Dimapur, Dec. 11: Nagaland unit of Indian Mountain Initiative (IMI) organised a condolence meeting in memory of Dr. RS Tolia, IMI founding president, who passed away on December 6, at the residence of Alemtemshi Jamir, State IMI president on December 10. A moment of silence prayer was observed in paying homage to late Tolia.
Speaking at the meeting, Jamir recalled his association with late Tolia, who could hold the mountains of India together. He said Sustainable Development Forum Nagaland (SDFN) was fortunate to be part of IMI.
He said SDFN has a bigger responsibility to play to move forward the agenda of the mountain people and to keep alive his dreams. He exhorted the members to carry on the good works that RS Tilia had started.
In a condolence message to the bereaved family members, Alemtemshi Jamir said, ‘today, the mountain people mourn with you but at the same time we celebrate the extraordinary life of this remarkable “mountain of a man” who devoted his life to furthering the cause of mountain people and making the people of India proud of our mountains.’ He added that the passion, energy, vision, courage and sagacity, amongst many others, were the traits late Tolia showed in all he did. Further, he conveyed that his energy and life-long dedication to improve the lives and livelihoods of mountain people will continue to inspire generations of young mountain people in India and around the world.
Amba Jamir, founder executive secretary of SDFN, described him as a humble person whose enthusiasm was very contagious. He also urged the gathering to reaffirm reaching out and do greater things.
Among those present were Commissioner and Secretary, Menukhol John; Professor Manoj Pant, Dean of School of International Studies, JNU; and other members of SDFN.