Giving best for Humanity: KODH celebrates 50 years

Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home has raised 700 children till date

Vishü Rita Krocha
Dimapur | April 17

Fifty years ago in 1973, Late Mother Zaputuo-ü, as she was fondly known, brought home an abandoned baby and there began a course of life that would forever change the lives of hundreds of children. 

On Sunday afternoon, as Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home (KODH) celebrated the 50 years of its existence, it also marked a historic milestone of having raised 700 children till date.

“There were times we didn’t have enough rice to feed the children or sufficient milk to feed the infants, related Neibanuo, who now runs the KODH.

 “We have come this far not because of our strength but solely because of God’s grace and people’s love,” she said, acknowledging the generous contributions of people.

Some of the children whom the Home raised, she highlighted, have gone on to become productive members of the society. Some are married, even grandparents, gone abroad, and in the army, navy, police or into some kind of jobs, she shared. 

Impressing upon that it was very gratifying to see all of the children being able to stand on their own feet in one way or the other, she also informed that currently there are 90 children, some of whom have finished Master of Arts & Bachelor Degrees or Master of Business Administration.

Profoundly thanking whoever has been part of the KODH’s journey in the last five decades, she made special mention of Dr Lhouvizotuo Belho, who ‘has been there ever since he was young and was a father figure for the Home.’

 ‘A life of complete sacrifice’
Acknowledging and appreciating the founder of the Institution—Late Zaputuo-ü, Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman, Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) said, “One cannot imagine the challenges, the problems, and the hurdles she would have faced 50 years ago. Even today, to run this home, is a challenge every day.”

“Hers was a life of complete sacrifice, only to give and nothing to take away,” he added. 

 “Her name must figure amongst the top commandos,” he asserted, underlining how Late Zaputuo-ü was one of the makers of the state in the journey of Nagaland and adventure of the Naga people.

Metha also recalled his first encounter with the ‘Mother’ as a youngster and how she always remained an inspiration to him thereafter. 

“She spoke very less, and said what she had to say but you understood her through her face and expression,” he added. 

Noting that 50 years “is two generations- significant, historic,” Metha said that it is a time to celebrate and acknowledge God’s blessings.”

He also told the children that “each and every one of you is special” and urged them not to feel “abandoned or left behind” as God has a plan for each and exuded hope that they will all go on to achieve big things in life. 

For the rest of us, he said, “We should keep in mind that we can never really do enough. We have to keep doing… (and) challenge ourselves on how much more we can do.”

Pointing out that the children also have dreams and ambitions, Metha exhorted the gathering to make those “our dreams and ambitions too, and more importantly, our responsibility.”

“I think it is also an occasion for the Naga society to self-introspect, to question ourselves. How did we get here and why do these things happen,” he noted, while empathising with challenges the children must be confronting daily. 

‘Each child who came here, came under different circumstances and different reasons and the society as a whole must question ourselves in this regard,’ he stressed. 

He further expressed hope that the children would go on to be leaders in every field and be contributors in the society. “We have to put our efforts together, unite and strengthen them, and let them be ambassadors of Nagaland.”

Metha further announced the initiative to set up a welfare fund named after the founder to help the students achieve greater things. He also conveyed the greetings of the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on the occasion, saying the children are remembered in his prayers and there is a special place in his heart for all the children of the KODH.

 Impact goes far beyond 
Amho first arrived at the KODH as a scared young boy, alone and unsure of future. “But from the moment, I walked through the door, I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home by Late Mother, whom we fondly address as Ama,” he recalled, speaking on behalf of the past students.

This home became my family, he said, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the founder and all the people who selflessly gave care and education to the countless children like himself, who otherwise would been left to fend for themselves.

‘I am grateful for the lessons I have learnt here – the value of hard work, and importance of perseverance and compassion.  This has helped me navigate the challenges of life and made me a better person. Many of us who have passed through its doors have gone on to achieve great things in life,’ he added.

Likewise, Zubenthung was ‘scared and sceptical’ when he first stepped into the KODH. ‘However, it got the biggest and happiest family I could dream of and understood the real meaning of family,’ he added.  

 “As a son of our Mother, words are not enough to describe how thankful I am,” he said.

He further reminded his ‘family’ members not to ‘ever forget our humble beginning’ while also acknowledging the love, care and support given to them by the society.

Speaking on the occasion, Neithonuo Leigise said that she sees “a great treasure and potential in this place” and expressed hope that ‘God is going to use all of us to be a great support in bringing up these children.’

‘We are all a part and contributors to help them grow to their best potential,” she said, further remembering Late Zaputuo-ü’s ‘living works’.

 “I respect and honour the work that she has done. She is no more but her works are living,” she stated, recalling her encounter with the Mother as a Class 10 student.

She further encouraged the civil society to do ‘much better, bring more changes’ and development as well as come together and contribute to make a better world.

 “We are always with you, behind you, and we will always be there for you and remember, God is before you,” Leigise further told the children. 

Mention may be made here that the motto of the KODH is “Give Your Best for the Humanity.” Other highlights of the event included invocation by Medotseilie-ü Kiewhuo, Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church, Jubilee song and Tribute song to Ama by Children of KODH, special song by Shalom Bible Seminary, special performance by Sunshine Orchestra Nagaland Chapter and vote of thanks by Dr Belho.