms,” NSA added. 

Source: https://morungexpress.com/padma-shri-dr-temsula-ao-remains-an-eternal-inspiration