P Leonard Aier interacts with students of Eden Higher Secondary School

DIMAPUR — Eden Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, conducted the fourth edition of its ‘Interview of the Month’ programme on November 14 at the school chapel hall.

The interview featured P Leonard Aier, LLM, the first Naga pilot officer of the Indian Air Force and retired principal of City Law College, Dimapur. The session was moderated by Dr. M L Ngullie, chairman of the school management board.

According to a DIPR report, more than two hundred students and teachers attended the interactive event.

The main objective of the programme was to provide students with first-hand exposure to inspiring personalities and to motivate teachers through the life experiences of the interviewees. It also aimed to impart valuable lessons drawn from the professional journey of the resource person.

During the interaction, Aier shared how he faced discrimination growing up. Despite challenges, he excelled academically and went on to study at Don Bosco School, Guwahati, before joining Sainik School. After completing Class 10, he appeared for the National Defence Academy examination and secured a position among the top successful candidates. He later joined the Indian Air Force and passed out with distinction, becoming the first Naga operational fighter pilot in 1973.

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He encouraged students to always ask questions in life to gain the right answers. To the teachers, he advised them not to be discouraged but to understand the needs of the students and guide them accordingly.

This edition marked the third interview held in the school this year. Earlier, the chief executive officer of Dimapur Municipal Council and the deputy commissioner of Dimapur were interviewed under the same initiative.

The school management intends to continue such programmes regularly for the benefit of both students and teachers.