Shillong, Nov 4: The tourism industry in the Northeast has lost an energiser of the sector with the passing away of tourism activist Zoliana Chhakchhuak (67).
The president of the North East India Tourism Confederation (NEITCO), EB Blah, while speaking at the funeral service held at his residence in the city, remembered the contribution of Zoliana who passed away due to multiple health complications on October 31, in Apollo International Hospital Guwahati.
Blah said Zoliana had proven over the years of his association with him, that he was a man full of ideas and had in-depth knowledge about each state of the region. ” He has given so many implementable ideas and suggestions which are invaluable” he said. As the joint secretary of NEITCO, Zoliana was his main support in any discussions with the state governments or central government entities for planning improved tourism facilities, he said.
He believed that nature based tourism could offer sustainable employment for the youth of the region. He did not shy away from criticising in many official meetings and forums, the government policies which were often found lacking in the understanding of the needs and potentials of the region.
Blah hailed him as the “Father of Tourism in North East India” for his untiring research support and advice to tour operators in the region. All of this he did voluntarily.
Zoliana had joined the State Bank of India in 1987. After he left it in 2009 he became a tourism promoter.
Another tourism operator, Vanlalliana, president of the Mizoram Aero Sports Association (MASA), highlighted that Zoliana was the main initiator of paragliding sports in Mizoram. It was through his hard work and vision that the state had grown into a recognised hub in the annual paragliding calendar. Zoliana was the Vice president of the MASA. He was also the advisor of Tour Operators Mizoram. His writing and drafting skills, understanding of the sector and the region made him an invaluable expert. His passing away has left a huge vaccum, he said. As a person he was jolly and an undying optimist.
Several organisations among them being the North East India Tour Operators (NEITO), Tour Operators Association of Assam ( TOAA), Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF), Tour Operators Meghalaya, laid wreaths and paid their tributes to Zoliana.
The SBI SC/ST Employees Welfare Association ( SEWA) Shillong Regional Council also recognised his contribution to the workers’ rights within the SBI where he had worked previously.
The Chief Executive Member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Pyniaid Sing Syiem sent his condolences to the family of the deceased.
After the service, he was laid to rest at the Mizo Cemetery Nongrah.
He is survived by his wife, Zoramvuli and three children.
