The Nagaland Education Mission Society, under the PM SHRI initiative, organised the PM SHRI Schools State-Level Choir Competition and Art Exhibition at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, Kohima, on October 28.
Addressing the programme, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland state mission director L. Jamithung Lotha, IAS, said PM SHRI schools were envisioned as exemplar schools promoting holistic education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He said activities such as music and art helped develop students’ creativity, confidence and appreciation for the arts, while nurturing their artistic and aesthetic abilities.
In a press relelase, Lotha said the competition provided a platform for students to showcase their talents and encouraged them to further develop their skills. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students and acknowledged the efforts of their teachers, congratulating the teams on reaching the state-level competition after progressing through the district-level rounds. Informing that Nagaland has 49 PM SHRI schools, Lotha said the music choir competition had been implemented in 35 schools, comprising 14 elementary and 21 secondary schools. All 35 schools submitted recorded song videos under two categories—Traditional Folk Fusion and Patriotic Song. Following evaluation by a panel of judges, five teams each from the elementary and secondary categories were shortlisted for the state-level competition.
Highlighting the importance of music, Lotha said it transcended language, culture and geographical boundaries. He said the competition aimed to promote musical proficiency, creativity, teamwork, cultural appreciation, discipline and confidence among students, while fostering patriotism through music.
He described the competition as a valuable learning experience that would help students develop the confidence and skills required to face future challenges and opportunities. Referring to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, he cited the sayings, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger” and “Without music, life would be a mistake,” to highlight the role of challenges in personal growth and the importance of music in life. Earlier, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland deputy mission director Chungngam Konyak welcomed the participants, encouraged students to perform with confidence and acknowledged the efforts and contributions of the participating teams. Samagra Shiksha joint mission director and PM SHRI Nagaland state nodal officer Dr. Bijano Murry delivered a note of gratitude. In the elementary category, PM SHRI GMS Wokha Town A secured first position, while PM SHRI GMS Tuli C secured second position. In the secondary category, PM SHRI Mayangnokcha GHSS secured first position, followed by PM SHRI GHS Phusachodu in second position. The elementary category teams represented Niuland, Tuli, Peren, Phugi and Wokha, while the secondary category teams represented Chümoukedima, Mayangnokcha, Peren, Phusachodu and Tuensang.The choir competition was judged by Surhuveyi Tetseo, Zareni Yanthan and Ajeen Longchari Kichu.
The programme also featured the PM SHRI Schools State-Level Art Exhibition under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, with 17 students from 14 PM SHRI schools participating. The exhibition was judged by School Education department joint director Khriesano Nagi, SCERT research associate Mhalo Ovung and Samagra Shiksha coordinator Rukuzo Hoshi. In the art exhibition, P. Ekhu Konyak of PM SHRI GHSS Aboi secured first position, followed by Keheuriayile of PM SHRI GHS Signal Angami, Dimapur, in second position. Thejohu of PM SHRI GHSS Chümoukedima, Dimapur, secured third position.
