Eighty-one-year-old Guru Sangyusang Pongen of Ungma village, Mokokchung, was conferred with the Padma Shri Award, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, on January 25, 2026, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Ao Naga folk arts. He was featured among the 133 nation’s “Unsung Heroes” for his more than six decades of dedication to the preservation and promotion of Ao cultural heritage.

Born in 1945 to late Chutisang and late Kedimenla, Guru Sangyusang Pongen is the eldest among eight siblings, comprising one daughter and seven sons. He was brought up in Ungma village and is currently settled at Aong Mepu, Ungma. He is married to Rongsenbenla Longkumtsür and is blessed with five children-one son and four daughters and eight grandchildren.

Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, Pongen said that winning the Padma Shri left him speechless, describing the recognition as the result of his lifelong love for art and culture, which began during his teenage years. He said his passion was shaped by spending time with elders, learning folklores, folktales, folk songs, and traditional dances, and listening to the wisdom of earlier generations.

Reflecting on his journey, Pongen said his interest in Ao folk arts began when he was around 14 to 15 years old, when he started singing in his own language, learning folk dance steps, and accompanying elders during cultural gatherings. He said he made friends with elders to learn more about folklore and continued pursuing his passion with keen interest.

When asked about his inspiration, he named late Dr (Guru) I Satemmeren Longkumer of Ungma village as his idol and mentor. Ungma village, he noted, has produced five Gurus, of whom four are still alive. He said Satemmeren Longkumer played a crucial role in guiding him in his early learning, and that he has since participated in and contributed to several Ao festivals and cultural platforms.

Although honoured with several prestigious awards over the years, Pongen said his greatest concern remains the passing down of knowledge to younger generations. He expressed regret that starting a formal academy has not been possible due to financial constraints, but added that he has contributed in every way possible through various platforms and training programmes.

Addressing the youth, Pongen said that as cultural practitioners age, it pains them to see only a few young people showing interest in carrying forward Ao folk arts. He said that while recognition is meaningful, time is limited and elders will not be around forever to teach. He expressed hope that more youths would come forward with enthusiasm to learn and preserve their cultural heritage.

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He said he takes pride in the fact that two Gurus from his village, Guru Limayanger Jamir and Guru Rarenbenba are his students. Over the years, he has trained numerous cultural troupes and shikshas, many of whom have represented at various occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day, and other national and inter-state platforms.

Pongen said he remains open and willing to teach anyone who is genuinely interested, adding that he is ready to dedicate his time and life to teaching Ao folk songs and dances.

Among his many talents, composing songs in his own language remains his favourite. He has composed around 60 Ao cultural songs and is currently planning to compile them into a book. His repertoire includes folklores, performing arts (Jilushi/Mulushi)-songs accompanied by traditional dance movements, and ancestral tunes. Notably, he also possesses the ability to sing one song in ten different tunes, commonly referred to as a medley (Kensü Takar in Ao).

Since childhood, Pongen has remained deeply engaged with traditional practices, especially Ao folk songs and dances. His lifelong cultural engagement has significantly enriched Ao-Naga heritage.

Major Achievements:

2002: Sangeet Natak Akademi National Award

2014: Conferred the Guru title by NEZCC in collaboration with IGNOU, New Delhi

2017: Governor’s Award in Art and Music by the Government of Nagaland

2018: Achievement Certificate from M. Table

Since June 2024: Mentor under the KALA-DEEKSHA Programme, Government of India, training aspiring youth in Ao folk songs and dances

January 25, 2026: Padma Shri Award for outstanding contribution to Ao Naga folk arts