The Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang held its third Dr. SC Jamir Meritorious Award ceremony in Mokokchung on July 14.
MOKOKCHUNG — The Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) held its third Dr. SC Jamir Meritorious Award ceremony at Whispering Winds in Mokokchung on Tuesday.
Impungnenla Pongen, who secured the 17th rank in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), was honoured with a cash prize and a citation for her outstanding academic performance.
Imkongmar, Treasurer of the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem, attended the event as the special guest. Speaking on the occasion, he urged educated youth to move beyond traditional government job aspirations, stating that advanced degrees and specialist qualifications lose their true value if graduates only seek entry-level public sector positions.
"True justice to your education will be served only when you become forerunners in entrepreneurship, leveraging your knowledge to create jobs and contribute to society," Imkongmar asserted.
He pointed to the prevailing situation where thousands of degree holders continue to chase government jobs far below their qualification level, rendering years of academic pursuit seemingly futile. Instead, he encouraged the youth to apply the knowledge gained during their studies to become self-reliant and successful individuals.
Reflecting on the once-glorious achievements of the Ao community, he expressed concern that the current generation’s accomplishments make it difficult to claim the title of "pioneers". He challenged the youth by asking: "Can we reclaim our position as pioneers today?"
Imkongmar further stressed the need for unity within the Ao community, calling for an end to the culture of jealousy and pulling others down.
“Unity must begin from within. Only then can we foster unity with the rest of the Naga communities. Let truth and honesty be our guiding principles as we move forward,” he challenged the gathering.
While acknowledging Impungnenla's achievement, the special guest praised the student's dedication and self-determination, along with the tireless efforts and sacrifices of her parents and teachers. He expressed hope that she would continue to bring laurels to the Ongpangkong and the larger Naga society in the years ahead.
Lanulemba Longchar, President of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), also addressed the gathering. He noted that securing a position in the top 20 of the HSLC examination is merely the first step in a student’s long academic journey. He highlighted the critical importance of parental and teacher guidance during the subsequent years of higher studies.
Longchar cautioned that this formative period is a fragile phase where students can easily derail if not properly mentored.
"Overcoming these challenges determines true success – not just marks on a certificate, but how one lives with wisdom and contributes meaningfully to society," he said.
He added that modern society needs individuals who contribute positively rather than becoming liabilities armed only with degrees. Urging students to prepare earnestly for the future, he asserted, "The future belongs to those who dream, work hard, and never stop learning."