Nagaland: A. Kevichusa Citizenship Awards and Chalie Kevichusa Essay Awards held

The Kevichusa Foundation hosted the Chalie Kevichusa Essay Awards 2025 and A. Kevichusa Citizenship Awards 2025, at The Lighthouse Church, Dimapur, on Saturday.
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, in his address as the chief guest, said that it was an honour to be part of a programme that celebrated values forming the foundation of a healthy and progressive society.
He noted that remembering and honouring individuals through initiatives that promote good citizenship was one of the most meaningful ways of keeping their legacy alive.
“This award is not merely a recognition but a reminder that a life lived with integrity and responsibility can continue to inspire generations” he stated.
Emphasising that citizenship goes beyond legal identity or voting rights, Chang said it was reflected in everyday conduct, citing honesty, respect for law, concern for others, and willingness to contribute positively to society.
He also asserted that in a diverse and vibrant state like Nagaland, good citizenship acts as the glue that binds people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
Referring to the recipient of the A. Kevichusa Citizenship Award 2025, Chang said the awardee stood as a shining example of responsible and committed citizenship.
“True leadership begins with service. Your contributions may not always make headlines, but they create lasting impact at the grassroots level”, he added.
Highlighting challenges of the modern world such as erosion of values, declining civic sense and intolerance, Chang said progress should not be measured only by infrastructure or economic growth, but by the strength of character within society.
He further encouraged young people to draw inspiration from the awards, stressing that citizenship is nurtured from a young age through discipline, empathy, respect and active participation in community life.
Chang also reminded that citizenship is a shared responsibility, where public institutions function effectively only when citizens cooperate actively, and governance remains transparent, accountable and inclusive.
Touching upon Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean India, Chang urged citizens to begin cleanliness from their own homes and surroundings. “If each one of us takes responsibility, Nagaland can become a cleaner and better state”, he said.
Delivering the recipient message of the “A. Kevichusa Citizenship Award 2025”, TBD president Mhonjan Humtsoe thanked the foundation for acknowledging the team’s efforts, stating that years of hard work amidst criticism and challenges had finally been recognised.
He also expressed gratitude to all supporters of the team for their tireless support, whilst assuring that the team would utilise the Rs. 4 lakh award amount towards making Dimapur a better city.
“Let us forget what people say behind us and continue working for the betterment of our city”, Humtsoe stated, ending his speech.
Also delivering a short address, TBD vice president Abeni Lotha highlighted that the organisation comprised of three groups, and was open for anyone willing to join towards making Dimapur more clean and healthy. She added that TBD was officially launched in 2017 by a few like-minded individuals and has since undertaken several initiatives including beautification drives, tree plantation, sports meets for shelter homes, medical camps for the less fortunate and sanitation workers.
She also informed that around 3,000 saplings have been planted across Dimapur, whilst sharing the team’s dream of transforming Dimapur into a garden city.
Meanwhile, elder son of Chalie Kevichusa, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, gave away the “Chalie Kevichusa Essay Awards 2025”, which comprised of two categories, Senior and Youth category.
In the senior category, Boka K. Rochill was declared the winner. Ketshunuo Luna received an honorary mention, while Lipokienla Walling emerged as the winner in the youth category, with Keneisetsonuo Chatsu receiving an honorary mention.
It was learned that winners from both categories were obligated to donate 20% of their cash prize to a charity of their choice.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by while Nividi Mevichusa, and invocation offered by senior pastor, The Lighthouse Church, Wabang Longchari.