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.
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.
