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KOHIMA — Renowned social worker from Nagaland, Sano Vamuzo has been conferred the Padma Shri Award, the nation's second-highest civilian honour, for her distinguished service in the field of social work.
The award, announced during the 75th Republic Day celebration at Kohima on Friday, will be conferred by the President of India at the ceremonial functions to be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the month of March or April.
The 83-year-old social worker is the first chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) and served for two consecutive terms, from 2007 to 2010 and 2010 to 2013.
A founding member of the Naga Mother's Association (NMA), she also served as the first president of the association from 1984 to 1991, and currently plays the role of an advisor for the association.
Among other achievements, Vamuzo received the Navjyoti Award from the Delhi Police Foundation for outstanding achievement in social services for the youth, in recognition of NMA’s contribution to society.
Notably, she is also the wife of former Nagaland Chief Minister late Vamuzo Phesao and the younger sister of the first woman MP from Nagaland, Rano Shaiza.
Taking to the X micro-blogging site, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio congratulated the social worker.
“I wish her good health and long life in the service of people. Best wishes for all her future endeavours,” he wrote in his post.
The NMA also sent in a congratulatory message, describing Vamuzo as a “champion for women welfare and peace work,” and lauding her passion towards uplifting community spirit.
Listing her long list of achievements, the NMA stated that Vamuzo has been a guide to the organisation since 1984.
“Sano has deep concerns for the unresolved political conflicts and social issues that continue to plague the Naga society. Having seen the serious effects on successive generations, firstly by alcohol, then drugs, and now mobile phones and many others, she shares her concerns, having great hopes that these issues can be resolved through God's wisdom and the initiative of leaders at all levels and spheres,” the NMA stated in its message.
“We celebrate her life and commitment to serving the community,” it added.
For the year 2024, the President of India has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including two duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). The list comprised of five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards.
A total of 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes eight persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI /PIO/OCI and nine posthumous awardees.
Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.