Dimapur, January 27 (MExN): Director of Tourism, Nagaland, KT Thomas passed away on January 27 at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Thomas, who entered the Department of Tourism as Tourist Officer in the year 1985, was promoted as Director on December 1, 2016. Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, and KPC have offered condolences to the bereaved family.
Neiphiu Rio: The Member of Parliament remembered Thomas as a sincere officer who was always committed towards his duties and responsibilities. Rio said the deceased was one of the hardworking officers who contributed to the success of the department and was a key figure who took the State's tourism plan forward. “In all these years, I have observed that he was always willing to walk the extra mile in the service of the government and he never lacked energy nor enthusiasm in his given responsibilities. He was a disciplined officer, mild mannered and a thorough gentleman. He also had commendable leadership qualities, was a respected writer and an excellent photographer,” he added.
TR Zeliang: The Chief Minister said the late Director was an intellectual colossus with vast knowledge on myriads of topics that many considered him a Walking Encyclopaedia. “I have personally witnessed in the last few years during the Hornbill Festivals that he was a very reliable person and he ensured that the tasks entrusted to him were completed in an outstanding manner,” Zeliang acknowledged. “He was indeed, a Government servant worth emulating by others.” The CM fondly remembered that in the last few years, Thomas had become passionate in farming of exotic fruits and “I was a grateful recipient of his first harvest last year when he gifted my family a basket of dragon fruit whose medicinal values he extolled so enthusiastically.”
KPC: The Kohima Press Club (KPC) stated Thomas had a vast knowledge in different fields, including media, and used to contribute to various international and local magazines/journals. He was a KPC member during the initial years of the club's formation from 2005-07 and was also closely associated with the club, KPC said. “In his demise, the state of Nagaland has lost a dynamic and dedicated officer who was always ready to work for the society and an established writer.”
