Late Tali Temjen Toy. (Morung File Photo)
Governor Ravi, CM Rio lead State in paying tributes
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 28
Nagaland on Thursday reacted with shock and struggled with a sense of irreparable loss as the death of the State Chief Secretary Tali Temjen Toy created a ripple both online and offline.
The common refrain, however, was of grief over the umtimely demise of one of the State’s finest bureaucrats at 57.
Those familiar with the Chief Secretary were aware that he was a stickler to punctuality while others considered him as someone who could ‘feel the pulse of the public’ and an able administrator.
“Striving to set an exemplary life of being punctual and sincere in one’s work,” Toy stated in an interview in December 2019, when enquired on how he would like to impact the society.
In the candid interaction, Toy also informed that his aim in life during in younger years was to become a professional footballer with the Brazilian legendary player Pele as his idol.
“I had to forego my dreams as I always have to wait on the reserve side,” he then admitted on a lighter note.
‘Football’s loss was bureaucracy’s gain’ as he entered the coveted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as a Nagaland cadre in 1989 and went to serve the State in various capacities, ultimately attaining the top bureaucratic post in the State in March 2018, and later affirmed in January 2019.
The tribute from the State Government which he served for nearly 32 years was unequivocal. Late in the evening, the State Cabinet expressed its sincere appreciation of the exceptional services rendered in his “illustrious service career” and noted that he “provided outstanding leadership and left an indelible mark in every Department he worked.”
As condolences poured in, the operating words were of professionalism, integrity, dedication to work, an able hand and fine human being.
Nagaland Governor RN Ravi, who led the State in paying tributes to Toy, mourned the loss of an “able administrator and one of the finest human beings.” Expressing sadness and shock over the demise, the Governor added: “May his soul rest in peace. May God give strength to family to bear with this devastating tragedy.”
Describing Toy as “humble, upright and dedicated government servant,” Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio considered his demise a “huge loss for the Government of Nagaland and for the Nagas as a whole.”
Deputy CM Y Patton called the demise “an irreparable loss” of an absolute gem for the State. Both shared their deepest condolences with the bereaved family and dear ones.
BJP National Spokesperson and State Legislator Mmhonlumo Kikon also termed Toy as “one of the most efficient administrators” and mourned the loss of a “shining star.”
A humble and hardworking officer who served sincerely and was always a pleasure to work together, MLA & Leader of Opposition Nagaland and Leader of NPF Legislature Party TR Zeliang noted.
Others including both Member of Parliament, Tokheho Yepthomi and KG Kenye; Ministers Temjen Imna Along, Neiba Kronu, S Pangnyu Phom, and Jacob Zhimomi; Advisors Tovihoto Ayemi, KT Sukhalu, Pukhayi Sumi and Imnatiba; MLA Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu; National Vice-President, BJP M Chuba Ao; NPCC President K Therie; NMA and others echoed similar sentiments.
Toy’s colleague also remembered his contribution and shared their grief. “Such a warm and fine person and brilliant officer… it’s a big loss to the people of Nagaland & all of us...,” noted Abhishek Singh, an IAS State Cadre currently on central deputation, as CEO, MyGov and NeGD.
Principal Secretary, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Himato Zhimomi also mourned the demise of his “friend and senior colleague” who was a fine gentleman and an outstanding officer.
The Central IAS Association also expressed deep sadness over the demise and said that his passing away is “a big loss to IAS as a service and to people of Nagaland.”
“Truely heartbroken ... You will be so missed. What a loss for our people,” YouthNet founder Hekani Jakhalu tweeted.
“Really, no words. May God rest his soul,” wrote Diethono Dee Nakhro, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland on Twitter while Journalist Tinakali Sümi rued the demise of one of Nagaland’s finest administrator.
In the recent past, Toy was instrumental in setting up the COVID-19 ‘War Room’ with officials personally handpicked by him from different departments.
In an exclusive interview in April 2020, Temjen Toy told The Morung Express that, “We live in a society where there are lots of criticisms on a lot of things but we go on regardless. We are not here to cheat the people or try and do anything contrary to what is right.”
Toy’s last message on Twitter in October 2020 reads, “Healing in Progress.” It will take a long time to for the State to recover from his untimely demise.
