DIMAPUR: The Department of Social Welfare accorded a warm farewell to its retiring director, Tosheli Zhimomi, at a programme held at Highland Park, Kohima, on October 31, marking the culmination of her 35 years of service.
Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak, lauded Zhimomi for her dedicated service, exemplary leadership and valuable contributions to the department. He said her approach to public service was characterised by professionalism, kindness, compassion and motherly concern for colleagues, leaving behind a legacy of service and inspiration.
Social Welfare secretary Limawabang Jamir acknowledged her mentorship and said her guidance and wisdom were qualities that could not be acquired from training manuals. He appreciated her ability to nurture, guide and inspire officers and staff, adding that her experience had made a lasting impact on the department. He also described her as a staunch defender of the department.
In his memoir speech, deputy speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, S. Toiho Yeptho, husband of the outgoing director, expressed pride in her dedication, hard work and commitment in balancing professional and family responsibilities. He described her retirement as a blessed milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Representatives of district offices, service associations and various missions under the department also paid tributes to Zhimomi, commending her ability to steer the department through the demanding responsibilities of public administration with grace and patience. They said she had nurtured not merely a department but a family, adding that her absence as a guiding force would be deeply felt.
Reflecting on her 35-year career, Zhimomi expressed gratitude to the chief minister, advisor for Social Welfare, present and former secretaries, officers and staff at the directorate and district levels, colleagues and family members for their continued support and cooperation.
Recalling her professional journey, she expressed pride in having visited all 17 districts of Nagaland and being associated with various departmental initiatives and schemes. She said the department’s achievements were the outcome of collective cooperation, dedication and teamwork, and urged officers and staff to uphold the same spirit.
She also expressed happiness over the completion and recent inauguration of the amphitheatre at Highland Park, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream. She urged the officers and staff to continue working together for the growth and advancement of the department.
Incoming director T. Aoakhum Longchar said the memories created during her tenure and her valuable contributions would be remembered with respect and appreciation. He wished her a healthy, peaceful and fulfilling retired life.
The programme was chaired by joint director Imkongzenla, while superintendent Rukuvoto Ringa offered the invocation. Deputy director K. Wango Langsym presented Zhimomi’s service profile, and joint director T. Neingusalie proposed the vote of thanks.
