Award recipients along with members of the JMF, dignitaries, and guests during the Meritorious Award Ceremony for Excellence in Ao Literature held at Aor Kilem, Mokokchung on July 26. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | July 27
The Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation (JMF) held its Meritorious Award Ceremony for Excellence in Ao Literature at Aor Kilem, Mokokchung, on July 26. The event recognized outstanding achievements in the Ao language by students and contributors from various academic and creative backgrounds.
Founded in 2014 by Ao Senden with the intent of promoting Ao literature and instilling its importance and essence, the JMF has continually strived to uphold the value and relevance of the mother tongue through seminars, essay and quiz competitions, spelling bees, and awards for meritorious students. The Foundation was established under the patronage of the late Jemtimenba Mollier, alongside nine other entrusted individuals, stated Aso Imsong, a member of JMF.
The awards are conferred upon students who secure the highest marks in Ao Literature in the HSLC, HSSLC, and Arangtet examinations, as well as college-level Ao language toppers and contributors to Ao literature and music, Imsong stated, adding that the Foundation also recognized a non-Ao student from Impur Bible Seminary who demonstrated exceptional proficiency in learning the Ao language within the first year.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Nandira Changkija, retired Principal Director of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, and wife of the late Jemtimenba Mollier. In her speech, she emphasized the spiritual roots of language, quoting Psalm 100 and reminding the gathering that “our language begins and ends with praise to God.”
Reflecting on her personal journey, Dr. Changkija acknowledged the loss of not being raised in her mother tongue and called upon all generations to begin Ao language instruction from infancy. “Our mother tongue starts from the house, from the kitchen,” she said, stressing that daily activities and interactions can serve as vital tools for language preservation and enrichment.
She encouraged linguistic creativity, proposing innovations such as developing Ao equivalents of the English alphabet framework (e.g., “A for Apple”), and exploring sign language and Braille in Ao. Highlighting the declining culture of reading among the youth, she urged families to visit libraries together and revive the love of reading through language-based activities.
Addressing the awardees, Dr. Changkija challenged them to become “influencers” of the Ao language among their peers. “You are the torchbearers now,” she said, urging them to actively participate in the future of the Foundation’s mission.
The guest of honour, Imtidongba Jamir, Tatar (Eldest) of Kosasanger Putso, Ungma, also encouraged the gathering to collectively preserve, promote, and propagate the Ao language.
The recipients of this year’s JMF Award for Excellence in Ao Literature included Sensosangla Pongen, a Bachelor of Arts (Ao Honours) graduate with a CGPA of 7.81; Washinaro Jamir, who secured 67% in the Post Graduate Diploma in Ao; Akumtila Jamir, who scored 72% in the Ao Diploma course; Sunepbenla Imchen of Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, who topped the Ao subject in the HSLC 2025 examinations with 98 marks; and Lensen Ozüküm of Mangyangnokcha Higher Secondary School, who scored 98 marks in the Ao subject in the HSSLC 2025 examinations. They were awarded certificates and cash prizes.
