Kohima: Nagaland observed Teachers’ Day 2026 with a state-level celebration at the Local Ground, Khuochiezie, Kohima, on Saturday, with 12 teachers from five districts receiving the State Teachers’ Award 2026.
The celebration was organised by the Department of School Education, with Advisor for School Education Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome as the special guest.
Extending Teachers’ Day greetings, Yhome highlighted the contribution of teachers to Nagaland’s progress in education, noting that the state’s literacy rate had risen significantly since it attained statehood in 1963.
According to Yhome, Nagaland’s literacy rate was 21.95% in 1963 and had risen to 95.7% based on 2025 data, placing the state third among India’s most literate states.
He congratulated and thanked the 32,714 teachers serving in government and private schools for their contribution to the state’s educational progress.
Describing teaching as a noble profession, Yhome said teachers do not distinguish between students in extending love and care, and called upon them to prepare children of Gen Z and Gen Alpha for leadership roles.
He said the children being educated today would be handling public affairs and leading the government and private sectors by 2035.
Yhome said the state’s school education ecosystem was being transformed around three broad pillars — infrastructure, human resource management and curriculum design.
On infrastructure, he said challenges could be addressed through developmental projects. Human resource management, he added, could be strengthened through teacher training, improved communication between schools, field officers and the Directorate, and better administration and governance.
On curriculum design, Yhome said the government would introduce world-class education systems into classrooms through innovative approaches aimed at helping children understand concepts and develop relevant skills.
He also urged students to recognise their potential and strive for excellence at the national and international levels.
“The government vision is to produce our Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta to become world class,” he said.
Delivering the welcome address, Commissioner and Secretary, School Education and SCERT, Asangla Imti, IAS, extended Teachers’ Day greetings and urged teachers to reflect on their wider role in shaping young people.
She said a good teacher’s responsibility goes beyond imparting education and knowledge, as teachers also play a role in instilling values, fostering critical thinking and helping young people navigate the challenges of life.
Their influence, she said, extends beyond the classroom, shaping character and contributing to the growth and development of society.
Imti thanked teachers for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their commitment to the profession. She also congratulated the 12 recipients of the State Teachers’ Award 2026.
12 teachers receive State Teachers’ Award
The State Teachers’ Award 2026 was presented to 12 teachers from five districts:
- Vika S Sumi, GHS Sitimi, Kiphire
- Albert Tungo, GHS Forest Colony, Kohima
- Mhasikholie Sachu, TMGHSS, Kohima
- Kezhalezo Solo, GHS PWD Colony, Kohima
- Pangjei Keikung, GHS Yachem, Longleng
- Nirmal Sarkar, BGHSS, Longleng
- Longrimendang, GHS Mangmetong, Mokokchung
- S. Hongen Thangti Chang, Shamator A, Shamator
- Newkai, GHSS Shamator
- P. Thsangtsumong Yimchunger, GHSS Shamator
- Hitilo Kath, GHSS Tseminyu
- Imnajungla, Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
Two teachers also received the School Safety Excellence Award 2026, presented as part of the Nagaland Disaster Management School Safety Policy Compliance Course. They were Nukshitemjen, PT, GHS Kubulong, Mokokchung, and Wanglem W Konyak, PT Scout Master, Holy Angels School, Tizit Town, Mon.
The celebration featured the singing of the National Anthem by students of GHS New Secretariat, Phezoucha, followed by musical performances by students of GHSS Sechu Zubza, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, and Mt Hermon Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
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Students of Bethel Higher Secondary School, Kohima, honoured teachers with gifts, while students of GMS Officers Hill, Kohima, presented a life sketch of former President of India and educationist Dr S Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary is observed as Teachers’ Day in India.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Additional Director, Department of School Education, Deenabandhu Panda.
The programme was compered by Sherinlo Keppen, UGHT, GMS Tsuuma, and Kikruneinuo Liezietsu, GT, GHS Bayavu.
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