HSLC meritorious student Impunenla Pongen was on Tuesday honoured with the 3rd Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award by the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) in recognition of her outstanding performance in the HSLC Examination 2026.
Impunenla, daughter of Temsuwati Ao of Mangmetong village, secured Rank 17 in the HSLC Examination 2026 with 95.17 per cent. She completed her schooling at United Christian Higher Secondary School and is currently pursuing the Arts stream at Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
The award, organised by the OKM in collaboration with the Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award Trust Committee, recognises meritorious students from the Ongpangkong range in the HSLC and HSSLC examinations, besides honouring achievers in competitive examinations such as the NPSC and UPSC. The Ongpangkong range comprises 17 villages under Mokokchung district.
Speaking as the special guest, Imkongmar Imchen, Treasurer of the Ao Lanur Telongjem and MTLT, reflected on the sacrifices made by the people of Ongpangkong to promote education. He recalled that since the 1940s, villages in the range had collectively contributed funds, Rs 2 from larger villages and Re 1 from smaller villages, to support students in pursuing higher education.
Questioning whether the community had continued to uphold its pioneering spirit, Imchen asked, “Are we pioneering today? Where are we today?” He said the present generation should build on the strong educational foundation laid by their predecessors and strive for greater achievements.
Imchen also stressed the need for unity among the Ao community, observing that the Aos were the only Naga tribe to have experienced intra-tribal conflict in the past. He said unity was essential for the community’s progress and development.
Expressing concern over the growing dependence on salaried employment despite Nagaland’s high literacy rate, Imchen urged students to change their perception of education by embracing entrepreneurship and aspiring to become employers rather than employees.
Receiving the award, Impunenla thanked her family, relatives, teachers and the community for their constant support. She said becoming one of the HSLC toppers had been her long-cherished dream and described the recognition as the fulfilment of that aspiration.
“It proves that no matter where we are, God is with us,” she said.
Delivering an exhortation, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) President Lanulemba Longchar said education should produce individuals who contribute meaningfully to society rather than become a liability to the community. He encouraged students to pursue lifelong learning, remain rooted in their values and continue striving for excellence.
Earlier, OKM President Tongpangmangyang Kichu delivered the welcome address, while Repabenla chaired the programme. Rev Manen Lkr, Pastor of Settsü Baptist Church, offered the invocation. The programme also featured a special presentation by the Khensa Students’ Union, followed by the presentation of the award.
Senti Walling, Convener of the Dr SC Jamir Meritorious Award Trust Committee, highlighted the importance of recognising academic excellence and inspiring young people to strive for greater achievements. The program concluded with a benediction by Rev Alemtemjen Kichu, Pastor of Kinunger Baptist Church.
