Sano Vamuzo

Sano Vamuzo is a social worker and educationist, and the founding president of the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA). She was named for the Padma Shri in 2024 in the field of social work, from Nagaland ^[1].

Teacher

She was born on 27 March 1940 in Phek ^[2]. She earned a BA from Gauhati University, a BEd from Bombay University and an MA in education from North-Eastern Hill University ^[2]. She helped start the Mission English School in Chozuba, Phek district, and was its first headmistress from 1967 to 1971, and later taught at Baptist College, Kohima ^[2]. She was also active for many years in the Bharat Scouts and Guides ^[2].

Naga Mothers’ Association

She was the NMA’s founding president from 1984 to 1991, and again in 1994–95 ^[2]. Under her the association took up issues such as women’s rights, drug and alcohol abuse, education, health and deforestation ^[2]. Through its peace team, working under the banner “Shed No More Blood”, it has worked for peace between armed factions ^[2]. The NMA also led the campaign for 33 per cent reservation for women in urban local bodies, which the Nagaland assembly eventually passed ^[2].

In 2007 she became the first chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, serving two terms until 2013 ^[2]. She is now an adviser to the NMA ^[2].