Ukhrul, June 27: Primrose Raikhan Sharma, the first lady Indian Foreign Service officer from Manipur and former Indian Ambassador to Portugal, passed away on Thursday evening, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of public service and diplomatic excellence.
Born to Late Mazachang Raikhan of Talui village in Ukhrul district, Primrose Raikhan Sharma belonged to an illustrious family that made remarkable contributions to public life. Her father was the first Indian Railway Service officer from Manipur and later served as Chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission.
Primrose Raikhan Sharma cleared the Indian Foreign Service in 1976 and went on to hold several important diplomatic and administrative assignments. She served as Indian Ambassador to Portugal in 2008, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, and First Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, among other key postings.
Following her demise, condolence messages poured in from leaders across the state. Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh expressed deep sorrow over her passing and said her remarkable journey as a trailblazer from the Northeast would continue to inspire young generations to serve the nation with dedication and excellence. On behalf of the people of Manipur, he extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also condoled her demise, stating that her extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to public service would remain an enduring source of inspiration.
Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, while expressing his condolences, described Primrose Raikhan Sharma as an articulate, gifted and towering personality from a highly accomplished family. He recalled that her sister, Christenssen Raikhan Chhibber, was the first lady Indian Administrative Service officer from Manipur.
Ram Muivah also remembered his personal association with her during her service in various capacities, including her tenure as Regional Passport Officer in Jaipur and during Bharat Darshan. He noted that during her long and illustrious career, she served in several countries, including Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Italy, the United States, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
He further stated that she had also contributed to the training of officers from neighbouring and friendly countries such as Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Mauritius and the Maldives.
After her superannuation, Primrose Raikhan Sharma was actively involved in looking after her family’s Nillai Tea Estate at Talui in Ukhrul district.
Her passing has been widely mourned as a great loss to Manipur, the Tangkhul community and the country’s diplomatic fraternity.
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