Dr J Alam, IAS speaking during the farewell programme.
Dr J Alam bids farewell as Chief Secretary of Nagaland
Kohima, July 31 (MExN): Outgoing Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Dr J Alam, IAS, described his tenure as a journey of “shared remembrance, professional camaraderie and heartfelt celebration of public service” during his farewell programme held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on July 31.
“Nagaland has been my home, a calling and an enduring inspiration through my service,” he said in his farewell address, expressing deep gratitude to his colleagues and the people of the state. “The state's terrain, culture and most importantly the people have profoundly shaped me both as civil servant and as an individual.”
Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office as Chief Secretary on January 29, 2021, Dr. Alam said he was aware of the demands the post carried — “a role that demanded administrative acumen and deep sensitivity.” Recalling the defining moments of the last few years, he cited experiences such as steering the state through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and shaping initiatives in climate resilience, agricultural transformation, and digital governance.
“Each challenge brought with it, its own lessons and each success carried quiet but meaningful rewards with many milestones being achieved as a result of shared dedication and collective effort,” he stated.
He said that his legacy “isn't about the numbers of files signed or meetings conducted but it's about how lasting and positive change he brought to the state.” Expressing confidence in his successors, he urged government officials to “remain inspired and continue to provide unwavering and true service to the people of Nagaland.”
Incoming Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, who is also the Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner recalled their early years together as batchmates at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. Imchen said, “Although Dr J Alam has held several pivotal positions in the State and Central Government, it is in his role as the Chief Secretary of Nagaland that his leadership has shone the brightest.”
Principal Secretary Y Kikheto Sema, IAS said Dr Alam was “a responsible administrator who functioned with admirable clarity and order.” He noted that during Alam’s nearly five-year tenure, the state experienced no major upheavals or disruptions, attributing it to his “foresight and steady leadership.”
Speeches were also delivered by representatives of the IAS, IPS, IFS, NCS, NPS, NSS associations, CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSSA, and the Grade IV Association (Secretariat). Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, IPS, and Assistant Chief Engineer, CAWD, Er Sungtiba Amer, also shared their tributes. Home Commissioner Anoop Khinchi, IAS, delivered the vote of thanks, while State Chaplain Rev. Izieteilung Tering led the invocation. A special song was presented by the NCSA band.
Dr. Alam, who joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1991 with an All India 12th rank, was allotted the Nagaland cadre. He began his administrative service in the 1990s, working in Phek and Mon districts, and later served as Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang. He also held key posts such as Additional Secretary (Finance), and Secretary for Industries, Commerce and Sericulture.
He went on central deputation in 2003 and later served as Private Secretary to a Union Minister. Returning to Nagaland in 2010, he served as Home Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer before taking up key posts in the Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Minority Affairs between 2013 & 2020.
In February 2020, Dr. Alam returned to Nagaland as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Development Commissioner before being appointed Chief Secretary in January 2021.
