Dimapur, Mar 28: Educators, policymakers, and civil society leaders convened at Tetso College in Chumukidema for the North East Shiksha Samvaad, emphasizing the need to move beyond mere access to education toward learning outcomes that prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
The event, held under the theme “Reimagining Education in the Northeast for a Future-Ready Generation”, is part of the nationwide Shikshagraha movement, which brings together stakeholders from government, markets, media, and communities to drive systemic improvements in public education through quarterly regional dialogues.
Kevisato Sanyu, Founder of NagaEd and Director at ELEVATE Foundation, highlighted the collective responsibility of shaping education, stating, “We are the architects and designers of what education is.”
Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, Principal of Tetso College, delivered the welcome address and presented the District Empowerment Program (DEP), aimed at grassroots education reforms.
In the keynote address, Dr. Darlando Thamni Khathing, Vice Chancellor of North East Christian University, stressed adaptability in education, noting that the system must prepare students to be future-ready amid rapid societal changes.
A panel discussion titled “From Infrastructure to Learning Impact” included representatives from Samagra Shiksha, NECTAR, and local schools, focusing on progress, challenges, and policy implementation.
Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor at Nagaland University, in her second keynote, called for redefining educational success to support real-world preparedness, including building confidence, identity, and aspirations among students.
Another panel, “It Takes a Village: Building an Ecosystem for Future-Ready Children”, featured Highland Dreamers, Bridges Educational Foundation, Pratham Education Foundation, and the Nagaland Board of School Education, emphasizing collaborative efforts.
Tetso College’s Dance Club performed during the event, showcasing regional culture alongside educational themes. The program concluded with recognition of participants and a call for ongoing action to strengthen education in the region.
Supported by HDFC Parivartan, ELEVATE Foundation, Mantra4Change, and ShikshaLokam, the Samvaad highlighted a growing regional focus on preparing children not just for examinations, but for broader life skills.
Shikshagraha seeks to uplift 1 million public schools nationwide and currently engages over 117,000 schools across 33 districts in 14 states and union territories. Further information is available at shikshagraha.org.
