Nagaland: STSE 2024 for promotion of Science, Tech, Engineering & Maths

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 7

As part of the yearlong Golden Jubilee celebration activities, the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) today organised result declaration programme of the State Talent Search Examination (STSE) 2024 for promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Held at Mount Tabor Retreat Centre, Above ISBT Kohima, the programme was conducted in collaboration with Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH), National Council of Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a transformative shift in the education system, promoting holistic and multidisciplinary learning.

STEM education plays a pivotal role in this new vision by encouraging innovative thinking, problem-solving, and critical analysis.
Nagaland like many north-eastern states in India faces unique educational challenges due to its geographical, socio-economic, and infrastructural conditions.

“There is also often a stigma attached to subjects like mathematics and science, largely due to a lack of foundational understanding and the perception that these subjects are too difficult or irrelevant to everyday life,” according to NBSE adding that this stigma is further compounded by limited resources, trained teachers, and engaging teaching methods.

A panel of 5 judges; two from Science &Technology Department; and one each from Power Department, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma and Public Health Engineering Department judged the projects.

Taking the lead in promoting STEM education in Nagaland through three stages of competition, NBSE hopes that the commemoration of its Golden Jubilee will be a platform to ignite interest in STEM fields and schools will march toward innovative STEM teaching methods, encouraging a shift towards inquiry-based and experiential learning.

The programme started with the inauguration of the Science Project Competition by Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi.

Rangumbuing Nsaranagbe, Secretary, NBSE, chaired the programme and with a brief message from Shalini S Sharma.

The students presented projects across various categories. The projects highlighted the students’ innovative ideas and problem- solving ideas, which are all beneficial for the community.

During workshop on “World of Work (WoW), Prof Indrani Bhaduri, CEO & Head, PARAKH & ESD, NCERT made virtual address.

She stated that PARAKH is committed to establish “World of Work” corner in all schools of the nation. Students will be equipped with the skills that they will need for their future careers and world of work, she said. She stated that students should be aware of the different skill required for the world of work today and also basics of AI and some understanding of AI use.

NBSE Chairperson Asano Sekhose said that this WoW workshop is the first of its kind in the state. She stated that education focuses on the whole development of the child and NEP 2020 also emphasizes on holistic development to become a successful human being. 

She encouraged the students to pursue academic excellence as well as skill development to become successful and excel in their careers.

The workshop session was taken by Shalini S Sharma. 

The result declaration programme was held with Prof GT Thong, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema as the special guest. He dwelled on the significance of studying Science for society’s overall advancement. He urged the students to be bold and self-assured enough to pursue Science studies. He encouraged the students to always remember that there is no substitute for hard work.

The programme was led by Siduniu Rentta, Asst. Academic Officer, NBSE. Sr Diana Munis, Animator of the Community (Superior) led the prayer for the programme. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi delivered a short speech. Ekyimo Shitirie, Joint Secretary, NBSE shared the concept note about STEM and STSE. Er Onongoto Soleho, Chief Mentor, Directorate of Science & Technology, Kohima, Nagaland, gave remarks on behalf of the judges. 

Vote of thanks was proposed by Rüchünino Ziephrü, Assistant Academic Officer, NBSE.

Winners of State Talent Search Examination 2024
First: Mezhür Higher Secondary School and Mt. Hermon Higher Secondary School from Kohima district on “Biogas through Anaerobic Digestion Process”

Second: St. Mary’s High School, Christ King High School, St. John’s Higher Secondary School and Eklavya Model Residential School on “Integration of Waste Management and Sustainable Agriculture”

Third: Eden Academy, Town Higher Secondary School and Queen Mary Higher Secondary School on “Sustainable Waste Management.”