A farewell programme in honour of the outgoing State Chief Secretary, CJ Ponraj, was held at the Secretariat Plaza, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on February 27.
The outgoing Chief Secretary, CJ Ponraj, in his speech, said he was equally happy and sad as many have spoken good things about him which he felt did not deserve. Ponraj said he was overwhelmed for the love and care shown in honour of him. He also expressed his gratitude to Almighty God for bestowing him abundant blessings throughout his life, be in social, family or spiritual life. He went on to say that truth and honesty could be a powerful message of which one should leave as a legacy for others to emulate.
CJ Ponraj also expressed his appreciation to his seniors with whom he was deeply associated during his illustrious career as a civil servant like Obed, Vinod Kumar, RS Pandey, TCK Lotha, P Talitemjen, Alemtemshi Jamir and Banuo Z Jamir etc.
Stating that he was fond of working with the NCS officers, he expressed his sincere thanks for their cooperation during his tenure. He rued his inability to work out an atmosphere of professional ambiance for NCS. He was happy to recollect his days as district administrator where he also mentioned his seniors and colleagues Toshi, Khulu, Khekiye etc saying there was all competitive spirit amongst themselves.
He also stated that he has the privilege of working with the local professionals from which he really enjoyed and benefitted a lot by working with them. He also expressed his appreciation that the state has high quality of engineering wing. Ponraj said he was impressed to see the organisational skill, leadership skill, highly motivated youth of Nagas during his career as an IAS officer in Nagaland,. He also expressed his fascination working at the grassroot level where he spent much of his service career.
On the agricultural sector, he lauded the agriculture department as horticulture is now visible during the last 5 years. He asked the department to explore new and innovative ideas by identifying the pockets where it could be extended.
He thanked the senior officers for organizing the programme in a successful manner. He said he was touched by the words spoken by various organisations and affectionate shown to him and his family members.
Additional Chief Secretary & Home Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar, while speaking on behalf of the government, said the outgoing Chief Secretary has served in different capacities in different districts. He however said the Chief Secretary had spent a significant period of time in the departments of Law & Justice and P&AR who brought a radical change in the departments during his stint. He described him as an honest sincere, kind and excellent mentor.
Farewell speeches were also delivered by the representatives from IAS Association, NCS Association, NSS Association, IPS Association, NPS Association, IFS Association, Directorates, on behalf of District Administration and Grade-IV Association.
Commissioner Excise & Taxes, Moangwati Aier, and DGP Nagaland, LL Doungel also spoke on the occasion. The function was chaired by Principal Secretary & Finance Commissioner, Temjen Toy, who also delivered the welcome address. A special number was also presented by lady NCS Officers.
The Khiamniungan tribe from Tuensang district presented folk song and dance as a sign of their love and appreciation to the outgoing Chief Secretary.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026