Sangyusang S Pongener of Nagaland has been awarded the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of Arts for his significant contributions to Ao Naga folk arts. The announcement was made as part of the 2026 Padma Awards list.
Pongener has been recognised for his decades-long dedication to preserving and promoting Ao Naga indigenous folk traditions, including folk music and composition. He is among 133 Padma Shri recipients selected from across India this year.
Born in 1945, Pongener hails from Ungma village in Mokokchung district. At the age of 81, he remains actively involved in documenting, preserving, and passing down traditional Naga folk art forms to younger generations, cementing his legacy as a leading figure in the cultural heritage of Nagaland.
