New Delhi: For his tireless work with people of Nagaland, Jagdamba Mall was awarded with “Karmayogi Award 2023” at a special function held at Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi, on December 11. The award, presented by Sunil Deodhar, founder of My Home India, included a cheque of Rs100,000, a trophy, and a shawl.
During the ceremony, Sunil Deodhar acknowledged Jagdamba Mall’s profound impact on the people of Nagaland, stating that he had inspired them to consider Bharat as their homeland. My Home India, an organisation working as the voice of the people of North-East for the past 18 years, has provided crucial assistance to over 75,000 individuals during times of crisis through its helpline.
Deodhar emphasised the organisation’s commitment to work at grassroots level, noting that more than 3,500 children across 23 States have been reunited with their parents after being taken out of juvenile detention centres. Notably, individuals honoured by My Home India have also received Padma awards from the Government of India, showcasing the organisation’s role in recognising and promoting impactful contributions.
Jagdamba Mall, a resident of Gorakhpur, has dedicated nearly half a century to Nagaland, working tirelessly to integrate the State with the mainstream of Bharat. His efforts gained particular significance during the peak of terrorism in Nagaland, where he stood steadfast in promoting the cause of nationalism, earning respect and influence among the youth.
Jagdamba Mall has dedicated nearly half a century to Nagaland, working tirelessly to integrate the region with the mainstream of Bharat. His efforts gained particular significance during the peak of terrorism in Nagaland ” Sunil Deodhar, Founder, My Home India
Speaking on the occasion, Jagdamba Mall reflected on the crisis in the North-East during the 1980s, marked by heightened terrorism. He shared personal experiences of RSS workers facing threats and violence, attributing his survival to the blessings of Bhagwan and the love of the people of Nagaland. He also highlighted the role of Christian missionaries in the spread of terrorism during that period.
In conclusion, Jagdamba Mall Ji expressed the hope that Nagaland has become his second home after spending many years dedicated to the region.
Acharya Dharmdev, a spiritual leader, lauded Jagdamba Mall’s contributions, attributing the increased sense of nationalism in Nagaland and the North-East to his efforts. Dharmdev asserted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country is celebrating 75 years of Independence as ‘Amrit Kaal’, and Jagdamba Mall has played a pivotal role in fostering the spirit of Independence in the region.
Commending Jagdamba Mall for his work towards social upliftment, Atul Jog, Akhil Bharatiya Sanghathan Mantri of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, said that actions speak louder than words. Jog highlighted Jagdamba Mall’s unique commitment to the North-East and altered the perception that work assignments are punishment. He emphasised that Jagdamba Mall declined promotion in his Government job to serve in the North-East, showcasing a rare dedication to the cause.
Jog outlined historical challenges that hindered development in the North-East, including strained relations between the Indian Army and the local population, exploitative practices by traders and apathy from Government officials, who are solely interested in their salaries. However, Jog acknowledged the positive transformation in recent years, attributing it to the changing Government and significant developmental initiatives.
Reflecting on Jagdamba Mall’s journey, Jog shared anecdotes from the past when people speculated that Jagdamba Ji aimed to convert Christians into Hindus during his village visits in Nagaland. Jagdamba Mall’s strength, according to Jog, lies in his ability to connect with the youth. In every village visited, Jagdamba Ji established youth organisations, contributing to the migration of North-Eastern youth to metropolitan cities for education.
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati praised the pivotal role of My Home India in connecting the North East with the rest of India. He acknowledged the significance of honouring Jagdamba Mall with the “Karmayogi Award 2023,” emphasising the organisation’s vital work in fostering unity and development in the region.
In his acceptance speech, Jagdamba Mall Ji dedicated the award to Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, expressing gratitude for their inspiration and guidance. He credited the officials at Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram for motivating him to undertake the challenging task of working in the North-East.
During 1980, many workers of RSS were being killed by terrorists in different states of North-East. Due to the blessings of Bhagwan and the love of the people of Nagaland, I survived several times from dying at the hands of terrorists ” Jagdamba Mall, RSS Pracharak
The “Karmayogi Award 2023” stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to national unity, development, and fostering a sense of belonging among the people of Nagaland and the North-East. Jagdamba Mall’s journey is a saga of resilience, dedication, and transformative impact on a region that has faced historical challenges.
Some words about Jagdamba Mall
- Jagdamba Mall a veteran Rashtriya Sayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak who has been active in Nagaland in social work over four decades
- Jagadamba Mall is a linguist, a deep scholar, a columnist, a renowned writer, an expert on the social life and history of North-East India and a popular social worker as well
- He is a resident of Machharihwa village in Rudrapur tehsil of Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. Now his residence is in Gorakhpur. After completing his graduation in Biology from Baba Raghavdas Post Graduate College, Deoria, he became the Sangh Pracharak of Gorakhpur Sadar Tehsil in June 1974. When Emergency was imposed in 1975, he stayed in Jhunsi Ashram of Pujya Prabhudatta Brahmachari Ji Maharaj for a few months.
- In the beginning of 1976, he came to Kohima to join his brother-in-law and younger brother and started the work of Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Nagaland unit. After the emergency was lifted, he started RSS shakha at many places in and around Dimapur and Kohima. Kalyan Ashram work was also started in Dimapur and Kohima simultaneously.
- He was a graduate Hindi teacher in the Christian English School, Dimapur and later got the appointment of Auditor in the Kohima office of the Accountant General of Nagaland and retired from the post of Supervisor on December 31, 2012.
- He has worked on positions like Organising Secretary of Janjati Vikas Samiti Nagaland (Nagaland unit of Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram) and Janajati Dharm Sanskriti Suraksha Manch, North East Region including Sikkim with its headquarter at Guwahati.
- He had worked on important positions in state level employee organisations and other social service organisations of Nagaland. He has been the Organising Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party, Meghalaya State.
- He is knowledgeable in Hindi, English as well as Assamese, Bengali and Nagamese languages. Rani Gaidinliu, Haipau Jadonang, and Purvottar Ke Prahari: Nagaland are the three books authored by him
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