Chizokho Vero
Kohima | October 2
The prestigious Classic Award 2012 has been conferred to Major (Dr) Neikhrietuonuo Linyü during the 18th Classic Club Foundation Day here at Hotel Japfu for being the first Naga to have conquered the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest this year. Awarding her a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 along with citation, the Club acknowledged her courage, passion and indomitable spirit.
Accepting the award, Major Linyü said that it was not an easy task scaling the Mt. Everest even though people say climbing the Mt. Everest is not comparatively as tough as it used to be before. She hoped that her achievement will be a sort of inspiration to the youths and help them to venture out of their comfort zone and achieve something for themselves.
Terming the first Naga who conquered Mt. Everest as unique achievement, Minister for Urban Development, Higher & Technical Education Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu who handed over the award to the later, said it was more so because she is a woman.
“We are proud of you,” the Minister said and complimented her for bringing laurel to the people. The Minister also appreciated the wisdom of Classic Club Kohima in taking decision to confer award to her. He said such step reflects the need of the hour to appreciate one another, adding that it is high time for Naga people to know how to appreciate one another. You deserve more of this kind of awards and felicitation, the minister said while congratulating Major Linyü.
Major Linyü, is presently posted with the Army Medical Corps. She was born on November 12, 1974. She is the eldest daughter of Pelhousenyü Linyü and Mrs. Thepfusanuo Linyü of Kohima village. Talking of her childhood dreams, she says that she dreamt of becoming a traffic police personnel as she envied the enormous power exerted by them on all passing vehicles.
She says “I probably had a thing for uniforms from a very early age.” On a more serious aspiration, she wanted to be a vet. Despite of all these wishes she went on to become a medical doctor. This did not deter her from donning the uniform and on 21st January 2002, she was commissioned as captain into the Indian Army. Apart from her MBBS degree which she received from Regional Medical Institute of Sciences, Imphal, she has many other credentials.
Some of the outstanding ones are; Medical Officers “Basic Course, 2001, paratroopers basic course, 2005 and became the first Naga lady paratrooper, basic skydiving course, 2007-2008, basic mountaineering course 2008, served in United Nation (UN) Peacemaking Mission at Democratic Republic of Congo during 2010-11.
Mountaineering being her forte, she has quite a few feathers on her cap. Some of her mountaineering expeditions included : Mt. Satapanth (7075m) at Garhwal Himalayas in 2008, Indira Col (6157m) at Siachen, Jammu & Kashmir in 2010, Mt. Makalu (8463m) at Nepal in 2009, Mt. Kang Yatse (6200m) at Ladakh, J&K in 2010, Mt. Nyiragongo (3485m) at Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010, Mt. Shitidhar (5348m) in Himachal Pradesh in 2012.
Her indomitable spirit pushed her to higher grounds when she conquered Mt. Everest on May 25, 2012 at 4:05 AM. She credits her success to hard work and determination.
Describing herself, she says “I am very passionate about everything I do in life,” which is very evident as one goes through the list of her achievements, said Classic Club, Kohima.
Mentionably, Classic Award was instituted in 1999 in recognition of individuals/organizations excelling in the field of sports, social service, education, health service and humanitarian works etc. The award carries a citation along with cash of Rs. 10000 which has been enhanced to Rs. 25,000 this year.
Over the year’s eminent personalities like, Methaneilie Jütakhrie (1999) for his Save a Life Concert, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu (2000) for outstanding contribution in Tenyidie literature, Dr. Joyce Z. Zinyü (2001) for active involvement in spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS, Late Dr. T. Ao (2002) posthumously awarded for excellent record in the field of sports, Geoffrey Yaden (2003) for his immense contribution towards print media and social service, Neichielieü Nikki Haralu, IFS (2004) for being the first Naga to hold the post of ambassador and also for her outstanding contribution towards the society in various field, Kughaho Chishi (2005) for his contribution towards the art music, Nancy Kikon (2006) for her creativity and practical effort in enhancing the economic status of the Naga women, Rev. Dr. Fr. Godfrey Vilasal Thapo (2007) for his contribution in the field of medicine and health care through his Holistic Health Healing Centre, Chekrovolü Swuro (2008) for outstanding achievements in the field of archery, has been proud recipients of the prestigious Classic Award. Earlier, welcome address was delivered by K. Neibou Sekhose, chairman Classic Award Committee. Ledilhounuo Sekhose presented a special number. Asano Zashü compered the function.
