‘Fruit Man of Noklak’ pushes for tradition of self-sufficiency

L Hangthing with his wife Mongshai at Dimapur airport on Thursday.

• DIMAPUR — Reminding that Nagas have been self-sufficient in agriculture since the time of their forefathers, recipient of Padma Shri Award 2025, L Hangthing, on Thursday urged the younger generation to continue this tradition by embracing hard work.
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• Known as the 'Fruit Man of Noklak,' Hangthing stated this during a brief reception programme held in his honour at Dimapur airport, organised by the Khiamniungan Students' Union Dimapur (KSUD), in collaboration with the Khiamniungan Union Dimapur (KUD) and the Dimapur unit of the Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH).
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• He expressed gratitude to the state government for recommending him for the award, as well as to the various departments and fellow farmers for their support and assistance in achieving the honour. He attributed his success to the collective efforts of the community and dedicated the award to all Nagas.

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• Describing the award as a new assignment that comes with greater responsibility, he called for cooperation in fulfilling his tasks.
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• KUD president, Kamthong, also spoke at the event, praising Hangthing for the transformation he has brought to the Khiamniungan community. He noted that Hangthing is not an agricultural scientist and has not undergone formal training, attributing his ingenuity to ‘divine wisdom’ that has uplifted the Khiamniungan community.
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• Kamthong added that Hangthing has reached out to farmers not only in Noklak district but also beyond the international border, and highlighted that his hard work was key to winning the award.
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• Vice president of KMH Dimapur unit and a representative from Hangthing's native Thang village also spoke on the occasion.
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• It may be mentioned that Hangthing from Noklak district was conferred the Padma Shri Award, fourth highest civilian award of India, for his pioneering contributions to agriculture, horticulture and rural entrepreneurship.
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• The award was presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 27.