Adviser to Nagaland Chief Minister, Abu Metha has said that in the future, the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home will be known as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ that produces champions. Addressing the programme celebrating 50 years of KODH on Sunday, the special guest also announced that a welfare fund, named after late Zaputuoü, the founder of the Home will be operational from Monday to help the children ‘achieve greater things’.

Metha said that the significant and historic occasion was a time to celebrate the five decades and also a time to introspect and look back. Acknowledging and appreciating “Amma Zaputuoü, Atsa Zaputuoü”, he remarked that the challenges, problems and hurdles of running an orphanage 50 years ago was unfathomable.

“She is one of the makers of the state. The journey of Nagaland, the adventures of the Naga people, her name must figure among the top commandos,” he lauded the inspiring woman.

To the children of KODH, Metha said God has a plan for each of them and that they are fortunate to have a big family with so many brothers and sisters. Besides, he added, everybody present on the occasion were also part of the big family.

Impossible is nothing, with hard work anything can be achieved, he encouraged the children.

“Know in your heart that we are all supporting you. Have the courage and be brave to face the world,” he added, emboldening them that they will be commandos of the Naga society.

Adviser to Nagaland Chief Minister, Abu Metha

Metha also challenged the invitees of the programme to do more to give them the platform they deserve, to make them assets to the society. Citing that the children from the Home too have dreams and ambitions, he urged, “Those dreams and those ambitions should be our dreams, our ambitions and most importantly our responsibility.”

He told the gathering that these children were not meant to stand on a stage and sing ‘I am nobody’s child’. He said that they did not need pity or sympathy, but it is the responsibility of the society to give them love and care.

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Highlighting some recent achievements of the children, the Adviser to the CM proudly informed that some children from the orphanage shared a platform with musicians from Europe and performed for a global audience on 4 March 2023 at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. These children are part of The AR Rahman Foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra Nagaland Chapter and are mentored by the Oscar winning musician himself.

The patron of Nagaland Cricket Association apprised that a young man from KODH is now a Level ‘A’ Coach for Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and also that a girl represents Nagaland and is getting paid Rs. 20,000 for each time she puts on the state jersey.

A computer institute under a private foundation will be inaugurated soon at the Home to prepare these children and make them tomorrow ready, he informed. The school at the orphanage will also be upgraded and improved to give the children access to quality education, he added.

Touching performance by the children of Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home.

Was honoured to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Home.

The ambitions and dreams of these children is our responsibility. pic.twitter.com/5bVGpA2z1D

— abu metha (@abumetha) April 16, 2023

Earlier, Neibanuo, the daughter of late Zaputuoü, in a brief history of KODH said that her mother first took in a child in 1972 with no intention of staring an orphanage. With time more children were brought to her or abandoned at her doorstep and eventually their home became an orphanage.

She informed of the struggles they went through where they had to worry about the next meal but stated that with help from well-wishers, KODH has been home to 700 children. Some of the children are now working abroad, some are in Indian army, navy, police, farmers, some in animal husbandry and many are employed in the private sector.

Neibanuo mentioned that there are 90 children in the Home at present. In her speech she made a special mention to Dr. Lhouvizotuo Belho and family, the children’s ‘baba’ and their strength.

Neibanuo, daughter of late Zaputuou.

There were two speeches on behalf of the children.

The first was delivered by Amho, the first graduate from KODH who has now moved out a past. Amho recounted the selfless service in sustenance of the home. He recalled how Amma Zaputuoü, as every resident affectionately called her, opened her arms, hugged and welcomed him to the Home. The feeling of being home was instant, he said.

Zubenthung, who recently finished his Master’s from St Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama, Kohima and who is residing in the Home, thanked their mother Neibanuo and said that God’s love is always in their home.

In this home we are all from different background – caste, creed and colour, but God brought us together Zubenthung said adding, we are taught to be respectful and team spirit is instilled in us from a very early stage.

He also mentioned that the children divide themselves according to their ages: children up to 7 years are called ‘Amma college’, 7-12 ‘Darasingh’, 12-16 ‘1st commando’ and, 16+ are called 2nd commando.

Zubenthung also stated that the children understands that hard work and perseverance will help them get to where they aspire to be. May this celebration be a reminder to all that there is always hope, he said. Give your best for humanity, he further encouraged.

Neithonuo T. Liegiese, Founder and Chairperson of Good Samaritan Women Society and programme manager of Elderline Nagaland ‘14567’, in her speech said that God has a plan for each child, and it is the well-wishers’ duty to help nurture the children of this Home.

She said that the 50 years jubilee was a time of celebration, a time to rejoice, a time to remember the good works of Late Zaputuoü. Neithonuo recalled seeing the founder of KODH coming to Late Chüpfhüo Kense’s home crying and asking the then MLA to help the home with rice as they did not have enough for the next meal. She urged the people gathered to come together and contribute and make the world a better place to live in.

Dr. Lhouvizotuo Belho

Dr. Lhouvizotuo Belho, delivering the vote of thanks said that for anything to succeed, the foundation needs to be strong else everything crumbles. Paying a tribute to late Zaputuoü, he said that the woman was so selfless, happy and at peace without any material inheritances. Dr. Belho said that her life should be a lesson for each of us.

The journey took its toll, he said, but with God’s providence, commitment and help from concerned and generous well-wishers, KODH has also achieved its goal.

The children of the Home presented two songs as tribute to Amma Zaputuoü during the programme.