Nagaland’s healthcare infrastructure received a major boost with the distribution of four Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances under the IDAN–Toyota Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, flagged off by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton on Thursday at Zone Niathu by the Park. The asset handing over ceremony marked the culmination of a structured CSR partnership between Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. and the Government of Nagaland, facilitated by the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare services and improving educational infrastructure across selected districts.
Rio, Patton hail corporate partnership as major boost to healthcare, education
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio commended Toyota Kirloskar Motor and the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) for expanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the state, particularly in the crucial sectors of health and education, describing the partnership as a major boost to inclusive development and public welfare. He said such initiatives play a vital role in addressing developmental gaps and improving service delivery, especially in underserved areas.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Toyota Kirloskar Motor, represented by Executive Vice President Vikram Kirloskar and his team, for their sustained commitment to Nagaland. He also acknowledged IDAN, under the leadership of Chairman Abu Mehta, for facilitating meaningful collaborations between corporate organizations and the state government to drive development programmes.
Rio noted that Toyota’s engagement in the state has created visible impact across multiple sectors, including youth development, sports promotion, and infrastructure support. He also recalled the company’s consistent participation in the Hornbill Festival, where Toyota has provided vehicles for visiting dignitaries, describing the gesture as a symbol of goodwill and enduring partnership.
Highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Nagaland and Japan, Rio said people-to-people exchanges between the two regions continue to grow. He pointed out that the introduction of Japanese language education at Nagaland University, supported by the Japanese government, has opened employment opportunities for Naga youth in Japanese industries.
The Chief Minister also recalled collaborative initiatives under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including the establishment of the Kohima Peace Memorial and the adjoining Eco Park, developed in honour of soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. He described these as enduring symbols of peace and friendship between India and Japan.
Praising Toyota’s CSR support in health and education, Rio reiterated that the two sectors remain the government’s top developmental priorities, emphasising that sustainable progress depends on a healthy and educated population.
He highlighted the state’s educational achievements, noting that Nagaland’s literacy rate has grown from 22 per cent at the time of statehood in 1963 to nearly 96 per cent today — among the highest in the country. However, he acknowledged that quality healthcare and education infrastructure remain largely concentrated in urban centres.
Rio stressed the urgent need to expand these services to remote and interior regions, expressing hope that CSR partnerships would help strengthen last-mile connectivity and bridge developmental disparities.
The Chief Minister urged departments receiving assets under the CSR initiative to ensure proper utilisation, maintenance, and accountability. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s culture of discipline and cleanliness, he encouraged institutions and communities to adopt similar practices to enhance civic responsibility and public standards.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton underscored the importance of strengthening healthcare services and improving educational infrastructure across Nagaland, while lauding the collaborative CSR initiative undertaken by Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited in partnership with the state government through the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).
Speaking on the occasion, Patton described the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing public service delivery. He appreciated Toyota Kirloskar Motor for partnering with the Government of Nagaland under the corporate social responsibility initiatives inspired by the leadership of the Chief Minister, stating that the project provides practical support that directly benefits the people of the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister also placed on record his appreciation to IDAN and its Chairman, Abu Mehta, for providing leadership, direction and coordination in executing the project. He noted that IDAN has played a proactive role in building partnerships that translate into tangible outcomes on the ground, adding that the initiative stands out for its clear planning and disciplined execution.
Patton informed that the project covers six districts—Kohima, Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Peren and Phek—focusing on strengthening essential healthcare infrastructure and improving educational facilities in selected institutions. Under the healthcare component, advanced life support systems and equipment have been provided to four healthcare centres, along with critical medical and non-medical equipment distributed across eleven health institutions.
Highlighting the education component, he stated that two primary schools have been selected as pilot institutions and provided with furniture, sports equipment and kitchen-related items aimed at improving the overall learning environment for students.
Emphasising the importance of responsible utilisation, Patton said that the assets being handed over are public assets meant for daily service and not for occasional or symbolic use. He urged beneficiary departments and institutions to ensure efficient and judicious use of the equipment and facilities, stressing the need for proper maintenance to ensure long-term functionality and effectiveness.
The Deputy Chief Minister further highlighted the significance of collaboration among Toyota, IDAN and the concerned line departments, noting that the project reflects strong coordination from planning to execution. He acknowledged that several districts and institutions in the state still require similar support, particularly in remote areas where access to healthcare and educational infrastructure remains a challenge.
Toyota reaffirms commitment to Nagaland
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Executive Vice President and Country Head, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Vikram Gulati, reaffirmed the company’s deepening engagement with Nagaland, highlighting its growing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, skill development programmes and community partnerships in the state.
Speaking during the IDAN–Toyota CSR initiative asset handing over ceremony, Gulati expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, members of the state cabinet and senior government officials for their continued support and encouragement. He also conveyed special appreciation to Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) Chairman Abu Mehta for his constant support, facilitation and leadership in strengthening the partnership between Toyota and the state government.
