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DIMAPUR — Mhachilo Yanthan from Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, who topped the 2024 HSLC examination conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education, was awarded three awards on Tuesday including the Mayangnokcha Award for Academic Excellence—overall topper.
The 31st edition of the Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence was organised by the Mayangnokcha Award Trust (MAT) at Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, during which seven awards instituted by the trust and its partners were conferred to meritorious students.
Yanthan was also awarded the MAT-YRSD Award for Subject Topper in Social Sciences and the MAT-CEC Award for Subject Topper in English.
The event was attended by Cherakung Zeliang, regional passport officer and head of the North East Region, Ministry of External Affairs, as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Cherakung reflected on his journey, reminiscing about the time he was a recipient of the Mayangnokcha Award in 1997 and the appreciation he felt for late Mayangnokcha Ao for his contributions to education.
He spoke about why pioneers should be honoured, stating that they are the ones who laid the groundwork for societal change and inspired generations. He lauded MAT for keeping Mayangnokcha Ao’s legacy alive.
Addressing the awardees, he said that their present achievements should become the stepping stones for future accomplishments. He noted the significance of academic achievements by sharing his experience that while he performed well at the state level, he realised how steep the competition could be once he began competing at the national level.
Encouraging students to be producers of their surroundings rather than just consumers, Cherakung said that even those who might feel insignificant should know that actions like disposing of garbage in bins, keeping rooms clean and obeying elders contribute to becoming productive individuals.
He also urged them to keep God first in all their endeavours.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Yanthan thanked all who supported her throughout her journey and noted that with hard work, faith and grit, everything was possible.
The other meritorious students who received awards were Talijungla Tzudir from Dimapur Mission Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, who received the MAT-Rockdale Award for the Subject Topper in Ao (MIL); Dzuzuve Keyho from Greenwood School, Dimapur, who received the MAT-TY Award for the Subject Topper in Science; Ketsino Jane Frances from St. Paul School, Phesama, who was awarded the MAT-EFOM Award for the Subject Topper in Mathematics; and Vimetuo Kense from Northfield, Khikha, who received the MAT-Lenjeter Award for the Subject Topper in Agriculture.
Earlier in his address, Dr. C Furkumzuk, president of MAT, explained the evolution of MAT since its inception in 1994, when it was the sole state-level award recognising academic excellence.