Dimapur, June 1: MLA & Advisor for Tribal Affairs & Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi hailed the achievements of meritorious students from the Bhojpuri community during the 13th Felicitation Programme organized by the Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj (NBS) on June 1, calling them the “leaders of tomorrow” and urging them to remain consistent, passionate, and fearless in the pursuit of their dreams.
The programme was organized to honour meritorious students who excelled in the recent HSLC, HSSLC examinations and other examinations on the theme, “Honouring Excellence, Inspiring Futures”. A total of 14 toppers from HSLC & HSSLC were felicitated, besides 25 other students who scored 85% and above and 80% in HSLC and HSSLC examinations respectively were also honoured. Sweta Gupta, who excelled in Chartered Accountancy also honoured along with Asneha Kumari who scored 98% (highest in state) in Hindi in Class-XII Science.
Ayemi, who graced the occasion as Special Guest, expressed heartfelt congratulations to the achievers. “To all the Class 10 and 12 toppers, rank holders, and meritorious students here today—I salute your dedication, hard work, and commitment. You have not only made yourselves proud, but also your parents, schools, community, and the entire city of Dimapur,” he said.
Highlighting Dimapur’s unique identity as a cosmopolitan city, Ayemi noted, “Dimapur stands as a living example of peaceful coexistence. People from diverse cultures, communities, and regions have made this city their home. We must continue to nurture this harmony, where mutual respect and cooperation define our daily lives.”
The MLA extended special appreciation to the Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj for organizing the programme with sincerity and a community-first spirit. He also acknowledged the presence and support of other community organizations including the Bengali Samaj, Bihari Samaj, Gorkha Samaj, Muslim Council Dimapur, Agarwal Samaj, Jain Samaj, Maheshwari Samaj, Telugu Samaj, and several others. “Your participation today is a testament to the collective spirit of Dimapur’s people. We may come from different places, speak different languages, or follow different customs—but we stand united when it matters the most,” he said.
While thanking the former president of the Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj, Pramod Kumar, for his efforts in spearheading meaningful initiatives over the past year, Ayemi encouraged the community to build upon this foundation. “The Samaj must continue its commendable work—guiding the younger generation, helping the underprivileged, and serving as a moral and cultural compass for its members. I urge the Samaj and other community bodies to remain active, accountable, and progressive in their approach,” he said.
He described the Samaj as an apex body with the responsibility to safeguard its people, preserve its heritage, and provide a vision for future generations. “You must always lead by example—not just in words, but through action,” he emphasized.
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A Powerful Message to the Youth: This is Just the Beginning
Turning his attention back to the students, Ayemi delivered an emotional and motivational message. He recognized the hard work behind their success and praised their resilience and determination.
“This moment is not the end, but the beginning of a larger journey,” he said. “Whether you are moving on to higher education, entering professional courses, or still deciding what path to take—it’s okay. Life is not a race. It’s a journey. Take your time, grow at your own pace, and never compare your timeline with others.”
Ayemi reassured students that even if they are uncertain about the future, they possess within them the power to do great things. “You are never too young to start something meaningful. All around the world, young people like you have started businesses, launched ideas, and brought real change. So why not you?”
Encouraging them to pursue careers aligned with their passion, he stressed the importance of doing what they love. “Success is not just about certificates, medals, or numbers. True success is waking up each day with excitement and purpose. If you love what you do, work won’t feel like a burden—it will feel like your mission,” he remarked.
Ayemi also emphasized that failure is part of growth. “You may face setbacks. You may fall. But remember—one failure does not define your life story. It’s just one chapter. Get up, show up, and continue to move forward.”
“You scored 94%, 95%, or even 97%—and that’s an incredible achievement. But don’t stop there. There’s always room for growth. You can do even better,” he said, reinforcing the need for continuous self-improvement.
He concluded with a motivational quote from legendary golfer Gary Player: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” Ayemi encouraged students to carry this mindset throughout their lives, combining hard work with hope, and talent with tenacity.
The 13th Felicitation Programme, while centered on academic success, ultimately served as a broader celebration of unity, cultural synergy, and the collective commitment to nurturing future generations. The participation of leaders from various communities reflected the shared values and aspirations of a society committed to inclusivity and progress.
President of Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj, Rajeev Singh, in his welcome address congratulated congratulated the students for their outstanding academic performance, describing them as “the bright stars of our community” whose achievements have brought pride not just to their families but to the entire Bhojpuri society in Nagaland.
“This is a day to celebrate brilliance, perseverance, and the spirit of striving for excellence,” Singh said. “Your hard work has earned you accolades, and more importantly, has shown others what is possible with dedication and determination.”
Extending a warm welcome to the Special guest, H Tovihoto Ayemi, Singh noted that Ayemi’s presence lent great value to the event. “We are deeply honoured that you have taken time from your schedule to bless and encourage our students. Your support means a great deal to us,” he said.
He also acknowledged the presence of respected community leaders, parents, and members of the Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj, thanking them for their continued support. “Your presence here is a testimony to the strength, unity, and shared aspirations of our community,” Singh noted.
Singh emphasized that education remains a cornerstone of the Samaj’s mission. “This felicitation programme is more than just a ceremony—it is a reflection of our deep-rooted belief that education is a vital pillar of empowerment,” he said. “By recognizing achievement, we inspire many more to dream bigger and work harder.”
“Let us celebrate the triumph of hard work and the promise of even greater accomplishments to come,” Singh said in his closing words. “Let us continue to honour excellence and inspire futures.”
Class-XII topper, Aarti Kumar also spoke on the occasion, while vote of thanks was delivered by Dilip Sharma, Chairman of the Felicitation Committee.
