Padma Shri awardee and prominent women’s rights activist, Sano Vamuzo, received a warm welcome at Dimapur Airport on Monday, on her return from Brisbane, Australia, where she was conferred the prestigious Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Quinquennial Human Rights Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The award was presented to her during the 23rd Baptist World Congress, held from July 7-12, 2025, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to human rights, peace building, and community development. A brief reception programme was held at the airport where members from various Chakhesang organizations welcomed her with bouquets. In her address, Sano Vamuzo said that she did not deserve the honour, and thanked God’s grace.
Pointing that everyone was assigned different tasks in life, she expressed gratitude to God for placing the burden and concern in her heart to work for the people.
Reflecting on Naga society, she stated that Naga society was suffering from various ailments including tribalism, which she described as the “worst”.
She called upon the mothers to carry forward the mission of peace while acknowledging the unique burden they bear, Sano Vamuzo also sought support and encouragement from men.
She further expressed gratitude to all those who gathered to welcome her.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Vekhosayi Nyekha, while Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho offered the opening prayer and introduction.
Short speeches were delivered by representatives from Naga Mothers’ Association, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Western Chakhesang Hoho, Western Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Western Yorubami Welfare Union, among others, while Rev. Vevo Phesao proposed the vote of thanks and benediction.
NBCC fetes Sano Vamuzo: Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has congratulated Sano Vamuzo on being conferred the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Quinquennial Human Rights Award for Lifetime Achievement.
In a statement, NBCC said that any recognition of such magnitude was never conferred lightly. “It is a testimony earned through decades of tireless service, marked by personal sacrifice, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, peace and human dignity,” NBCC stated.
The Church said that the prestigious global honour stood as a resounding affirmation of Sano Vamuzo’s remarkable legacy, both in Nagaland and across the world.
NBCC said she had been a bold voice for the voiceless and a steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment. As the founding member of the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and the first Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, NBCC said her life’s work reflected an unshakeable resolve to uplift the marginalised and to promote a culture of peace rooted in compassion and truth.
NBCC also acknowledged her selfless service and her rare ability to channel vision into action, often ahead of her time, yet always grounded in her faith and cultural identity.
Further, the Church said that Sano Vamuzo’s life was a living sermon, an embodiment of Micah 6:8.
Joining the global Baptist community in celebrating this honour, NBCC offered its “prayerful blessings” upon her life and legacy. The Church prayed that many young people in Nagaland and beyond would be inspired to walk in her footsteps with courage, conviction and compassion.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) has congratulated Sano Vamuzo on receiving the Baptist World Congress Quinquennial Human Rights Award from the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), in honour of her lifetime achievements.
In a press statement, NPF said the award was a proud moment for Nagaland, recognizing Sano Vamuzo’s tireless efforts for women’s empowerment and social justice.
Sano was the first chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), when it was set up in 2007, and has remained a strong voice for women’s leadership and representation.
NPF noted that she was also conferred the Padma Shri in 2024 for her contributions in social work. The party extended prayers for her good health and continued success, terming the award a shared moment of pride for all Naga women and the community.
CHK: The Chakhesang Hoho, Kohima (CHK) has congratulated Sano Vamuzo on being conferred with the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Human Rights Award 2025, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity.
In a statement, CHK president Dozhohu Tunyi and general secretary Mutsivoyi Kotso said Vamuzo, a pioneering educator and social reformer, exemplified courageous leadership through decades of dedicated service.
As the founding president of the Naga Mothers’ Association, they recalled she led bold initiatives against violence, substance abuse, and gender inequality — championing the values of compassion, human integrity, and nonviolence.
They stated that as the first chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, and through countless grassroots engagements, she uplifted voices often left unheard.
According to them, the BWA Human Rights Award was a richly deserved recognition of Vamuzo’s tireless efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of all people, while also honouring the spirit of Naga women she had so faithfully represented — strong, wise, and peace-loving.
The duo said they celebrated this historic moment not only as an acknowledgment of her past accomplishments but as an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations to come.
They said they were sure her recognition by BWA would spur her to scale greater heights in her relentless endeavour to work for the betterment of Naga society.