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DIMAPUR — Governor of Nagaland, La. Ganesan, on Sunday paid tribute to Paralympian Hokato Hotozhe Sema and Team Better Dimapur, and acknowledged the resilience, dedication, and spirit of service they represent.
According to a Raj Bhavan press release, the occasion coincided with the screening of the 116th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the monthly radio programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Raj Bhavan.
“The ‘Mann Ki Baat’ screening was marked with the felicitation of Hokato Hotzhe Sema, for his Bronze medal achievement in the recently held Summer Paris Paralympics 2024, and Team Better Dimapur, for their exemplary work in the field of community service by the governor of Nagaland,” it informed.
“Today, we recognise their extraordinary contributions to both our state and our nation. Naik Subedar Hokato H Sema is not only an Indian Army officer and a sportsman but also a shining example of how adversity can be transformed into achievement. In 2002, while serving our nation with distinction, he lost his leg during an operation in Kashmir.
“Yet, his spirit remained unbroken. His journey from a soldier to a para-athlete is a tribute to his perseverance and commitment. Competing at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris and winning a Bronze medal in the shot-put event for the country is a testament to his relentless dedication and an inspiration for us all. We salute him today for not giving up after he lost his leg; instead, he chose to continue to bring more glory to our nation as an athlete,” the governor said.
Ganesan further acknowledged the admirable efforts of Team Better Dimapur and recalled his attendance at their annual sports meet for orphanages and children’s homes in Dimapur earlier this year.
“It was not just an awareness campaign, but he saw that the idea for the sports meet came straight from their hearts, for their love and compassion towards the children, and that was the reason why he agreed to be the chief guest for the sports meet. Their commitment to community service extends far beyond this event, as they are actively involved in promoting cleanliness, environmental protection, and civic responsibility,” stated the press release.
The governor was quoted saying that society is enriched by the endeavours of individuals and groups such as these, “who remind us of what can be achieved when dedication meets purpose.”
“We need more people like Hokato and Team Better Dimapur to continue leading the way and to inspire many more young people to step forward and contribute to the progress and harmony of our community.
“Today, we honour them not just with words but with our actions, by supporting their initiatives and celebrating their courage and vision. May their stories inspire us all to serve with dedication and compassion,” the governor said.