14th Classic Award 2019 held in Kohima

The 14th classic award 2019 was awarded to Diethono Nakhro, state commissioner for persons with disabilities (PwDs), Nagaland  on October 2 at Hotel Japfü.

Special guest additional chief secretary to the chief minister of Nagaland Lhoubeilatuo Kire appreciated the Club for rendering yeoman services to the society through their involvement in various activities and philanthropic works thereby being an example for other clubs in the state.

Kire praised the recipient of the award saying “she rightly deserves it” and described Diethono as an individual with very strong personality. Adding that from being an educationist to journalism to activist for right of PwDs, Kire said that she has endured herself.

He said that the state government has rightly appointed Diethono as the state commissioner of PwDs 

Award winner Diethono Nakhro in her acceptance speech mentioned that she was humbled to be chosen for the prestigious Classic Award and thank Almighty God and her family, for being her support system the whole time.

Talking about her journey and experience, she said the greatest pain in life is to be invisible and mentioned that she realised how it was like to be a disabled person in Nagaland after she met with a car accident in 2006.  

She also mentioned that “ours” was a very exclusive society – a society that caters only to the so-called normal people, where people living with disabilities are not counted or included. Citing education as an example she stated that  most children with disabilities cannot get a proper education because nobody bother to make the school buildings and classrooms accessible. She added that this was how society is failing the children with disabilities and people who live with disabilities. 

She wanted everyone to understand that people with disabilities, children with disabilities are equal citizens and deserve the same opportunities as everyone. She also thanked  the Classic Club for amplifying the voice of the disability community with this award which was an honour for the entire disabled community and she dedicate it to all people living with disabilities in Nagaland. 

The programme was blessed with invocation by Rev. Mekhale Yhoshii and a harmonious song was presented by Mhasi Linyii. Classic club president Neibou Sekhose gave the welcome address.