The Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation (JMF) on July 18 honoured five students for their outstanding performance in the Ao subject during its 12th Annual Meritorious Award Ceremony held at the Sangtemla Ward Multipurpose Hall, Mokokchung.
The programme was organised to recognise students who excelled in Ao literature in various examinations and to encourage the preservation and promotion of the Ao language.
Addressing the gathering, Guest of Honour, I Zülu Imsong, Chairman of the Chuchuyimlang Village Council, said that despite the changing circumstances over the years, the Ao community has been able to preserve its language, which remains the foundation of its identity and pride. He lauded the vision and sacrifice of late Jemtimenba Mollier and his family in establishing the Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation, stating that the value of such a commitment would endure for generations. He remarked that financial resources alone could not sustain an institution without dedicated members, and commended the foundation for carrying forward its mission successfully over the past 12 years through the commitment of its members.
Stressing the need to safeguard the language, Imsong urged the community to reflect on the present status of the Ao language and work collectively for its preservation and development. He said knowledge acquired through books alone was insufficient and encouraged students to complement academic learning with practical experience to broaden their understanding.
Describing the Ao language as the community’s pride and heritage, he called upon all Aos to take collective responsibility for its continued use and promotion under the leadership of Ao Senden, adding that preserving the language was essential for safeguarding the community’s identity and legacy.
The awards were presented by Dr P Tiatemsu Mollier, Member of the Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation.
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The awardees were Imnokila Mollier, daughter of Temjenchiba Mollier from Aonokpu village, who secured 97 marks in the Ao subject in the HSLC Examination 2026 while studying at Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung; Sungjemtula, daughter of Tajungrenba from Longsa village, who secured 96 marks in the Ao subject in the HSSLC Examination 2026; Kilangnukshi, son of Imlikumzük from Yaongyimsen village, who secured 66.3 per cent in the Ao Diploma (Tenren) Examination 2026; Alisenla Ozüküm, daughter of Aotsüngba from Mopungchuket village, who secured 81.1 per cent in the Ao Post Graduate Diploma (Tenren) Examination 2026; and Temjenmenla Pongen, daughter of Tongpangkokba from Longsa village, who secured 82.5 per cent as the Ao subject topper at Fazl Ali College in 2026.
Each awardee received a cash prize and a certificate in recognition of their academic achievement in Ao literature.
Dr Tali Imsong, President of the Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation, delivered the welcome address.
The programme was chaired by Asapokla, while Lenjeter Telok presented a special song. The invocation and original song formed part of the programme, which concluded with a benediction pronounced by Wt Shilula Imchen, Pastor (Women), Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo.
