As part of the National Campaign on Energy Conservation initiated by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, under the aegis of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) organised the Nagaland State-Level Painting Competition on Energy Conservation 2026 under the theme, “Save Power, Secure the Future” and “BEE Star Labels Shine, Energy Security Is Divine” on November 12 at De Oriental Grand, Upper Bayavü Hill, Kohima, for school students across the State.
Following the preliminary evaluation, the top 100 entries from both groups were shortlisted for the State-Level Competition. The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from schools and students across Nagaland, with a total of 56 schools and 1,860 students participating at the school level. Students from Classes V to X participated in two categories:Group A, comprising Classes V, VI and VII, and Group B, comprising Classes VIII, IX and X.
The initiative aims to create awareness among young students about the importance of energy efficiency, conservation and responsible energy consumption, while providing them with a creative platform to express their ideas and contribute towards building a sustainable and energy-secure future.
The programme was graced by Director, New & Renewable Energy, Nagaland, Er James Khala as the Chief Guest and Additional Director, Directorate of School Education, Nagaland, Deenabandhu Panda, as the Guest of Honour. Imago P Awomi, Additional Director, New & Renewable Energy, Nagaland, along with representatives of NEEPCO, teachers, parents, students and media representatives, also attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Er James Khala highlighted the serious impacts of climate change and stressed the need for collective efforts to mitigate its effects. He identified the use of fossil fuels as a major contributor to global warming and emphasised the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower.
He urged students to adopt sustainable practices, including conserving energy, using eco-friendly transport, reducing waste, reusing and recycling materials, conserving water and protecting natural resources. He further stressed that energy saved is energy generated, underscoring the importance of energy efficiency and responsible consumption.
In his address as Guest of Honour, Deenabandhu Panda highlighted the importance of energy conservation. He stated that energy encompasses not only electricity but also fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and gas, stressing India’s dependence on imports for nearly 80 per cent of its crude oil requirements. He emphasised the need to conserve energy and explore alternative sources such as biogas, ethanol and other renewable energy options to reduce dependence on imports. Pointing out the environmental and economic benefits of electric mobility, he noted the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
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General Manager (HR), NEEPCO and State Nodal Officer for Nagaland, N Khogendra Meitei, highlighted the significance of the National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation and its role in engaging school children in the national movement towards energy efficiency.
He informed that the competition has been conducted across the country under the aegis of the BEE, Ministry of Power, since 2005. Last year, more than 80 lakh students from around 1,10,000 schools across the country participated in the competition.
He emphasised that the participation of young minds is particularly important in addressing the growing challenges of energy security and ensuring a sustainable future for coming generations. He further highlighted that the competition encourages students to understand that energy conservation is not merely an individual responsibility but a collective national commitment.
This competition is conducted at the school, state and national levels. Group A comprises students from Classes 5 to 7, while Group B comprises students from Classes 8 to 10. The top three winners from each group will represent Nagaland at the National-Level Competition scheduled to be held on 11th December 2026.
In Group A, Issina Rangkau of Little Star Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, secured the first prize; Jasper Varay of Ember Art Academy School, Dimapur, bagged the second prize; and Hardik Khemani of Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, won the third prize.
In Group B, Anamika Ghose of Chitrakala School of Fine Arts, Dimapur, secured the first prize; Smiti Debnath of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dimapur, won the second prize; and Lhüvese Medeo of Govt. High School, Yoruba, bagged the third prize.
All students selected for the State-Level Competition received an honorarium of Rs. 2,000 each along with a smart watch. The first-prize winners in each group receive Rs. 50,000, the second-prize winners Rs. 30,000 and the third-prize winners Rs. 20,000, while the next 10 best entries in each group receive Rs. 7,500 each along with certificates.
