The 1st Jemtimenba Mollier Foundation (JMF) meritorious award for excellence in Ao literature was held at Aruju II, Whispering Winds Hotel in Mokokchung, where six scholars and two students were honoured with cash prizes and certificates on October 26.
A press release by JMF member, Aso Imsong stated that, two students who scored the highest marks in Ao language in 2019 NBSE exam, Nokzenketer of Mount Moriah School, Ungma (class X) and Longjana from Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School, Impur (class XII) were awarded with cash prize and certificates.
The foundation also awarded the first position holders in the Ao Arangtet Tatidang (Ao literature examination conducted by the Ao Senden Literature Board constituted by the Ao Senden) during the programme.
Purtemjen Jamir, Temsujungla and Tzuwazenla received the JMF award for excelling in the exams.
During the programme, the JMF also organized the first Olung Lutet (Ao language spelling bee). The spell bee was organized specifically with the intention to encourage and enrich the rich vocabulary among the senior citizens so that they can impart it to the younger generation. In this first Ao spell bee, Temsujungla bagged the first prize, while I. Zulu Imsong and Pangernungla bagged the second and third prizes respectively.
During the programme, the sponsor of the foundation, Jemti Mollier, a well known philanthropist, exhorted the gathering to love, speak, write and promote Ao language. He further assured to contribute towards the development of Ao literature.