Padma Shri Dr Temsüla Ao, former chairperson of Nagaland Women Commission, passed away at Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur on Sunday night. She was 76.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief on the passing away of Dr Temsüla Ao.
“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,” Modi said in a tweet.
A Sahitya Akademi awardee, Temsüla Ao was an Indian poet, short story writer and ethnographer. She recieved the Sahitya Akademi Award for Laburnum for My Head in 2013 and was honoured with Padma Shri Award in 2007.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neophiu Rio also conveyed deepest condolences to the family of Dr Temsula Ao, saying, he was deeply saddened by the news. "May the departed soul rest in peace," he said.
"In her desmise, the Naga society has lost a mentor and a guardian and the void created by her absence will be difficult to fill," Rio said in a statement on Monday.
Saying that she will be "truly missed", the chief minister called upon the people to "to treasure and celebrate her life".
"It is my humble prayer that her legacy will be carried on," Rio said.
Temsüla Ao also served as a Professor of English at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), and as the director of North East Zone Cultural Centre between 1992 and 1997 on deputation from NEHU.
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