Nagaland has achieved a remarkable milestone in its educational journey, emerging as India’s third most literate state with a literacy rate of 95.7%, a staggering rise from just 21.95% at the time of statehood in 1963. Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio hailed this achievement on the occasion of State Level Teachers’ Day 2025, celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, calling teachers the backbone of the state’s education system and key contributors to nation-building. Speaking at the NBCC Convention Hall, CM Rio lauded the dedication of educators across Nagaland, urging them to continue nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion in students. Highlighting the scale of the state’s educational framework, he noted that Nagaland currently has 2,734 schools, 32,801 teachers, and over 4.1 lakh school-going children, reflecting the extensive efforts invested in shaping the next generation.
In line with global standards, CM Rio launched the SOAR (Systems for Outstanding Achievements and Reformation) Mission, aimed at enhancing curriculum, teaching quality, assessment methods, and school management. The Chief Minister also announced the institutionalization of the Nagaland State School Standards Authority (NSSSA) under NEP 2020, alongside the drafting of the Nagaland School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (NSQAAF) to systematically monitor and improve school performance. Other reforms unveiled include mother-tongue-based education in collaboration with Nagaland University, certification programs for tribal language teachers, and the introduction of music education at the elementary level in partnership with the Department of TaFMA and Yamaha Inc. Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, highlighted the three pillars of education reform: upgrading infrastructure, improving governance, and enhancing the school ecosystem, ensuring no child, whether in urban centers or remote rural areas, is left behind.
The event also featured reflections from Masakui Rungsung, Consul General of India, Vancouver, who described teachers as “mentors, motivators, and the cornerstone of society.” Messages from the President, Prime Minister, Education Minister of India, and the Governor of Nagaland were read during the program.Thirteen teachers were honored with the State Teachers’ Award, and four schools—Government Middle School Dobagaon, Government Middle School Naga New Model Sumi, St. Joseph School Tuensang Town, and The Vineyard Kohima—were recognized for excellence in School Safety (SSB Phase 2). CM Rio reiterated the government’s commitment to quality education for every child, integrating NEP 2020, SDG-4 on Quality Education, and the NIPUN Bharat Mission, strengthening Nagaland’s position as a leading state in literacy and educational innovation.
