Natwar Thakkar, popularly known as Nagaland’s Gandhi died as 86 on Sunday in a private hospital in Guwahati, Assam, after a brief illness.
Thakkar was admitted to the hospital on September 19 after he complained of uneasiness and had high fever. His condition started deteriorating from Saturday when his blood pressure dropped and he suffered a renal failure.
Offering his condolences over the demise, Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland said, “I’m saddened to hear about the demise of Padma Shree Natwar Thakkar, founder of Nagaland Gandhi Ashram.”
Social activist Natwar Thakkar had founded the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram at Chuchuyimlang village in Mokokchung district of Nagaland. His efforts to spread Gandhian philosophy and peace had earned him the sobriquet ‘Nagaland’s Gandhi’.
Originally from Maharashtra, Thakkar made Nagaland his home ever since he had arrived in the state in 1955.
Padma Shri award winner Thakkar also built a library in a remote village.
Thakkar is survived by his wife Lentina Ao, a son and two daughters. His mortal remains will be taken to his workplace in Nagaland’s Chuchuyimlang on Sunday evening.
