AANWS honours 70 Naga students in Tinsukia, urges youth to embrace culture and purpose-driven education

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 23, 2025

The All Assam Naga Welfare Society (AANWS), Tinsukia District Committee, held an Educational Awareness cum Felicitation Programme on Sunday at Lalpahar Sema village to recognize the achievements of Naga students who passed the 2025 HSLC and Higher Secondary examinations.

A total of 70 students were felicitated in front of a gathering of over 500 attendees, including proud parents, community leaders, and officials. The event aimed not only to celebrate academic success but also to instil cultural pride and social responsibility among the youth.

The programme began with an invocation prayer by Mughaka Sema of the Lalpahar Sema Baptist Church, followed by a spirited opening ceremony presented by the church’s Children’s Ministry and a special performance by the Lalpahar Youth. Chiti Sema, Director of Child Ministry, Paharpur BC, served as the moderator for the event.

Ringnong Youngkuk, president of the AANWS Tinsukia District Committee, delivered the welcome address. He highlighted the importance of such programmes in strengthening community ties and encouraging the younger generation to strive for excellence.

Nikaho Sema, Finance Secretary of the AANWS Central Executive Committee (CEC), provided an overview of AANWS’s goals—emphasizing cultural preservation, educational upliftment, and welfare advocacy.

In his presidential address, Shompha Wangsu, president of AANWS (CEC), praised the students for their accomplishments and urged them to stay grounded in their cultural identity while contributing to society. General Secretary Manto Konyak reinforced the message, encouraging discipline, clarity of purpose, and a forward-looking mindset.

Dr. Kanato Chophy, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Dibrugarh University, led a motivational session focusing on holistic development. He encouraged students to engage their body, mind, and soul in personal growth and to explore opportunities in both conventional and emerging career paths.

Etoi Sema, General Secretary of the AANWS Tinsukia Committee, extended heartfelt thanks to all supporters and participants. The event concluded with a blessing prayer by Pastor Pitoi Sema, sending the students off with spiritual support for their academic and life journeys.

The programme was attended by numerous community leaders, including Yetoi Sema (Gaonbura), Bimal Ronrang, Sakai Arangham, Kavito Sema, Chowphan Tikhak, Imtong Ao, Khetoi Sema (Ward Member), Napung Hakhun (CEC Member), Earnest Lotha (Advisor), Anil Sema (President, AANWS Saikhowaghat), Yanhing Konyak (President, AANWS Sivasagar), VP Huqheto Sema, Nitto Sema, Lapahar VC President Khoto Sema, and Lalphar VDC Secretary.