Three major academic award programmes were held across Nagaland, honouring achievers and meritorious students from Ungma, Sürümi and Pangsha communities.
SSR Academic Excellence and Achievers Award
At Ungma village, Mokokchung, the 58th Season Star (SSR) Academic Excellence & Achievers Award Programme 2025 was held on December 20 at Yimtsungta Arok Sapang. A total of 18 achievers were honoured for their academic, professional and national-level accomplishments, including PhD scholars, UPSC and NPSC selectees, university rank holders, HSSLC and HSLC toppers, and national/state award winners. Guest of honour L. Chubaonen, director, Department of Soil & Water Conservation, lauded SSR Ungma for sustaining what he termed one of the “greatest initiatives” for youth encouragement. He attributed success to consistent hard work and discipline, cautioning against complacency and urging youth to embrace challenges as steppingstones to growth. Established in 1967, SSR Ungma is the second oldest club in the village, functioning under the motto “For the greater glory of the youth.”
15th SAT Award Ceremony
At Sürümi Baptist Church (A), Zunheboto, the 15th SAT Award Ceremony was held on December 21, where Certificate of Excellence (Akighiche Saxu) was presented to Class-10 meritorious students of the village and Suruhuto area. Main speaker Z. Hukhato Sema, trustee and joint director, Agriculture, emphasized that closeness to God brings glory, while success is achieved through effort and divine grace. He remarked that “Excellence is not a gift, it is a habit,” encouraging students to treat failure as a steppingstone. Recipients included Avino Sümi (Rural category), Likivi Awomi (Suruhuto area), Minishe M Awomi of Little Star HSS, Dimapur (SAT-SJET award for NBSE Topper among Sürümi students), and Viloto P Aye of Mount View School, Suruhuto (SAT-PGLAAMC award for Subject Topper in MIL-Sümi and NBSE Subject Topper in HSLCE 2025). Each award carried a citation and cash prize of ₹20,000. Six students pursuing professional degree courses also received Akighiche Shepe. The village council earlier felicitated Vilika P Awomi and Inahoto V Awomi for qualifying as DSP and SI (CISF).
4th Metsio Thai Academic Excellence Award
At Wolam Nyuking (Pangsha Old), Noklak, the All Pangsha Students’ Union (APSU) organized the 4th Metsio Thai Academic Excellence Award Felicitation Programme on December 19 under the theme “Honouring Brilliance, Inspiring Future.” The theme address was delivered by K. Chonglu Khiamniungan, assistant professor, Sao Chang Government College, Tuensang. Highlighting the event was the felicitation of Niamkoi P of St. Paul School, Noklak, who secured the Top 7th Rank in HSLC Examination 2025. In her topper’s remark, she expressed gratitude to teachers, parents and well-wishers. Instituted in 2017 in memory of Pioneer late Metsio Thai and formally handed over to APSU in 2024, the award continues to serve as a beacon of encouragement for Khiamniungan students. It is conferred upon the HSLC topper from the tribe who secures a place within the Top 20 ranks among Nagas.