Advisor Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome underscores role of art in understanding realities

KOHIMA — Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, on Thursday emphasised the importance of understanding different types of realities and how imagination and art help in perceiving the world around us.

The advisor was addressing an art exhibition organised by the Department of School Education, in collaboration with Saturday Art Class, Mumbai, at the Morung conference hall, Directorate of School Education, Kohima.

Dr. Yhome lauded the exhibition for its creativity and curation, saying that imagination plays a crucial role in integrating learning and self-expression.

Highlighting that there are different forms of realities, he explained that subjective reality is shaped by personal beliefs, political views, and religious perspectives, while objective reality stands independent of such biases.

He also noted the emergence of digitally generated realities such as augmented and virtual reality, observing that even human existence could be seen as a form of “virtual reality,” where the physical form is merely a vessel and the soul a distinct entity.

Also read: K Therie urges Nagaland Legislative Assembly to pass resolution for Naga political solution implementation

The advisor asserted that understanding these realities is important because imagination forms the basis of how one interprets and engage with the world as an integral part of education and creativity.

Referring to a recent Project-Based Learning (PBL) fair held in Chümoukedima, Dr. Yhome remarked that some students were able to express issues like bullying through art — matters they might otherwise hesitate to speak about — demonstrating the transformative power of creative expression.

Commending the collaboration with Saturday Art Class, he said the organisation has trained 120 teachers across 60 government schools in Kohima district, enhancing art-based learning in classrooms.

Read more: At TUD jubilee, Neiphiu Rio links Tenyimia unity to broader Naga cause

He expressed optimism that the department and the group would soon sign a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue the engagement.

He also highlighted the need to make art materials more accessible to students. “Every child should feel a sense of pride and contentment in holding a sketchpad or coloured pencils—tools that allow them to put their thoughts and emotions onto paper,” he said.

The advisor further observed that while the state is going through challenging times marked by various strikes and disruptions, platforms like the art exhibition bring positivity and hope.

“These are revolutionary times… yet despite all these things, I hope we all have fun today,” he added.

Looking ahead, Dr. Yhome announced plans to scale up the event into a mega art festival in the coming years, involving thousands of students and focusing on socio-emotional learning through art.

Krutika Khare, training and partnerships head of Saturday Art Class, Mumbai, who led the inaugural session, shared that the organisation is a non-profit working primarily with teachers to make art education accessible and to create safe spaces for student expression.