Yesonu Veyie and Abeni TCK receive Distinguished Senior Citizens Award

October 2, 2024 4 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 2

Yesonu Veyie and Abeni TCK were honored with the Distinguished Senior Citizens Award 2024 during the International Day of Older Persons celebration in Kohima. The event, organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland, was held on October 1 under the theme “Ageing with Dignity.” Nagaland’s Social Welfare Advisor, Wangpang Konyak, presented the awards during the state-level celebration held at the NBCC Convention Hall.

Yesonu Veyie
Yesonu Veyie, a well-known student leader and social worker, has devoted his life to the Naga society. A visionary who witnessed the struggles of Nagaland during the Indian Army’s operations, he has been deeply involved in the Naga national movement and the pursuit of peace and self-determination.

Born on February 16, 1947, in Thipuzumi village, Phek district, Veyie completed his early education in local schools before graduating from St. Edmund’s College in Shillong in 1973. His leadership roles include serving as the president of the Naga Students’ Federation (1976-1978) during India’s National Emergency, and being a founding member of the Naga Tribes Council.

In 1996, he presented a petition for a ceasefire between the Naga underground groups and the Government of India to then Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, which led to peace initiatives in the region.

He was also Member, Nagaland Peace Mission, 1978; President, Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union, 1979-81; Member, Kohima Town Committee, 1982-1987; President, Phek District Congress (I) Committee, 1987-88; General Secretary, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (Administration), 2002-06; President, Chakhesang Hoho Kohima; Member, Nagaland State Security Commission, 2013; Organising Member, Nagaland Tribes Council, 2013; Convenor, Peace Mediation Committee of Nagaland (NTC), 2014 to date.

Abeni TCK
Abeni TCK, a prominent women’s leader, is celebrated for her contributions to Nagaland’s social and cultural fabric. The daughter of former Interim Body Member (IBM) PE Ezung and wife of the late TCK Lotha IAS, she has spent over 50 years advocating for women’s empowerment, textile innovation, and social upliftment.

Abeni pioneered the transformation of Lotha textiles and spearheaded initiatives for the welfare of women and children in rural areas. As a young bureaucrat’s wife, she formed charitable societies in Mon and Phek districts, and later worked on similar causes in Bihar during her husband’s posting.

She served in numerous positions holding eminent chairs for over 50 years. The various positions held by her includes; First Woman Chairperson, Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch (2013-2022), Member, First Nagaland State Commission for Women (2007-2012), Vice-President, Indian Council of Child Welfare, National Council, New Delhi (2009-2021), Vice President, Nagaland Women Voluntary Association (1985-1996), Advisor, Naga Mother’s Association – till present date.

Abeni is also a recipient of several awards including Award of Merit, 2012-2013- Indian Red Cross Society, National (New Delhi), Distinguished Service Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, 2004 and 2012 respectively- Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch, Best (textile) Designer Awardee, 1995 – Lotha Baptist Women Association, Winner of Best Modern Design, 1985-1989 Nagaland Modern Design Competition, organised by Nagaland Women Voluntary Association (NWVA).