By Dr Birbal Jha / New Delhi
Seasoned diplomats and former Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Pondicherry Nagendra Nath Jha, popularly known as NN Jha, who held the offices of both of the territories in successive terms of 2001-2004 and 2004 respectively, passed away on June 15th in New Delhi.
He is survived by his wife, advocate son Madhunendra Jha and daughter Aparna Jha all settled in Delhi. His younger brother Prem Shankar Jha, former editor of Hindustan Times has been a noted journalist and scholar.
Dr NN Jha was one of the finest Indian diplomats, who served as an Indian Ambassador to Ireland, Turkey and Kuwait, Yugoslavia and Sri Lanka, playing a big role in foreign diplomacy and India’s influence abroad. His contributions to the system will remain underlined in the annals of India.
He had been a point of contacts for the country in dealing with foreign affairs during his lifetime. He was seen being quoted by media houses and political class.
He was born at Mithila of Bihar on 5th January 1935.His ancestral house is situated at Hanuman Nagar of Bihar’s Madhubani district. He held his master’s degree from the University of Cambridge after Bachelor’s from Delhi University.
To begin his career he joined Indian Foreign Services in 1957 and served the nation for the full length of his service stint, following in the footprints of his father, who too was a top and celebrated bureaucrat.
Late NN Jha was a man of letters and a treasure trove of foreign affairs in the country wherein his death has created a void.
His father Chandra Shekhar Jha, ICS, later known as IAS was a Secretary in Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. The adage, “worthy father, worthy son” goes well with NN Jha.