A farewell programme in honour of the outgoing Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam, IAS was held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on 31 July 2025.
The outgoing Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam, IAS while delivering his farewell speech expressed deep gratitude and said that the event is a celebration of shared remembrance, professional camaraderie and heartfelt celebration of his journey in public service. Alam also noted that Nagaland has been his home, a calling and an enduring inspiration through his service. He added that the state's terrain, culture and most importantly the people have profoundly shaped him both as civil servant and as an individual.
Alam, reflecting on his journey after he assumed charge as the Chief Secretary of Nagaland on 29th January 2021, said he knew he was stepping into a role that demanded administrative acumen and deep sensitivity. He recalled many defining moments of the past few years whether it was steering the State through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic or shaping roadmaps for climate resilience, agricultural transformation and digital governance, and remarked that each challenge brought with it, its own lessons and each success carried quiet but meaningful rewards with many milestones being achieved as a result of shared dedication and collective effort.
Dr. Alam emphasised that his legacy isn't about the numbers of files signed or meetings conducted but it's about how lasting and positive change he brought to the state. He further expressed confidence that his successors will continue to work towards Nagaland's prosperity. He also encouraged all the government officials to remain inspired and continue to provide unwavering and true service to the people of Nagaland. He also reminded the officers that public service is about remaining firm in the face of adversity, calm in crisis, and gracious even when unseen.
Dr. Alam also acknowledged the media fraternity for their invaluable role in shaping public understanding and fostering a positive contribution towards a prosperous society.
Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, and incoming Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen IAS, on behalf of the State Government, spoke on the occasion. As a batch mate officer of the outgoing Chief Secretary, Imchen began his address by sharing personal experiences he had with him from their time together as young officers at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie to now serving the State Government in their respective capacities.
He also gave a brief summary of his service tenure in Nagaland, and adding on the achievements of the outgoing Chief Secretary, he emphasised his role in taking measures that led to significant changes in the state administration and bringing about changes in the lives of the citizens of Nagaland namely in settling and sanctioning of pension papers before the date of retirement for the government employees, conceptualising and launching the Nagaland Solar Mission and Nagaland Skill Mission to capitalise on the potential of the state and equipping the youth with the right skillset respectively.
Imchen also extended his appreciation to his lady wife for her continued support and patience throughout his service life.
He ended his address by stating that although Dr. J. Alam has held several pivotal positions in the State and Central Government, it is in his role as the Chief Secretary of Nagaland that his leadership has shone the brightest and hopes that he continues to come across opportunities to serve the nation.
Principal Secretary, Y. Kikheto Sema. IAS chairing the event remarked that Dr J Alam was a responsible administrator who functioned with admirable clarity and order. He added that his systematic way of working was always prompt, always responsive; never leaving a file unattended or a task incomplete was truly commendable.
Sema said that Alam is one of the luckiest Chief Secretaries because throughout his tenure of nearly five years there were no major upheavals or disruptive events. Sema pointed out that it was not merely a matter of fortune but a reflection of his foresight and steady leadership.
Short speeches were also delivered by IAS Association, IPS Association, IFS Association, NCS Association, NPS Association, NSS Association, CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSSA and Grade IV Association (Secretariat), Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma, IPS and Assistant Chief Engineer CAWD, Er Sungtiba Amer also delivered short speeches during the program.
Home Commissioner, Anoop Khinchi, IAS pronounced the vote of thanks while State Chaplain, Rev. Izieteilung Tering invoked blessing for the event and NCSA band presented a special song. AHODs & HODs, senior officials from various departments, family members and well wishers attended the program.
Dr. J. Alam joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1991 after securing All India 12th Rank and was allotted to the Nagaland State Cadre. In the 1990s, he held roles in the administrative landscape by serving in Phek and Mon districts at the sub-divisional level and as Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang District for approximately three years. At the State Government level, Dr. Alam has served as Additional Secretary Finance and subsequently as Secretary, overseeing the Department of Industries, Commerce & Sericulture.
In 2003, Dr. Alam went on deputation to the Central Government, serving as the Zonal Head in the Directorate General of Foreign Trade for approximately a year. He then served as the Private Secretary to a senior Cabinet Minister in charge of Fertilizers, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Steel.
On returning to the state of Nagaland in 2010, Dr. Alam worked as the Home Commissioner as well as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). From April 2013 onwards, he served in the Central Government as Joint Secretary in the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Between August 2016 and February 2020, he served as Joint Secretary and later as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, focusing on matters related to the socio-economic development of the six religious minority communities in India. During this period, he managed affairs related with Haj pilgrimage, which had been newly transferred from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA).
Upon his return to Nagaland in February 2020, Dr. Alam assumed the position of Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and as Development Commissioner of Nagaland. He assumed the position of Chief Secretary, Nagaland in January 2021
(Thungbeni APRO & Esuihangle IA)
