Nursing a special calling: Moatoshi

Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, on Saturday described nursing as a profession that requires a “special calling,” as it involves caring for strangers and placing the well-being of others above personal comfort and privileges.
He was speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of Ao Nurses Telongjem District Hospital Dimapur (ANT DHD), held under the theme “Kümkümshidi” (translated as ‘rejuvenate’), at Town Hall, Dimapur.
Congratulating Ao nurses on completing 25 years of service, Moatoshi said the milestone was not merely an organisational achievement but a celebration of compassion, sacrifice, and dedicated service to humanity. He acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by nurses, many of whom have devoted their lives to serving patients, often at the cost of time with family and personal pursuits. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the nursing fraternity, describing their service as invaluable and deeply respected by society.
Highlighting the long history of Naga nurses, Moatoshi recalled that their contribution to healthcare predated the formation of the association. He noted that nurses from the region had served in tea gardens and medical establishments since the colonial era, saving countless lives.
While medical sciences and medicines can treat many illnesses, he said there are times when a patient’s condition cannot be cured. In such moments, the compassion, gentle touch, and comforting words of nurses bring solace and dignity to patients and their families.
Encouraging nurses to continue serving with dedication, Moatoshi urged them to carry out their responsibilities with a smile so that humanity could continue to benefit from their noble profession.
He also expressed appreciation for the strong presence of Ao nurses at District Hospital Dimapur and assured his support to extend assistance whenever required.
Speaking on the jubilee theme, deputy director Nursing (Retd.), M. Ayangla Walling, said that a jubilee was not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity to introspect and chart the way forward. She likened entering the nursing profession to being entrusted with a lamp, challenging nurses to reflect on how brightly they were shining that light through their service. Walling emphasized that true fulfilment in nursing comes not from obligation but from sincere commitment and compassion.
Acknowledging rapid technological advancements in the medical field, she pointed out that while technology may provide medical cures, it cannot offer emotional and mental healing. She therefore urged nurses to continue offering human care alongside medical treatment and encouraged them to actively participate in social and community organisations.
Medical Superintendent, DHD, Dr. George Thirah, in his brief address, expressed gratitude to the pioneers of the union and congratulated the organisation on completing 25 years. Informing that out of around 100 nurses in DHD, more than 80 are Ao nurses, he described them as the “pillars and backbone” of the hospital. He thanked the nurses on behalf of the department for their dedicated service and urged the union to continue guiding younger nurses by passing on the “golden rules” of the profession.
Earlier, invocation was offered by Rev. Ariba Imchen, welcome address by ANT DHD president, Pursangla I, while short speeches were delivered by DMC Councillor, R. Chubala, Nursing Superintendent (Retd.), J. Angangla, and Principal, School of Nursing DHD, Bendangsangla R. A jubilee song was presented by retired nurses, vote of thanks was delivered by Jubilee Planning Committee convener, Yarsangla, and benediction offered by Nursing Sister (Retd.), N. Sashila.
The jubilee celebration marked a significant milestone for Ao nurses, reaffirming their role as compassionate caregivers and pillars of healthcare in Nagaland.