Nagaland has taken a significant step in honouring the Northeast’s intellectual heritage by hosting a week-long exhibition titled “Development of Education in North Eastern India”. Jointly organised by the Nagaland Education Department and the National Archives of India, the event opened at the Capital Convention Centre on Friday and will run until Independence Day. The exhibition, inaugurated by Higher Education and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along, brings together a remarkable collection of archival documents, rare books, photographs, private papers, and multimedia displays. These materials trace the complex evolution of education in the region — from indigenous learning traditions to the transformative influence of Christian missionaries, colonial policies, and modern state initiatives.
Calling the occasion “historic and auspicious,” Along underscored the importance of safeguarding cultural and educational legacies through proper documentation and archiving. “Despite the absence of a native script, the Naga people have made remarkable progress. This is a testament to divine preservation and the wisdom of our forefathers,” he said, acknowledging the pivotal role of early missionaries in laying the foundations for Nagaland’s literacy, which today ranks second-highest in India. Addressing students, the minister stressed that true education must instill humility, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new technology. “Every educated person is employable. It’s just a matter of curating one’s skills and channeling them into community development,” he advised.
MLA Tseilhoutuo Rhutso described the exhibition as an “eye-opener,” urging the Ministry of Culture to support the creation of a dedicated archives centre in Nagaland — a facility that could safeguard vital historical records for the entire Northeast.Director General of the National Archives of India, Samar Nanda, said cultural preservation is not just about safeguarding the past, but about shaping the future. He expressed hope that the exhibition would inspire the growth of more educational institutions in line with the Viksit Bharat vision.
