Governor La Ganesan of Nagaland Passes Away at 80 in Chennai.
Obituary
La Ganesan, the 16th Governor of Nagaland, passed away at the age of 80 in Chennai on August 15, 2025. He had been in intensive care following a head injury sustained days earlier. His death has prompted nationwide mourning and heartfelt tributes.
- La Ganesan collapsed at his residence in Chennai on August 8, 2025, suffering a severe head injury. He was immediately shifted to Apollo Hospital, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and underwent surgery for a blood clot in his head. He remained under close monitoring until his demise on the evening of August 15, at approximately 6:23 pm.
- Appointed the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 12, 2023, La Ganesan formally assumed the office on February 20, 2023. Prior to that, he served as Governor of Manipur (August 2021 – February 2023) and briefly held additional charge as Governor of West Bengal (July–November 2022). A veteran of the RSS and long-standing BJP leader, he also represented Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha (2016–2018) and held key organisational roles within the party.
- Following his passing, the Nagaland government declared a seven-day state mourning (August 16–22, 2025), during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast and all official entertainment suspended. His contributions were widely acknowledged across the political spectrum, reflecting the respect he garnered as a leader who bridged diverse cultures and regions.
Main Point :- (i) Prominent leaders across India paid tribute to La Ganesan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a “devout nationalist” who dedicated his life to service and nation-building, particularly recounting his work strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu and his deep affection for Tamil culture.
(ii) President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also expressed their condolences, honoring his integrity, simplicity, and cross-regional connection.
(iii) La Ganesan was given a state funeral with full honours at Besant Nagar crematorium in Chennai after public homage at his T. Nagar residence and GCC ground. His body, draped in the national tricolor, was cremated with military honours in the presence of dignitaries including Governor R.N. Ravi, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, NTK chief Seeman, and DK president K. Veeramani.
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