Padma Shri L Hangthing receives hero’s welcome back home

• 

  
  

• Padma Shri recipient L Hangthing with others during the felicitation programme held at White Hall, Noklak village.

• 
  

• DIMAPUR — A grand felicitation programme to honour L Hangthing, the recipient of Padma Shri Award 2025 in the field of Agriculture, was held on June 2 at White Hall, Noklak village.
• 
  
• In his address, Padma Shri awardee Hangthing, also known the 'Fruit man' of Nagaland, recalled his humble beginnings, planting discarded seeds and the challenges he faced along the way, a DIPR report stated.
• 
  
• He dedicated the award to the farmers of Nagaland and the Khiamniungan tribe stating, “A small appreciation can become the backbone for someone striving to do their best.” He noted that agriculture has been an age-old practice of Naga forefathers, further strengthened by government support.
• 
  
• President of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Ngon, termed the occasion a historic moment as it is for the first time that a member of the Khiamniungan tribe has received such a prestigious civilian honour. He expressed hope that this would pave the way for more achievements in the future.

Also read: Noklak farmer L Hangthing conferred Padma Shri for contributions to agriculture

• President of Khiamniungan Students' Union (KSU), Shangchiu, attributed Hangthing’s achievement to divine blessings and emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of appreciation, saying that the award is an inspiration for all.
• 
  
• President of Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH), Chongkoi, expressed gratitude to Thang village elders and church leaders for their wisdom and prayers.
• 
  
• Representing the district administration, SDO (Civil), Noklak, Vikhoto Richa expressed his appreciation to Hangthing for his resilience and dedication, calling him an inspiration.
• 
  
• The deacon board of Baptist Church Thang Village offered a special prayer for invoking God’s blessing upon the achiever.
• 
  
• Meanwhile, Heme Lamthaiu was also felicitated for earning Doctor of Philosophy, and Niamkoi P and Phaam B for securing 7th and 15th rank, respectively, in the HSLC examination 2025 under NBSE.
• 
  
• Lamthaiu is the first to earn doctorate degree of Philosophy from Noklak village. The thesis he wrote was on the topic ‘Socio-economic formation of the Khiamniungan Nagas’ under the department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University.
• 
  
• The event was chaired by Longkoi Khiamniungan, associate pastor of BCT, while invocation was proposed by Rev. Chellia. Welcome address was given by Noklak Village Council Chairman, Panpan, where he acknowledged and congratulated the achievers for bringing laurels not only to Noklak villages but to Nagas as a whole. Vote of thanks was delivered by executive chairman of the TPO, and benediction by pastor Kai of Kusong Baptist Church.
• 
  
• The event was organised jointly by Noklak Village Council, Thang Public Organisation and Thang Students' Union.