Tir Yimyim marks 22nd anniv; launches ‘Ao Lingo’ website

Ao vernacular daily Tir Yimyim celebrated 22 years of service on Wednesday at the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) Conference Hall, DC Court Junction, Dimapur. On the occasion, “Ao Lingo,” an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered translation website designed to facilitate translation between Ao and English languages was also launched by BAN president, Mongkum Jamir.
Delivering a short address, president of Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Ningsangwaba Pongen, expressed gratitude to God for blessing the Ao community with a visionary and dedicated leader like Tir Yimyim editor-in-chief, K. Temjen Jamir. He lauded Jamir’s humanitarian contributions and unwavering commitment to public service, while congratulating the newspaper on completing 22 years. Pongen also encouraged Ao writers to continue producing literary works that preserve and promote the language.
In his welcome address, editor-in-chief, Tir Yimyim, K. Temjen Jamir reflected on the journey of Tir Yimyim over the past two decades, highlighting its challenges and achievements. He expressed gratitude to readers and well-wishers, stating that Tir Yimyim “belongs to everyone.”
Speaking on the newly launched Ao Lingo website, Jamir informed that it is an AI-driven platform developed by Bendangnüksüng, a Machine Learning Engineer based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He explained that the site enables translation from Ao to English and vice versa, and urged the community to actively use the platform, noting that increased usage would help improve its accuracy and efficiency.
As part of the celebration, SDO (Civil) Peren and co-founder of Bookipedia, Sentilong Ozüküm, facilitated the prize distribution for the “Yimdangjem Otsü Zulu Toktep” (Fiction Writing Competition), jointly organised by Bookipedia and Tir Yimyim. Marnungtet Ozüküm won first place for the story Shiti, receiving a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 and a citation. The second position was jointly shared by S. Aosüngküm Ozüküm (Kita Chir) and Imli P. Lemtur (Memenudang Kindangi Shilanangma), each receiving Rs. 15,000. The third position went to M. Senthy Jamir (Medemer Tajung Ana) and Temjentenzük (Kiyimdang Sepokba Hon Keri Ayok), who received Rs. 10,000 each.
In his speech, Sentilong Ozüküm expressed satisfaction at the strong participation and acknowledged all contributors, encouraging continued efforts in creative writing.
A pre-recorded video message from Bendangnüksüng was also screened during the event, wherein he urged the community to make use of the Ao Lingo platform to help refine its AI capabilities over time.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Tir Yimyim news writer, Nüngsangnükshi Jamir. Invocation was offered by director, CEM DABA, R Asenla Jamir, followed by a special song by Molung Imsong. Benediction was pronounced by director, Youth Ministry DABA, Maongtoshi Longshir.