A condolence programme was held on April 9, 2025 at Nagaland University, Lumami to pay respects to the memory of late Prof. A Lanunungsang Ao, who had retired as professor from the Department of Sociology, Nagaland University. Chaired by Kahoshe Sumi, DR (GAD), a short speech was delivered by Prof. M.K. Sinha, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Nagaland University. The condolence message was read out by Dr. Abemo, Registrar of Nagaland University, informed a press release by NU.
The Nagaland University Teachers Association (Lumami) also, in its condolence meeting, fondly remembered late Prof. Ao as one of the founding members of Lumami Campus of Nagaland University. Paying rich tributes to him, the association placed on record the numerous contributions made by him towards the development of Nagaland University.
The Department of Sociology, Nagaland University in a brief condolence tribute, remembered Prof. Ao as having founded the department in 1997. The solemn gathering which was attended by faculty members, staff, PG students, and research scholars noted the immense contributions of Prof. Ao to the field of Sociology and to higher education in Nagaland. Through his dedication, vision, and tireless efforts, he not only nurtured the growth of the department but also played a vital role in the overall development of Nagaland University. His legacy as a committed teacher, researcher, and administrator continues to inspire generations.
At the condolence meeting of the Department of Sociology, the chairperson Dr. Pitheli K. Jimo, Assistant Professor, reflected on his strong work ethics and commitment to the department. Prof. Toshimenla Jamir, Head of the Department and the first Ph.D. scholar of Prof. Ao at Nagaland University, shared her personal experiences and the journey of the department under his leadership. She fondly recalled his enthusiasm for teaching and research, and the values he instilled, hard work, diligence, and teamwork among faculty, staff, and students. “He led by example and left behind a good legacy that we will forever cherish,” Prof. Jamir said, urging everyone to carry forward the vision he had for the department.
Dr.Yamsani Srikanth, Assistant Professor at the Tribal Research Centre, Department of Sociology, remembered Prof. Ao as a warm, cheerful and welcoming figure. Despite being a senior professor, he treated everyone with respect and equality, and his eagerness to engage in teaching was a defining trait. Repakaba Tzudir, a PhD scholar from the department, shared his reflections on behalf of the student community. He expressed deep gratitude for the privilege of being taught by Prof. Ao and recalled how his interest in Sociology was shaped by his classroom experiences under him. As a member of the last batch of PG students taught by Prof. Ao, he paid tribute to the profound influence the late professor had on students’ academic growth and intellectual curiosity.
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Prof. Ao had held many important positions in the University prior to retirement: as HoD of the Department of Sociology, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Kohima Campus, Nagaland University. He also shouldered the responsibility as Vice-Chancellor In-Charge on a few occasions. The University fraternity believes that the legacy of Prof. Ao as an exemplary academician, mentor, and visionary will continue to guide and inspire the Department of Sociology in particular and the University in general for years to come.
AKM condoles
The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) extended its deepest condolences on the sudden demise of Prof. A Lanunungsang Ao, a renowned sociologist, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Meriema and former Chairman of Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB).
“Our beloved leader was not only a dedicated and accomplished academician but also a humble, patriotic, well-cultured and a man with a multitude of qualities. His untimely demise has created a vacuum for the community in general as well as the youngsters in particular. We sensibly feel that we have lost our noble guide and a concrete pillar of our society. Today, we are at a loss for words and lament his untimely demise,” stated the AKM.
It conveyed Its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength to the family in their time of grief.
