63 participants vying for total prize money of Rs. 1.55 lakh
Our Correspondent Kohima | October 7 The Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship with total prize money of Rs. 1.55 lakh, has since 2012 been making its mark and contributing towards the development of students in the state. This year, the 5th edition under the Fountain Club Kohima in partnership with State Council Educational Research & Training (SCERT), Nagaland got underway here today at Capital Convention Centre with 63 vibrant and enthusiastic competitors from Kohima, Dimapur and Peren districts. Out of 63 participants, 34 are boys while 29 are girls from 37 educational institutions. The grand finale is scheduled on October 8. Spelling bee contest enhances memory power SCERT Director, Khrietuo Mezhiir in his keynote address at the inaugural function said the spelling bee contest has generated awareness on importance of having spelling bee events and many schools have started the same across the state. The contest helps the individuals to improve the usage of spelling and pronunciation. It enables the individuals to learn new words, how to spell correctly and also how to fit into sentences. It enhances memory power, build competitive spirit and confidence. Nagaland can become educational hub Gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest, Commissioner and Secretary for School Education & SCERT, FP Solo stressed on the need to encourage spelling bee events as well as debate and literary competitions in the educational institutions of the state. He also felt that phonetic spoken English and communication skills should be introduced in schools. Apart from learning word and spelling, he encouraged the students to refer dictionaries often as it features proper usage of pronunciation. “We have built a strong foundation in English in the state,” he said adding that “our boys and girls speak English language much better than other states in the country and even other countries like China and South Korea.” With such advantage and strength, he said, Nagaland can become an educational hub for neighboring countries like, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Korea etc. He stated Nagaland can send English teachers in such countries. Change in participation standard Organizing Committee Convenor, Vilekho Bio said the Fountain Club is contemplating a change in the participation standard from the next edition (6th edition). The change will result from Class VII to Class X against the present standard from Class VIII to XII. Rs. 1.55 lakh awaits winners In this 5th edition, 63 competitors are vying for total prize money of Rs. 1.55 lakh along with trophy and citation. The champion will fetch a cash prize of Rs. 60,000 sponsored by Er. Krosii Rhetso, Chief Engineer, R&B Nagaland while the 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners will get Rs. 40,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 15, 000 sponsored by Beizo M. Kuotsu, Controller & HoD, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection; Kevipodi Sophie, DRDA (RD Department) and Vizo Zhasa, Manager NStCB Ltd main branch Kohima respectively. Quarter finalists will receive Rs. 5000 each sponsored by Atu Zumvii, SDPO Kohima. Meanwhile, the closing function will take place on October 8 at 4:00 PM with Timikha Koza, President Tenyimi People’s Organization (TPO) as special guest.