Nagaland: Methaneilie conferred O.N.E. India Award 2026

Methaneilie Jutakhrie, the renowned veteran singer from Nagaland popularly known as the ‘Kishore Kumar of the Northeast,’ was conferred the O.N.E. (Our North East) India Award 2026 at a grand ceremony held at the Kohima Village Council Hall on Friday evening. The event was graced by Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, as the chief guest, and Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhriehulie Yhome, as the guest of honour. Sunil Deodhar, founder of My Home India and conceptualizer of the award, also attended the ceremony.
In his address, Temjen Imna Along highlighted the growing recognition of the Northeast in the national narrative and praised the role of artists like Jutakhrie in representing the region on a broader stage. He reflected on how such events, where people from Delhi and Mumbai travel to Kohima to felicitate achievers, demonstrate the increasing visibility and importance of the Northeast. He emphasized the need to maintain a positive outlook on national issues and strengthen the collective identity of the region within India.
Dr. Kekhriehulie Yhome spoke about the transformative power of culture, music, and education. He underlined how recognising artists like Jutakhrie reinforces the idea that creative expression can cultivate unity, responsible citizenship, and social values, especially among young people. The role of music and culture in fostering social harmony and collective responsibility was highlighted as a central theme of the event.
Sunil Deodhar elaborated on the vision of My Home India and its commitment to national integration, particularly in the Northeast. He acknowledged the central government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in bringing the region to the national stage in terms of development, visibility, and governance. He further emphasized that artists like Methaneilie Jutakhrie play a crucial role in strengthening cultural and emotional integration, using music to inspire social change, civic awareness, and pride in the nation.
Methaneilie Jutakhrie expressed his gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Nagaland and the Northeast. He reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to using music as a means of service, promoting positive values, social responsibility, and unity across the region.
The event was attended by Kohima Village Council chairman and other community leaders, who collectively acknowledged Jutakhrie’s journey and contributions. The ceremony also included performances and tributes celebrating his music and its impact on society. The award highlighted the significance of music as a unifying force, strengthening social cohesion and national integration.
The prestigious award was presented by My Home India, an organization committed to fostering national unity, fraternity, and integration. Jutakhrie was honored for his lifelong contribution to society through music. His powerful songs, written and sung against corruption, social evils, and substance abuse, have deeply influenced Naga society. Through his art, he has consistently promoted Bharatiyata, national pride, and positive social change, making him a respected cultural icon in the Northeast.