Samagra Shiksha Nagaland successfully organized the State Level Kala Utsav 2025–26 at Mt. Tabor Retreat Centre, Kohima, on 24th October 2025. Kala Utsav, a flagship programme of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSE&L), Ministry of Education (MoE), aims to foster and showcase the artistic talent of students at the secondary stage.
The event celebrated creativity, artistic excellence, and cultural heritage, reflecting the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration of arts and culture into education.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. Chumbeni Kikon, Joint Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, who highlighted the importance of Kala Utsav as a platform for nurturing aesthetic and creative sensibilities among students. The keynote address was delivered by L. Jamithung Lotha, State Mission Director, who stated that the initiative provides students with an opportunity to express themselves creatively while strengthening their appreciation of India’s cultural diversity.
Gracing the event as the special guest, Avelu Ruho, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education, and Deputy Project Director, Nagaland Education Project (NECTAR), commended the students and teachers for their dedication and creativity. She encouraged the youth to preserve their indigenous art forms and oral traditions, reminding them that “culture is not merely a performance but a living legacy that connects generations.” She also emphasized the need to link culture with education as a means of fostering pride in local heritage.
Seventy-nine students from across Nagaland participated, showcasing exceptional talent in visual arts, crafts, storytelling, folk music, and theatre. Their performances reflected deep cultural understanding and creativity, celebrating the diversity and richness of Nagaland’s artistic traditions.
The winners in each category are as follows:
2D Visual Arts: Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
3D Visual Arts: Government Higher Secondary School, Chozuba
2D/3D Indigenous Toys & Games/Local Crafts:Hovishe Government High School, Zunheboto
Traditional Storytelling: Whetstone High, Mokokchung
Regional Folk Dance:Senayangba Government Higher Secondary School,Mokokchung
Regional Folk Vocal Music:Hollotoli Higher Secondary School, Dimapur
Theatre: Sancho School, Wokha
The winners of the State Level Kala Utsav 2025–26 will represent Nagaland at the National Level Kala Utsav 2025.
