32nd Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence presented in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The 32nd Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence presentation ceremony was held at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, on Saturday.

The Mayangnokcha Award for Academic Excellence (Overall Topper) was presented to Lunghiyangle Nring of St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. Nring also bagged the award for being the subject topper in Mathematics. She received a cash prize of INR 25,000 along with a certificate and a trophy.

Other award recipients included Sunepbenla Imchen of Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung, who received the MAT-Rockdale Award for Ao (MIL); Renbeni Odyuo of Patkai Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, who received the MAT-YRSD Award for Social Sciences; Moasanen Pongener of Fernwood School, Kohima, who received the MAT-TY Award for Science; Limsen Imsong of Little Garden School, Tuli, who received the MAT-CEC Award for English; and Medovinuo Semou of Northfield, Kohima, who received the MAT-Lenjeter Award for Agriculture.

The awardees were presented with a cash prize of INR 5,000 each, along with a certificate and a trophy. The annual event, instituted by the Mayangnokcha Award Trust (MAT), celebrates outstanding academic achievers from across Nagaland, according to a DIPR report.

Speaking at the function as the special invitee, Aotula T Imchen, commissioner of police, Dimapur, congratulated the award recipients and acknowledged the hard work, sacrifices, and determination of the awardees, as well as the support of their parents and teachers.

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She reflected on her past experience of receiving the Mayangnokcha Award in 2005 and the lasting impact it had, describing it not just as a trophy but a "trophy of faith" and courage.

Imchen stated that the greatest achievements and happiness in life often come without external recognition, arising from choosing dignity, showing kindness to the undeserving, or overcoming failures. While the world may insist on being the smartest, true wisdom lies in seeking out spaces and people who challenge beliefs, possess different knowledge, and offer new perspectives. “Humility sharpens intelligence, not diminishes it,” she added.

Encouraging the students, Imchen said that failure is an inevitable part of life, and self-motivation is crucial for overcoming setbacks and continuing forward when external support may be absent. She observed that modern society is competitive and screen-focused, but there is a need for a new generation of youth that is traditionally rooted yet possesses modern creativity, prioritises inclusive growth with global competitiveness in mind, and ensures sustainable development.

Imchen thanked the Mayangnokcha Award trustees for carrying forward the legacy of a visionary who believed in education’s transformative power and for nurturing young minds.

Earlier, Moa Aier, trustee of the Mayangnokcha Award Trust (MAT), highlighted the legacy of the trust since its inception in 1993 and its role in motivating generations of students across the state.