Glorious homecoming for new IAS Armstrong Pame

From Daniel Kamei

TAMENGLONG, June 7 : In a rare reception programme, the newly appointed IAS, AZ Armstrong Pame, belonging to the Zeme sub-tribe of Zeliangrong today received a warm welcome at a function organized by Zeme Naga Council (Manipur) this afternoon at Haipou Jaduuanang Park, Tamenglong district HQ, around half a kilometer away from his residence. This was his first visit home after his appointment in IAS.

A young AZ Armstrong Pame, 25, was welcomed with slogans and songs while he marched home. Hundreds of Zemes including public leaders and well wishers of Armstrong attended the reception programme.

Addressing the public gathering at the park, AZ Armstrong Pame said that reading knowledge is full but the practical cannot be successful without public support and good advice. “If God who gives life permits me, I will be working in the secretariat in Manipur state or on Indian level. I will be able to work only with people’s cooperation and good advice,” he said.

Recalling his professor’s advice Armstrong said, “Armstrong you are the brightest student among your batch. Do not think of working only for your tribe or Nagas but shine and work for India too.”

In the meantime, while interacting with IFP Armstrong said that being from a poor background he knew and understood the problems faced by remote hilly people. He said he would like to focus with sincerity on full implementation of government funds and schemes available for the poor people with full cooperation from the public.

Education is very important and he would focus on development of child and youth empowerment through giving worthy education. He would also like to change the law and order situation in Manipur, he said.

“I would like my people to live securely wherever they like. This can be achieved only through public support,” he said.

For the youth he would like to provide employment opportunities, he added.

Regarding the high corruption in Manipur, he said he would like to erase it from the state. “Government alone cannot remove corruption but need the people,” he said.

To remove the practice of corruption we have to choose public servants and social workers down to the level of village authority.

They all have to be a man and women of integrity, he said.

Further, they must be faithful and trustworthy and able to think beyond self sufficiency. In order to remove corruption, he would also deal with various organizations that work for the betterment of the society, he said.

To the school children he said he would like to advise to dare to dream. He said, “No great thing on earth has ever been achieved without taking risk. I risked my career after my graduation by giving myself fully not less than 100 percent.” According to Armstrong it is not the wealth of parents position which helps you but your own labour in life. “You have to create for your own life, and put your trust in God,” he said.

In an interaction, Armstrong’s old principal, DP Panmei said that Armstrong was very clever from his childhood days and he even got double promotion in a year.

In the meantime, the Zeme Naga Council (Manipur) has thanked all the supporters of Armstrong. D Apung, president of the council, said that Armstrong was an example for the young generation.