The National Archives of India, in collaboration with the Higher Education Department, Nagaland organized an exhibition on the “Development of Education in North Eastern India” at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima today.

In his keynote address, Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, described the event as an auspicious and historic moment for Nagaland, underscoring the significance of hosting such an exhibition in the state. Reflecting on the exhibits, he lauded the immense and commendable progress of education in the region. He noted that Nagaland is a diverse state whose forefathers lived with discipline and wisdom—values that must be documented for posterity.

Highlighting the absence of a native script among the Nagas, he observed that despite the lack of written records, the community has come a long way, a testament to divine preservation. Stressing the importance of archiving, he said archives play a vital role in preserving and documenting a community’s culture and history.

He paid tribute to the early Christian missionaries, acknowledging their selfless service in bringing education to the Naga Hills at a time when few dared to venture into the region. Because of their efforts, he said, Nagas gained access to education, and today Nagaland stands as the second most literate state in the country.

Addressing the students, the Minister reminded them that true education brings humility. He urged them to stay updated with technological advancements, remain adaptable, and recognise that every educated person is employable—it is only a matter of self-curation, hard work, and channeling achievements into strength for the community.

MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, in his address, thanked the Director General of the National Archives of India for bringing the exhibition to Nagaland. He said it was an eye-opener, highlighting the urgent need to archive the state’s rich history and cultural heritage. He proposed curating future exhibitions focusing on important Indian personalities.

He appealed to the National Archives of India, through the Ministry of Culture, to consider establishing an Archives Centre in Nagaland. Such a facility, he noted, would help preserve vital documents for the benefit of Nagaland and the entire North East.

Director General of the National Archives of India, Samar Nanda, stressed that preserving culture is key to understanding and shaping the future. He said the exhibition traces the journey of education in North East India, particularly Nagaland.

“There is no end to learning; we must continue to adapt to the evolving changes around us,” he said. The exhibition, he added, offers a valuable glimpse into how education has transformed across India over the decades. He expressed hope that more institutions of learning will be established in the region, in line with the vision of Vikshit Bharat—a developed and progressive India.

Earlier, Temjen Imna Along inaugurated the exhibition, toured the exhibits, and launched the Digital Exhibition and brochure.

This exhibition seeks to capture and present the multifaceted history of education in Northeast India through archival documents, and scholarly materials. It endeavors to illuminate the interplay between indigenous traditions, missionary legacies, colonial frameworks, and modern state policies that collectively shaped the region’s educational institutions. By tracing these developments chronologically and thematically, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore how education in Northeast India has evolved as both a reflection of and a response to broader socio-political dynamics. The exhibition is based on various documents, private papers, rare books from the National Archives of India, New Delhi, Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, State Archives, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland and other government documents providing a historical context. It also includes visual displays, photographs, multimedia presentations that capture the essence of the educational legacy of Northeast India. The exhibition is being held from 8th to 15th August 2025 at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Assistant Director, National Archives of India and Curator of the exhibition, Dr. Devendra Kumar Sharma. The welcome address was delivered by Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Nagaland, Sarita Yadav, while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Ex-Officio Director, Higher Education, V. Lovitoly Sema,.