Family members, friends and well-wishers of late Rev. Dr. I. Ben Wati and late Nirmala Wati Saturday paid rich tributes at a memorial programme held at DABA town fellowship, Khermahal, Dimapur.
Speaking on behald of the family, late Ben Wati’s brother and retired chief engineer (power) Lanu Toy said late Ben Wati led a special life and to them he was not only their older brother but a spiritual brother and a teacher. He said late Ben Wati wrote many books in Ao dialect and also took keen interest in promoting Ao literature and added that one of his books was recognized and approved by Nagaland University to use it as a text book.
Rev. Marshall Lyngdoh, speaking on behalf of Pine Brook Society, Meghalaya, said late Ben Wati was instrumental in opening the society and opened a school for underprivileged children as he was always concerned for the social wellbeing of the people. Rev. Marshall also said as a young boy, late Ben Wati wanted to be a pilot. However, as he grew up, there were three wishes that he wanted to fulfil in his life – to go to heaven, go around the world and have good health, the reverend said.
Representing Nagaland Baptist Churches Council, Narola, said to glorify the Lord’s name, late Ben Wati was chosen from among thousands of Nagas to work for the people till his last breath. Sister in-law of late Ben Wati, Amongla Toy, said late I. Ben Wati was a committed Christian leader and his wife late Nirmala Wati was like an older sister to her.
Secretary of Mount Zion Society for Holistic Development, Imphal, Ashin Panmei, in an emotional speech said late Ben Wati was a man with a difference and a simple man who was approachable and described his wife as noble lady who was a source of strength for her husband. Rev. Maong Lemtur, chairman, board of governors, Clark Theological College, said that from the inception of the college in 1972, the late reverend was a founding member and at the same time, chief consultant till his demise, adding his contributions to the college would remain unique and his legacy remembered by the future generations.
Rev Maong also said late Ben Wati had instituted Dr. I. Ben Wati archive fund, scholarship fund, Clark Summer School of Theology fund, personal library collections correspondence files which are now at CTC library and archive. Rev. Dr. HM Singate, NEICORD, Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), Rev. Bendang, Tony Marak, former chairman, Pine Brook Society, Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, Rev. Dr. Akheto Sema, principal also spoke at the programme. It may be mentioned that late Rev. I. Ben Wati was predeceased by his wife Nirmala on May 28, 2012 and he passed away on June 14.
Earlier, the programme was led by Rev. N. Tzudir, pastor, DABA, reading and invocation pronounced by Rev. O. Alem. A tribute written by late Ben’s daughters, Narola and Promila was also read out. Ao Baptist Church Diphupar choir, Samaru and Maongla Mozer presented special numbers while Rev. Imo Aier, retired general secretary, CBCNEI, released two books of late Rev. Dr. I. Ben Wati titled “I. Ben Wati- My Training Years 1936-49” an autobiography, and “Atura Takum”.
Rev. P. Dozo pronounced the benediction.