A farewell program in honor of the outgoing Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Dr J Alam, IAS, was held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima, on Thursday. The event was hosted by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his wife.
Speaking at the program, Chief Minister Rio thanked Dr Alam for what he described as “exemplary leadership” during his tenure as the state’s top bureaucrat.
Rio said Dr Alam served the people of Nagaland “with commitment and distinction,” particularly at a time when the State continues to face complex social and political challenges.
Describing Dr. Alam as “a man of cool nature, calm and full of wisdom,” Rio said he was able to “excel in every situation with amenable solutions.” The Chief Minister said that the complexities of Nagaland—from headhunting and war to insurgency, AFSPA, and the unresolved Naga Political Issue—require extraordinary judgment from any bureaucrat. “It is not easy for any officer to give justice or take decisions under such situational challenges, but Dr. Alam defied all odds during his stint,” he said.
Rio cited the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the establishment of the State’s first medical college, and the launch of the State Solar Mission as some of the key achievements under Dr Alam’s leadership. He also acknowledged the support of Alam’s wife throughout his service career.
In his farewell address, Dr J Alam thanked the Chief Minister and the State Government for the trust and responsibilities entrusted to him, especially during the last five and a half years as Chief Secretary.
Reflecting on his career, Alam recounted his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang in the late 1990s, a period marked by insurgency and personal risk. “That experience shaped me. Every other grave experience I faced after that felt lighter in comparison,” he said, noting that it taught him calmness and resilience in administration.
Addressing his colleagues, Dr. Alam said political leaders must place full trust in bureaucrats to ensure effective governance. “There must be complete trust and a spirit of working alongside one another,” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude to the people of Nagaland, saying he felt “like one of their own.” Calling his time in Nagaland one of the most enriching chapters of his life, Dr. Alam said it taught him the true meaning of leadership, teamwork, and public service.
“I leave Nagaland with the belief that her best years are ahead,” he said, citing the resilience of the Naga people, their rich culture, growing institutional capacity, and the visionary leadership of CM Rio. “My journey in Nagaland will continue—not in designation, but in spirit,” he added.
The programme concluded with a musical performance titled ”Nagaland as You’ll Remember” by the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA).