Four Naga students return from Sakura Science Exchange in Japan

Four students from Nagaland, who participated in the prestigious Sakura Science High School Program in Japan from June 13 to 21, returned to Dimapur on Sunday after completing the international exchange programme.
The students—Shethilu Medeo (Rüzhükhrie GHSS), Iris Zomawii Lushai (Chümoukedima GHSS), Farhadul Islam Talukder (JNV Kiphire), and Zarenthung Odyuo (Holy Cross HSS Dimapur)—were selected to be part of the Indian delegation based on academic merit and innovation. They were accompanied by Post Graduate Teacher, Gihukali Sema.
The programme was organised by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) under the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange in Science, and supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the Samagra Shiksha initiative and NBSE.
During their week-long visit, the students participated in school and university visits, science demonstrations, and cultural exchanges promoting scientific learning and global understanding.
Among them, Iris Zomawii, who taught herself Japanese, acted as an informal interpreter during the visit. She described the trip as inspiring and praised Japan’s discipline, cleanliness, and advanced use of technology.
Farhadul Islam, a national-level painting competition winner under the DST, and Zarenthung, who showcased a science project at the NLEPC under the INSPIRE MANAK Scheme, were recognised for their achievements.
State Nodal Officer for INSPIRE MANAK Scheme and SCERT Deputy Director, Daniel Thong Seb, informed that this was the first time government school students from Nagaland had taken part in the Sakura programme, calling it a proud milestone.
The students were welcomed at Dimapur airport, with special appreciation extended to the School Education Department, Samagra Shiksha, and officials who expedited travel arrangements.
Principal of PM Shri HSS Chümoukedima, Karen Yepthomi, described the opportunity as life-changing, and credited committed officials for ensuring such platforms are accessible to government school students. She added that this was the second instance of NLEPC participants visiting Japan through SCERT’s efforts.