HSLC toppers with A Pangjung Jamir and other dignitaries during 18th N.I. Jamir Academic Excellence Award ceremony in Kohima on May 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 25
Sixteen High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) exam 2024 toppers from Ao community were conferred with 18th N.I. Jamir Academic Excellence Award at a function held today at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.
N.I. Jamir Academic Excellence Award is an initiative of the Kohima Ongpangkong Telongjem and has been honouring toppers from Ao community in the HSLC examination since 2007. 122 achievers have received the award till now.
The award carries a citation along with cash award of Rs 10,000.
The award was handed over by A. Pangjung Jamir, advisor, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Nagaland. The presentation of the award was led by Nokchasashi, convenor, N.I. Jamir Trust Board of Governors while O. Sashi Oziikum, pastor Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo (KABA) prayed for toppers. Kohima Ongpangkong Telongjem president Alemkiimziik and Kohima Ao Telongjem president T. Chubayanger also spoke at the programme. Putulemla Kichu presented a special number.
The programme was compered by Takanungsang and Tiamongla Kichu. Vote of thanks was proposed by Temsu Soyah, secretary NI Jamir Trust Board of Governors.
‘Choose your career properly’
Addressing the gathering, A Pangjung Jamir acknowledged the N.I. Jamir Trust Board of Governors and the children of N.I. Jamir for organizing this event together to encourage the students to strive for excellence.
“N.I. Jamir was a modest man with incredible intelligence and a strong vision for our people. He never differentiates people based on their village or background,” Pangjung said adding that the latter was a trailblazer in the Ao tribe's educational system.
This program is a tribute that highlights the many years of work he put into his community, Pangjung said.
Stating that achieving excellence is never simple, he said “it demands many sacrifices, and it is only by their pure hard work and unwavering dedication that these groups of kids were able to achieve this.”
He advised the students to continue working hard toward their goals while being fearful of God.
In a digital era, young people are frequently distracted by the latest technology, devices and gadgets, he said and urged the students to utilize the internet's benefits to get more information and expertise while avoiding social media platforms.
“Be careful and choose your career properly, as a person's career will shape their entire life, he said.
Pangjung also told the students to carefully consider and pick their discipline/stream, “as it is the first step toward a thousand more.”
“Also, never forget your roots and where we came from. It is imperative that we preserve our culture in the form of traditional attire and language,” he added.
18th N.I. Jamir Academic Excellence Awardees
Moamenla B. Kichu (Aliba)- Top 9; Benjungakum Jamir (Merangkong)- Top 9; Chendila Walling (Khar)- Top 10; Suyaben Longkumer (Ungma)- Top 10; Tajungren Imsong (Longjang)-Top 12; Moaakum T. Longkumer ( Dibuia)- Top 12; Aiensen Aier (Mopungchuket)- Top 13; Imlibong Jamir (Sungratsu)- Top 14; Nukshirenla Kichu (Khensa)- Top 14; Tiarenla Longkumer (Merangkong)- Top 14; Tianla (Dibuia)-Top 14; Imkongsungit Jamir (Merangkong)- Top 17; Liropong Ao (Khar)-Top 17; Imkongsenla Longkumer (Changtongya)-Top 17; Imjunglila Jamir (Khar)-Top 19; Temsujungba (Khar)- Top 20.
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