A 14-year-old girl from the hilly district of Phek in Nagaland is one of heartbreak—and unexpected hope. Betrayed by her own father, who impregnated her and then vanished from her life, she was left to face the world alone. When she gave birth to a baby girl, not a single family member came forward to help. But instead of becoming just another tragic headline, her story stirred something deeper in her community.
Moved by her plight, a group of kind-hearted locals stepped in. They didn’t just offer shelter—they embraced both mother and child as family. They named the newborn Maveno, after her mother. In Chakesang, it means “warrior”. And that name would soon become the symbol of a rising movement in a region burdened by growing cases of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
THE BIRTH OF ‘PROJECT MAVENO: THE WARRIOR’
On July 18, 2025, this spark of compassion transformed into action. Superintendent of Police Dr Pritpal Kaur, IPS (2016 batch, Nagaland Cadre), officially launched “Project Maveno: The Warrior” at Phek Government College. The project is a direct response to the increasing challenges faced by youth in the district—ranging from sexual abuse and drug addiction to domestic violence and cybercrime.
On its very first day, 60 students came together—curious, concerned, and ready to learn. They were joined by a panel of leaders who have seen the cost of silence up close: Col Iqbal Singh Dhillon of the 39 Assam Rifles, Ms Jitsiasa of the One Stop Centre (OSC) in Phek, and Mr Vezovo Rakho, President of PTCSU. Each of them spoke with emotion and urgency, calling on the young audience to become defenders of justice and change.
FIVE PILLARS OF PROTECTION
The project is built on five core modules, all aimed at giving students the tools they need to protect themselves and others:
1. Self-Defense:
Through martial arts like taekwondo, karate, and the Urban Assault Course (UAC), students are taught how to physically defend themselves and build confidence.
2. Anti-Drug Volunteerism:
Youth are encouraged to take a stand against drug and intoxicant abuse—not just by staying clean themselves, but by supporting peers who may be struggling.
3. Adolescence Education:
These sessions deal with tough but necessary topics—like sexual abuse, cyber threats, and what to do in emergencies—ensuring students are informed and prepared.
4. Legal Awareness:
Knowing the law is just as important as physical strength. Students are taught about basic rights, laws protecting children, and their duties as citizens.
5. First Aid Training:
Whether it’s a medical emergency at school or an accident at home, participants learn how to offer immediate help that can save lives.
Classes are conducted daily from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, led by the Phek Police and 39 Assam Rifles. Each school or college receives two weeks of training, with the college as the starting point and government schools next in line.
A NAME THAT NOW STANDS FOR STRENGTH
What began as the story of a girl named Maveno has now grown into something far greater. Her name has become a symbol—a rallying cry for a new generation.
In Phek, where too many children live in silence and fear, Project Maveno is helping flip the narrative. One recent court case painfully highlighted the need for such efforts. On April 22, 2025, a man was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old non-verbal girl with a disability. The court also directed the Nagaland government to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation—a recognition of harm, but not a solution in itself.
That’s where Project Maveno steps in—not just to react to injustice but to prevent it.
A PLEDGE TO PROTECT AND UPLIFT
During the project launch, every student took an oath. With solemn expressions and steady voices, they promised to use their knowledge not for harm, but for healing. They vowed to protect the weak, to step up in emergencies, and to lead their peers with courage and compassion.
It wasn’t just symbolic—it was transformational. The weight of responsibility was clear, but so was the pride in being part of something meaningful.
Dr Kaur’s words to Indian Masterminds captured the heart of the initiative:
“Children are the future of any society. They must be loved, guided, and protected—not broken in the shadows of abuse.”
A COMMUNITY REBORN THROUGH ACTION
For Maveno and her daughter, the nightmare has ended. What lies ahead is still uncertain, but it’s now paved with support, safety, and hope.
For the wider community in Phek, this initiative is a turning point. Project Maveno is not just a training program—it’s a movement. It’s showing people that change is possible, that silence is not the only option, and that even in a place touched by tragedy, there can be light.
Every student who learns to kick, to speak up, to offer help, or to understand their rights becomes a warrior—not with weapons, but with wisdom, kindness, and courage. This is not just Maveno’s story anymore. It belongs to all of Phek. And if this momentum continues, it may soon belong to Nagaland—and beyond.
