Padma Shri awardee Guru Sangyusang Pongener was accorded a traditional homecoming and felicitation programme at his native village Ungma on June 30, with the Ungma Village Council honouring his contribution towards preserving and promoting Naga Folk Art.

Pongener, who was recently conferred the prestigious Padma Shri 2026, was welcomed by village council members, students and residents at the village gate as the village celebrated the achievement of the distinguished son of Soyim (Ungma).

Addressing the gathering, Guru Sangyusang Pongener dedicated the Padma Shri honour to the people of Nagaland and said the recognition was a blessing for Ungma village. He expressed his hope that the younger generation from the village would continue to excel and bring recognition in different fields.

Reflecting on the journey towards receiving the national honour, he conveyed his gratitude to the Government of India, the President of India and the Prime Minister for acknowledging the contributions of Nagas through the prestigious award.

He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Nagaland, the Chief Secretary, the Directorate of Art and Culture and all those who supported the recommendation of his name. He further acknowledged the assistance received from the district administration, DC Mokokchung, District Art and Culture Office, Ao Senden, Ungma Village Council and NEZCC.

Pongener stated that the achievement was not solely his own but came through the encouragement and support of his family and well wishers. He thanked his wife for her constant support and prayers and also acknowledged his daughterfor helping him with documentation and other necessary procedures.

Speaking about his connection with cultural traditions, Pongener said his interest in folk culture developed from childhood through the influence of his grandparents and parents. He recalled learning traditional songs and practices from his late father Chutisang and his late mother Kedimenla Jamir.

He said he later understood that cultural knowledge needed to be kept alive through practice and transmission to younger generations. With others who shared the same vision, he helped establish the Naga Wadir Club to promote Naga cultural heritage and encourage young artists.

Through the club, Pongener participated in cultural exchange programmes across India and guided young performers. His contribution to the preservation of folk traditions received recognition through various honours, starting with the Sangeet Natak Akademi National Award in 2002.

DC Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma said the felicitation programme was a significant occasion for Mokokchung district and Ungma village.

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Congratulating Guru Sangyusang Pongener, Verma said the Padma Shri honour represented not only an individual accomplishment but also a source of pride for the Ao community and Nagaland.

He stated that Pongener becoming the first Padma Shri recipient from Ungma village was a moment of pride and gratitude. He said cultural traditions continue to survive because of individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting and transferring them to future generations.

Highlighting Pongener’s contribution, Verma said he had understood the importance of safeguarding oral traditions and indigenous performing arts and worked consistently towards their continuation.

The DC noted that as a co-founder of Naga Wadir Club, Pongener played an important role in making cultural preservation a collective effort by training and encouraging young artists.

He said the Padma Shri recognition under the Unsung Heroes category was a fitting acknowledgment of Pongener’s decades-long commitment to preserving Ao cultural heritage, including folk songs, dances and oral traditions.

Addressing the youth, Verma encouraged them to draw inspiration from Pongener’s journey and said that achievement should be viewed not only through material success but also through the positive impact and legacy created for society.

Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong congratulated Pongener and his family for receiving the country’s fourth highest civilian honour.

He said the recognition had written a new chapter for the Ao community, Nagas and younger generations. He stated that Pongener’s achievement, coming from Soyim Aonglenden and being recognised in Folk Art, was a matter of pride.

Imsong said Pongener’s journey from a farmer family background to receiving the honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan reflected dedication and perseverance. He added that the recognition belonged not only to Ungma but to the entire Ao community and Nagaland.

Meanwhile, expressing his future vision, Pongener said he plans to establish a cultural academy to provide a platform for young people to learn traditional songs, dances, folklore and other cultural practices. He said the dream could be realised with government support through grant assistance.

Representatives from Ungma Council, Department of Art & Culture Nagaland, Naga Wadir and Pongen Kidong (Clan), Ungma also delivered brief speeches during the programme.