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Dimapur, Nov. 2 (EMN): Department of Horticulture bade farewell to its retiring director, Dr. R Elithung Lotha, during a programme held in his honour on November 2 at the conference hall of its directorate in Kohima.
Speaking at the programme, the commissioner and secretary of Horticulture, Anenla T Sato, has described the outgoing director as ‘Jewel in her crown.’ She recounted her association with the outgoing director, who she found him to be knowledgeable. She asserted that many of the department’s proposals could see the light of day because of the knowledge and experience of the outgoing director.
Eluba Temshi, DDO of the directorate, highlighted the various achievements of the outgoing officer during his 35 years of impeccable service in various capacities such as the DDO, PIO and director.
Some notable achievements of the outgoing director, according to Eluba, included settlement of numerous outstanding audit paras, optimisation and streamlining of the department’s establishment section, bagging the ‘Best Horticulture State’ award in 2018 and introduction of Air cargo facilities for perishable commodities in the state.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing director attributed his success to God’s grace for always being kind to him. He asserted that all the achievements and accolades highlighted by the different speakers were made possible only because of the sincerity, dedication and hard work of the officers and staff.
He further urged the officers and staff to continue rendering the yeoman services to the people especially the farmers and requested them to go to the farmers instead of having the farmers come looking for them.
The incoming director, Y Bongti Konyak, remarked that the outgoing director has been a role model with his ever-ready attitude for support and encouragement. He further wished the outgoing officer a happy retired life and added that it was a blessing to go on retirement with sound health and mind.
The special guest and advisor of Horticulture and Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan, described the outgoing officer to be a humble, God-fearing and disciplined man. He called upon the remaining officers and staff to make the best use of their time.
He challenged the officers and staff to rededicate themselves and maintain the standard set by the outgoing director. He further urged them to maintain the cordial relation and camaraderie and wished the outgoing director good health and long and happy retired life.