KOHIMA, December 10 (MExN): A condolence meeting for Dr. R.S Tolia, founder president of Indian Mountain Initiative (IMI), who passed away on December 6, 2016 was held at the residence of Alemtemshi Jamir IAS (Retd), President of IMI this morning and marked with a moment of silence and a prayer.
Speaking at the meeting, IMI President, Alemtemshi Jamir IAS (Retd) termed the gathering as small, but for a “big man.” Recalling his association with the great man, who, he said could hold the mountains of India together, he noted that the Sustainable Development Forum Nagaland (SDFN) was fortunate to be part of IMI.
He further impressed upon that SDFN has a bigger responsibility to play to resolve to move forward the agenda of the mountain people, and to keep alive his dreams. Also noting the need to give a call to the younger people to keep rising, he added, “We owe it to ourselves to carry on the good works that R.S Tolia has started.”
In his condolence message to his family, Alemtemshi Jamir also said, “today, the mountain people mourn with you but at the same time we celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable "mountain of a man" who devoted his life to furthering the cause of mountain people and "making the people of India proud of our mountains.” “Passion, energy, vision, courage and sagacity, amongst many others, were the traits he showed in all he did. His energy and life-long dedication to improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain people will continue to inspire generations of young mountain people in India and around the world,” he added.
Amba Jamir, Founder Executive Secretary - SDFN described him as a humble person and whose enthusiasm was very contagious. He also urged the gathering reaffirm themselves to reach out and do greater things.
Among those present were Commissioner and Secretary, Menukhol John, Professor Manoj Pant, Dean, School of International Studies, JNU and other members of SDFN.
