Guru Sangyusang Pongen of Ungma village received the Padma Shri for six decades of work preserving Ao Naga folk songs, dances and traditions.
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DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG — In a moment of rare national recognition for Naga indigenous heritage, Guru Sangyusang Pongen of Ungma village in Mokokchung district, has been conferred the Padma Shri 2026, honouring over six decades of tireless contribution to the preservation and propagation of Ao-Naga folk arts.
Born on March 23, 1945, in Ungma village, Guru Sangyusang Pongen emerged as one of Nagaland’s most influential cultural custodians, dedicating his life to folk songs, dances and traditional practices rooted in Ao-Naga identity.
The eldest of eight siblings, he displayed a deep engagement with society and culture from an early age, actively participating in student leadership, community activities and traditional learning under village elders.
A former football goalkeeper during his school years, Pongen pursued his education from Government Middle School Ungma, Government School Mokokchung—later renamed Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School—and later attended Gauhati University.
Widely respected as a mentor and teacher, Guru Sangyusang Pongen has trained thousands of youth artistes and personally mentored over 100 apprentices, many of whom continue to perform and teach across local, national and international platforms.
His work has played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of Ao-Naga folk traditions in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
In 1982, he co-founded the Naga Wadir Club, a cultural organisation registered under the department of Home, government of Nagaland, to institutionalise efforts toward safeguarding indigenous heritage. He continues to serve as its general secretary.
His contributions have previously been recognised through the Sangeet Natak Akademi National Award (2002), the Guru title conferred by NEZCC in collaboration with IGNOU (2014), the Governor’s Award (2017) and an Achievement Certificate from the Music Task Force (2018).
Since June 2024, he has also been mentoring young artists under the Kala-Deeksha programme of the government of India.
The Padma Shri citation recognises his “exceptional achievements and innovative contribution to Ao-Naga folk arts.”
Expressing gratitude after the announcement, Pongener conveyed his appreciation to NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, Ao Senden, the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung, and the District Arts & Culture Officer for their recommendations and steadfast support.
Popularly known as Guru Pongener, the veteran cultural custodian said that he had dedicated his entire life to the preservation and propagation of Ao Naga indigenous culture, encompassing folk songs, dances and age-old traditions.
He described the honour as a collective achievement, attributing the recognition to the encouragement of all who stood by him and to the government of India.
“This honour belongs to everyone who supported me along the way,” he added.
Pongener urged the younger generation to rediscover their roots and embrace their ancestral heritage. “I appeal to our youth to delve deep into their origins and uphold the rich cultural legacy that defines our identity. Excellence demands resilience, perseverance and patience,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment to cultural continuity, Pongener said that he remained ready to mentor and pass on traditional knowledge accumulated over decades.
Reflecting on changing times, he acknowledged that certain ancestral practices have naturally faded, but stressed that core cultural expressions must endure.
“While society evolves, our folk songs, dances, values and traditions must be preserved with utmost sincerity,” he asserted.