The first Dr. S.C. Jamir Meritorious Award was conferred upon two high-achieving students during a felicitation programme held in the presence of Dr. S.C. Jamir, statesman and former Governor & Chief Minister, at Mokokchung Town Hall on July 5.
Dr Jamir laments erosion of Naga values, pins hope on youth
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | July 5
The first-ever Dr S.C. Jamir Meritorious Award was conferred upon two high-achieving students in a felicitation programme held at Mokokchung Town Hall on July 5. The event was organised by the Ongpangkong Students Conference (OKM) and the Dr. S.C. Jamir Meritorious Award Trust.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. S.C. Jamir, Statesman and Former Governor & Chief Minister.
The inaugural recipients of the award were Moamenla B. Kichu, who secured the 9th rank in the NBSE HSLC 2024 examination, and Moasanen Pongen, who ranked 2nd in the 2025 edition of the same exam. Both students hail from Aliba village and studied at Fernwood School, Kohima. They were each presented with a certificate of merit and a cash prize of Rs 20,000.
In his welcome address, OKM President Tongpangmangyang Kichu expressed gratitude at seeing the long-envisioned idea finally realized. “The concept for this award was first conceived during the 39th OKM Conference in Ungma village,” he shared, noting the importance of encouraging academic excellence among students of the Ongpangkong range.
Expressing her gratitude, Moamenla credited her teachers, family, and community for their support, and shared her aspiration to specialize in Mathematics—”if it is God’s will.”
Moasanen, meanwhile, dedicated his achievement to his parents and the wider Ongpangkong community, urging fellow students to strive not just for academic success but also for growth in character and purpose.
Speaking as the honoured guest, Dr. Jamir congratulated the award recipients. “But this is only the beginning—you must aim for higher and nobler objectives,” he said.
Calling the current age a “knowledge society,” the veteran Naga statesman reminded the audience that governance today is digital and that nations powered by economy and knowledge will move ahead of others.
Dr. Jamir also touched upon the importance of cultural roots while cautioning against nostalgia. “We are not living in Longtrok. Yes, our traditions—like Longterok and Chungliyimti—are significant, but we must not be imprisoned by memory alone. We are citizens of a globalized world,” he said.
He lamented the erosion of core values in Naga society. “There was a time when Nagas were admired for their honesty, bravery, and hard work. Today, from top to bottom, we are not truthful. The greatest famine in Naga society is honesty and truthfulness,” he observed.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Jamir placed his hope firmly in the younger generation. “Should the youth accept this present fate as their destiny? No. With their inborn courage and determination, the Nagas shall rise and surmount this predicament.”
Calling for collective action, he appealed to all stakeholders— “both underground and overground”—to heed the people’s cry for peace. “Let us fashion a bright future for our youth, so they may march hand in hand with the rest of the civilized world,” he urged.
“Today, we continue to divide ourselves. We no longer talk about Nagas. We have too many factions. In that divided society, even we are included. No one dares to point out when our leaders are at fault.”
He concluded with a challenge to the youth: “This day belongs to you. It is hard-earned and well-deserved. It signifies great hope—not just for Nagaland, but for the nation and the world.”
The event also featured an exhortation by Alemtoshi Imsong, President of Ongpangkong Mungdang, and a special musical presentation by Chuchuyimpang Kaketshir Telongjem.
