In a momentous ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on Thursday night, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the prestigious Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards upon distinguished individuals from various spheres of expertise. Among the esteemed recipients stood a humble figure, clad in a black striped shirt and pants, who approached the president with grace and humility to receive his accolade. This recipient, Sangthankima, epitomises the compassionate heart of Mizoram, earning adulation and celebration from the entirety of the state’s populace for his selfless contributions.
Born on October 18, 1960, Sangthankima has emerged as the driving force and founder of the Thutak Nunpuitute Team (TNT), a beacon of hope and assistance for countless individuals in need across Mizoram.
Sangthankima’s journey commenced modestly with the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics in Champhai. However, with the benevolent donation of a plot of land in Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, TNT burgeoned into an organization providing solace and support to those requiring additional care and affection.
Formally inaugurated on June 17, 1994, TNT initially focused on rehabilitating drug abusers and alcoholics before swiftly expanding its purview to include an orphanage in 1995, coupled with provisions for formal education for underprivileged children. Over the years, TNT has metamorphosed into a comprehensive healthcare centre catering to physically and mentally challenged individuals.
TNT’s benevolence transcends the borders of Mizoram, extending its embrace to minorities and individuals hailing from neighbouring states such as Assam, Tripura, and Burma. With branches spanning three major districts of the state and outreach programs stretching as far as Tahan in Myanmar, TNT has registered an impressive count of 5630 patients across its centres. Notably, 1350 individuals have been successfully reintegrated into society, emblematic of TNT’s commitment to fostering holistic rehabilitation.
According to official statistics provided by TNT’s website, the organization has extended care to a total of 8600 mentally handicapped patients to date. Each year witnesses the triumphant recovery of 20-40 patients, who emerge from TNT’s care to reintegrate seamlessly into mainstream life. Moreover, TNT boasts a cadre of 200 individuals from this demographic who have volunteered to contribute as workers within the organization, embodying the spirit of altruism and community service championed by Sangthankima.
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