The opening ceremony of the Hav Mering Ao, Shaurya Chakra Centre of Excellence and Wellness was held on October 14 at Town Hall, Mokokchung. The event was graced by Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, who attended the occasion as the Chief Guest. The centre has been established to honor Hav Mering Ao, 105 years from Sungratsü village, recognizing his extraordinary bravery, dedication, and service to the nation, and also in his name, to inspire and empower the youth.
The Centre of Excellence and Wellness at 12 Assam Rifles, Mokokchung, is a collaborative initiative of the Assam Rifles, the National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO), and Axis Bank. The centre offers a complimentary 12-month residential coaching programme for meritorious students from Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh aspiring to crack national competitive examinations such as IIT-JEE, NEET (MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BVS & ICAR), NEST-NISER, CUET (UG) and other allied streams. The project is conducted under the direction of the Director General of Assam Rifles and implemented by NIEDO, with Axis Bank extending sponsorship support as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.
The Assam Rifles provides logistics, infrastructure, and mentorship support, while NIEDO delivers academic coaching through experienced faculty members. Besides classroom learning, officers from Assam Rifles also contribute by sharing their experiences in preparing for competitive examinations and guiding students in personality development and life skills. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity for underprivileged yet deserving students, ensuring that they receive quality education and holistic development in a disciplined residential environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles lauded the initiative as a mission to honour the legacy of Hav Mering Ao by moulding young minds to serve the nation with excellence and integrity.
Addressing the first batch of meritorious students selected from Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, he said they were not just beneficiaries but torchbearers of hope and inspiration. He highlighted the success of previous NIEDO facilities at Ghaspani and Chieswema, which achieved a 100% success rate in NEET and JEE, describing it as a story of resilience and discipline.
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The DGAR emphasized the collaborative efforts of NIEDO, Axis Bank Foundation, and the Assam Rifles in shaping the initiative, assuring that the students would not be alone in their journey. Urging the students to let no challenge intimidate them or failure define them, he encouraged them to draw inspiration from Hav Mering Ao’s extraordinary bravery during World War II and the Battle of Kohima.
Lt Gen Lakhera also announced the institution of an annual badminton tournament in memory of Hav Mering Ao, to be held every January from 2026 onwards, to inspire the younger generation with his values of discipline, dedication, and perseverance.
Maj Gen Manish Kumar, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), in his address, described the occasion as a moment of immense honour and pride. Expressing gratitude to Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, DGAR for his vision and leadership in turning the project into reality, he said the event reflected the collective commitment of all partners involved.
Paying rich tribute to Hav Mering Ao, he recalled him as a steadfast Naga soldier who joined the Assam Rifles in 1940, served in the secret V Force of the Allied Forces during World War II by operating behind enemy lines and gathering vital intelligence on Japanese movements, and fought valiantly in the defensive Battle of Kohima. For his gallantry and contribution to peace in Nagaland, he was conferred the Shaurya Chakra. Even after retirement, Hav Mering Ao continued his service to society as a Gaon Bura, dedicating himself to the welfare and development of his community.
Highlighting the core of the initiative, Maj Gen Kumar said the Centre stands on three foundational pillars — the Assam Rifles, whose relentless efforts nurture and guide the youth; the Axis Bank Foundation, whose generosity turns aspirations into opportunities; and NIEDO, whose vision, mentorship, and academic excellence shape scholars with character.
Addressing the first batch of students, he encouraged them to view themselves not merely as beneficiaries but as pioneers and torchbearers of this vision, urging them to emulate the courage, humility, and perseverance of Hav Mering Ao in their own journeys.
Concluding his remarks, he said the Centre is more than just a physical structure — it represents a living monument of transformation, discipline, and compassion that will inspire generations to come.
Marsanen Ao, President of Ao Senden, in his address said the Centre of Excellence and Wellness will provide proper guidance and resources for students preparing for competitive exams. He stated that many students have the potential but fail to succeed due to lack of such support, and this project will help bridge that gap.
“It will open a new course for students who think they can crack competitive exams,” he said, adding that the centre will benefit youths from Mokokchung and neighbouring districts. He thanked the Indian Army for their welfare initiatives and efforts towards youth development, and also acknowledged Axis Bank and NIEDO for their support, calling the centre “a centre of hope” for the younger generation.
T Chubayanger, President of Kohima Aor Telongjem, expressed gratitude to the Assam Rifles referring to them as the friends of the hills for their support in establishing the Centre for Excellence and Wellness.
He shared that the proposal for the project originated when members of Kohima Aor Telongjem came together to discuss an initiative for the youth of Mokokchung. They decided to approach the Assam Rifles and met Lt. Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, on December 4 to present their proposal. Chubayanger acknowledged Lt Gen Lakhera’s positive response and willingness to support the initiative.
He further conveyed his best wishes to the people of Mokokchung and encouraged young aspirants preparing for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, IIT- IIM to make the best use of the opportunities provided by the centre.
