Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 1
Former Minister N. Theyo and retired Deputy Director Nursing Nagaland, Meyisongla, have been conferred with the prestigious state award for senior citizens, while former MLA Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi and social worker Renchano Kent were conferred with district awards (Kohima) during the International Day of Older Persons which was observed here today.
Theyo
Born on May 1933 at Thenyizumi village under Phek district, Theyo was elected in the first State general election in 1964 from Chozuba II Assembly constituency. He was elected again in the bye-election in 1971 as NNO candidate. He served as NPCC (I) president from 1995-1997 and was the president of the Chakhesang Students’ Conference between 1959- 61, president Naga Students’ Union Shillong from 1960-62. He also served as Assistant Headmaster Phek Private High School from 1962-1963.
He is life member of Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland Branch, chairman of Nagaland Peace Centre, Kohima since 1994 and actively pursuing peace process and also socio-economic development of the state. He is also member of Non-Violent Initiative Committee of Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi and chairman of Kohima Town Hotel Union.
“This award definitely reminds me that I am old. Until this moment I was feeling that 86 is just the beginning of life,” said Theyo in his acceptance speech. “Within these 86 years of my life journey, I have experienced many ups and downs but I was not be defeated because God’s word reminds that, ‘In all things God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28),’” he added.
Meyisongla
Hailing from Mongsenyimti village of Mokokchung district, Meyisongla was born in 1942. She worked at Nowgong Civil Hospital for 7 months and later joined Bhandari Civil Hospital as staff nurse before being transferred to Wokha Civil Hospital. She worked in different capacities in the nursing field, mostly teaching at the school of nursing and in nursing administration. She retired as deputy director Nursing Nagaland in 1996.
Meyisongla is a recipient of Governor’s Award and Gold medal in 1963. She is member of National policy for Empowerment of Women Nagaland since 2001 till date and a Member, Women Grievance Redressal Cell, Nagaland since 2001.
She has also written four books, namely The Medical Plants, Grow Old Gracefully, Plants & Medicine and A book of Healthy Living. She also contributes articles to Tir Yimyim and Lenjeter. At present, she is advisor of Grace Rehabilitation Home based in Tuli Town. “Age is quality of mind. Let us take our life positively. Always feel young at heart and joy in the service of fellow friends,” Meyisongla stated in her acceptance speech. “We cannot do much at this age, she said “but we can give cheerful smiles to the younger generation.”
Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi
From Rusoma village, Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi was born on 1921. He served as a teacher in ME Section in Naga Hill School in 1955. He served as President Angami Tribal Council- 1958. In 1964, he contested in the first general election in Nagaland and got elected but resigned later the same year. He has also authored several books.
“I am honoured to get this award. God bless you (Social welfare department) for the benevolence,” said Rev. Mhasi in his acceptance speech. “I keep on writing everything and sending messages to President of India and Prime Minister,” said Rev. Mhasi, adding that he will continue to engage in Christian ministry for the betterment of the society.
Renchano Kent
80-year-old Renchano Kent is a resident of Officer’s Hill Colony, Kohima. She is a God fearing mother and an honoured grandmother not only to her family but also the whole community. She is one of the early settlers in Kohima Town among the Rengmas. She is guardian and mother figure of the Rengma community in Kohima Town and one of the founding members of Rengma Baptist Church Kohima. She is also founding member and activist of the Rengma Mother’s Association.
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