Nagaland’s ‘unsung heroes’ honoured at 1st Nagaland Red Carpet awards

Dimapur, Jan. 4 (EMN): The Nagaland Red Carpet Social Awards had its maiden show at the IMC hall in Dimapur to honour nineteen citizens from Nagaland for their contribution and work as individuals which have impacted the community in various ways.

Some awkward moments on stage during the ceremony and technical glitches notwithstanding, the show persisted to continue with a positive vibe. Besides the honourees, the event also had a few special performances by various musical groups and artists.

The highlight for the evening though, was prominent Bollywood actress Mahima Choudhry who came to felicitate the awardees. On a second visit to Nagaland, Choudhry said that the people of Nagaland project “immense positivity, love and warmth.”

“I am a big fan of your culture and (I hope you) remain like this,” the actress said while encouraging the people to keep honouring their “unsung heroes.”

Present as the chief guest of the event was the deputy commissioner of Dimapur Sushil kumar Patel. In his speech Kumar talked about how a hero is present within each and every person. ‘The need to recognise these heroes is important and Find Studioz has taken the time and effort to recognise all the “unsung heroes,”’ he said.”I salute all the heroes and to continue their journey and inspire everyone.” The parliamentary secretary of Tourism C Apok Jamir, who in an impromptu visit spoke a few words, said that the “unsung heroes” makes a society composite and are an example and encouragement for the rest of the society to follow. “(I) hope more unsung heroes will be recognised. I hope Find Studioz will take a step ahead and recognize these heroes,” he said.

The parliamentary secretary pointed out that despite the contribution of many only the hardworking and sincere receive accolades. “I am happy they are celebrated this evening”. The awards are the brainchild of a movie producer based in Mumbai Rebecca Changkija Sema, also the founder of Find Studioz.

Who they are 

Nineteen personalities were awarded the first “Social Awards 2018” who were hailed as the “unsung heroes” of Nagaland for their contribution in the field of art, sports, entertainment and society.

 1. Sangti Konyak: During his student days he saved pocket money and scholarships, initiated a charity and constructed road for the people of Tobu making the village folks life easier connecting to the only health centre in Tobu. Initiated and teamed with a group, to open a library for the jail inmates and started the RTI group in their village.

2. Sifu Zhenito Awomi: The All India Great grand master . He is a 22 times Gold Medallist and 11th times best fighter. He is black belt 8th Dan. Just recently in his honour, privileged to Host the All India Kung Fu Championship in Nagaland.

3. NK Keny: She has won the double distinction of being the Best Para Legal Volunteer among all the States and Union Territories of India and the Best Para Legal Volunteer for North East Zone in the regional category in 2015 from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the National Legal Services Day & commendation ceremony organized by National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) on November 9 2015 in New Delhi. She works for the rights of the downtrodden, particularly marginalised women and children.

4. Zhokhoi Chuzho: An actor and Martial art expert too. To his credit he acted in few Bollywood movies with top actors John Abraham and Sonaskhi Singh and the lead actor of the famed Naga movie Nana.

5. Keyisuiding Lungalang: Nine times international and National Gold medallist. And All India best fighter in Martial arts. This year he is representing India in the World Championship in Mexico

6. Zinen Nillo Kath, Watipongla, Awa: These are the Nagas who acted in the first Bollywood film, shot in Nagaland.

7. T. Lima Naro Jamir:  The first Naga costume designer in Bollywood.

8. Niketu Iralu: A prominent intellectual and preacher of peace and non-violence. A social activist working with moral Re armament now called Initiatives of change since 1957 in India and globally. Trustee, centre for North East Studies on policy research. Active activist for Reconciliation, Healing and Peace Building in Nagaland and N.E India

9. Zhimomi Brothers: They are four brothers and small time entrepreneurs. They are educated self employed youths who believe in dignity of labour. The brothers have their roadside stall in city tower.  March 2015 started – team of 5 members – street vendor on fast food

10. Nekhoto Tunyi: For his contribution towards sports.

11. Cynthia Kolakhe: Some of her arts were featured in Elle magazine

12. Vikhili: She is blind by birth but never let her spirit die coz of it. She makes handicrafts and looks after her family and also sponsors education for three blind children’s.

13. Jenpu Romgmei: A young social activist. The man who founded Can Youth social organisation established in 2012 with an aim to restore balance in society and cater to school drop outs and empowering them with the much needed life-skills to venture further in this competitive world. Works for the upliftment of Youths, HIV infected n affected children, Drugs , Alcoholics and School Drop outs by providing skill trainings to them.

14. Silverline Academy: Unlike mainstream schools SLA hosts a special place for children with special needs. Physically and intellectually challenged children are acknowledged as individuals. They look after Special children from neighbouring states also.

15. Nagaland Motorcycle Club (NMC): NMC was founded in 2010. The members go by the name Naga chiefs. They believe in the brotherhood among RE riders all over. Although NMC was formed purely for the passion of riding, adventure and for the love of the legendary motorcycle Royal Enfield. Naga chiefs believes in charity works and giving back to the society as social responsibility to the people .The Naga chiefs do voluntary charities and humanitarian social activities for the people in all the Naga settled areas beyond Nagaland

16. Sentipokla Jamir: Started selling pickles online to sponsor a young girl for her education. Started an initiative called “Footprints” to reach out the BPL widows and underprivileged children living in rural areas. She also started with a team of four members called “Women empowerment”. Started selling  pickles in the market to help widows and buy rice cookers for them. Recently Jamir initiated to fight against child labour especially those coming from eastern area.

17. Hill theatre

18. Jonathan Rongsen Longkumer: The only Naga Cricketer who played and won many matches and currently playing for Karnataka Premier League and Indian Railways and also RCB Royal challenge Bangalore.

19. Sandemo Ngullie:  Editorial cartoonist, illustrator of The Morung Express. He was with another English newspaper Nagaland Post till 2008 and now presently working for Morung Express. He is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Arts (2016). Many of his works have been published by national magazines during his high school days.

One of the recipients of the awards Sentipokla Jamir said in her acceptance speech that her contribution toward the society was through her parent’s words of wisdom: “If you can give a handful of grain to the needy, you can feed the whole world.”

Another recipient Vikhili in her acceptance speech shared words wisdom to youngsters: Pursue ‘dignity of labour.’ How much ever educated one may be, they cannot afford to obsess over government jobs which is a common trend in the Naga society.