Educational institutions like Kohima Science College and others across Nagaland host expos, workshops and awareness programmes promoting innovation and learning.
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DIMAPUR/WOKHA — Multiple educational institutions across Nagaland conducted academic, cultural, and scientific programmes, ranging from innovation expos and career planning workshops to cultural days and awareness campaigns.
Kohima Science College: The 3rd edition of the Nagaland Innovation Expo was held on March 31 on the theme “Empowering science, technology and digital innovation” at Kohima Science College (Autonomous) Jotsoma, organised by the Research Scholars’ Forum of the college.
According to an update, Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, assured that the government is committed to giving greater prominence to science education. Warning against complacency, he encouraged practical thinking, better use of local resources, and self-reliance in sectors like horticulture and livestock.
Dr. Temjenwabang, Principal of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, highlighted the importance of research, innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat. He stressed the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) in promoting technology-driven and innovation-based learning.
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Dr. Visuzoto Valeo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and advisor of the expo, stated that the event served as a platform for students, educators, and startups to showcase their creativity. He pointed out that these participants translated their concepts into impactful solutions aimed at the greater good of society.
Sabou Yashu, Director of Information Technology and Communication, underlined the importance of collective effort, stating that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration. He urged people to take the initiative and solve their own problems through innovation. Yashu also encouraged participants to market their innovations beyond Nagaland and mentioned the upcoming Innovation Hub in Chümoukedima.
Following the programme, contestants presented models ranging from business ideas to robotics and plant-based designs.
ICFAI University Nagaland: The ICFAI University Nagaland conducted its ‘Kairos Lecture Series’ on March 27 on its campus, providing a platform for postgraduate students to discuss “Artificial intelligence in education”.
Kuzunulu Ruho, a fourth-semester MA Education student, spoke on “AI for students with disabilities”, highlighting the role of AI in enhancing learning, alongside its advantages and limitations.
Vikato Sunnuh, a fourth-semester MA Political Science student, presented on “Transforming education in Nagaland: A study of the Lighthouse Project (NECTAR)”, comparing traditional education with the government-initiated project.
Lihyeih T Konyak, a fourth-semester MA English student, spoke on the “Impact of AI on creativity and art”, noting that while AI is a powerful tool, it cannot replace human intent.
In a related update, Dr. Amit Kumar Aditya joined as the vice chancellor of ICFAI University Nagaland with effect from April 1. He previously headed the university in the capacity of pro vice chancellor.
Patkai Christian College: At Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Chümoukedima, the Department of Chemistry organised a workshop titled “Skills, choices and opportunities: Strategic career planning for college students” at the conference hall on Wednesday. The event was held under the DBT Star College Project.
Resource person Upasana Bora Sinha from the Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, Lumami, prompted students to set clear objectives and prioritise tasks. She noted that mental health is becoming a major issue and highlighted an approach that encompasses mental readiness, clear responsibilities, and understanding one's long-term career trajectory.
Sinha delineated key areas for students to explore, including understanding institutional resources, navigating scholarship opportunities, and understanding the pathway to a PhD. She further elaborated on job-specific skill-building for careers such as teaching, research, and competitive exam preparation.
Sao Chang College: In Tuensang, the Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection (LM&CP), in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Sao Chang College (SCC), organised a consumer awareness programme at the SCC auditorium on Wednesday on the theme “Accurate measurement, safe products, confident consumers”.
C Chullen Chang, Assistant Controller of LM&CP, Tuensang, highlighted the functioning of his department and provided guidance on how to be an informed consumer. P Herola, retainer lawyer of the Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA), spoke on “Know your rights”, elaborating on the fundamental rights of consumers, including the right to safety, information, choice, and redressal.
Salesian College: Salesian College of Higher Education (SCHE), Dimapur, celebrated its annual cultural day on March 31 at the Salesian ground on the theme “Together through tradition”.
