Imphal: Major Motimala Ngangom earned the title Mother of NCC for her decades of service. She spent 34 years with the National Cadet Corps from 1984 to 2018. The retired officer pushed Manipur traditions onto the national stage. She showcased the region's dance and music during her tenure. From 1984 to 1994, she worked as Lady Commander of the NCC North East Region. She later served as DG NCC All India in charge of cultural activities until 2018.
The Ministry of Defence handed her the first Raksha Mantri Padak Award in 1994. She joined the NCC as a student in Class XI. After earning a Master’s degree in Hindi from Aligarh University, she took a job as an Associate Professor at GP Women’s College. She became the first woman from the NCC North East Region to lead as a Contingent Commander. She helped cadets from Manipur perform at Republic Day events in Delhi. Reflecting on her legacy, she noted: "The Mother of NCC title recognised her longstanding contribution to the organisation, efforts to instil patriotism among cadets and promotion of Manipur’s cultural identity."
Her life inspired the Manipuri film Tamphamani, A Story of a Real Man. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla released the movie. Even with health struggles, she keeps backing projects for youth. She remains a guest for NCC events today.
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