State-level Teachers’ Day celebrated in Kohima
Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 5 (NPN): Advisor for school education Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome said on Saturday that the state government was working to transform the school education system by improving infrastructure, strengthening teacher training and administration, and introducing a world-class education system focused on curriculum innovation and 21st-century skills.
Speaking at the state-level Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the department of school education at Khuochiezie here, Yhome said the education system must respond to the needs of younger generations who would increasingly assume leadership and responsibilities in government, public affairs and the private sector.
He identified three broad pillars for transforming school education: infrastructure; teacher training, human-resource management and administration; and the introduction of a world-class education system through curriculum design and innovative approaches.
On infrastructure, Yhome acknowledged that many government and private schools continued to face challenges, saying these would be addressed gradually through developmental projects. He particularly stressed the need to improve basic facilities, including toilets, with special attention to the requirements of girl students. The second pillar focuses on teacher training and human-resource management, strengthening coordination among schools, field offices and the directorate, and improving administration and governance. He also highlighted the need for greater personalisation in the school system through the school feeder system.
Yhome described the third pillar as the most important, involving the introduction of a world-class education system in classrooms through curriculum design and innovative approaches. He said the objective was to prepare future-ready Naga students with global 21st-century skills and equip them to compete in an increasingly interconnected world.
He expressed hope that Nagaland could nurture younger generations into world-class leaders and achievers, saying the state had the potential to produce excellence at both the national and global levels.
Yhome said 32,714 teachers were serving in government and private schools across Nagaland, accounting for around 0.3% of India’s 10.27 million teachers. He thanked teachers for their contribution to the progress and achievements of the people, particularly those serving in difficult and geographically challenging areas. Describing teaching as one of the noblest professions, he said teachers provide not only education but also lifelong lessons that continue to guide students. He said the greatest reward for teachers was seeing their students perform well and succeed in life.
Yhome congratulated GHS Sechu Zubza for producing Ronald Meru, who was selected for the National Teacher Award, describing the recognition as a significant achievement for Nagaland. He also acknowledged teachers from the state who had received national recognition and appreciated J.S. Shamator for its contribution to the teaching profession.
Referring to achievements in music, Yhome highlighted the Nagaland Male Chorus and its founder and conductor Hito Kiho, as well as the Nagaland Magical Singers, which participated in the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. He said the Nagaland group won two gold medals, describing the achievement as an example of the state’s potential to excel internationally.
He urged people to recognise and appreciate achievements from within Nagaland, saying young people could excel nationally and internationally if provided with opportunities and proper support.
Yhome maintained that such excellence could be nurtured through care and support in classrooms and school environments, as well as strong parent-teacher relationships. He acknowledged the hardships faced by teachers, particularly those serving in remote areas, and expressed gratitude for their continued commitment to students.
The programme began with an invocation by Peraciezie Baptist Church pastor Rev. Dr Kevichalie Metha. Earlier, commissioner and secretary, school education and SCERT, Asangla Imti, delivered the welcome address.
The programme featured “Blessings Dear Teachers” by GHSS Sechü Zubza, the honouring of teachers by Bethel Higher Secondary School, Kohima, and a life sketch of Lt. Dr S. Radhakrishnan presented by GMS Officers Hill, Kohima. A special number was presented by Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, while Mt. Hermon Higher Secondary School, Kohima, presented a tribute to teachers.
School education additional director Deenabandhu Panda, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Sherinlo Keppen, UGHT, GMS Tsuuma, and Kikruneinuo Liezietsu, GT, GHS Bayavü.