Kohima,14 July: The yearly Kohima Ongpangkong Tzukong Telongjem (KOTT) (Kohima Ongpangkong Range Union) Late. N.I Jamir Academic Excellency Award for the year 2008 was held at Kohima on 12th July 2008.
President KOTT, R. Takamanen gave a brief life history of N.I. Jamir and why the award was named after him. He said that the Award was started in 2007 and is awarded to any Ongpangkong Range student who stood amongst the Top Ten of HSLC Examination. The Award carries a certificate and a cash award of Rs.10,000/-.
Chief Guest, Minister for PHE, Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao, addressing the students said that we should change according to the changing world in every field. Recalling his past days he said during their times they had only four educational streams but today there are many streams for the students to venture out and challenged the students to give serious thoughts to it. He said that it is only 130 years since education came to Nagaland but now we could not only read and write but have also set up educational institutions all over Nagaland. Recalling the years of our forefathers, he said during their business transaction in Assam, they were inspired by the art of writing and were eager to learn as they were broad minded and wanted changes in their society. He said in our present world too, there are many field in our society that needs to be reformed and it is us that can bring about a change not only in the society but also in our life styles.
Earlier, Retd. Secretary, Government of Nagaland, Lipokmeren, IAS, who also spoke in the programme gave a brief life history of N.I. Jamir. He said Jamir was the first graduate from Ongpangkong Range and the first in the whole of Ongpangkong Range to open a private school. His love for education was so much that he wanted to teach every one its value. He not only served as a teacher in Mokokchung but also served as a Headmaster in Zunheboto. In his later years he was appointed as chief secretary and then a cabinet minister. Addressing the students he said the only honour of the youths during our forefathers’ times was to be victorious in warfare but in this modern age education is our warfare and he challenged the students that in the coming years more students should achieve this Award.
Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Alemtemshi IAS, who is also one of the nine children of N.I. Jamir addressed the students and said that Late. N.I Jamir Academic Excellency Award should flow on and should be kept alive by achieving the award every year. He also said the leaders were born from Ongpangkong Range and today too it has produced two present Ministers, Dr. Ngangshi and Imkong. L. Imchen to benefit the society since ‘a society that lifts a person is benefited by that person’, he quoted. He said we should change the people mentality of our school environment, which is neglected especially in rural areas, teachers to be regular and dedicated and the public to co-operate to bring about a change in our system of education. He also encouraged the students to also give due importance to culture.
Member, NPSC, Dr. Kilemla in her keynote address under the topic ‘Thine ears to the words of knowledge’ said knowledge is life, blessing, honour, favour and blessing from God. If not, it brings downfall. She also cited the bible story of Daniel, how knowledgeable he was and how he rose to power, and also how our forefathers received Christianity that changed their lives that amazed everyone of their advancement, called ‘excellent spirit’. She encouraged the students that Nagaland now has modern educational institutions unlike the past and encouraged the students to make use of it. She said that modern age should be a challenge to them since it is the age of the fittest and to have relationship with God. She added that ‘in Education you can be the head, and culture can make you a leader’. She also encouraged the parents to see to the need of their children in the field of education and their career building.
The awardee, Alemwapang T. Imchen, in his speech said, he was just a mere student but due to his hard work and his obedience towards his teachers and parents he could achieve it. He thanked the Board for presenting him the Award and also encouraged the other students to do the same. Alemwapang T. Imchen was a student of Queen Mary School, Mokokchung and secured 7th position in the HSLC Examination 2008. He hails from Mangmetong village.