R Kevichusa.
Tributes pour in for Razhukhrielie Kevichusa; funeral today
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 20
Former bureaucrat and renowned classical musician from Nagaland, Razhukhrielie Kevichusa (R Kevichusa) has passed away at Zion Hospital, Dimapur on August 20.
Razhukhrielie Kevichusa was born to A Kevichusa and Mannie on October 21, 1941, in Tezpur. Trained as an agriculture engineer, he was later inducted into the Indian Administrative Service, and served the Government of Nagaland in various capacities until his retirement in 2001. Following his retirement, he served as Chairman of the Nagaland Public Service Commission.
Kevichusa was trained as a classical violin performer, and had a deep and lasting love for classical music. He was a lifelong member of Union Baptist Church, Kohima, and loved the church and her Christ. He leaves behind his wife, Ethel, six children, six grandsons, his example, and his songs.
Following his demise, the IAS Association of Nagaland has expresses its grief and sorrow in a condolence message. R Kevichusa, as he was better known, was trained as an agriculture engineer, and entered Government service in the year 1968 in the Agriculture Department. Later in 1989, R Kevichusa was inducted into IAS.
The Association stated that as an administrative officer R Kevichusa held many significant posts in the State. As the Deputy Commissioner Kohima, and the administrative head of many important departments in the State at various points of his career, such as Agriculture, Health and Family Welfare, Art & Culture and Works and Housing, he contributed immensely to the welfare of the people and the State. After his retirement in 2001, he also served as the Chairman of the Nagaland Public Service Commission.
“A large hearted, courageous and gifted officer, his pleasing personality made a lasting impression on anyone who met him. A trained violin performer, he had a deep and lasting love for music. His passing away has left a deep void in the lives of everyone he impacted upon, it stated.
Stating that the numerous contributions of R Kevichusa in the various fields will be long remembered by the people of the State, the IAS Association of Nagaland conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and prays to the almighty to give them strength to bear the irreparable loss. “May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” the association added.
Celebrating the extraordinary life
The CM of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio mourning the loss of R Kevichusa said, “We also celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable man who had devoted his life to the service and the welfare of the State.”
His contribution as an agriculturist, later on as an administrator and Chairman of various boards have left an indelible mark and footsteps worthy to be emulated. His work ethics are a testament to the person that he was - an outstanding officer, upright, humble, diligent and down to earth, with an excellent sense of humour. He was forward looking, having a positive outlook and mentored many young officers who have also become assets to the State Government. His contributions in the field of environment protection and agriculture, especially for bringing changes in the practice of jhum cultivation in Nagaland, are widely appreciated today even outside Nagaland, the CM stated.
Rio also said that R Kevichusa was also a great music composer, an accomplished violinist and a singer. He loved teaching music to young children, and has helped nurture many talented youth to excel in this field. His masterpiece compositions will continue to inspire and impact our lives for years to come.
Rio also added that R Kevichusa also hails from a distinguished family. His grandfather Nisier Meru was the first Christian convert from Khonoma; and his father. A Kevichusa was a great regionalist politician and a former Member of Parliament. R. Kevichusa has continued the great legacy of his father and grandfather before him.
“Naga society has become poorer with his passing away; and the void created by his death will be difficult to fill.
However, we are thankful to God for giving Nagaland such a worthy son, whose works have enriched our lives in many ways. My wife and my children join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace,” the CM added.
A fine bureaucrat
The Deputy Chief Minister and BLP leader, Y Patton in a condolence message described, R Kevichusa, IAS Retd as a fine bureaucrat who along with former Chief Secretary, Padma AM Gokhale, redesigned the Agro landscape of Nagaland through village level empowerment.
The Dy CM also described him as a renowned musician and a God fearing officer, who had an illustrious career marked with honesty and integrity.
In his death the state has lost an elderly gentleman, whose legacy will remain in days to come, he added. On behalf of the state BJP legislators, the Dy CM conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
‘Legacy will be always remembered’
Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, President, Naga People's Front (NPF) said that he is deeply saddened to hear the demise of R Kevichüsa.
“Khrielie lived his life as not only capable, sincere and dedicated officers whose principle of workmanship cannot be questioned and his social services particularly in the field of music will always kept alive the generation to remembered and treasured,” Dr Shürhozelie said.
In his condolence note, Dr Shürhozelie said, “words are not inadequate to express the sorrow and grief at this moment.
His demise has come as a shocked but when we look upon his life and his contributions towards the society, our society will always be thankful for his valuable contributions and services for the upliftment of the society. His death was a great loss for the Naga people but the legacy he left behind and his contributions to the society will be always remembered.”
Dr Shürhozelie mentioned that R Kevichüsa was the son of the founder of the regional NPF party and also the father of Ate Kevichüsa, CEC member of the party.
On his own behalf and on behalf of the party rank and file, he deeply mourned the demise of R Kevichüsa and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prays Almighty God to grant solace and comfort to the loved ones of the departed soul at this hour of grief and intense sorrow. “May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
A man of integrity
Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of NPF Legislature Party & Co-Chairman of UDA has also expressed sadness on the demise of “one profound personality,” Khrielie Kevichusa (Retd IAS).
Azo recollected R Kevichüsa as a refine gentleman, a humble person who held his integrity in every facets of his life. He was a capable officer who truthfully and tirelessly devoted to render his service for the welfare of the Naga society. He not only served the Government at various capacities but was a great musician.
“I considered and always look upon him as a man of justice when it comes to the norms and procedure of the Government administration,” Azo stated.
He also mentioned that his gifted talent in the field of music will be remembered and cherished by the people and the generations to come and ‘The legacy he left behind will always be adorned by all and his contribution will always be treasured.’
“In this hour of grief, I along with my family express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray that his soul will rest in peace in the hands of our Almighty God,” Azo conveyed.
Fearless man of great vision
Minister of Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu in a press note stated that R Kevichusa was a humble, dedicated and a fearless man of great vision who stands and speak for truth. “He was one of the pioneers from the Angami community who immensely rendered his service to the society in various capacities. Today we have lost a noble man who was an inspiration to all the Nagas,” Naiba added.
Funeral of R Kevichusa
Date: August 21, 2022
Time: 12:00 Noon
Venue: House No 8, Kevichusa Compound,
Burma Camp, Dimapur
