Guinness record holder Melhite Kenye no more

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 22 (EMN): Nagaland’s Guinness World Record holder for tallest paddy plant in the world, Melhite Kenye died on Tuesday in Chumoukedima, Nagaland.

The record holder, born in 1922, celebrated his centenary birthday on January 6, 2022.

Kenye was the pastor of Town Baptist Church at Chumoukedima, Nagaland when he received the title in 1998. For this feat, he was also awarded the Governor’s Gold Medal in 2002.

The paddy plant was recorded on October 1, 1998  and was  known as ‘Melhite Kenye Lha’ (Lha in local dialect means rice). The height of the paddy was eight and half feet, 175 tillers and 510 grains in each ear.

On his death, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio while expressing his condolence stated that Kenye was a renowned and distinguished personality in Nagaland.

He was also one of the first Christian converts from Chizami village under Phek district, who later shifted to Dimapur and served as pastor of Dimapur Chakhesang Baptist Church and pastor of Town Baptist Church Chumoukedima for a long period, spanning nearly four decades.

“His death is a great loss to the Nagas in general, and the Chakhesang community in particular. I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. May God grant you solace and peace of mind in this hour of bereavement. May the departed soul rest in peace,” he stated.