Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, Padma Shri awardee Guru Sangyusang Pongener and others during the homecoming and public reception held at at Soyim Aonglenden, Ungma, on June 30. (DIPR Photo)
Mokokchung, July 1 (MExN): Padma Shri awardee Guru Sangyusang Pongener was accorded a homecoming and public reception at Soyim Aonglenden, Ungma, on June 30 in recognition of his lifelong contribution to preserving and promoting Ao Naga folk arts, music and traditions.
Guru Sangyusang was conferred the Padma Shri in the 'Unsung Heroes' category for his efforts to safeguard the community's cultural heritage.
Expressing gratitude during the reception, Guru Sangyusang thanked the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Governments of India and Nagaland, the people of Ungma, the Ao community and various organisations and officials for their support and encouragement.
Reflecting on his journey, he said his passion for folk culture began at a young age under the influence of his parents and grandparents. Stressing that culture must be actively practised and shared rather than merely preserved, he recalled co-founding the cultural group Naga Wadir with friends to promote Ao Naga traditions across the country.
Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, described the occasion as a historic moment for the district and the state. He said Guru Sangyusang had devoted his life to documenting, preserving and revitalising the Ao community's folk traditions, songs, dances and oral history, and urged young people to draw inspiration from his dedication to cultural preservation.
Representatives of the Ungma Council, the Department of Art and Culture, Ao Senden, Naga Wadir and Pongen Kidong (Ungma) also spoke at the programme, highlighting Guru Sangyusang's contributions and the community's pride in his national recognition.
The programme, chaired by Guru Limayanger Tatar, featured cultural performances by the Watemdong Cultural Club and concluded with a thanksgiving prayer, according to a press release issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations.
