Four young students from Nagaland who recently participated in the prestigious Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP) in Japan returned home on June 22, carrying with them life-changing experiences and fresh perspectives on science, technology, and culture.
The participants — Shethilu Medeo from Ruzhukhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Iris Zomawii Lushai from Chümoukedima Government Higher Secondary School, and Inspire Manak Award-winning students Faragdul Islam from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and Zatan from Holy Cross High School — were selected through a rigorous screening process based on merit and recommendations from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Samagra Shiksha Nagaland.
The week-long exchange, hosted under the aegis of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, combined hands-on science engagement with cultural immersion. “The five days of active participation and two days of exploring the country taught us so much — not just about science, but about how a country can function with such discipline and cleanliness,” one student shared during a media interaction on arrival.
Describing Japan as “a glimpse into the future,” the students spoke about the country’s cutting-edge use of technology, public etiquette, and environmental awareness. “It was exciting and beautiful,” said another. “Even the way they behave and maintain cleanliness is something we should learn from.”
One of the students, who had self-taught herself Japanese since childhood, said, “I always dreamt of going to Japan. I learned the language on my own so that if I ever got the chance, I wouldn’t struggle. And here I am — that dream came true.”
A highlight of the exchange was their visit to Omika High School, where they interacted with local students and experienced the Japanese education system up close.
Principal of Chümoukedima GHSS, Karen Yepthomi, praised the initiative. “This is the second batch from Nagaland to go to Japan, and it wouldn’t have happened without the dedicated efforts of the Department of School Education,” she said. She credited former Samagra Mission Director Temsunaro Aier for facilitating passport processing in record time, making the trip possible. “Unless our bureaucrats and senior officers take ownership, many such government schemes never reach the grassroots,” she added.
Daniel Thong, Nodal Officer, SCERT, for INSPIRE MANAK Awards, noted the significance of the achievement. “This is the first time government school students from Nagaland have made it to Japan through the Sakura Exchange Program,” he said. Faragdul and Zatan had previously competed at the national level, winning recognition for their project ideas. “It’s difficult for government schools to compete with private institutions, but merit-based entries like these prove it’s possible.”
Encouraging more rural students to dream big, Thong said, “This is a big moment for them. I hope they go on to study or work in Japan someday. I urge other students — especially from rural Nagaland — to participate in the INSPIRE MANAK Awards and push their innovative ideas forward.”