Naga Students' Federation begins celebrations for 150 years of formal education in Naga Hills and launches the Powered 60 initiative for UPSC aspirants.
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DIMAPUR — As the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) prepares to commemorate the sesquicentennial of formal education in the Naga Hills in 2028, it organised a prelude programme at Molungyimsen village in Mokokchung district on June 26.
The event marked the historic introduction of formal education in the Naga Hills by Rev. Dr. EW Clark and Mary Mead Clark, an update stated.
On the occasion, fruits from a 148-year-old litchi tree planted by Rev. Dr. Clark were harvested, and the seeds were placed in polybags to raise saplings on the theme, “Conserving Heritage.”
According to the organisers, the saplings will be distributed to every Naga village across Naga-inhabited areas over the next two years as part of the commemoration of 150 years of formal education in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the NSF leaders expressed profound gratitude to the pioneers who introduced Christianity and modern education to the Naga people.
They said the occasion was an opportunity for the Nagas to thank God and the American missionaries for their love, dedication, and selfless sacrifices.
The federation also announced the launch of the “Powered 60” educational initiative aimed at supporting civil service aspirants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Under the programme, one candidate from each assembly constituency in Nagaland will be selected for a one-year UPSC coaching and mentorship programme, NSF president Mteisuding Heraang said.
The NSF leaders further appealed to the Naga people to broaden their outlook and work towards strengthening Naga unity, stating that the community could no longer afford to remain divided.
Elaborating on the upcoming sesquicentennial celebration, the leaders said the year-long observance in 2028 would feature thanksgiving programmes dedicated to God, the American people, and the pioneering Naga Christians across all Naga areas.
The prelude programme was addressed by NSF president Mteisuding Heraang; convenor of the Steering and Planning Committee for the 150 Years of Formal Education in Naga Hills, K. Temjen Jamir; planning committee member Medo Yhokha; and SDHO, Tuli, Imchalemla.
The programme was chaired by Ao Students' Conference (AKM) education secretary Imlikokba Kichu.
Later in the day, members of the NSF and AKM visited Molungkimong village, where they toured historic sites associated with the advent of Christianity among the Nagas, including places where the first Naga Christians were baptised and where Rev. Dr. Clark lived, prayed, and carried out his missionary work.
The team also held a prayer fellowship with church leaders and members of the village council.