Sangyusang S. Pongener of Ungma village in Mokokchung district is among the Padma Shri awardees for 2026 under the “unsung heroes” category.
He has been conferred the Padma Shri in the field of Arts for his lifelong contribution to Ao Naga folk traditions.
Sangyusang, 81, is an eminent Ao folk artist and composer who has devoted decades to preserving and promoting Naga indigenous cultural heritage.
From the Northeast, other awardees include five from Assam and one each from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya.
The Centre approved 131 Padma Awards this year, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.
Medals for Naga cops
Three police personnel from Nagaland have been conferred with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) on the occasion of Republic Day 2026.
PSM has been awarded to Ben Longkumer, Commandant while three personnel were awarded the police medal for Meritorious Service (MSM)– Lanuchuba Longchar, assistant commandant; Mepu Konyak, Inspector/ARMR and I Akaho Sumi, Havildar.
Nagaland: Folk artist Sangyusang conferred Padma Shri
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN)