A tribute to Padma Shri Dr Temsula Ao

We come across innumerable people in our lives but it is impossible to forget about some special people whom we meet at different phases of our lives. Dr Temsula Ao holds a special place in my heart.

To share my thoughts about her, I would like to reminisce about some of my experiences while studying in North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya. Dr Ao was the warden of the Girls' hostel of NEHU, Bijni Campus, Laitumukhrah, Shillong during the 1980s. I stayed in that hostel during her tenure as a warden. She was also a lecturer in the Department of English, NEHU. The hostel was a multi-storey building that accommodated many hostellers not only from Northeastern States but also from other States of India. In spite of that, Dr Ao tried to interact with each girl hosteller personally. She was efficient in running the hostel well and whenever any problem arose, she was prompt in finding a solution for it. She was an epitome of sophistication, sincerity and discipline.

Years after, I was delighted to meet Dr Ao again but that time as a neighbour in the NEHU Campus, Mawkynroh, Shillong. I look back nostalgically on that moment and find that she hugged me affectionately and was eager to know about me, especially about my service. She was happy to know that I was serving in a college of Shillong. I met Dr Ao very often during that period and had interesting interactions with her. She was always energetic and independent. I still possess the beautiful gifts from Nagaland given to me by her. I shall cherish those memorable moments spent with her forever.

Dr Ao was a retired Professor of English and former Dean of Humanities of NEHU, Shillong. She was a renowned author, poet and teacher. Many of her poems, articles and stories were translated into different Indian and foreign languages. Many of her writings like The Tombstone In My Garden, These Hills Called Home and On Being a Naga touched the hearts of people. She was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2007 for literature and Sahitya Akademi Award in 2013. She was the chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women. Her accomplishments have inspired many people. She was born in Jorhat, Assam. After her retirement, she settled in Dimapur, Nagaland. Dr Ao passed away recently in Dimapur, Nagaland. Deeply saddened by the news of her demise, I pray that may God rest her soul in eternal peace.

– Dr Shakira Sultana Islam

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