In New Mexico, a day in the name of a Nagaland doctor

KOHIMA: The state of New Mexico is celebrating the day of July 19 as “Dr. Jonathan Iralu Day”, a Naga doctor for his dedicated service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Jonathan Vilasier Iralu is an American citizen of Naga origin and the son of late Dr. Vichazelhu Iralu (chairman of the department of microbiology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine) and late Tefta Zografi Iralu.

Dr. Jonathan Iralu is also the grandson of Khonoma village's late Dr. Sevilie Iralu.

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Maggie Toulouse Oliver, US Secretary of State and Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico State Governor signed a proclamation declaring July 19, 2021 as “Dr Jonathan Iralu Day” throughout the State of New Mexico.

“Dr Iralu has been an invaluable advocate for his community and has provided a great service to the Medical Advisory Team and the State. Now therefore, I, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of the State of New Mexico, do hereby proclaim July 19, 2021 as ‘Dr Jonathan Iralu Day’” the proclamation reads.

Dr. Iralu lives in New Mexico, in the Southern United States for the past 27 years with his wife Tammy, an elementary school teacher and their four daughters.

Dr. Vilasier studied from Yale College and Harvard Medical School, where he earned his medical degree.

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He is currently the Chief Clinical Consultant for Infectious Diseases for the Indian Health Service, as well as an instructor at Harvard Medical School and a senior physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Global Health Equity in Boston, Massachusetts.

The team of health professionals in New Mexico has been renamed as "health care heroes" by the US media and in addition to their recognition, a specific day has been marked as their day throughout New Mexico, beginning on July 19 and ending on July 26, 2021, starting with Dr. Iralu's day on July 19.

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio took to twitter to congratulate Dr. Vilasier and wrote, “I'm delighted to know the State of New Mexico Exec. Office, Santa Fe, New Mexico has proclaimed July 19, 2021 as "Dr. Jonathan Iralu Day." Dr. Jonathan Vilasier Iralu is a 3rd generation doctor from Khonoma village. He has made the people of Nagaland proud. Congratulations to him.”

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