Avelu Ruho, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education and Deputy Project Director, NECTAR addressing the students.
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 26 (MExN): Samagra Shiksha Nagaland organised the State Level Kala Utsav 2025–26 at Mt Tabor Retreat Centre here on October 24, celebrating creativity, cultural heritage, and youth expression. The event is part of a flagship programme of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSE&L), Ministry of Education, aimed at nurturing artistic talent among secondary stage students.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr Chumbeni Kikon, Joint Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, who highlighted the importance of Kala Utsav as a platform to foster aesthetic and creative sensibilities among students. The keynote address was delivered by Shri L Jamithung Lotha, State Mission Director, who said the initiative allows students to express themselves creatively while deepening their appreciation of India’s cultural diversity.
Special guest Avelu Ruho, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education and Deputy Project Director, Nagaland Education Project (NECTAR), lauded the students and teachers for their dedication. She urged the youth to preserve indigenous art forms and oral traditions, noting that culture is a living legacy linking generations, and emphasised integrating culture with education to foster pride in local heritage.
Seventy-nine students from across Nagaland participated, showcasing talent in seven categories including visual arts, traditional crafts, storytelling, folk music, dance, and theatre. Winners in each category are- 2D Visual Arts: Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur; 3D Visual Arts: Government Higher Secondary School, Chozuba; 2D/3D Indigenous Toys & Games/Local Crafts: Hovishe Government High School, Zunheboto; Traditional Storytelling: Whetstone High, Mokokchung; Regional Folk Dance: Senayangba Government Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung; Regional Folk Vocal Music: Hollotoli Higher Secondary School, Dimapur; Theatre: Sancho School, Wokha.
Participants displayed cultural understanding and creativity through performances ranging from traditional dances and folk songs to visual arts and theatrical presentations, reflecting the diversity and richness of Nagaland’s artistic heritage.
The winners of the State Level Kala Utsav 2025–26 will represent Nagaland at the National Level Kala Utsav 2025, which will bring together young artists from across India to showcase their cultural expressions and interpretations of the nation’s unity in diversity.
