The support and engagement of football fans from all over the state in the recently concluded Dr. T Ao Trophy 2025 has cemented its mantel in Nagaland’s sports history. The Mon District team lifted the trophy in a nail-biting penalty shootout against the Niuland team that had everyone chanting prayers in earnest.
The community’s support throughout the tournament was particularly highlighted through social media and WhatsApp statuses which gave instant updates to viewers including non-football fans. Hentok Konyak’s song “Kenlak Nang O üte” (You will start to fall in love with me) could be the perfect description to define this phenomenon. Originally a love song, the title captures the sentiment of the interest that the tournament generated among passive viewers and ironically, the singer is a native from the winning District Mon and sang the song at the finale.
The football bug also caught the attention of the Doll and Toy maker PM Vishwakarma artisans from Kohima District. They reached out to the District Industries Centre and suggested if they could give good luck crochet key charms to the players of Mon team. The team connected with a government official who ardently posted updates on the Mon team’s matches and through her facilitation, the artisans were able to gift the charms the day before the finale. Seeing the performance of the team, Awamenla Kichu, who crafted the charms, says “I feel proud and happy to be able to be part of the Mon team’s journey through my craft. I have been making dolls and toys for four years now and the PM Vishwakarma scheme has upskilled my craft through the toolkit we received after the training. This is a moment I will not forget, and I hope the Mon team fondly remember us when they use the charms”.
So far under the scheme, 1622 Vishwakarmas have been trained in Basket weaving, Doll making, Barber, Carpentry, Tailoring, and Masonry trades. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched by the Government of India on September 17, 2023, to support traditional artisans and craftspeople, collectively known as Vishwakarmas. The scheme aims to provide comprehensive support, including training, ₹ 15,000 worth toolkit, collateral free credit up to ₹ 3 lakhs, and market access, to enhance their skills and livelihoods. It is being implemented in the state by the Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Nagaland.
The 18 identified trades under the scheme are Carpenter, Goldsmith, Potter, Barber, Cobbler, Sculptor, Tailor, Washerman, Boat Maker, Mason, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Stone Breaker, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker, Garland Maker, Fishing Net Maker. Interested artisans can enroll at registered Common Service Centres (CSC). The criteria for enrollment can be found on pmvishwakarma.gov.in
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
