Padma Shri Sangyusang S Pongener greets well-wishers at Dimapur Airport on June 25 after returning from New Delhi, where he received the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 25
Padma Shri Sangyusang S Pongener returned home. He landed at the Dimapur airport on June 25, where he was received by the Ungma Senso Telongjem Dimapur and others, who organised a reception to welcome him back from New Delhi. He was conferred the fourth highest civilian award of India by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, on June 23.
The award recognised Pongener’s work in preserving Ao Naga traditions and folk arts. Speaking to the media after touching down, he said that he was inspired by his father to learn and preserve the Ao ancestral heritage, which later took the shape of a cultural club he established to teach the youth, and perform across the country.
“This Padma Shri is for the preservation of our traditions and Naga culture,” Pongener said. He received the award draped in the Ao Naga traditional finery. On this he said, “Our Naga dress is a key part of our identity. Our culture, music, and dance are all reflected in it.”
According to him, the younger generation is losing touch with their heritage and expressed his readiness to establish academies. “If the Central Government provides some financial support, I will be able to do this. We can't do it on our own, so I requested help from the government,” he said.
