Nagaland’s literacy rate has risen from 21.95 per cent at the time of statehood in 1963 to 95.7 per cent in 2025, making the State the third most literate in the country, Advisor for School Education Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome said on Saturday.
Addressing the State-level Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the Department of School Education at the Local Ground (Khuochiezie), Kohima, Yhome credited the State’s 32,714 government and private school teachers for the achievement and expressed appreciation for their contribution to the education sector.
Describing teaching as a noble profession, the Advisor said teachers showed love and care to students without distinction and played a crucial role in shaping the future generation.
Yhome called upon teachers to prepare children of Generation Z and Generation Alpha for leadership roles, noting that they would increasingly take charge of public affairs, government and the private sector by 2035.
He said the State’s efforts to transform the school education system were centred on three pillars— infrastructure, human resource management and curriculum design. While infrastructure gaps could be addressed through developmental projects, he said human resource management required continuous teacher training, better communication between schools, field officers and the Directorate, and improved administrative and governance systems.
On curriculum reform, Yhome said the government was working to introduce world-class education into classrooms through innovative approaches aimed at helping students understand their potential and develop relevant skills.
He urged students not to underestimate themselves, saying they had the potential to excel at the national and international levels. He said the government’s vision was to enable Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta to compete and succeed on the world stage.
Delivering the welcome address, Commissioner and Secretary of School Education and SCERT Asangla Imti, IAS, said Teachers’ Day was an occasion to reflect on the true role of educators. She said a good teacher was not merely one who imparted knowledge but also someone who instilled values, encouraged critical thinking and helped young people navigate the challenges of life.
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She noted that the influence of teachers extended beyond the classroom, shaping character and contributing to the growth and development of society. Imti expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication and congratulated the 12 recipients of the State Teachers’ Award 2026.
The 12 teachers from five districts who received the State Teachers’ Award were Vika S Sumi of GHS Sitimi, Kiphire; Albert Tungo of GHS Forest Colony, Kohima; Mhasikholie Sachu of TMGHSS, Kohima; Kezhalezo Solo of GHS PWD Colony, Kohima; C. Pangjei Keikung of GHS Yachem, Longleng; Nirmal Sarkar of BGHSS, Longleng; Longrimendang of GHS Mangmetong, Mokokchung; S. Hongen Thangti Chang of Shamator A, Shamator; Newkai of GHSS Shamator; P Thsangtsumong Yimchunger of GHSS Shamator; Hitilo Kath of GHSS Tseminyu; and Imnajungla of Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
The School Safety Excellence Award 2026, instituted as part of the Nagaland Disaster Management School Safety Policy Compliance Course, was presented to Nukshitemjen, PT, GHS Kubulong, Mokokchung, and Wanglem W Konyak, PT and Scout Master, Holy Angels School, Tizit Town, Mon.
The celebration featured cultural and literary presentations by students from various schools. Students of GHS New Secretariat, Phezoucha, led the National Anthem, while students of GHSS Sechu Zubza, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, and Mt. Hermon Higher Secondary School, Kohima, presented songs.
Students of Bethel Higher Secondary School, Kohima, honoured teachers with gifts, while students of GMS Officers Hills, Kohima, presented the life sketch of former President and eminent educationist Dr S Radhakrishnan.
The programme was compered by Sherinlo Keppen, UGHT, GMS Tsuuma, and Kikruneinuo Liezietsu, GT, GHS Bayavu. Additional Director, Department of School Education, Deenabandhu Panda, delivered the vote of thanks.
DoSE notifies holiday on September 7
The Directorate of School Education has notified to all concerned that in honour of Teachers, September 7 (Monday) would be observed as Holiday for all Government and Private schools functioning across the state of Nagaland.
