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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 29 (EMN): Yimlimongla Pongen from Vineyard Shool Kohima was conferred the Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou's Memorial Award for scoring the highest percentage (99%) in music during HSLC examination 2021 during a programme held on Friday. She received a cash award of INR 25,000.
Receiving the award at Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial School in Kohima, she said the award has encouraged and motivated her to keep striving and hoped that "better and brighter" students would stand in the same podium to receive such awards in the coming years.
She recalled how her mother had introduced her to piano during her second standard following which she "immediately fell in love with music" about nine years ago. "I began going to classes more often and music became dear to me," Pongen added.
Attributing her success to Almighty God, parents, teachers and friends, she shared her desire to pursue masters in music performance abroad after completing her class 12 standard.
Theja Meru, advisor of Task Force for Music and Arts (TAFMA), speaking on the occasion as the resource person, informed how the chief minister of Nagaland has keen interest to develop music and arts in Nagaland.
Congratulating Pongen, he reminded the young people to emulate the examples of the award recipient to think globally in their attitude, thought and approach.
Meru also asked the upcoming musicians to make a daily routine to learn music in order to become successful musicians. He also implored upon the young ones to build a network of friends to promote their talents and cautioned to do away with pride which might bring about their downfall.
Meanwhile, the advisor termed the late Reverend as a "statesman, spiritual father and an inspiring musician".
Akobu Üsou Ralsun, informed that Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Award for Excellence in Music was initiated in the year 2019 under Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Society.
She apprised that the award is a permitted award under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and as in the present, it is considered to be the only music award for the highest scorer in HSLC level in the subject of music. For the record, she informed that they have conferred awards to 19 persons including this year's achiever.