Vilalie seen holding a guitar wants to become singer. (MExPix)
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | April 17
Name: Diezeo, Age: 6, Hobby: Driving, Ambition: Join the Police.
Name: Samuel. Age: 8. Hobby: Reading. Ambition: Join the Army.
Name: Dziesetoulie. Age: 8: Hobby: Sports. Ambition: Join the Army
Name: Vilalie. Age: 8 Hobby: Singing. Ambition: Become a Singer.
These kids were among the 89 inmates growing up at the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home, 5 km away from Kohima under the tender care of Mother Zaputuo Angami who has been running the sanctum since 1973.
Children are being imparted education upto Class IV in the Home.
Their desire to become responsible citizens of tomorrow and the huge potential to harness their gifted talents were reflected during the Home’s 34th Foundation Day on Saturday (April 16) as they performed songs, skits and choreography. Formed into 2 groups- Dara Singh and Commando, the inmates danced to the tune of the much hyped Hindi song “Kaanta Laga” and the foot-thumping western number from Steps -“Five Six Seven Eight.”
Rounds of applause from the gathering reflected high admiration for the talents of the inmates. So far 4 inmates have been inducted into the army. Zaputuo still wants the Assam Rifles to induct more children into the army as she wants her children to be self-sufficient.
The Assam Rifles’ assurance to continue to strengthen the young minds of the inmates and their welfare activities has come as a sigh of relief to Zaputuo. Alongside various forms of help, Assam Rifles has developed a website for this Home.
Zaputuo had to spend sleepless nights, especially in February, which she termed as the neediest month for money so as to purchase books, uniform and obtain admissions for the inmates.
At that hour, she complimented Governor Shyamal Datta, who rescued her worry by providing some amount to meet their necessities. A big thank you for that!
She also acknowledged different NGOs for extending help through various means; not forgetting the media in strengthening the Home through appropriate publicity. Bethel Hospital, Kohima also figured prominent space in her diary for providing free treatment to the inmates. When media persons visited this Home, the inmates were playing Cricket, displaying their rich skills in the field of games and sports. However, this Home is yet to own a proper playground.
In 2005, Zaputuo was conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Award for her outstanding contribution and dedicated services for welfare and development of children by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Department of Women and Child Development.
Now 79 years, she wishes that everyone “never grows old but remains ever young.”
Morung Express News
