Bravery Award recipient returns home with pride

Nine-year old Mhonbeni Ezung, who along with 24 other young brave hearts received the National Bravery Awards (2014) from the Prime Minister of India at Delhi recently, has returned home here at Wokha town Friday night.
In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Post Saturday, Mhonbeni said she was delighted to have won the prestigious National Bravery Award 2014.
With a big smile, the young braveheart from Nagaland said that she really enjoyed participating in the Republic Day parade– seated in an open jeep and the visits to the houses of the President of India, Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and the chiefs of Army, Air Force and Navy among others.
When prodded further, Mhonbeni said she especially liked meeting the President and Prime Minister of India. Nagaland’s very own lively, little brave heart added with a grin that she liked most the sprawling complex and house of the President of India (Rashtrapati Bhavan).
Mhonbeni also recounted how they were plied with gifts on every visit to many philanthropic institutions and organizations in the capital.
During her brief stay in the capital, Mhonbeni said she was able to struck up a special friendship with two fellow awardees; (13 years 11 months old girl) Zeal Jitendra Marathe from Gujarat and (13 years 6 months old boy) Rumoh Meto from Arunachal Pradesh.
It was this Correspondent who had first reported/interviewed Mhonbeni on her brave act of saving her grandmother’s life which was published in Nagaland Post under the heading ‘Brave girl saves grandma in Wokha’ on August 10, 2014.
Mhonbeni reached Delhi by January 15 along with her father, N. Longtsubemo Lotha of Tsungiki village, to receive the award. They were hosted at the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) hostel in Delhi along with other awardees and their families during the whole duration of their stay in the capital.
Thanking all well-wishers for extending their encouragement, appreciation, prayer and material support to her, Mhonbeni also expressed special gratitude to Nagaland Council for Child Welfare (NCCW) chairperson Abeni TCK Lotha and general secretary Dr P. Ngully, Nagaland Post, Wokha district administration, ex-minister E.T. Ezung, Sulumo Jungi, Nzan M. Ezung, Dr Longshithung Jami and Mhathung Kithan in Delhi, and Lotha Mhonka Okho Delhi.