Mayangnokcha Awards recognize academic excellence in Nagaland

The 33rd Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence (MAT) 2026 ceremony was held at St. John Higher Secondary Residential School in Dimapur. The event honored seven subject toppers and one overall achiever for their academic accomplishments.

Benchumo Tungoe of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha, received the prestigious award for the overall topper. Other recipients included:

• Imnokila Mollier (Ao MIL) • Benchumo Tungoe (Social Sciences) • Ikehakpeule (Science) • Thepfukuolie Mere (Mathematics) • Keneitseinuo Celine Belho (English) • Neilhou Belho (Agriculture)

During the ceremony, Mayangnokcha Award Trust trustee Dr. Kilangwabang Pongener emphasized that education must evolve to address the rise of artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics. He urged students to use technology as a tool while maintaining critical thinking, empathy, and ethical judgment. He noted that the Trust, established in the early 1990s, aims to promote academic excellence and strengthen the education system in Nagaland.