The Maj. ShimreingamShaiza Award 2017 being presented by Artax A Shimray to the students represented by the Mao Students’ Union during the inaugural ceremony of the ANSAM Secretariat Complex on March 13 at New Eden Katomei Village, Tahamzam (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tahamzam | March 13
The Maj. Shimreingam Shaiza Award 2017 was presented to two students for excellence in academics during the inaugural ceremony of the ANSAM Secretariat Complex at New Eden Katomei Village, Tahamzam (Senapati) on March 13.
The Award was given to Modoyini L Kriichena from Mezhiir Higher Secondary School and Areni Arche from Little Flower Higher Secondary School for scoring results that got them a position among the top 20 students having passed the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education class 12 examination—both the schools had affiliated to the NBSE as a symbol of resistance against the imposed education system under the Government of Manipur.
Artax A Shimray, the senior most ANSAM president at the inaugural ceremony, gave away the citation and prize to the students who were represented by the Mao Students’ Union.
A story of friendship
Maj. Shimreingam Shaiza, the first Indian army officer among the Tangkhul people, and former Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker, Thenucho Tunyi, were great friends from two different Naga villages who shared hopes and dreams. They would meet often to reaffirm and strengthen bonds.
On August 29, 1998, Thenucho Tunyi was on his way to catch a flight from Imphal airport when he stopped to meet his friend at his residence in Imphal. Maj. Shimreingam went to see him off at the airport thereafter. On the way, just few kilometres from the airport, their car was indiscriminately fired on by Manipur Police Commandos. Maj. Shimreingam Shaiza, Thenucho’s nephew and two security personnel were killed on the spot. Thenucho survived with multiple bullet injuries and deep wounds of losing his friend.
In 2006, Thenucho Tunyi, then the Home Minister of Nagaland attended the 9th ANSAM General Conference at Khumji, Tamenglong, as Chief Guest. He brought with him memories of his lost friend and, in his honour, donated financial aid for the welfare of students. This came to be founded as the Maj. Shimreingam Shaiza Award. The first ceremony to this effect was held in 2007 but discontinued thereafter due to practical difficulties. It has now been reinstated by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur.
“The ANSAM in inspired by the friendship of the two leaders and their love for the people. We wish to continue the legacy of strengthening and supporting one another and sharing hopes and dreams,” said ANSAM President, Seth Shatsang, while re-introducing the Award on March 13. “It is only right to resume it in memory of a man who understood education as key to empowering of minds and voices of people and in celebration of bonds beyond borders.”
