The Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM), in collaboration with the Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award Trust Committee, on July 14 felicitated HSLC topper Impunenla Pongen with the 3rd Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award at Whispering Winds, Mokokchung.
Impunenla Pongen, who secured Rank 17 in the HSLC Examination 2026 with 95.17 per cent, was honoured during the programme. She is a former student of United Christian Higher Secondary School, daughter of Temsuwati Ao of Mangmetong Village, and is currently pursuing the Arts stream at Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering, Imkongmar Imchen congratulated the awardee for her hard work, perseverance and dedication, stating that her achievement had brought pride to the Ongpangkong community. He also acknowledged Dr SC Jamir and his family for instituting the award, saying that such recognition encourages students to strive for academic excellence.
Highlighting the role of families in education, Imchen said parents have a responsibility to devote adequate time and guidance to their children’s educational journey.
Reflecting on the history of education in the region, he said the people of Ongpangkong had accorded high importance to education since the 1940s. He questioned whether the community continues to uphold the same vision today and urged the present generation to build upon the strong educational foundation laid by their predecessors and continue progressing to greater heights.
Calling for greater unity within the Ao community, Imchen said only by remaining united among themselves could they build stronger relationships with others. He observed that selfishness has become a challenge in society and urged people to work towards collective progress.
Speaking on employment, he encouraged students to move beyond the mindset of merely seeking jobs and instead embrace entrepreneurship. He noted that although Nagaland has a literacy rate of over 90 per cent and produces many degree holders, a large number of educated youths continue to depend on government or private sector employment. He remarked that when graduates are compelled to take up work unrelated to their qualifications, the purpose of education is undermined, and therefore urged students to aspire to become employers rather than job seekers.
Delivering the exhortation, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) President, Lanulemba Longchar stressed that education should shape individuals who contribute meaningfully to society rather than become a liability to the community.
He said schools play a vital role in moulding students into responsible citizens and urged the younger generation to prepare themselves for the future through quality education while remaining firmly rooted in their values.
Describing learning as a lifelong process, Longchar encouraged students to continue acquiring knowledge beyond the classroom and expressed hope that the award would inspire healthy competition and motivate students to strive for greater achievements.
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The felicitation programme was chaired by Repabenla, while OKM President Tongpangmangyang Kichu delivered the welcome address. Rev Manen Longkumer, Pastor of Settsü Baptist Church, invoked God’s blessings.
Speaking on the occasion, Tongpangmangyang Kichu congratulated the awardee for her outstanding academic performance and encouraged students to pursue excellence with dedication and perseverance.
The programme also featured a special presentation by the Khensa Students’ Union, followed by the formal presentation of the Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award to Impunenla Pongen.
Senti Walling, Convener of the Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award Trust Committee, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of recognising academic excellence and inspiring young students to strive for greater accomplishments.
The programme concluded with a benediction pronounced by Rev Alemtemjen Kichu, Pastor of Kinunger Baptist Church.
Instituted in honour of former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir, the annual award recognises meritorious students from the Ongpangkong range and seeks to promote academic excellence among the younger generation.
