Morung Express News
Kohima | August 31
A solemn and befitting farewell programme was organized by the Land Resources Department for its outgoing Director, Mhathung Yanthan in Kohima on Wednesday.
In his farewell speech, Mhathung described the day as the “biggest and most memorable moment of my life” and thanked the Department for organizing the programme in a dignified manner.
Recalling his service in the Department, Mhathung said there were lots of challenges and turbulences especially in implementation of projects, yet the department withstood all such times and learnt good lessons. He appealed to the employees to thoroughly understand the motto of the Department, ‘Waste to Wealth’ and work sincerely towards achieving it. He expressed regret that he was retiring at a time when the Department was faced with many challenges. However, Mhathung expressed hope that under the leadership of incoming Director, Hoto Yepthomi, the Department will be able to turn its visions into reality.
Mhathung, who served as the Director for three years and two months, urged upon the employees to extend the same support and cooperation as they had given him to the new Director.
He also thanked God for the blessings bestowed upon him and also thanked his family for standing by his side and supporting him throughout his service.
Mhathung also expressed gratitude to Parliamentary Secretary for Land Resources, B.S. Nganlang Phom and Secretary, Land Resources, Y. Kikheto Sema IAS for their constant guidance.
Nganlang recalled his association with Mhathung for four years in the Department and described him as a sincere, humble, efficient and dedicated officer. “Many officers wish to retire like him having completed all official responsibilities efficiently but not all gets it done,” the Parliamentary Secretary complimented the retiring officer.
He said that Mhathung was always well informed of what should be done in a certain given situation and handled matters efficiently and diligently.
Describing the outgoing Director as “ever smiling, joyful, sincere and dedicated,” Land Resources Secretary, Y. Kikheto Sema IAS said that a wide vacuum has been created with the retirement of Mhathung, who has thoroughly trained his junior officers effectively.
However, Kikheto added that he saw no reason as to why the incoming Director will not be able to take up the responsibility.
In a rare happening during farewell programme, the outgoing Director, Mhathung handed over promotion order to Additional Director, Hoto Yepthomi, who will take over as the new Director.
In his speech, Hoto lauded Mhathung for being a strong captain of the ship, who knew the tactics of sailing through a stormy weather and safely bringing the ship ashore.
Hoto said that the initiative of Special Programme for Environment & Economic Development which benefitted many farmers was the brainchild of the retiring Director.
A host of other officers spoke highly of the outgoing Director and all those who spoke wished him a happy retired life. Watershed Development Team members presented special number honouring the retiring officer during the programme, which was attended by officials from other departments, invitees and well wishers.
Deborah, daughter of the outgoing Director, also spoke briefly describing her father as an “achiever” and thanked the departmental employees for their support and cooperation extended to her father.
