Sano Vamuzo addressing an impromptu civil reception at the Dimapur Airport, May 11, after receiving the Padma Shri award from the President of India on May 9.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 11
Sano Vamuzo, honoured with one of India’s top civilian awards for distinguished service, was given a warm welcome on arrival to Nagaland on May 11. Vamuzo was conferred the Padma Shri by the President Droupadi Murmu at the investiture ceremony for the Padma Awards 2024 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on May 9.
She was conferred the award for her exceptional and distinguished service in the field of social work and peace building and championing women’s representation. A founding member of the NMA, of which she served as the first president, Vamuzo was also the first Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, a role she helmed for two consecutive terms.
A host of civil society organisations led by the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) received her at the Dimapur airport. The President of TUD, Vekhosayi Nyekha said Vamuzo getting the Padma Shri has made “us (Nagas) proud” and appealed upcoming leaders to emulate her work.
Vamuzo, in a message to The Morung Express, described feeling honoured and humbled at the same time. She said that the award was the outcome of joint effort. “Our women, past and present, have been striving together in fighting anti-social elements for four decades, and with this award the challenge is greater as there is still so much to be done,” she said.
“This award demands much more action and dedication from our people, both women and men. God created each one differently so that we can learn from each other and contribute towards the wellbeing of the society,” she added.
Vamuzo is the second NMA leader, after Neidonuo Angami, who was also a founding member and President of the NMA, to be conferred the Padma Shri.
NMA Advisor, Rosemary Dzuvichu said, “For the women of Nagaland, it is recognition (by the state and the country) of the role played by mothers and women as society's conscience.”