The Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation (JMF) felicitated five meritorious students for their academic excellence in Ao literature and other educational streams during a programme held on July 25 at Aor
Kilem, Mokokchung.
The awardees included Sensosangla Pongen, D/o Imlinüngsang Pongen, from Longmisa, a BA Ao Honours graduate from Fazl Ali College with a CGPA of 7.81; Washinaro Jamir, D/o Olangtetba from Luyong (Molungyimsen Village), scored 67% in the Post Graduate Diploma Course, 2025; Akumtila Jamir, D/o Lt. Tsüktinusang Jamir from Mopungchuket Village, secured 72% in the Diploma Course, 2025; Sunepbenla Imchen, D/o L. Imtikumba Imchen from Mangmetong, secured 98 marks in Ao subject in HSLC 2025 (Queen Mary Hr. Sec. School, Mokokchung); and Lensen Özüküm, S/o N. Meyimangyang from Mopungchuket Village, scored 98 marks in Ao subject in HSSLC 2025 (Mangyangnokcha Hr. Sec. School, Mokokchung).
Imtidongba Jamir, Senior Tatar of Kosasanger Puso Ungma, graced the event as Guest of Honour. In his address, he emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Ao language through regular usage in speech and writing. He spoke on the historical evolution of the Ao anguage, passed down orally
by forefathers, and warned of the risks of language extinction, drawing parallels to native South African and Hebrew language movements.
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He commended the late Jemtimenba Mollier’s vision of advancing the Ao community and appreciated the contributions made by his wife and family in establishing the foundation. He urged continued support for JMF and encouraged the foundation to keep nurturing young talents. He also congratulated the awardees, expressing hope that they would carry forward the mission of the foundation.
Dr. Nandira Changkija, Retired Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, and Prof Rev Rongsen, Chairman, also delivered greetings. Dr. Changkija highlighted the significance of translation and the need for accessibility in Ao language, especially for the deaf and visually impaired.
She encouraged the students to become influencers of Ao language, urging them to take part in future activities of the foundation and to lead the next phase of its linguistic initiatives.
Aso Imsong, a member of JMF, spoke on the foundation’s significance. Greetings were also delivered by
Ao Riju, and Imnuksungba, PA to the Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, gave an exhortation.
The program was chaired by Tzuwazenla Jamir, Assistant Professor at Fazl Ali College. A special tribute song was presented by INTERLUDE, CTC, Aolijen. Invocation and benediction were pronounced by Rev.
Lima Lemdur, Pastor of Union Church, FACC, and Rev. Ngangnen Longkumer, Pastor of Alempang, respectively.
