The Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation honours outstanding achievements in Ao literature.
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MOKOKCHUNG — The Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation (JMF) honoured outstanding achievements in Ao literature during a meritorious award ceremony held at Aor Kilem, Mokokchung, on July 26.
The event recognised students and contributors excelling in the Ao language across various academic and creative fields.
JMF was established in 2014 with a mission to preserve and promote the mother tongue by Ao Senden under the patronage of the late Jemtimenba Mollier. Today, JMF has become a beacon for Ao language preservation through seminars, essay and quiz competitions, spelling bees, and awards.
Aso Imsong, a JMF member, stated that the foundation recognises and rewards students excelling in Ao literature in the HSLC, HSSLC and Arangtet examinations, as well as college-level Ao language achievers, and contributors to Ao literature and music.
Notably, a non-Ao student from Impur Bible Seminary was recognised for exceptional proficiency in learning Ao within the first year.
Dr. Nandira Changkija, retired Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare and wife of the late Jemtimenba Mollier, attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
Quoting Psalm 100, she emphasised the spiritual essence of language, stating, “Our language begins and ends with praise to God.”
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Reflecting on her own disconnection from her mother tongue, she urged families to teach Ao from infancy, saying, “Our mother tongue starts from the house, from the kitchen.”
Dr. Changkija advocated for linguistic innovation, proposing Ao equivalents for the English alphabet (e.g., “A for Apple”), and exploring Ao sign language and Braille. She also called for reviving reading culture, encouraging family library visits to nurture language-based learning.
She further challenged the awardees to be “influencers” of Ao among peers, declaring, “You are the torchbearers now.”
Guest of honour Imtidongba Jamir, Tatar of Kosasanger Putso, Ungma, echoed the call for collective efforts to preserve and propagate the Ao language. He expressed concern that the declining interest in reading and writing Ao language, overshadowed by more dominant languages, is putting their native language at risk of extinction.
This year’s JMF Award recipients included Sensosangla Pongen (BA, Ao Honours, CGPA 7.81), Washinaro Jamir (67% in Post Graduate Diploma in Ao), Akumtila Jamir (72% in Ao Diploma), Sunepbenla Imchen (98 marks in HSLC Ao, Queen Mary HSS), and Lensen Ozüküm (98 marks in HSSLC Ao, Mangyangnokcha HSS).
They received certificates and cash prizes, celebrating their contributions to Ao literature.