The Commission for Education Diocese of Kohima (CEDOK) felicitated NBSE rank holders from Catholic schools as well as Catholic schools with 100% pass result during a function held at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, on Tuesday. An update from CEDOK stated that a total of 57 rank holders (45 HSLC and 12 HSSLC) were felicitated besides 22 schools with 100% result (15 HSLC and 7 HSSLC) on the occasion. The toppers were felicitated with certificate, memento and cash award.

Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yome, advisor of School Education and SCERT, and Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, attended the occasion as special guests. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yome lauded the Catholic Church for rendering relentless service to educate the people of Nagaland. He emphasised on the importance of promoting domestic education or vocational education in schools to make learning more practical. He also pointed out that success is measured by how and what one could give back to the society.

According to him, literacy is not only to confine the ability to read and write but also includes psychological and emotional growth. He further encouraged the gathering to look beyond traditional system of education by promoting AI and other advance technology of learning and imparting knowledge.

Rev. Thoppil also congratulated the toppers and appreciated their hard work, perseverance and determination and highlighted the contribution of Catholic schools to the educational progress of the state. The bishop stated that students getting top positions and schools bringing out 100% result in far flung districts like Kiphire, Shamator, Noklak, Tuensang, Meluri, Peren etc. are a testament to the quality of education the Catholic schools impart. He further challenged the students to be catalyst of change by permeating the society with gospel values of justice, peace, truthfulness and brotherhood.

The president of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Medovi Rhi, also exhorted the students on the occasion. He thanked the Catholic community for the steadfast commitment in the mission to inspire with academic excellence and promoting moral integrity among the people of Nagaland.

Lungyihangle Nring, the state Topper rank No 1, from St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, also spoke on the occasion.