Supongmeren graces Nagaland Directorate Ministerial Service Association golden jubilee

Nagaland Directorate Ministerial Service Association (NDMSA) celebrated its Golden Jubilee at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, on November 18 under the theme “Serve and Progress,” commemorating five decades of dedicated service to the state. Lok Sabha MP, S. Supongmeren Jamir, graced the occasion as the special guest and called for renewed commitment to public service and good governance.
Supongmeren, reflecting on his long-standing association with the Directorate staff since 1989, shared how their support during his early career helped him navigate administrative challenges and build a foundation for leadership. “With the support of the people, today I am a Member of Parliament to carry out the responsibilities of the people, for the people,” he said.
Emphasizing his 40-year association with NDMSA, Jamir acknowledged the contributions and sincere service of its members over the past five decades. He urged them to serve with humanity, uphold the rule of law, and remain committed to the principles of good governance. “Good governance begins at your table,” he reminded, describing Directorate employees as the backbone of the state government—responsible for shaping departmental policies, procedures, and administrative frameworks.
He also lauded the Directorate staff for their potential to bring transformative change, stating, “Our table is the sanctity of change for the state and its people. By the virtue of our service, reward and promotion follow.” He encouraged NDMSA members to serve with determination and adopt new dimensions of leadership to carry the state forward.
To mark the occasion, Supongmeren released the NDMSA Jubilee Souvenir and virtually unveiled the Golden Jubilee Monolith of the Association.
NDMSA president T. Bendangsenla, in her presidential address, paid tribute to the visionary founders and pioneers who established the association in 1975 to unify voices across departments and advocate for member welfare. She highlighted that NDMSA is one of the oldest and first state-registered associations officially recognized by the Government of Nagaland, beginning with 32 directorates and now comprising 57, with a sanctioned strength of approximately 1500 members.
Bendangsenla recalled key challenges faced by the association, including the ‘no-work, no-pay’ policy imposed in 1994 and the implementation of the Nagaland Mass Retirement Act in 2007, which led to premature retirements. She also outlined major achievements such as the upgradation of Office Superintendent posts, creation of Registrar and Administrative Officer posts, amendment of NPMSA Service Rules 2006, adoption of the NDMSA Constitution 2016, and the allotment of land for the NDMSA building.
She urged members to continue improving their work culture by serving with dedication, integrity, and sincerity, and to live up to their reputation as the backbone of the departments. “Let us continue serving the government with unwavering loyalty and become the cynosure of every eye,” she said.
Founding member Medoselhou Keretsu congratulated the association on reaching the milestone and shared memories of its formative years. He recounted how informal coordination among directorates led to the formation of NDMSA and praised the dedication of past and present members. He urged the current generation to be torchbearers for the future, recalling moments of struggle and perseverance with pride and gratitude.
The programme featured a welcome address by Planning Committee convenor Botovi Sema and vote of thanks by co-convenor M. Renthungo Tungoe. Invocation and benediction were pronounced by pastor Zakiebeituo Metha and associate pastor Temsuinla Jingru respectively. Special songs were presented by Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill Kohima, Keziah Semy and Aosunep Jamir. A one-minute silence was observed in honour of the founding members.