Gulati remarked that Nagaland holds a special place in Toyota’s CSR outreach outside its home state of Karnataka. He stated that while the company initially focused its CSR activities within its home state, it has in recent years expanded its footprint across other parts of the country, with Nagaland emerging as one of the states witnessing significant involvement. He attributed this to the proactive support of the state government and the personal involvement of the Chief Minister, along with the cooperation extended by IDAN.
Tracing Toyota’s journey in Nagaland, Gulati said the company began its operations in the state in 2013 with a single dealership in Dimapur, acknowledging the role of local partner Vikeshe, who has been associated with Toyota since its entry into the state. He said that the dealership operations currently provide employment to around 180 individuals, indirectly supporting the livelihood of approximately 720 people. He further highlighted the high employee retention rate in the dealership network, crediting it to the commitment towards Toyota’s core philosophy of caring for people.
Gulati informed that Toyota has gradually expanded its presence in the state with the establishment of five sales and service facilities, including two in Dimapur, two in Kohima and a recently added facility in Mokokchung, thereby strengthening customer accessibility and service outreach.
Highlighting Toyota’s focus on youth empowerment and skill development, Gulati elaborated on the Toyota Technical Education Programme (T-TEP), which was introduced in Nagaland in 2022. He stated that the programme aims to equip rural youth with industry-level technical skills and enhance their employability. He added that the initiative not only provides world-class technical training but also offers employment opportunities through Toyota’s dealership network, with several trained candidates already being absorbed into jobs.
Gulati also emphasized Toyota’s efforts to connect with the cultural and social fabric of Nagaland. He said the company has been associated with the globally recognized Hornbill Music Festival since 2022, describing the experience as a matter of pride and learning. He mentioned that Toyota’s participation has included the introduction of “Toyota Town,” which showcases elements of Japanese culture and adds value to the festival. He further informed that with the encouragement of the Government of Nagaland, Toyota has committed to continue as a sponsor of the Hornbill Festival for the next five years.
He stated that Toyota’s engagement in Nagaland extends beyond business operations and aims to contribute to the broader community. Gulati highlighted the company’s involvement in supporting sporting events such as the Nagaland Super League and Mokokchung Football League, as well as cultural and social initiatives including the Moatsü Festival, Women’s Bazaar and Influencer Summit. He said these initiatives reflect Toyota’s commitment to engaging with youth, women and the wider community while contributing to the state’s socio-economic growth.
Toyota CSR Initiative fast-tracked within months: Abu Metha
Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha highlighted the swift execution and transparent implementation of the IDAN–Toyota CSR initiative, stating that the project stands as a benchmark for collaboration between the corporate sector and the Government of Nagaland in strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure across the state.
Delivering his address during the asset handing over ceremony, Metha expressed gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, ministers, advisors and MLAs present at the event, while also acknowledging the consistent support extended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues in promoting corporate collaborations aimed at public welfare.
Extending a special welcome to the Toyota Kirloskar Motor team led by Executive Vice President Vikram Gulati and his colleague Debanjan, Metha acknowledged their extensive efforts in ensuring the successful implementation of the CSR initiative. He stated that the project was conceptualised during Chief Minister Rio’s visit to Bengaluru late last year, when he interacted with the Toyota leadership, which subsequently led to the formulation of the initiative.
Metha informed that following the Chief Minister’s visit, Toyota’s CSR team visited Nagaland, conducted field visits to hospitals and schools, and carried out a detailed gap analysis study in coordination with the concerned departments. He noted that CSR projects are generally planned a year in advance, and Nagaland’s entry into this vertical at a later stage posed certain challenges. However, he lauded Toyota and the government departments for expediting the process within the same financial year.
He recalled that during the Hornbill Festival roundtable interactions between the Government of Nagaland, corporate representatives and the private sector, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Nagaland, IDAN and Toyota in the presence of the Chief Minister in December last year. Metha expressed satisfaction that within weeks of signing the MoU, medical equipment and educational facilities were installed at designated locations, culminating in the asset handing over ceremony held symbolically in early February.
Describing the project as a major step towards strengthening public infrastructure, Metha informed that CSR equipment worth over Rs 10 crore was distributed under the initiative. The project included the provision of four advanced life-support ambulances aimed at improving emergency healthcare services across the state. He also highlighted the support extended to two selected schools as pilot institutions, which received furniture, kitchen equipment for midday meal preparation, support systems, and sports equipment to enhance the overall learning environment and extracurricular activities for students.
Metha acknowledged that while the current phase of the project covers selected districts, there is a need to extend such support to interior and backward regions of the state. He stated that although time constraints limited the present coverage, the government, with continued support from Toyota, plans to conduct similar gap analysis studies in remote hospitals and institutions in the future to expand the scope of assistance.
