Kohima, Dec. 15: Department of Land Resources has celebrated advent Christmas in the premises of the Directorate with Asangla Phom as speaker this evening.
Bringing Christmas message, Asangla said the central message of Christmas means ‘Joy to the world’ from heaven which cannot be compared with anything on earth.
The members present were also asked to ponder as to what Christmas means to each one and what does each person understand by Christmas.
Delivering in brief the birth of Jesus Christ, she said no human birth on this earth can complete the joy, except through the birth of Christ- ‘peace between God and man’ and its relation from man to man.
As Jesus Christ came to this world to help men live in peace and love, she said it is imperative to relate his birth and his life through one’s lives.
With the world moving at a fast pace where people have become so busy, Phom maintained that many times people failed to reaffirm their spiritual life. Hence, she said this Christmas season is the best time to renew and reaffirm one’s spiritual life and live accordingly spreading love and peace.
In hid greetings, Secretary, LRD, Y Kikheto Sema said this is the perfect time to forgive each other and renew oneself spiritually and mentally for a new life.Stating that Naga society is suffering from mental sickness due to its unforgiving nature, he said until and unless one forgive and forget this mental sickness will never be cured.
Sema also maintained that it is time to look within oneself before one starts judging others. He also urged all to celebrate Christmas meaningfully by spreading love and happiness.
An offering was also made to donate it to the poor patients in Naga Hospital Kohima. Gifts were also presented to the drivers, sweepers, peons and malis.
The gathering was enthralled with special numbers presented by Topeni and Imli.
The programme was chaired by APO Mokokchung, Dr Sashiyangba while Director LRD, Hoto Yeptho invoked God’s blessing and benediction offered by Deputy Director, LRD Neikedosie Kehie.
The formal programme was followed by a bonfire and Christmas dinner.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Rural Development Service Association (NRDSA) celebrated its silver jubilee in the conference hall of Rural Development on December 15 with the minister for Rural Development & REPA, CL John, as the chief guest and the Secretary of Rural Development, Kelei Zeliang, as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, CL John urged the members to introspect on how much the department had done for the society. The chief guest also reminded the gathering on the roles of legislature, executive and judiciary for the welfare of the public.
John strongly advocated that one should not indulge in the evil practices but work hard for the welfare of the public. He said one should work hard with honesty and contribute to its office honestly and dedicatedly.
The minister also released the jubilee souvenir and laid the foundation stone of NRDSA jubilee building.
Stating that the main focus of the department is poverty alleviation, Kelei Zeliang, Secretary of Rural Development, said the department is playing the most important role in the State amongst the existing eighty departments.
Covering 1238 villages across the State to enhance rural economy, Zeliang expressed optimism that BPL families status would be eliminated in few years if the department officials perform their work sincerely.
On the occasion, he asked the department officials and staff to improve in its working system by dispensing justice to the public at the grassroot level.
While maintaining that the State is not lagging behind compared to other states in the mainland, Zeliang, however, lamented the casual attitude of most people. He has sought certain amount of sincerity and dedication from every government employee.
Short speeches were also delivered by Retired Additional Director Hilo Semp; Thungdeno Mozhui on behalf of DRDAs; K Yamao Konyak on behalf of the blocks and Additional Director, RD Imlimeren.
The programme chaired by general secretary, N Kupto Achumi commenced with NBCC general secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho invoking God’s blessings.
Special numbers were presented by Menguse-ü Sekhose and Coloured Keys.
