A special screening of “Lentina Ao: A Light on the Eastern Horizon” held at NIELIT, Chuchuyimlang on October 18.

Documentary on Padmashree Lentina Ao screened at NIELIT Chuchuyimlang
CHUCHUYIMLANG, OCTOBER 19 (MExN): A special screening of the National Award-winning NFDC-produced film “Lentina Ao: A Light on the Eastern Horizon” was held on October 18 at NIELIT, Chuchuyimlang. The event paid tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Padmashree Lentina Ao, a prominent Gandhian social worker whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the people of Nagaland and beyond.
Lentina Ao, along with her late husband, Padmashree Natwar Thakkar, established the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram in 1955, which continues to serve the people to this day. The occasion also marked her 98th birth anniversary, adding deeper emotional significance to the screening.
Directed by Sanjib Parasar, the documentary bagged the 71st National Award for Best Biographical Film out of more than 250 entries in its category. The award was presented by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, on September 23 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The film presents a moving portrayal of Lentina Ao’s journey, her dedication to service, and her role as a beacon of strength, compassion, and inspiration.
The screening was attended by community elders, NIELIT students and faculty, cultural leaders, and members of the public. Earlier in the event, Dr Aotoshi, Managing Trustee of the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram, felicitated Director Sanjib Parasar and Executive Producer and Co-Director Nilakshi Medhi. In his address, Dr Aotoshi highlighted the importance of film in preserving and sharing stories that shape collective memory.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Sanjib Parasar expressed deep gratitude to Lentina Ao and the Chuchuyimlang village community “for introducing me to a totally different world and also for providing me with a theme which culminated in winning the prestigious award.”
The screening drew an emotional and appreciative response from the audience.
Smti Imlirenla Longkumer, Senior Teaching Faculty at NIELIT and chair of the event, stated that the initiative by NIELIT aimed “to encourage cultural awareness and knowledge-sharing through art, film, and IT,” adding that it sought to bridge traditional heritage with modern platforms for learning, enlightenment, and expression.