Naga girl Kenei hits gold in MA history at Mangalore University

Credit: Bangalore Mirror

With the buzz of women reservation making headlines in the national media, yet again in a total chaos, a naga lady Keneiseno Neihu (Kenei) dethroned the fuzz in south Indian newspapers by receiving two gold medals, three cash prizes and first rank in MA History at the 35th convocation of Mangalore University on March 4.

In one of the daily newspaper, Deccan Herald, the headline read “Auto driver's, tailor's sons, Nagaland girl among gold medal winners” Keneiseno Neihu has won Late Dr Gururaja Bhat Gold Medal, Late Dr Paduru Gururala Bhat Memorial Gold Medal, Prof B Sheik Ali Felicitation Committee cash prize, Dr P Gururaja Bhat Memorial Cash prize and Aubrey D’Souza Charitable Foundation prize.

Being raised by a single mother Seno Neihu who is a teacher at Chandmari Higher Secondary School after her dad passed away in 2006. Keneiseno Neihu hails from Kigwema village of Kohima district.  “My mom is my mentor and always been an inspiration to me” says Kenie.
                   
While talking to Eastern Mirror, she said that she took up history because she wanted to study and find out more about northeast history ‘because we are still lacking in many researches’. Yet she bemoaned that Indian history “one doesn’t find the history of the northeast.”          

“My interest in history started when I was in high school, my mom wanted me to take up science and get into the field of medicine but I convinced her that was not my interest and that I wanted to take up arts and she supported me throughout my journey my teachers always believed in me and they always encourage me.” She said.

 Kenie also completed her graduation from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore with 78%. “I was introduced to Mangalore by a Jesuit priest who was my high school principal until then I never heard of Mangalore. Initially, I complained about the weather and fooding in Mangalore but gradually I was adapted to Mangalore and I felt in love with Mangalore.”  
       
On her success, she refuted that a lot of people would be surprised to what she has achieved and mentioned that studies were her top priority despite the time she spent for outdoor activities “Normally am very outgoing and I spent time in a lot of outdoor activities but what they won’t know is that I have always been very sure what to do. My studies have always been my top priority I always make good use of the library and make sure I visit the library every day. I keep myself updated with the everyday happenings through newspapers and ye shall Google!!! I take detail note of the classroom teachings and when I have any doubts I approach my professors personally.”                      
She also emancipated that the competition spirit in Mangalore among the students was way higher compared to Nagaland and that made her strive harder.                                      
                   
“I love leadership because it makes me confident. Mangalore provided me with the platform to develop leadership qualities. Being a leader in these association help me built my confidence, oratory and introduce me a lot of amazing people.”  Kenie is the former president of Naga Students Forum Mangalore (NSFM), former general secretary and public relation officer (PRO) of Northeast People Association Mangalore (NEPAM).

The principal of K. Pandyarajah Ballal College of nursing and advisor to NSFM and NEPAM, Kaini Cecilia said Kenie is a woman with great potential, leadership quality. “Since I have worked with her throughout her stay in Mangaluru, I would say that she gives her 100% in whatever she does & therefore she is going to contribute to the society positively in the years to come.”

She said that she would recommend students to study in Mangalore because of the good environment for students compared to the metro cities of India.  “You feel safe in Mangalore, the locals will always support you.Remember during the exodus people from Bangalore were all rushing out of Bangalore to the northeast but in Mangalore, the police officers politicians’ religious leadership organised a conference with the northeast students to tell us that we are silage in Mangalore and that they are there to protect us. That was a good gesture. Being an outsider you will always face many differences though not only racial discrimination but believes me that it all depends on how you deal with people.”                

On naga society, Kenie lamented that fact that Nagas are smart but lazy and urged the people to come out of the comfort zone. “I believe that we nagas are born intelligent and we are also smart but why we are still behind is because we’re very lazy and this makes all the differences. We should learn to come out of our comfort zones take up challenges and never give up. My message to all the students is set your goals first and then strives for it and definitely, success will be yours. “

She wanted to become a teacher in the future. “I am that person who doesn’t easily give up. Ever since I was a primary student I knew I wanted to teach and as I grew older I realised I wanted to teach the college or university level and that’s why am pursuing my PhD at present.” She is now currently pursuing her PhD at Dibrugarh University.