The 31st presentation ceremony of the Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence was held at Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on October 8.
The award ceremony organised Mayangnokcha Award Trust (MAT), was graced by Regional Passport Officer (RPO) and Head of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Branch Secretariat, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Maghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland, Cherakung Zeliang as special invitee.
In his address, Cherakung shared his journey as a recipient of the Mayangnokcha Award in 1997. He reflected on the importance of resilience and sacrifice in achieving academic success, emphasizing that education plays a vital role in shaping a positive society.
Zeliang also spoke about the challenges, he faced at the national level after excelling in the state, stressing the need for hard work and perseverance. He encouraged parents to support their children’s ambitions and urged students to remain dedicated to their studies.
He also reminded the students on the importance of discipline, teamwork, and humility in achieving their goals.
He further congratulated the recipients of the award and commended MAT for preserving the vital legacy of the pioneers. MAT president, Dr. C Furkumzuk in his speech, expressed gratitude to the recipients, parents, teachers, and sponsoring partners.
He said MAT was established at a time when no academic awards existed in the state, to recognize and reward the academic excellence among Naga students.
He emphasized that education must be high-quality and accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background and underscored the need for policymakers to ensure education remains within reach for all. He also highlighted the welfare of teachers, noting that while government teachers were reasonably compensated, those in private institutions often face low salaries.
He therefore suggested reformation in the teaching profession to ensure fair compensation across all sectors, which would uplift the quality of education.
He also discussed the growing presence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in education and stressed the need for ethical use. He further thanked Nagaland Board of School Education for their support and recognized the sponsoring partners of this year’s awards, including the Rockdale Club Mokokchung, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Tir Yimyim, Education Forum of Mokokchung, C-Edge College, Dimapur and Lenjeter (Ao Magazine based in Kohima).
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the seven awards, with Mhachilo Yanthan from Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, being the overall topper and the recipient of three awards, including the prestigious Mayangnokcha Award for Academic Excellence.
MAT 2024 Awards were awarded to the following:
- Mayangnokcha Award “for Academic Excellence” the overall topper: Mhachilo Yanthan, Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
- MAT-Rockdale Award for the subject topper in Ao (MIL): Talijungla Tzudir, Dimapur Mission Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
- MAT-YRSD Award for the subject topper in Social Sciences: Mhachilo Yanthan, Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
- MAT-TY Award for the subject topper in Science: Dzuzuve Keyho, Greenwood School,Dimapur.
- MAT-EFoM Award for the subject topper in Mathematics: Ketsino Jane Francis, St. Paul School, Phesema
- MAT-CEC Award for the subject topper in English: Mhachilo Yanthan, Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
- MAT- Lenjeter Award for the subject topper in Agriculture: Vimetuo Kense, Northfield Khikha.
All awardees received a cash prize, a certificate, and a memento in recognition of their hard work and achievements.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. A Sentiyula, invocation by Assocoate Pastor, Town Baptist Church, Dimapur Zakiebito Terhuja, DABA OLA presented the MAT Theme song and CHSS choir presented a song.
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