Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 29 (EMN): Nagaland’s beloved bureaucrat, Tali Temjen Toy, was accorded a state funeral at his official residence in Kohima on Friday after he died aged 57 of a prolonged illness.
Toy served the state government for about 32 years in various capacities until his last breath on January 28.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his eulogy, described Toy as one of the “best and finest” officers who “always wore a cheerful look”. He remembered Toy as a “loveable” and “humble” gentleman.
“As a senior IAS officer, he was instrumental in shaping policies of the government. With his innovative ideas, Toy excelled in all his assignments and responsibilities while displaying maturity. In addition to his normal assignment, he had contributed to state government beyond his role as bureaucrat,” Rio said.
He was an innovative officer, he said. Toy never backed out from tough challenges but instead faced them with “calm attitude”. He was a ‘good’ team leader and an ‘able’ manager of events,the CM recalled.
‘We had a long association and he left me fond memories’, CM went on to add. Toy, he said, was his ‘close’ advisor, a friend, and a brother. He remembered Toy as person with balanced opinion and his views were always ‘honest and unbiased’.
CM expressed ‘shock’ at his courage for being able to personally inform him that he was diagnosed with cancer.
Despite undergoing treatment at various places, Toy expressed desire to rejoin duty and had started working from home on January 18. However, it was never known that his life would be “cut short”. He had left us with “so much hope” to getting better with his sickness, Rio recounted.
Rio added that it was a “huge loss” for the state government and for the society and people as a whole.
Finance Commissioner, Sentiyanger Imchen spoke on behalf of the IAS Association, Nagaland. He described Toy as a “seasoned bureaucrat” who was known for his leadership and administrative skills. Toy was a “friend, philosopher and a guide” to many. The void left by his sudden demise would be felt in various aspects of governance, Imchen added.
The Ao Senden said that it was their desire to have Toy’s mortal remains buried in Ao land. However, the organisation expressed that they also respect and honour Toy’s decision to be buried at his father’s compound in Kohima.
His father, I Lanu Toy, expressed gratitude to the government of Nagaland for organising a grand send-off in honour of his son on his last journey. He also thanked the state government, individuals and well-wishers for constant support and upholding him after he had been diagnosed with the illness.
Nagaland Chief Secretary J Alam (IAS) said Toy was “no ordinary” bureaucrat. He was a “dear friend, guide and mentor” who had led an exemplary life throughout his service as administrator. His sudden demise had left huge vacuum in state bureaucracy and his legacy will be cherished forever, Alam added.
Kohima Aor Telongjem also gave eulogies. Nagaland Police gave the Guard of Honour.
A host of dignitaries including ministers, advisors, MLAs, bureaucrats, senior government officials and well-wishers also bid him farewell.
Toy’s mortal remains was laid to rest at his father’s residence at AG colony in Kohima.
