Imlisungla Pongen, HSSLC exam Arts Stream topper.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 20
“I have no specific timing for my studies. Whether it is one hour or thirty minutes, I would commit myself to it,” says Imlisungla Pongen, who topped the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examination in the Arts Stream by securing 96.80%. The results were declared by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) on Tuesday wherein a total number of 13,024 students enrolled for the examination in the Arts Stream.
“I wanted to get in the top but I didn’t think that I would get the number one position. But I hoped for it and I feel so happy right now,” she says.
Because of COVID, she recalls, “We never went to school the previous year and it was hard keeping up with our studies.” When the examination schedule was announced, she says, “To be honest, I was very scared and I felt that I could not appear for the exam nicely but I always had hope and faith in God.”
Crediting her success to God, she shares that, “Even though I was not prepared 100%, I had faith in God and whatever I studied, I prayed that God would help me.”
The Arts Topper from St Paul Higher Secondary School Dimapur hails from Longmisa village under Mokokchung district and is the youngest among 3 siblings.
She is looking forward to college life and subsequently pursue a master’s degree. Also keen on civil services, she is planning to appear for competitive examinations in the near future. In this regard, she says, “I just hope that whatever I get I will be happy with what God gives me.”
Earlier, Imlisungla Pongen had also secured the top 14 rank in her HSLC examination. Elated to achieve the top position in the HSSLC examination, she expresses, “I would say thanks to my teachers and my principal, who would always encourage me to do my best. And my family— they never pushed me, saying ‘you have to get this’, but were always okay with what whatever I get. Also, my friends and well-wishers, who constantly told me- ‘Imli, you can do it!’”
Sometimes, she says, “We have very little courage and people constantly telling me that I could do it, gave me confidence.” Giving a word of advice to students, she further expresses, “I would like to convey to everyone that for me and my life, God is number one. Even if you feel you know everything and are so sure about it, you are not going any further without Him. Always make God number one in your life. Work hard and that can pave the way for success.”
Imlisungla Pongen likes to read, watch TV or indulge herself in painting. She will also receive the NBSE Award to Toppers that carries a cash award of Rs 25,000 and a certificate; Governor’s Award to the Toppers carrying a cash award of Rs 25,000 and Manik Bhattacharjee Award (sponsored by Manik Bhattacharjee Foundation) with a cash award of Rs 10,000, a memento and a citation certificate respectively.
