Dimapur: L Hangthing, the recipient of the Padma Shri Award 2025 in the field of agriculture, was honoured in his native village of Noklak in Nagaland, near the Myanmar border, during a grand felicitation programme on Monday.
The event was organised by the Noklak Village Council, Thang Public Organisation, and Thang Students’ Union, according to a release issued on Tuesday.
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58-year-old Hangthing was conferred the Padma Shri for his exemplary services in progressive fruit farming in Nagaland by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan recently.
Addressing the programme, Hangthing, who is now known as Nagaland’s ‘Fruit Man’, recalled his humble beginnings, planting discarded seeds and the challenges he faced along the way.
He dedicated the award to the farmers of Nagaland and the Khiamniungan tribe, stating, “A small appreciation can become the backbone for someone striving to do his best.”
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He also noted that the agriculture has always been a practice of forefathers since time immemorial and is uplifted with the support of the government departments.
Representing the Noklak district administration, Noklak SDO (Civil) Vikhoto Richa expressed his appreciation to Hangthing for his resilience and dedication, calling him an inspiration.
President of Khiamniungan Tribal Council Ngon said it was a historic moment as it is for the first time a member of the Khiamniungan tribe had received such a prestigious civilian honour.
Khiamniungan Students’ Union president Shangchiu emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of appreciation and added that the award would be an inspiration for all.
The Deacon Board of Baptist Church of Thang village offered a special prayer for Hangthing on the occasion.