Completing his five-year eventful tenure, outgoing Nagaland governor PB Acharya left the state on Friday.
Appointed in August 2014, Acharya’s tenure ended on July 18.
Governor designate RN Ravi is scheduled to arrive in the state capital Kohima on July 31 and take charge on August 1.
Acharya was accorded a reverential farewell by the Nagaland government at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima on Thursday night.
In his last speech as the Nagaland governor, Acharya shared his experiences, concerns and counsel for the people of the state.
Recalling his first visit to Nagaland in 1967 and his association with the Nagas in the later years, including the last five years as the governor, Acharya said his knowledge enriched over the years.
On the acknowledgement of opening the gates of the Raj Bhavan to the people, he said it was not just the physical doors that were opened but he had also opened his heart to the people of Nagaland during his tenure.
He noted that the Nagas are among the most educated people in the country and appealed to all educated and “empowered” Nagas, who are working or settled outside the state, to return home and contribute and strengthen Nagaland with their knowledge and skills.
He said strengthening the society and the state should be the philosophy of every “empowered” Naga.
Acharya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term would continue to “look and act east” and the Nagas will not be left behind.
He added governor designate RN Ravi is someone who had done his job successfully as the interlocutor of Naga peace talks.
“I am sure, we will all enjoy his (Ravi) hard work,” he added.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and leader of Opposition T.R. Zeliang congratulated Acharya on successfully completing his tenure.
Rio said Avharya, as constitutional head of the state, completed an exemplary tenure.
He said Acharya had conducted himself in an impeccable manner and upheld the Constitution in an exemplary fashion when the state witnessed a few crises in the last few years.
Rio acknowledged his contributions in social service, education and humanity in the state.
He said the state has been enriched with his guidance and leadership during his tenure as the governor.
Rio said Acharya came as a friend of Naga people, won their hearts and now a leaving member of the Naga family.
Zeliang said the role played by Acharya in signing of the framework agreement on August 3, 2015 and another agreement with seven Naga national political groups in September 2017 had made him an integral part of the Naga society.
The Opposition leader said he strongly believed that Acharya would continue to support the Naga people for an amicable solution of the Naga problem wherever he is, in keeping his close association with all sections of Nagas and their cause.
“We will not forget your tireless efforts in encouraging the youths into entrepreneurship and your continuous support to the successive governments in maintaining peace and unity for development and progress of the state,” the Opposition leader said.
A host of legislators, bureaucrats and civil society leaders attended the event.