A grand felicitation programme to honour L Hangthing, the recipient of Padma Shri Award 2025 in the field of Agriculture who is now known as Nagaland's 'Fruit Man' was held on 2nd June 2025 at White Hall, Noklak village.
In his address, Padma Shri awardee, L. Hangthing expressed deep gratitude to the organisers and the community. He recalled his humble beginnings, planting discarded seeds and the challenges he faced along the way. 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 also noted that the agricultural has always been a practice of forefathers since time immemorial and is uplifted with the support of the Government departments.
President of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Ngon said it was a historic moment as it is first time 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 asserted that God has blessed the people so much and emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of appreciation, and added that the award be an inspiration for all.
President of Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH), Chongkoi expressed gratitude to Thang Village elders and church leaders attributing the accomplishments to their wisdom and prayers.
Representing the district administration, the SDO (Civil), Noklak, Vikhoto Richa expressed his appreciation to L. 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.
The event was chaired by Longkoi Khiamniungan, Associate Pastor of BCT, while invocation was proposed by Reverend 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 the Community and also the Nagas. Vote of thanks was delivered by Executive Chairman of the TPO, and benediction by Pastor Kai of Kusong Baptist Church.
Meanwhile, they also felicitated, Heme Lamthaiu 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.
Dr. Heme Lamthaiu congratulated his fellow awardees and expressed his appreciation to his teachers and friends who supported him throughout his academic journey. He urged tribal elders to pass on the true history and knowledge to the younger generation.
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 organised jointly by Noklak Village Council, Thang Public Organization and Thang Students' Union.
(K. K. Chim, IA Noklak)
