CHANDEL: The commemoration prayer service of late Upa Th. Oliver Monsang, former Principal of United College, Lambung-Chandel was held on Tuesday at Japhou community hall. The remembrance prayer service was organized by Ng. Elishama Monsang, better half of the late Principal and family members.
Pastor of Japhou Baptist Church, Sh. Shrimon and President Sirti Upa Ruh (Monsang Tribe Union) Ng. Gilbert were the blessing minister and guest of honour respectively for the official biography release of Late Th. Oliver Monsang. Special dignitaries who attended the commemoration prayer service were Ex-MLA, 41/AC Chandel, St. Victor Nunglhung, Ex-ADC member Chandel, Sh. Manglem, Speaker UNC, Ws. Kanral, President CNPO, Rd. David Boyes, Former CEO- ADC Chandel, Ts. Kothar, Principal United College Lambung, Dr. Bd. Thumdal, Principal MUGHSS, Japhou, Khumlo Warson. Monsang chiefs, pastors, leaders and well-wishers from neighbouring communities also attended the commemoration prayer service.
President SUR, Ng. Gilbert speaking on the occasion fondly remembers late Th. Oliver as dedicated, committed and very transparent and down to earth person. His contribution in education, social, religious and politics is enormous not only in Monsang but also in Naga society. “We became close friends and later as my right hand person and my advisor” he emphasized.
Former President, SUR Ng. Benithan who is also the convenor, biography committee spoke on the occassion attributing the good deeds and achievement of late Th. Oliver Monsang as academician and social activist during his lifetime. He also expressed his gratitude to all the CSO leaders for furnishing their condolence messages for the biography booklet.
Pastor JBC, Sh. Shrimon in his speech as blessing minister of the event quoted 2 Timothy 4:7- “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” to draw an inspirational exemplary of the achievement of late Th. Oliver during his lifetime. “He was like a fragrance and his presence on earth was warm and encouraging,” he mentioned.
It is worth mentioning that Late Upa Th. Oliver Monsang was one of the renowned academicians, educationalists and prominent leaders of Monsang community during his life time. After appointment as Lecturer at United College, Lambung on 2nd April 1982, he was promoted and appointed as Principal of the same college on 27th February 1987 and served as Principal for 22 years (1987-2009). Then he was appointed on deputation as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University for 3 years (2009-2012). Then he was deputed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of RUSA/Community College under the Directorate of University & Higher Education, Govt. of Manipur for 6 years (2012-2018). Finally, he served as Associate Professor and was posted at N. G. College, Imphal from 2018-till his last breath on 14th June 2020.
Late Upa Th. Oliver Monsang was also a noted social activist. He was the 2nd President of Sirti Thiimjiitam Sourkhe (Monsang Naga Students’ Union). He was the President of ANSAM ( All Naga Students’ Association Manipur) in 1980-81. He was one of the UNC Constitution Amendment Committee Members in 2013; Advisor to SUR (Monsang Tribe Union) from 2010-2020. He was also the President of Monsang Officers’ Association (MAO). Besides, he was also the founding leader of Chandel Naga Senior Citizens Welfare Association (CNSCWA) to which he was the secretary, and also the senior member and former President of Chandel Camp, the Gideon’s International in India.
His untimely demise on 14th June, 2020 at Raj Medicity, Imphal after being admitted due to stroke at his residence on 12th June, has left a big vacuum and his death is not only loss for the family but for the Monsang community and all people known to him. He is survived by his wife, two sons Th. Moningdar, Th. William Crusade, and two daughters Th. Anisthar, Th. Echumsha.
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