Mayangnokcha Awards 2026 honoured academic achievers in Nagaland, with Benchumo Tungoe emerging as the overall topper.
DIMAPUR — The 33rd presentation ceremony of the Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence (MAT) 2026 was held at St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur, on Friday, recognising students for their outstanding academic achievements.
According to a DIPR report, Benchumo Tungoe of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha, emerged as the overall topper and received the prestigious Mayangnokcha Award for Academic Excellence.
Six other awards were presented to subject toppers in different disciplines.
The MAT-Rockdale Award for Ao (MIL), instituted by Rockdale Club, Mokokchung, went to Imnokila Mollier of Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung. The MAT-YRSD Award for Social Sciences, instituted by the Youth Resources & Sports department, was presented to Benchumo Tungoe.
The MAT-TY Award for Science, instituted by Tir Yimyim Daily, was conferred on Ikehakpeule of St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
The MAT-EFOM Award for Mathematics, instituted by the Education Forum of Mokokchung, went to Thepfukuolie Mere of Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
Keneitseinuo Celine Belho of St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Chumoukedima, received the MAT-CEC Award for English, instituted by C-Edge College, Dimapur, while the MAT-Lenjeter Award for Agriculture, instituted by Lenjeter, an Ao magazine, was presented to Neilhou Belho of Northfield, Khikha.
Addressing the ceremony, Mayangnokcha Award Trust trustee Dr. Kilangwabang Pongener stressed the need for education to evolve with changing times, particularly amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and other emerging technologies.
He said education must go beyond examination preparation and equip students with critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and adaptability skills.
While encouraging students to embrace technological advancements, he cautioned them against allowing artificial intelligence to replace independent thinking, creativity, empathy and ethical judgement.
Highlighting the origins of the Mayangnokcha Award Trust in the early 1990s, Dr. Pongener said it was established by a group of young people committed to promoting academic excellence and strengthening Nagaland's education system, inspired by Mayangnokcha's dedication to educating the Nagas.
Instituted in 1994, the awards aim to recognise academic achievements and encourage healthy competition.
Speaking on the theme, "Excellence with Integrity: Building Character in a Competitive World," trustee Akok Walling said academic excellence should extend beyond high marks and serve as a foundation for meaningful contributions to society.
He emphasised that knowledge, competence, discipline, hard work and perseverance were essential for success, encouraging students to pursue self-improvement rather than engage in unhealthy competition. He also highlighted four dimensions of knowledge—acquired, intellectual, revealed and experiential—and stressed that integrity must guide their application.
Walling urged students to cultivate honesty, humility, self-discipline, courage, kindness, perseverance and responsibility. He reminded them that while academic distinction was valuable, moral distinction and integrity were equally essential for lasting excellence and responsible citizenship.