Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): The first Naga Director of Education, Yajen Aier, achieved another landmark of sorts when he celebrated his 95th birthday on August 16. It may be mentioned that Aier retired way back in March 1, 1975. To mark the occasion, a simple programme was organised at the family compound where family members and close relatives along with members of the Church attended. The programme was chaired by OTS Principal and FNR Convenor, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, eldest son of Yajen Aier, with Rev. N Tzudir, Pastor of Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA), sharing the word of God.
Pastor Tzudir paid a glowing tribute describing nonagenarian Aier as a man who has lived an exemplary life. “He not only inspires us but he lives by example. And this is very encouraging for all of us,” said Rev. Tzudir while adding that he had been personally blessed many times through the conduct and example set by Aier.
Earlier, eldest grandson Along Longkumer on behalf of the grandchildren paid rich tribute describing Yajen as a man of God besides been a great source of inspiration. “As we look back on the life and times of our grandfather Yajen Aier, he is someone worth emulating. We have so many things to learn from him – his walk with Jesus, his dynamism, his positive outlook on life and his self discipline,” stated the tribute from his grandchildren.
Mrs. Ainla Bendang, who is the eldest of Yajen Aier’s children, spoke on their behalf. Describing him as a towering personality, she said that his honest and straightforward nature along with his unflinching faith in God had enabled him to withstand the many trials and tribulations of life. “The lessons learned from our wise father have made us what we are today,” stated the children.
Others who spoke included Retired Secretary to the Government of Nagaland N Bendang Ao on behalf of the in-laws, while former chairman of Dimapur Town Council, S Yanger Aier, spoke on behalf of the relatives. DC Dimapur Maongwati Aier, who is closely related to Yajen Aier, also attended the programme while another close in-law Sentiyanger Imchen, Commissioner and Secretary, was also present. Special songs were also presented by his great grandchildren and grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Yajen Aier have been blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Yajen Aier was the first Naga Deputy Inspector of Schools and since 1952, when the entire education complex of the then Naga Hills of Assam was under one Deputy Inspector of Schools, he as the DIS had supervised the entire growth of education in the State till his retirement as the Director of Education in March 1975. “The future will remember him as the Architect of Education in Nagaland,” states a booklet brought out by the Directorate of Education in April 1975.
