Commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, A State Level Teacher’s Day 2025 was celebrated at NBCC convention hall on 5th September.
Chief Minister, Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, on the occasion extended his greetings to the teachers across the State, who have been continuing to nurture and guide our society on the path of knowledge and progress, stating that they are the backbone of our education system and the guiding light for our children. Their dedication, patience, and commitment have touched countless lives and inspired generations to dream big, work hard, and serve society with integrity. He mentioned that today is a day to honour the teachers and reflect on the value of education and the crucial role played in nation-building.
Rio stated that when Nagaland attained statehood in 1963, the literacy rate was just 21.95%, among the lowest in the country but today, Nagaland has emerged as India's third most literate state at 95.7%, only behind Kerala and Mizoram reflecting the tireless efforts of our teachers, educationists and policy-makers. He also highlighted that, Nagaland has 2,734 schools, 32,801 teachers and 4,10,389 school-going children.
Rio noted the progress made by the School Leadership Academy of Nagaland (SLAN), established in 2023, which is spearheading in-service teacher training and leadership development. Taking forward the vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, our State is introducing major reforms, he added.
He also stated that the Nagaland State Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage Education (NSCFSE) is now ready, and shortly will be launching the Systems for Outstanding Achievements and Reformation (SOAR) Mission, a partnership programme aimed at bringing global standards into our curriculum, teaching, assessment, and school management. The State is also in the process of institutionalising the Nagaland State School Standards Authority (NSSSA), mandated under the National Education Policy 2020, which will serve as a regulatory authority to ensure quality benchmarks in schools. To guide this effort, the Nagaland School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (NSQAAF) is currently being drafted. He stressed that another key initiative being explored is the introduction of music education at the elementary level, in convergence with the Department of TaFMA which will provide students exposure to a globally benchmarked acoustic curriculum and open new avenues for creative growth. Similarly, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, promotion of mother-tongue-based education is prioritised and the Government is collaborating with Nagaland University for the development and standardisation of tribal languages, certification of language teachers, and production of literature. He also mentioned that the Department of School Education is pioneering a convergence approach with the Department of Social Welfare to align foundational stage education more effectively.
Rio pointed out that these interventions must remain globally informed and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 - Quality Education), National Education Policy 2020, National Initiative for Proficiency in Numeracy and Understanding (NIPUN) Bharat Mission and UNESCO's Education 2030 Agenda.
He also appealed to every teacher to continue to nurture curiosity, critical thinking and compassion in students so that they grow up to be responsible citizens, capable leaders, and good human beings, renewing the commitment to strengthen teaching as a profession and ensuring every child in Nagaland has access to quality education.
Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr. KekhrielhoulieYhome, speaking on the occasion remarked on the need to strengthen the education system through three pillars of upscaling—infrastructure, governance, and improvement of the school ecosystem. He pointed out the urgency of upgrading facilities, ensuring effective governance with better teacher management, and enriching the school environment through curriculum reforms and regular teacher training. With the vision of “No child left behind,” he maintained that every child, whether in urban or rural areas, deserves access to quality education, and appealed to teachers to remain dedicated and committed in their service.
Consul General of India in Vancouver, Canada, Masakui Rungsung, IFS reflected on the profound role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future. He described teachers as the cornerstone of society who impart knowledge, ignite curiosity, and nurture young minds, noting that “behind every successful student is a teacher who believed, nurtured, and guided.” Addressing the challenges of a fast-changing, technology-driven world, he observed that teachers are not only instructors but also mentors, counsellors, and motivators throughout a student’s life. He further stated that their patience and dedication deserve the highest respect, reminding students that teachers are their strongest supporters whose words of encouragement can leave a lasting impact. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he concluded, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Earlier in the programme, the Teacher’s Day messages from the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Education Minister of India, Governor of Nagaland were also read out.
The Chief Minister, Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio also launched the "Mission SOAR, Nagaland" & Introduction of Music in the Elementary Section with Yamaha Inc.
On the occasion, 13 teachers were presented the State Teachers’ Award and four schools viz. Government Middle School, Dobagaon, Government Middle School Naga New Model Sumi, St. Joseph School Tuensang Town and The Vineyard, Kohima were awarded Recognition of Excellence in School Safety - SSB Phase 2.
The programme was attended by a host of Ministers, Advisors, MLAs and dignitaries. Later, Dreamz Unlimited performed a short play - ‘The Lighter Side of Schooling History’ enthralling the crowd.
(Siizo Kikhi IA, Moasunep Pongen, Intern)
