A special screening of the National Award-winning documentary “Lentina Ao: A Light on the Eastern Horizon” was held at the NIELIT campus in Chuchuyimlang on October 18. The event commemorated the life and legacy of Padmashree Lentina Ao, a revered Gandhian social worker whose contributions have profoundly impacted Nagaland and beyond.
Produced by NFDC and directed by Sanjib Parasar, the film was awarded Best Biographical Film at the 71st National Film Awards, selected from over 250 entries. The award was presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on September 23 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
The screening coincided with Lentina Ao’s 98th birth anniversary, adding emotional depth to the tribute. The documentary chronicles her journey of service and compassion, highlighting her role in establishing the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram in 1955 alongside her late husband, Padmashree Natwar Thakkar.
The event was attended by community elders, students and faculty of NIELIT, cultural leaders and members of the public. Managing Trustee of Nagaland Gandhi Ashram, Dr. Aotoshi, felicitated Director Sanjib Parasar and Executive Producer and Co-Director Smti Nilakshi Medhi. In his address, Dr. Aotoshi emphasized the power of film in preserving stories that shape collective memory.
Sanjib Parasar expressed heartfelt gratitude to Lentina Ao and the Chuchuyimlang community for inspiring the film’s theme and enriching his creative journey. The screening drew an emotional response from the audience, many of whom praised the film’s portrayal of resilience and service.
Senior Teaching Faculty and chair of the event, Imlirenla Longkumer, noted that the initiative was part of NIELIT Chuchuyimlang’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural awareness and integrate traditional heritage with modern platforms for learning and expression.
The event was a meaningful convergence of art, history and community, celebrating the enduring legacy of a remarkable figure in Nagaland’s social landscape.
