Hinoli Zhimo, Sumi language subject topper in the NBSE HSLC Examination 2026, VP and subject teacher Sünon G Zhimo along with Principal Hekato Sema on April 24. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 24
A class X student from Bloomfield Hill Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto has emerged as the Sumi language topper in the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) Examination 2026, scoring 98 out of 100 marks.
Hinoli Zhimo, a resident of Lizü New Village, attributed her outstanding performance to consistent effort, her subject teacher, parents and the school.
Her achievement has drawn attention to the growing importance of indigenous language education in the state, where mother tongue preservation remains a key cultural concern.
Speaking to media at the school, Zhimo said her first response upon learning her result was to thank God. “I feel really excited and happy,” she said, adding that her mother was the first person she called with the news.
Zhimo said she came to know about the early declaration of results through her teachers.
The student said her decision to take up Sumi as a subject was a deliberate one. “I chose this subject to preserve my culture and identity,” she said.
Despite her exceptional score, Zhimo said she did not follow a rigid study schedule, focusing instead on completing assignments and strengthening her grasp of literature.
She said one of her key challenges was pronunciation, which she overcame through regular practice.
Emphasising the value of mother tongue education, Zhimo said fluency in one's own language instils pride and deepens cultural connection. She expressed her intention to pursue Sumi at higher academic levels as well.
She encouraged fellow students with the message, “God helps those who help themselves.”
Sünon G Zhimo, Vice Principal and subject teacher, described Zhimo as a student with a strong zeal to learn, particularly in mastering the nuances of the Sumi language. He acknowledged that teaching Sumi can be challenging, as students often show less interest. However, he stressed that a strong foundation in one’s mother tongue enhances overall language skills, including proficiency in English.
Advocating for educational reform, he suggested that Sumi should be made a mandatory subject rather than optional in schools to ensure preservation of cultural identity. “Consistency in learning and practice is the key to excelling in Sumi,” he added, urging students to take greater interest in their native language.
Principal Hekato Sema also expressed pride in the school’s achievement, noting that this marks the second time the institution has produced a Sumi subject topper, the first being in 2023 with Hotoli A. Assumi topping the subject. He highlighted the school’s proactive role in promoting cultural education, including the introduction of Sumi as a subject from Class 9 since 2021 and extending it to higher secondary levels.
“Language is the root of culture. To preserve our identity, we must prioritize our mother tongue,” Sema stated. He further informed that the school is planning to introduce Sumi language education from the primary level in the future.
Meanwhile, the school has announced free admission and books for the topper.
