Asetkong Mundang holds 5th Yajen Aier and AKTM Excellency Awards
The fifth Yajen Aier Award and the Asetkong Kaketshir Telungjem Mungdang (AKTM) Excellency Award, organized by the Asetkong Mungdang, were held at Community Hall, Longjang, Mokokchung, under the theme “Reinvigorating Teaching and Learning” on Friday, 17 May with TN Mannen IAS (Retd), Advisor for Law and Justice, and Land Revenue, Nagaland as the guest of honor.
A total of six students received awards: Tajungren Imsong, ranked 12th from Little Flower Higher Secondary School; Aiensen Aier, ranked 13th from the same school; and Imlibong Jamir, ranked 14th from Coraggio School, all based in Kohima. Additionally, awards were presented to the best-performing students within the Asetkong range for classes 8, 9, and 10. The recipients were Akumsunep of class 8 from Government Higher Secondary School, Longjang; Rongnen Jamir of class 9, and Alemwapang of class 10 from Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School, Impur.
During his speech, TN Mannen advised the awardees that their achievement is just the first step towards greater challenges in life, emphasizing that school education is not the end. He said, “You are in a very, very challenging world,” and encouraged the students to strive for excellence in everything they do.
Mannen further compared government and private schools, noting that despite having more experienced and highly qualified teachers, government schools are outperformed by private schools. He highlighted a significant issue, stating, “30,000 students passed this year, and within 3 to 4 years, most of them will be educated unemployed.” He added that there are 70,936 unemployed graduates, postgraduates, engineering and technical graduates, and PhD holders, making it impossible for the government to provide jobs for all. He urged the students to be the best among the best, stating, “There is always room at the top,” and encouraged them to find their passion, acquire skills, and excel.
Er Saponger Aier, JE PWD (NH) Mokokchung, exhorted the gathering to rededicate themselves and work harder to achieve success, addressing those who have faced failure. Using gold as a metaphor, he described four tests of gold—rubbing, cutting, heating, and beating—and likened them to the qualities of a successful person: sacrifice, conduct, qualities, and action. He urged students to prioritize their studies with determination, polish their conduct with respect for others and faith, maintain a positive mindset in all aspects of life, and reshape their lives through hard work, determination, and sacrifice.
The convener of the awards committee, Bendang Aier, elaborated on the scope of the awards. Other highlights of the event included a short speech by the Village Council Chairman of Longjang, a special number by the Longjang Kaketshir Telungjem, and a thanksgiving prayer by Senti Longchar, pastor of Longjang Baptist Church.