A historic exhibition showcasing the Development of Education in North Eastern India has been inaugurated in Kohima, Nagaland. The event brings together rare documents, photographs, and archival materials highlighting the transformation of the education system in the region from the pre-independence era to the present day. Organised by the Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the exhibition aims to preserve and share the educational heritage of the North East.

I am writing about this because such exhibitions are not just cultural events; they are living history lessons for students, teachers, and the public. The North Eastern states have a unique and diverse educational journey, shaped by indigenous traditions, missionary influences, and government-led reforms. By revisiting this history, we can understand how policies, social changes, and local efforts have shaped learning in the region. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the challenges faced in bringing education to remote and tribal areas, and how these efforts continue to inspire future initiatives. Events like this remind us that education is not just about classrooms, but about the people, stories, and struggles that made it possible.

Key Highlights of the Exhibition

The exhibition covers over a century of educational developments, with a focus on:

• Early Missionary Schools – The role of Christian missionaries in introducing formal education in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Indigenous Learning Systems – Traditional tribal methods of imparting skills, values, and community knowledge.
• Post-Independence Expansion – Government initiatives to improve literacy, especially in rural and hill areas.
• Modern Educational Infrastructure – Growth of higher education institutions, vocational training centres, and digital learning tools.
• Women’s Education – Inspiring stories of women educators and pioneers who challenged social barriers.

Significance for the North East

The North East’s geography and cultural diversity have made education a complex yet rewarding challenge. Many areas still face infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and linguistic diversity in classrooms. The exhibition not only celebrates the progress made but also sparks discussions on how to tackle these ongoing issues.

Engagement Activities for Visitors

To make the exhibition interactive and informative, organisers have planned:

• Guided Tours by local historians and educationists
• Panel Discussions on policy changes and future directions for education in the North East
• Student Competitions such as essay writing and quiz contests on the theme of education history
• Display of Rare Books and manuscripts from state archives and private collections

This exhibition in Kohima is more than a showcase—it is a bridge between the past and the present, inspiring the next generation to value and improve education in the North East. By learning from history, we can build a stronger and more inclusive educational future for the region.