Schools compete in Kohima’s Kala Utsav 2019 competition

Kohima, Oct. 14 (EMN): The district-level programme themed on the artist and talent initiative Kala Utsav 2019, organised by the District Mission Authority of Kohima was conducted in the deputy commissioner’s conference hall on Monday in Kohima. The Kala Utsav is stated to be an initiative of the ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to promote arts in education by nurturing and showcasing artistic talents of school students at the secondary stage. Speaking about the significance of the event, a mission official Timothy Thong said, “This great work was taken up by the erstwhile programme Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and is now carried forward by Samagra Shiksha, which recognizes the importance of aesthetic and artistic experiences for secondary students, which plays a major role in creating awareness of India’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant diversity.” Thong said that the ministry also started Rangotsav, which is a festival aimed at promoting experimental learning and making learning a joyful experience by using arts in education. The official highlighted the activities in the Rangotsav which are role play competitions, band competitions, music teachers’ competitions and folk dance competitions. The official referred to the introduction of cultural events in schools and said it seeks to educate students of the elementary stage about the rich culture of the tribes and the country, to encourage ‘joyful learning.’ The ultimate goal of the competition is to send the best talents to compete with students from institutions in India. “We have so much to show the world about how rich the Naga culture and traditions are. Now it is your duty to show the world that the Nagas are second to none,” Thong said. District Education Officer Dojü Khate gave the welcome address. He urged the students to make best use of their talents and to not let it go to waste, but explore, and practice. He advised the students to be dedicated in their pursuits and to compete with people from beyond the state. The deputy commissioner of Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, delivered a short speech at the prize distribution event. The official urged the students to inculcate and learn about their culture besides pursuing academic excellence. He said that the competition must be taken as an opportunity to enrich their education. In the competition seven schools participated. They are John government higher secondary school (JGHSS), government high school (GHS) of Kigwema, GHS of Zhadima, GHS of Kandinu, GHS of Chandmari, TM government higher secondary school (TM GHSS) and government high school of Kiruphema. In the painting competition, Kevichuzo of GHS Kigwema stood first while Avinu Koso of JGHSS and Kukhoto of TM GHSS stood second and third, in that order. In the dance competition, Povidra of GHS Zhadima stood first while Megosie of GHS took the second prize. Chington and Moalem of GHS Chandmari took the third position. Puso Swuro of TM GHSS begged the first position in instrumental music while Justin Malang and Mahasineito of GHS Kiruphema stood second and third, in that order. In vocal music (solo), Nehisen Kath of GHS Kandinu stood first. Kekhrienguzo Chale of GHS Kigwema and Neilhuzonu of GHS Kiruphema stood second and third, in that order.