Sano Vamuzo
Vamuzo's award affirms her legacy of faith & justice: NBCC
Kohima, July 14 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has congratulated Sano Vamuzo for being awarded the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Quinquennial Human Rights Award for Lifetime Achievement. The honour was conferred during the 23rd Baptist World Congress held in Brisbane, Australia, from July 7–12, 2025.
“Any recognition of such magnitude is never conferred lightly. It is a testimony earned through decades of tireless service, marked by personal sacrifice, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, peace and human dignity,” NBCC stated in its press note.
The NBCC described the award as a “resounding affirmation” of her remarkable legacy, both in Nagaland and across the world.
Sano Vamuzo has long been recognised as a bold “voice for the voiceless and a steadfast advocate for women's empowerment.”
As the founding member of the Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) and the first Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, “her life’s work reflects an unshakeable resolve to uplift the marginalised and to promote a culture of peace rooted in compassion and truth.”
NBCC avowed that Sano Vamuzo is widely respected not only for the offices she held, but for the “sincerity, wisdom and strength she consistently brought into public life.”
NBCC praised Vamuzo’s rare ability to translate vision into action, “often ahead of her time, yet always grounded in her faith and cultural identity.”
Her life is a living sermon, embodying the essence of Micah 6:8—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, the NBCC said. “This verse resonates with her legacy, her pursuit of justice, her merciful leadership and her humble service unto God and humanity. She is not only a role model for her generation but an enduring light for those yet to come.”
The council joined the global Baptist community in honouring her life and prayed that her example would motivate young people in Nagaland and beyond to follow her path with “courage, conviction, and compassion.”
“May her path continue to shine ever brighter, like the morning sun, lighting the way for a just and peaceful future,” the NBCC added.
‘A Fitting Tribute,’ says NPF
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) in a separate message said, “This global recognition is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who has devoted her life to championing the rights, dignity, and empowerment of women and the marginalized, inspiring generations towards building a more compassionate, inclusive, and just society.”
Sano Vamuzo holds a pioneering place in the history of Nagaland as the first Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) when it was instituted in 2007. “She has since remained a towering figure in advocating for women’s representation and leadership not only in the state but also at the national and international levels,” Press Bureau, NPF Central HQ, Kohima stated in a press note.
It is worth noting that in 2024, she was also conferred the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of her distinguished service in the field of Social Work.
“This honour is not only a proud moment for the NSCW but also for every Naga woman and the entire Naga community, as it reflects the impact of her tireless efforts and vision,” it stated.
NPF joined well-wishers across the world in celebrating this milestone and “prays for Sano Vamuzo’s good health, renewed strength, and continued success in all her future endeavours.”
Richly Deserved: Chakhesang Hoho, Kohima
The Chakhesang Hoho, Kohima (CHK) stated that a pioneering educator and social reformer, Vamuzo has exemplified courageous leadership through decades of dedicated service.
“As the founding president of the Naga Mothers' Association, she led bold initiatives against violence, substance abuse, and gender inequality—championing the values of compassion, human integrity, and nonviolence. As the first Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, and through countless grassroots engagements, she has uplifted voices often left unheard,” the Hoho acclaimed her.
It stated that the BWA Human Rights Award is a richly deserved recognition of Vamuzo's tireless efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of all people. “It also honours the spirit of the Naga women she has so faithfully represented—strong, wise, and peace-loving.”
“We celebrate this historic moment not only as an acknowledgment of her past accomplishments but as an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. We are sure that her recognition by BWA will spur her to scale greater heights in her relentless endeavour to work for the betterment of our Naga Society,” the hoho added.
