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 the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on 8th August 2025.
In his keynote address, Minister of 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 noted that the progress of education in the region has been immense and commendable. He emphasized that Nagaland is a diverse state, and our forefathers lived with discipline and wisdom, this needs to be documented.
Highlighting the absence of a native script among the Nagas, he remarked that despite the lack of written documentation, the community has come a long way, a testament to divine preservation. He stressed the importance of archiving, stating that Archives play a vital role in preserving and documenting the culture and history of a community.
He also paid tribute to the early Christian missionaries, acknowledging their selfless service in bringing education to the Naga Hills when few dared to venture into the region. He said that it was because of their service that the Nagas received education, and today, Nagaland is the second most literate state in the country.
Addressing the students present, the Minister reminded them that true education brings humility. He urged them to stay updated with the latest technological advancements and to be adaptable. He concluded his address by emphasizing that every educated person is employable, it is just a matter of curating oneself, working hard, 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 generously organizing the exhibition in Nagaland. He noted that the exhibition served as an eye-opener, highlighting the urgent need for archiving the state’s rich history and cultural legacy. Dr. Rhutso proposed that in the future, a similar exhibition be curated focusing on the important personalities of India. He also appealed to the National Archives of India, through the Ministry of Culture, to consider setting up an Archives Centre in Nagaland. Such a centre, he stated, would allow various departments within the state to preserve vital documents, benefitting not only Nagaland but the entire North Eastern region.
Director General of the National Archives of India, Samar Nanda, emphasized in his speech that preserving culture is key to understanding and shaping the future. He explained that the current exhibition highlights the journey of education in North East India, particularly in 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.
Looking ahead, Nanda expressed hope that more institutions of learning would emerge in the North East, especially in Nagaland, aligning with the vision of Vikshit Bharat, a developed and progressive India.
Earlier, Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, inaugurated the exhibition and took a tour of the exhibits. He also launched the Digital Exhibition and the 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,.
(Avika Awomi, IA)