The event was organised by the IQAC in collaboration with the Department of Sociology and the Student Forum.
Guest of honour R Lungleng, a podcaster and political commentator, speaking on the occasion, stressed that patience and hard work are the fundamental pillars of success. He urged students to pursue academic excellence and develop rational thinking skills to solve real-life problems.
Mount Tiyi College: The Department of History at Mount Tiyi College, Wokha, organised a study tour to Khonoma village on March 28 with 31 students led by Dr. Libemo Kithan, Associate Professor and Head of Department, and Dr. Bokali Shohe, Assistant Professor.
The tour aimed to provide a first-hand understanding of Nagaland’s historical sites. The students explored the three historical forts of Khonoma, which were built on elevated ridges to defend the village from external threats during the 19th century. The group also visited the traditional Morung, exploring its architecture and symbolic decorations.
College of Veterinary Science: In Jalukie, the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (COVSc&AH), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, organised an HIV & AIDS awareness programme at Ramzie School on March 30.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. I Shakuntala, Dean of COVSc&AH, and coordinated by Dr. Amrit Gogoi, Assistant Professor and Nodal Officer of RRC, and Dr. W Ramdas Singh, Assistant Professor.
The event included an educational talk on HIV & AIDS biology, transmission, and stigma reduction, followed by a skit presented by veterinary students and a quiz competition. Ling, administrator of Ramzie School, delivered the closing note.
Alder College: Alder College conducted the 5th edition of Alder Fest on March 27 and 28 on the theme “Heritage unplugged” at its campus in Sepfuzou, Kohima.
The opening ceremony was attended by Neingutoulie Kengurüse, Councillor of the Dimapur Municipal Council.
The second day featured an inter-collegiate Naga wrestling competition, attended by reigning champion Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü. Neikerhezo Zhünyü from Kohima College emerged as the champion, followed by Kekhriesielie Metha from Kohima College in second place. Küvetsüto Kezo from Baptist College and Khrütuzo Medeo from Mount Olive College secured the third and fourth positions, respectively.
The event concluded with a concert by The Gluttones.
Immanuel College: In Dimapur, the RRC of Immanuel College, in collaboration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), Department of Health and Family Welfare, organised an orientation programme on the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) on March 30 and 31.
Yanger Sanglir, Project Manager (IT) of ABDM, gave an overview of the mission, highlighting its vision to create a national digital health ecosystem. Stressing the ABHA number, a 14-digit unique identifier that creates digital health records, he demonstrated the account generation process.
Approximately 407 students successfully registered their ABHA accounts during the two-day drive.
Nagaland University: On the research front, a study published in December 2023 highlighted that researchers from Nagaland University and PNG Government PG College Ramnagar, Nainital, used advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) modelling and remote sensing techniques to investigate environmental change and degradation in Kohima district.
The paper, published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, was co-authored by Dr. Khrieketouno Belho and M S Rawat from the Department of Geography, Nagaland University, along with Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat from the Uttarakhand Open University Study Centre.
Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, stated that the study presents a comprehensive geospatial analysis highlighting rapid land-use changes, emerging climate trends, and seismic vulnerability in the region.
M S Rawat noted that the region is highly fragile due to continuous seismotectonic activities, landslides, and steep rugged topography. He underscored the need to adopt effective geospatial technology and action-orientated management strategies to mitigate environmental degradation.
Using an integrated GIS database modelling system, the researchers analysed geodiversity, land use, and climate informatics. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat pointed out that natural landscapes in the Kohima district had declined from 93.93 per cent to 81.86 per cent over the past two decades, while average temperatures rose at a rate of about 0.13°C per year.
The study also revealed that more than 1,100 seismic events occurred in Kohima district between 1982 and 2022.
Dr. Khrieketouno Belho added that the North East Hill Region is highly vulnerable to monsoon hazards and climate change impacts. The research concluded by highlighting the need for evidence-based planning and sustainable land management strategies in the Himalayan region.