The Nagaland Education Mission Society, under the PM SHRI initiative, organised the PM SHRI Schools State-Level Choir Competition at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, Kohima on October 28.
Addressing the programme, State Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, L Jamithung Lotha, IAS, said PM SHRI schools are envisioned as exemplar schools promoting holistic education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He said activities such as music and art help develop students’ creativity, confidence and appreciation for the arts while nurturing their artistic and aesthetic abilities.
He stated that 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 the students and acknowledged the efforts of their teachers, congratulating the teams on reaching the state-level competition after progressing through the district-level rounds.
Lotha informed that Nagaland has 49 PM SHRI schools, of which the music choir competition has 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. The entries were evaluated by a panel of judges, following which five teams each from the elementary and secondary categories were shortlisted for the state-level competition.
Highlighting the importance of music, he said it transcends language, culture and geographical boundaries. He added that the competition aimed to promote musical proficiency, creativity, teamwork, cultural appreciation, discipline and confidence among students, while fostering patriotism through music.
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He also 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 the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, he cited the saying, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” and his famous quote, “Without music, life would be a mistake,” to highlight the role of challenges in personal growth and the importance of music in life.
Earlier, Deputy Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, Chungngam Konyak, welcomed the participants and encouraged the students to perform with confidence and acknowledged the efforts and contributions of the participating teams. A note of gratitude was delivered by Dr. Bijano Murry, Joint Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha and State Nodal Officer, PM SHRI Nagaland.
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 participating teams in the elementary category represented Niuland, Tuli, Peren, Phugi and Wokha, while those in the secondary category 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 Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, with 17 students from 14 PM SHRI schools participating. The exhibition was judged by Khriesano Nagi, Joint Director, Department of School Education; Mhalo Ovung, Research Associate, SCERT; and Rukuzo Hoshi, Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha.
In the art exhibition, P. Ekhu Konyak of PM SHRI GHSS Aboi secured first position. Keheuriayile of PM SHRI GHS Signal Angami, Dimapur, secured second position, while Thejohu of PM SHRI GHSS Chümoukedima, Dimapur, secured third position.
