Dimapur, April 19 (MExN): Tributes and condolences continued to pour in for late Achyut Madhav Gokhale on Monday, recalling among others, his contribution to grassroot institutional building in Nagaland.
The former Chief Secretary of Nagaland and Padma Shri Gokhale passed away on April 18 in Pune after a brief illness. He was 75 and is survived by his wife and two children.
Among others, he is known for establishment of the Village Development Boards (VDBs), NEPED as well as the formation of CBOs (Community Based Organisations) in Nagaland.
Former Chief Minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) President Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu while expressing his pain over the demise said that Late Gokhale legacy would be harvested by the generation to come.
It is very saddened that such an illustrious officer has left us, but the Nagas in particular will always cherished his work and contributions towards the building and shaping the Naga society, Dr Liezietsu stated in a condolence note.
To mention a few, late Gokhale was an architect in giving birth the VDB and the NEPED in Nagaland, he said, adding, Nagas were privileged to have such an able leader to have work for them.
On his own behalf as well as the rank and file of the, Dr Liezietsu conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and near and dear ones of late Gokhale and prayed for their solace and comfort. “May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Adivsor NDPP, W Wangyuh Konyak stated that the people of the State will always remember the “developmental activities creator” in Nagaland.
On a personal note, Konyak further informed that during Late Gokhale’s tenure as SDO (Civil), Mon, the latter arranged tuition teacher those students sitting for their HSLC exam in 1977.
I was one of the students, he said.
Serving as the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, late Gokhale also sanctioned Rs 6 crore for construction of Tehok Mini Hydro project in Mon, Konyak further informed.
The people of Chen Area will always remember him though he is no more with us, he said, adding: “I and my family convey condolences to the bereaved family.”
Expressing sadness over the death of a good friend, Dr Vikuosa Nienu stated that late Gokhale untimely demise is a “great loss not only to his loved ones but also to the entire Naga community that he loved and served with dedication.”
He tirelessly worked for the good of the Nagas and I first met him during my visit when he was the Deputy Commissioner at Phek, my birthplace, recalled Dr Nienu, who now stays in the United States.
He further remembered late Gokhale’s works to address problem associated with shifting cultivation and on the alternative approach to sustainable agroforestry via NEPED.
The NEPED continues to make important strides, a legacy he started decades ago, Dr Nienu added.
Besides being an excellent administrator, Gokhale also had a passion for other important pursuits, like botany and preserving nature, he said. “We will surely miss him. May God grant peace and solace to the grieved family.”
