The 32nd Presentation Ceremony of the Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence was held on 1st November, 2025 at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. The annual event, instituted by the Mayangnokcha Award Trust (MAT), celebrated outstanding academic achievers from across Nagaland.
Speaking at the function as the special invitee, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Aotula T. Imchen, IPS, congratulated the award recipients and acknowledged the hard work, sacrifices, and determination of the awardees, and the support of their parents and teachers. She reflected on her past experience of receiving the Mayangnokcha Award in 2005 and the lasting impact it had, describing it not just as a trophy, but a "trophy of faith" and courage. She stated that the greatest achievements and happiness in life often come without external recognition, arising from choosing dignity, showing kindness to the undeserving, or overcoming failures. While the world may insist on being the smartest, true wisdom lies in seeking out spaces and people who challenge beliefs, possess different knowledge, and offer new perspectives. Humility sharpens intelligence, not diminishes it, she added.
While encouraging the students, Imchen said that failure is an inevitable part of life, and self-motivation is crucial for overcoming setbacks and continuing forward when external support may be absent. Modern society is competitive and screen-focused, but there is a need for a new generation of youth that is traditionally rooted yet possesses modern creativity, prioritizes inclusive growth with global competitiveness in mind, and ensures sustainable development.
She emphasized the importance of authenticity, finding purpose in the convergence of personal drive and societal expectations, and developing character, integrity, and empathy. She advised the students to prioritize health through physical activities, and to constantly acquire knowledge to keep the mind fresh, to embrace discipline, not as a restriction, but as a path to freedom from feelings, diseases, distractions, and guilt, and she stressed on the importance of the power of prayer. She thanked the Mayangnokcha Award trustees for carrying forward the legacy of a visionary who believed in education's transformative power and for nurturing young minds.
Earlier, the program started with an Invocation by Fr. Renthungo N. Odyuo, Principal, Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, followed by an address from Er. Moa Aier, Trustee of the Mayangnokcha Award Trust (MAT), who highlighted the legacy of the Trust since its inception in 1993 and its role in motivating generations of students across the state. He also delivered the vote of thanks.
The Mayangnokcha Award for Academic Excellence (Overall Topper) was presented to Lunghiyangle Nring of St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. Nring also bagged the Award for being the subject topper in Mathematics. She was awarded a cash prize of 25,000 rupees along with a certificate and a trophy.
Other award recipients included:
Sunepbenla Imchen (Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung) – MAT-Rockdale Award for Ao (MIL); Renbeni Odyuo (Patkai Hr. Sec. School, Chümoukedima) – MAT-YRSD Award for Social Sciences; Moasanen Pongener (Fernwood School, Kohima) – MAT-TY Award for Science; Limsen Imsong (Little Garden School, Tuli) – MAT-CEC Award for English; Medovinuo Semou (Northfield, Kohima) – MAT-Lenjeter Award for Agriculture.
The rest of the awardees were also awarded a cash prize of 5000 each along with a certificate and a trophy.
The event concluded with a Prayer of Blessing by Imnatoshi Longkumer, Associate Pastor of DABA.
The Mayangnokcha Award Trust continues to be a beacon of academic encouragement, honoring bright students each year and inspiring educational excellence throughout Nagaland.
(Samuel, IA, Chumoukedima)
