Former Miss Nagaland champions social change with grassroots efforts

Vikuonuo Sachü- living beyond the glamorous facade of beauty queen title

Mercy Wangnao

Dimapur | July 17

In a world where beauty often takes center stage, 22-year-old Vikuonuo Sachü, a former Miss Nagaland, has redefined what it means to wear a crown. Her journey began with dreams and visions that transcended the glamour of the pageant world. Vikuonuo is the founder of Miraculum Society Nagaland and Managing Director of Creative Children’s Friendship Centre, Noklak.

From Dreams to Miss Nagaland

Vikuonuo’s journey began at a young age when she dreamt of becoming a beauty queen. “Back then, society’s perception of beauty queens and the industry was uncertain, even negative,” she recalls. Despite societal doubts, she remained steadfast in her aspirations. As she grew older, she faced significant opposition from family and friends. “I understood their concern; they wanted me to become someone capable in society,” she says.

However, Vikuonuo saw beyond the glamorous facade of the beauty queen title. She recognised it as a platform to connect with many people and create meaningful change, a perspective she gained at a young age. Determined to follow her passion, she entered a district beauty pageant at 18, progressing to the state level, where she ultimately won the title of Miss Nagaland in 2019.

Winning the title of Miss Nagaland profoundly impacted Vikuonuo’s life as she shares, “This victory came with the responsibility to carry myself as a mature and dignified individual, far beyond my age.”

Empowering Communities, Youth, and Students

The Miraculum Society has worked with various organizations and individuals, including government departments. The NGO has conducted sessions on menstrual education, skill development programs, unemployment bootcamps, and peace curricula. The Society opened the Creative Children Friendship Centre in Noklak, a hub featuring a library, computer center, training facility, and tuition center. They currently serve many students in the Noklak District, offering free tuition and computer classes, and have introduced training courses and programs to empower young minds and women in their community.

Additionally, the Sachu Scholarship Program, launched in honour of late Tuozo Sachu and late Neituonuo Sachu, empowers students to pursue their educational dreams and make impact on society. The Miraculum Society has also launched the “100s Angels Movement” campaign to transform lives of children in Noklak.

“The Miraculum Society Nagaland holds a special place in my heart; it is like a child I have nurtured, and I take great pride in it,” she shares. 

The idea for the NGO was born during her time as Miss Nagaland, when she had the opportunity to visit all 12 districts of Nagaland. These visits allowed her to engage in charitable work, connect with people, and immerse herself in the local culture and traditions.

This exposure inspired Vikuonuo to find meaningful ways to contribute to her community, realizing the potential for impactful grassroots work. In July 2022, she founded the Miraculum Society Nagaland to continue her mission even without the crown and sash. “Once a Miss Nagaland, always a Miss Nagaland,” Sachu says.

Vikuonuo remarked, “While we have big plans ahead, we prefer to keep them under wraps for now, believing that surprises are more exciting.”

Mission across Nagaland’s 12 Districts

Reflecting on her project visiting 12 districts of Nagaland, Vikuonuo shares, it was “truly a dream come true… It was an honour to explore both new and old districts, each with its own unique beauty.” 

She highlights meeting and learning from the diverse cultures and traditions of Nagaland’s tribes as a privilege. Her most cherished memory remains connecting with senior citizens aged a hundred years or more, exchanging thoughts, receiving their blessings, and hearing their life experiences.

Challenges and Triumphs in Remote Villages

When asked about the challenges faced in the remote villages she visited, Vikuonuo reflects, “I believe there’s nothing specific I can pinpoint. Certainly, this project has brought numerous challenges and hardships.” She describes the experience as sometimes feeling like a “one-man army,” dealing with ground realities, traveling to distant places, and stepping out of her comfort zone. Finding a place to sleep and familiar food isn’t always guaranteed, and language barriers add to the challenges. However, Vikuonuo stresses that what truly matters is their ability to connect with communities, and believes they have successfully built those connections.

Vikuonuo says that teamwork has played a significant role in her success. “I have had the pleasure of working with a truly wonderful and diverse team,” she shares. Her team, though not permanent, is comprised of individuals from various backgrounds and fields. She feels fortunate and is eager to bring more talented individuals on board, particularly young minds, to continue their collaborative efforts.

In an exclusive interview, Vikuonuo conveyed a message about the essence of beauty. “True beauty is found in kindness, love, and care for others, beyond superficial appearances,” she says.

She urged parents to support their children’s dreams and aspirations, believing that such encouragement shapes their future. To the youth, she encouraged relentless effort, emphasizing that dedication and compassion are key to achieving meaningful goals and leaving a lasting positive impact on others.

The writer is a student of Master of Journalism and Mass Communication at Nagaland University, Lumami. She is currently undergoing a month-long internship in The Morung Express.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/former-miss-nagaland-champions-social-change-with-grassroots-efforts