Dr Lokho recounts life struggles, vows to serve diligently
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, July 10 2021:
In recognition of his remarkable contribution and exemplary service to the government, Kalinamei villagers on Saturday felicitated former PCCF/Climate Change & FCA, Manipur Dr Lokho Puni, who has been appointed as member of MPSC recently.
Speaking at the felicitation programme held at Kalinamei community hall, Dr Lokho Puni recounted that he grew up in a very poor family that could not afford two square meals in a day and did not event have money to buy pair of notebooks; even then he was always willing to go to school during his childhood days.
The retired IFS officer felt blessed through his retirement.
Lokho Puni had reportedly served as government servant for 32 years after he joined service in 1989.He said that he got appointed as an MPSC member courtesy of the state government led by chief minister N Biren Singh.
Puni then sought cooperation from all as he had been given greater responsibility as an MPSC member.
Dr Lokho Puni also assured to assist the villagers with regard to promotion and preservation of forest in future.
Born on January 26, 1963, Dr Lokho Puni was inducted into Indian Forest Service (1989 batch) from Manipur-Tripura cadre.
He had earlier served as PCCF/CC & FCA, member secretary MBB State Mission Director (National Bamboo Mission) in the state forest department; APCCF/Biodiversity and NTFP, APCCF/Working Plan/Res.
& Training; member secretary Manipur Biodiversity Board; CCF/Development, CCF/OSD, Forest Research & Training in the state forest department.
He had reportedly attended 24 important trainings/workshops and exposure visits during his active service and published 29 papers and projects completed in his life to date.
Dr Lokho Puni is said to be the third person from Mao community to be member of MPSC.
Mao Council president SD Daiho Mao called the event a happy day to come together and celebrate the success story of the community.
Mao Council also had planned to organise similar programme but was delayed due to the pandemic-induced lockdown.
Quoting a saying "To live a righteous life," the Mao Council president said that the achievement of 'the great leader' must have been a blessing from his forefathers' lives in the past and asked all to live a righteous life fearing God, adding, "Let the life of Dr Puni be a blessing to all in the service of humanity".
Mao Naga Women's Welfare Association president A Onia, in her message, stated that the women association had been waiting for such a moment to express their profound happiness.
She thanked God for the life of Dr Puni and expressed admiration for Dr Puni's wife for being a pillar of support in the journey of her husband.
Mao Students' Union president Marikho O'Leriina, quoting "Great thinkers don't set out to be leaders, they set out to make a difference; they are not born but they are made," thanked God for all the great personalities from Mao community and prayed that they would be blessed in future as well.
Marikho also called the life of Dr Puni as an inspiration to student community.
The life of Dr Puni is a testimony of hard work, perseverance and dedication that made him recognised by the people and government and therefore duly rewarded.
Lohrii Thomas, catechist Christ the King Catholic Church, Mao Gate, blessed the newly elected member of MPSC.
CSO leaders of Mao community and village leaders attended the programme.