Shimla: Department of Information and Public Relations Bids Farewell to APRO Basanti Thakur and Senior Assistant Tulsi Ram
Retirement Basanti Thakur and Senior Assistant Tulsi Ram
Shimla, March 29, 2025: The Department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) in Himachal Pradesh bid a heartfelt farewell to two of its long-serving employees, Basanti Thakur and Tulsi Ram, who retired after distinguished careers spanning several decades. A special function was organized at the Directorate in Shimla to honor their invaluable contributions to the department and the state.
Basanti Thakur, who served as an Assistant Public Relations Officer (APRO), dedicated nearly 39 years of her life to the department. Throughout her tenure, she worked in various capacities at both the headquarters and district offices, showcasing a strong work ethic and commitment to public service. Alongside her, Tulsi Ram, a Senior Assistant, also retired after 37 years of exemplary service in the department. His extensive experience and dedication to his role made him an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to the smooth functioning of the department.
The farewell ceremony was attended by key officials of the Department, including the Director of Information and Public Relations, Rajiv Kumar, who spoke highly of the retiring employees’ exemplary service. In his address, Director Rajiv Kumar praised the professionalism and dedication exhibited by both Basanti Thakur and Tulsi Ram during their careers. He noted that their contributions not only enhanced the efficiency of the department but also served as an inspiration to other employees.
“Basanti Thakur and Tulsi Ram have been pillars of strength within the Department of Information and Public Relations. Their dedication and hard work have set a high standard for all of us. Their retirement marks the end of an era, but their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants,” Rajiv Kumar said during the event.
The ceremony also saw the presence of Joint Directors Mahesh Pathania and Uttam Chand Koondel, along with other officers and employees of the department. The occasion was filled with warm reminiscences, with colleagues and well-wishers recalling their valuable contributions and the positive impact they had on the department over the years.
Basanti Thakur, visibly emotional, expressed her gratitude to the department for providing her with an opportunity to serve the state and the people of Himachal Pradesh. She acknowledged the support of her colleagues and mentors, which helped her grow professionally and personally. “It has been an honor to serve in the Department of Information and Public Relations for nearly four decades. I am proud to have been a part of this esteemed institution, and I will cherish the memories of my time here,” she said during her farewell speech.
Similarly, Tulsi Ram, who worked diligently for 37 years, also thanked the department for the support and camaraderie he experienced throughout his career. “The journey has been long, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the trust and encouragement I received from my colleagues and superiors,” he remarked.
Both retiring employees were presented with tokens of appreciation, including mementos and certificates of appreciation, as a mark of respect and gratitude for their years of dedicated service.
The retirement of Basanti Thakur and Tulsi Ram signifies the end of an era in the Department of Information and Public Relations, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and professionalism. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, the department remains grateful for their significant contributions to the state’s public relations landscape.
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