It was a regular day in Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia. It was a Friday, and I was really looking forward to enjoying the weekend, but then it happened. I was checking my phone for some messages when one of my classmates shared with me the sad news, and I find it difficult to believe that she is gone. I quickly checked my contact status, and I saw several updates and how shocked we all were to learn she is gone. Madam Nini was an inspiration. She was not just one of Northfield’s most exceptional teachers; she was Northfield’s grandmother too.
We all knew she was a strict woman. She was frightening at times; her scolding can seemed kind of harsh, and some of us might have gotten the wrong impression of her lectures. But she was wiser than us all, and she never scolded us out of hate, but with love. Madam Nini gave us essential lessons of wisdom and shared stories of her past to shape us into better people. She was a good person and mentor and had shaped the lives of so many people. Madam Nini had gone through many struggles and had more common sense than all of us. While we young people like to complicate so many things and make life harder, she guided us, and she wanted to make sure we did not become a dumb generation.
It’s difficult that I will never be able to wish her good morning again. There is so much that she has not told us yet, and now we will never know. It feels only yesterday that I last attended her class. I wish I could have been there and listen to her stories one last time. I don’t even remember saying goodbye before I left for my studies. Losing Madam Nini has left a void in Northfield’s heart, but she will remain a part of us, and we will carry her with us. She did more than being just a teacher and reshape education; she did her duty to her nation - the Naga nation.
Nelson Mandela once said “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort, and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” I know that Madam Nini has done her duty to her people. Let us honour the years we had with her, tell her stories, and inspire the next generation. Our nation’s youth has great potential, but we are headstrong and ignorant. If we do not learn anything at all from our elders, we will never learn. Though she will not live to see our nation become independent and free, her memory and wisdom will be with us, and we, her students, will work together to make Nagaland a better place. I do not know what strength I have, but I promise to you, madam, that I will not fail you. We your students will not fail you.
To her family, I send you my condolences, and I hope that you find some comfort, for she will never leave you, and I know you will see her again one day. To our grandmother Madam Nini, I, along with many other students of Northfield, bid you farewell, and please leave a seat for us in your next class. We will be there too.
