RONO HILLS, Mar 24: The Rajiv Gandhi University administration organized a farewell function in honour of Prof Tomo Riba, former Professor of the Department of Geography, and former Registrar and Controller of Examinations, recognising his immense contributions to the university and the broader educational landscape of the State.
The highlight of the event was the farewell address delivered by Prof Riba himself. Reminiscing about his early days at RGU, he reflected on the university’s evolution - from mapping the hilly terrain to the development of roads, hostels, departments, and transportation facilities. He fondly remembered colleagues who are no longer with us and urged the fraternity to prioritise health and well-being.
Dr N T Rikam, Registrar RGU, lauded Prof Riba’s unwavering commitment and exemplary service to the institution.
Nich Bapu, Section Officer, shared his experiences of working closely with Prof Riba, especially recalling their travels to various places on behalf of the university, which he described as enriching and memorable moments of learning and camaraderie.
Sharing his experiences, Dr David Pertin, Jt Registrar, fondly recalled his journey from being a student under Prof Riba to later working alongside him as a colleague, highlighting the profound influence he had both inside and beyond the classroom.
Solung Sonam, Dy Registrar, also reflected on their shared journey, expressing deep gratitude for Prof Riba’s mentorship and guidance over the years.
Dr Vijay Raji, Controller of Examinations, shared heartfelt reflections, expressing how privileged he and many others felt to have worked during Prof Riba’s tenure.
Addressing the gathering, Finance Officer Otem Padung described Prof Riba as an epitome of humanity and excellence, emphasizing his integrity, humility, and dedication to service.
In his concluding remarks, VC Prof S K Nayak shared insights from his 25-year-long association with Prof Riba, acknowledging his invaluable contributions and wishing him a fulfilling and joyful post-retirement life.
Moyir Riba, Asstt Professor (Dept of Education), highlighted a lesser-known yet significant contribution of Prof Riba, authoring the university anthem. She shared a touching anecdote of a visitor who was deeply moved by the anthem, describing it as a goosebumps-inducing experience.