NBSE has directed Nagaland schools to strengthen Art Education through music, dance, drama and cultural activities.
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KOHIMA — The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) has directed all schools under its purview to strengthen the teaching of the Art Education component in Life Skills Education by organising activities such as art and dance competitions, music compositions, and drama performances.
In a circular issued on Saturday, NBSE Secretary and Chairperson (additional charge) Rangumbuing Nsarangbe stated that the directive follows a notification from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, supporting cultural activities conducted by SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth).
The circular stated that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates the integration of arts, culture, and co-curricular activities into everyday school life, while promoting awareness of India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
NBSE informed schools that Indian art and music are already incorporated into the Life Skills Education curriculum for both secondary (Classes 9 and 10) and higher secondary (Classes 11 and 12) levels through textbooks published by the board.
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According to the circular, the secondary-level textbook includes lessons on Naga ethnic musical instruments such as the cup violin, bamboo mouth organ, Naga flute, bamboo trumpet, log drum, and leaf music, along with Indian and Western musical instruments, drawing and painting techniques, and dance.
The higher secondary textbook covers Indian classical music, including Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, regional and Naga folk music, types of Indian and Western instruments, basic music skills, sketching, sculpting, and drama.
The board reminded schools that the Art Education unit in Life Skills Education is a substantive part of the curriculum and should be taught with the same seriousness as other academic units.
In line with the Ministry’s directive and NEP 2020, NBSE directed schools to actively conduct the activities prescribed in the textbooks, including music composition, art competitions, dance competitions, and drama performances.
Schools were also encouraged to collaborate with SPIC MACAY and other institutions engaged in the promotion of Indian culture, art, and music.
The circular further advised schools to utilise local Naga artists and cultural practitioners as resource persons for classroom activities, school events, and cultural programmes.
It updated that information about SPIC MACAY programmes may be obtained from their website www.spicmacay.com.