Dimapur, December 6 (MExN): The mortal remains of Late Er Z Tokishe Sema Director Information and Public Relations, Government of Nagaland were laid to rest at Chekiye Village cemetery after a the funeral service at his private residence in the village on December 6.
The funeral service was attended by people from all walks of life, honouring and celebrating his life.
Speaking on behalf of officers and staff, DIPR Nagaland Additional Director, IPR Dzuvinuo Theunuo expressed sadness on the passing away of Director, under treatment since May and said: “Today, we are grappling with the reality that our lively, vibrant and ever optimistic Director is no more. We feel bereft of the guidance and stewardship that he gave all of us, in all matters concerning the department. She further recalled how his response was always positive whenever “we got in touch with him” though his battle “with his sickness was hard and heavy.”
Describing late Director as a compassionate man, with an amiable and easy going nature, she lamented that his passing has left a vaccum, and offered condolences to his wife Kitoshi and the children, and other family members.
"It is a sincere prayer from the officers and staff that God will hold you in His embrace and offer solace to the loved ones at this difficult and painful time, to bear this irreplaceable loss," she conveyed.
Meanwhile, in a condolence message, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described late Tokishe as a proficient and competent officer under whose directorship the department saw lot of improvements in the right direction.
In his demise, the department and the State has lost a very promising officer and his contribution in all fields and he would be fondly remembered, he added, further conveying condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Government.
Nagaland Chief Secretary, J Alam also paid tribute to him as a “man of integrity, honest and God fearing man.” He was a fine gentleman and a man of conviction who always stood tall for the welfare of the people, he added, further conveying his condolences and prayers to the bereaved family.
“His demise is not only a loss to the State government, but to the press fraternity with whom he was closely associated with. His close association and support for the welfare of the press in the State will be always remembered,” the Nagaland Press Association (NPA) stated in a condolence message.
“The NPA deeply mourns the demise of Er Tokishe and convey our condolences to the family members. We also pray to Almighty to grant solace to the family members and eternal rest to the departed soul,” added the message issued by Dilip Sharma, General Secretary, NPA.
According to a DIPR report, during the funeral, short speeches honouring and celebrating the life of Late Tokishe were delivered from Sumi community HBS, Ghukhuyi Village, Ghukhuyi Village Union Dimapur, Kohima Sumi Officer Union,SOUN, SAVE Club, Kibami kin Union, Rotary club Kohima, Mount Olive College Daklane Kohima, Lower Bayavu youth society Kohima, Old Boys Association Sainik school Imphal, Sumi officers union Kohima and Dimapur, besides others. Messages were also delivered from family members.
Late Tokishe was born on November 27, 1968 and passed away on December 5, 2022.He was 54 and is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.
He did his schooling from Highland English School Satkha, till Class Vl and later at Sainik school Imphal. He graduated from Salem College of Engineering & Technology, Tamil Nadu as the BE (Electronics).
He joined DIPR as a Technical Executive on October 15, 1990 and rose through the ranks over the years and assumed the charge of the Director on November 18, 2020.
Among others, he served as President Rotary Club 2007-2008, 2017-2018); a Governing Board Member Mount Olive College, Kohima since 2019; Sumi Officer Union Kohima, President 2019-2020; Ghukhuyi Union Kohima, Banker/ Treasurer, 2016- 2020; Satakha Welfare Society-2012 till date; High School/Bayavu/Sefozou Sumi Community Banker- 2018 till date; and Founder President Kibami Welfare Society Kohima 2012-2018.
More condolences pour in
Meanwhile, more condolences poured in today for late Tokishe.
G Kaito Aye: The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation Nagaland G Kaito Aye in his condolences described late Tokishe as a sincere and humble gentleman as well as on honest officer who contributed tremendously towards the growth of the department.
In his demise the Government has lost a diligent officer and the void created will be hard to fill, he said, further calling late Tokishe as a dear brother and a friend and personally mourning the demise. “May his memories live on forever. I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray that God will grant you comfort in this hour of grief and sorrow,” he added.
Tovihoto Ayemi: MLA & Advisor Power, Government of Nagaland Tovihoto Ayemi also paid tribute to late Tokishe as an efficient bureaucrat who played pivotal role in uplifting the Department of IPR. He was active in the society as well and contributed towards the welfare and progress of the society and the Nagas have lost a dynamic bureaucrat who had so much more to contribute towards the society and created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, he said.
“I convey my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family, and my family members join me in praying to the Almighty to grant eternal rest to the departed soul, he added.
Sümi Hoho: The Sümi Hoho described late Tokishe as “sincere and a dedicated officer and a God fearing man” and said that his demise is a big loss for the Sumi people in particular and the Nagas in general. 'We pray that the Almighty God grant solace to the bereaved family and pray that the departed soul rest in eternal peace,' stated a condolence message issued by the Sümi Hoho President, I Nikheto Jimomi and General Secretary, Dr Vihuto Asumi.
KSOK: The Kohima Sümi Officers' Küqhakulu (Kohima Sumi Officers' Union) also expressed shock over the demise and remembered him fondly with gratitude for his exemplary service and leadership in the union. He was the Advisor of the KSOK till November 29 and was a bonafide member till he breathed his last, the KSOK said.
“His humility, reliability, efficiency, faith in God and a rare blend of traditional values and modem outlook has one him the hearts of his friends and associates,” stated a condolence note from issued by KSOK President Warren Holohon Yepthomi. He further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayer on behalf of the KSOK.
