Kohima: Four students from Nagaland have returned home on Sunday after an enriching seven-day science exchange program in Japan, where they explored advancements in science and technology, experienced Japanese culture and traditions, and engaged with peers from around the world.
The visit was part of the Sakura Science High School Program, facilitated by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, under the Samagra Shiksha initiative.
The students-Shethilu Medeo of Ruzhukhire Government Higher Secondary School Kohima, Iris Zomawii Lushai of Chumoukedima Government Higher Secondary School, Faragdul Islam of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), and Zatan of Holy Cross High School—returned to Nagaland after participating in the prestigious Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP) in Japan.
The students were selected based on criteria set by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, and were shortlisted as meritorious candidates by Samagra Shiksha and NBSE Nagaland.
Upon their arrival, the students described the trip as exciting, enriching, and unforgettable. They expressed gratitude to the Department of School Education and Samagra Shiksha for the opportunity. The program included five days of active learning sessions and two days of cultural exploration.
The students shared that the exchange program gave them valuable insights into Japanese culture, particularly the country’s innovative use of science and technology, exceptional cleanliness, and the politeness and discipline of its people.
They noted how Japan’s approach to technology felt vastly different from that of India, describing the environment as futuristic. They also enjoyed exploring cultural sites, visiting various places, and learning a wide range of new things throughout the experience.
One of the students, who had been self-learning Japanese from a young age, shared that it had always been her dream to visit Japan. She said she learned the language on her own because she was fascinated by the country and wanted to be prepared in case she ever got the opportunity to go.
Karen Yepthomi, Principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Chumoukedima, expressed her gratitude to the Department of School Education, particularly the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, for making the programme possible. She shared that this was the second batch of students to visit Japan, calling it a dream come true for the students.
She acknowledged that while many such projects might exist, they would not truly benefit students unless bureaucrats, senior officers, and advisors took the initiative to implement them effectively. She specifically thanked Commissioner Keno and the former Mission Director of Samagra, Temsunaro Aier, whose special efforts ensured that the students’ passports were processed within a month—despite none of them having passports earlier.
She credited the department’s proactive role for turning the children’s dream of visiting Japan into a reality and expressed hope that more such opportunities would be extended to students of government schools across Nagaland in the future.
Daniel Thong, Nodal Officer at SCERT for the INSPIRE MANAK Awards, shared that this was the first time students from government schools in Nagaland had the opportunity to visit Japan through the Sakura Exchange Programme. He noted that, alongside the two government school students, Faragdul Islam from JNV and Zatan from Holy Cross High School were also selected, having previously participated at the national level in innovation competitions. One of them had secured first place in a project competition in New Delhi, while the other was selected to represent India with an innovative idea.
He highlighted that the selection was entirely merit-based and commended the boys for their outstanding ideas and performance, which earned them a place in the Sakura Exchange Programme. Thong also praised the two girls for representing the state with distinction and expressed confidence that the experience would have a lasting impact on their lives. He expressed hope that the students would one day return to Japan for higher studies or work opportunities, further expanding their horizons.
Thong encouraged children across the country, especially those in rural areas of Nagaland, to take interest in such programmes. While acknowledging the challenges government schools face in competing with private institutions, he emphasised that special entries and initiatives like these create valuable opportunities.
Also Read | Nagaland: One man, 11 heists; Kohima cops crack Rs 1.5 cr burglary spree