Condolences pour in for former Nagaland Governor PB Acharya

DIMAPUR — Condolences have poured in for the former Governor of Nagaland, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya, popularly called PB Acharya, who passed away at his home in Andheri west, Mumbai on Friday. He was 92.

Acharya served as Nagaland Governor from July 19, 2014, to July 31, 2019, simultaneously holding gubernatorial charge of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, as well as Tripura at various intervals.

Born on October 8, 1931 in Udupi, Karnataka, Acharya completed his school and college education there before coming to Mumbai. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980 and went on to serve the party at various capacities, before being appointed the Governor of Nagaland after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014.

It is reported that his funeral would be performed at the nearby Oshiwara Crematorium on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, dozens of dignitaries lead by the President of India have expressed grief over the death of the former Governor.

“Saddened by the demise of Shri Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya. A veteran leader, Shri Acharya had served as Governor in many north eastern states and dedicated himself for the welfare of people. His contribution to clean and purposeful public life is worthy of emulation. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and admirers,” wrote President of of India, Droupadi Murmu, on X.

PM Narendra Modi also expressed pain by the passing away of the BJP leader, saying that he devoted his life to serving society, greatly committed to furthering development in the Northeast and also played a role in making the BJP stronger across India.

Describing PB Acharya as a genuinely warm, hospitable, generous and down to earth person, present Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan said the deceased’s compassionate nature and unwavering concern for the welfare of the staff of Raj Bhavan Kohima will forever be cherished.

“His dedications to helping the less fortunate, particularly the orphans and destitute leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion,” read Ganesan’s condolence message addressed to Kavita Acharya, wife of PB Acharya.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio noted that Acharya served with three chief ministers of the state and shared an excellent rapport with all of them.

He said that the former governor had admirable social, political and administrative skills; was kind and a good friend to the people of the state. “The people of Nagaland will remember him for his diligence, intelligence and kindness, especially to children. He deeply cared for the society’s welfare and was an inspiration to many youngsters,” Rio added.

On behalf of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer conveyed condolences in a message to Kavita Acharya, stating that “we have lost a visionary leader who made immense contribution for the betterment of Nagaland”.

Several legislators and prominent personalities including deputy chief ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along, former NLA speaker Thenucho Tunyi, Adviser to CM Abu Metha, Editor of Nagaland Post Geoffrey Yaden, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and several others have paid tribute to the former Governor of Nagaland.

Also read: Passage of Nagaland Municipal Bill a ‘collective triumph’, says NDPP