KOHIMA, FEB 1 (DIPR): “It is extremely difficult to bid farewell to someone whom we welcomed with zest and fanfare only a few years back and now find difficult to say words of parting” Rio said in his farewell speech to outgoing Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his lady wife hosted a dinner party to bid adieu to Governor Shyamal Datta and his wife at the state banquet hall on January 31. Shyamal Datta, who was appointed as Governor, in January 2002, completed his tenure on January 27, 2007.
Addressing the gathering Rio said that in every effort of his Government to change the face of Nagaland for the better, Datta’s advice and attitude has been the greatest source of strength and added that the Governor and the Government have been in absolute tandem and worked in ‘one pace, pulse and philosophy’. Paying befittingly rich tributes to the ‘People’s Governor’, Rio pointed out that Datta is not only an intellectual ‘but equally energetic’. Rio appreciated him for frequently traveling to every nook and corner of the state meeting and interacting and patiently listening to the problems of the people and their aspirations.
Rio added that there is another distinction being held by His Excellency. “He, amongst the state’s Governors, has done the most in changing both the ethos of the Raj Bhavan”. On behalf of the government and people of Nagaland Rio thanked Datta and his lady wife for all that he has done for the Nagas and Nagaland. Rio requested the Governor to carry on the good memories and be an Ambassador of Nagaland propagating the positive aspect of the Nagas. Rio wished him and his lady wife a long life and good health and a contented retired life.
Speaking at the dinner party hosted by Chief Minister, Governor Datta expressed his pleasure working with former Chief Minister SC Jamir and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and member of the two cabinets, the leader of the Opposition, state bureaucrats, security forces and the academicians during his five years tenure.
The out going Governor stated that the demand for talent in Nagaland ‘hugely outstrips its supply’. The enormous potential of the resources and skills in the field of farming with value addition, tourism, handloom, handicraft, music, art, sports and so on still lies virgin. This core strength of the people’s needs should be harnessed fully with the help of grassroot institutions to provide real scope for opportunities of employment, he said.
Various gifts were presented to the governor by Chief Minister and his colleagues, Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association and NPF party, Nagaland. Short speeches were also delivered by the presidents of the Naga Hoho and Naga Mothers’ Association.
