Ungma village, June 30 (Nokinketer News): Padma Shri awardee Guru Sangyusang Pongener was accorded a grand homecoming and civic reception at Soyim Aonglenden, Ungma Village, on Tuesday in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Ao Naga folk arts and culture.
The reception programme, organised by the Ungma Council, was attended by civil society organisations, government officials, community leaders, representatives of cultural bodies and a large gathering of well-wishers.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Guru Sangyusang Pongener thanked the people of Ungma and everyone who had supported and encouraged him throughout his journey. He dedicated the honour to the community and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Nagas.
Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, representatives of the Ungma Council, Department of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland, Ao Senden, Naga Wadir and Pongen Kidong Ungma, in their short speeches, congratulated Sangyusang on being conferred the Padma Shri and lauded his lifelong dedication to safeguarding and promoting Ao Naga traditional folk arts. They described the honour as a matter of pride not only for Ungma village but for the entire state.
The programme began with a welcome address by the Ungma Council and was chaired by Guru Limayanger Tatar. Rev. Talijungla, Associate Pastor (Women), Ungma Baptist Church (UBC), offered the invocation, while Watemdong Cultural Club presented a special song. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Lipokzulu Tatar, followed by a thanksgiving prayer led by Rev. Wati, Pastor, Ungma Baptist Church.
Born on March 23, 1945, Guru Sangyusang Pongener is the co-founder and General Secretary of the Naga Wadir Cultural Club, where he has served since its inception. Widely recognised for his contribution to Ao Naga folk arts, he has devoted more than six decades to preserving indigenous traditions through folk music, dance and cultural education.
Under his leadership, the Naga Wadir Cultural Club has trained more than 2,000 youth artists and mentored over 100 apprentices. His original folk compositions have been showcased on local, national and international platforms, while his mentorship under the Ministry of Culture’s KALA-DEEKSHA programme has helped ensure the continuity of Ao Naga cultural traditions among younger generations.
Guru Sangyu has received several prestigious honours over the years, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2002), the title of “Guru” conferred by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) in collaboration with IGNOU (2012), and the Governor’s Award, Government of Nagaland (2017). Since 2024, he has also been serving as a mentor under the KALA-DEEKSHA programme of the Ministry of Culture.
Among his other recognitions are the MTABLE Certificate of Achievement (2018), the Lifetime Achievement Award from Ungma Senso Mungdang (2019), and a Certificate of Recognition for promoting indigenous culture during the 125th anniversary celebration of Mokokchung Town.
Guru Sangyusang Pongener was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2026 for his distinguished contribution to Ao Naga traditional folk arts, performing arts and music, becoming one of Nagaland’s most celebrated cultural icons.
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