Advisor Dr Yhome, Achumbemo Kikon, officials along with the recipients of the CMMSF awards during the felicitation programme held at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima on July 9. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, July 9 (MExN): The Nagaland School Education Department on Thursday felicitated 56 meritorious students belonging to indigenous Scheduled Tribes of the state under the Chief Minister's Meritorious Students Fellowship (CMMSF) for their outstanding performance in the HSLC Examination 2026.
Advisor for School Education Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, who attended the programme at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima as the special guest, congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue striving for excellence with dedication, perseverance and integrity.
He said the 56 students had distinguished themselves through hard work and perseverance and encouraged them to remain humble, remember their roots and use their knowledge and talents in the service of society and the state.
Highlighting the performance of girls, Yhome said 43 of the 56 fellowship recipients were girls while 13 were boys, reflecting the growing number of girls excelling academically in recent years.
He urged the students to make full use of opportunities in the digital age and continue aiming higher, adding that they were now part of the rich legacy of school education in Nagaland and would continue to bring pride to the state.
Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) chairman Rangumbuing Nsarangbe, in his welcome address, said the CMMSF reflects the Chief Minister's commitment to promoting academic excellence by recognising meritorious students with certificates as well as providing financial assistance for five years.
He informed the students that continuation of the fellowship is subject to securing at least 80 per cent marks in the annual examinations each year. He also acknowledged the sacrifices and encouragement of parents and families in the success of the students.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, HSLC rank three holder Benchumo Tungoe of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha, and rank eight holder Imnayangla of St Mary's Residential School, Alichen, thanked the government for recognising and encouraging their achievements through the fellowship.
The programme began with a thanksgiving prayer by Khekavi K Yeptho, Pastor of Sümi Baptist Church, Kohima. Special songs were presented by Baptist School, Botsa, and Government Higher Secondary School, Kigwema.
Yhome later presented awards and certificates to the 56 students. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by State Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha, L Jamithung Lotha.
Among the awardees, Benchumo Tungoe of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha, who secured the third rank in the HSLC examination with 97.67%, was the highest-ranked CMMSF recipient. He was followed by Thepfukuolie Mere of Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima, who secured the fourth rank with 97.5%. Elirhoni Nuna Lotha of Perennial School, Wokha, and Khyothunglo Yanthan of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha, jointly secured the sixth rank with 97%. Several other students who secured ranks seven to 20 in the state merit list were also honoured under the fellowship.
