A 35-member delegation from Madhya Pradesh, comprising 28 students and seven officials, completed a cultural and educational exchange tour in Nagaland under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme.
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 26 (MExN): A 35-member delegation from Madhya Pradesh, comprising 28 students and seven officials, completed a cultural and educational exchange tour in Nagaland under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat (EBSB) programme of Samagra Shiksha. The team, led by Dr Mahesh Jain, Joint Director, Samagra Shiksha Madhya Pradesh, arrived in the state on November 24.
Officials from Samagra Shiksha Nagaland received the delegation on arrival and briefed them on the state’s cultural landscape, educational priorities and the objectives of the EBSB initiative. The orientation set the tone for an immersive tour aimed at fostering unity, mutual understanding and national integration.
On November 25, the delegation visited key historical and cultural sites showcasing Nagaland’s identity. At Khonoma, known as Asia’s first “Green Village”, the students learned about the Angami community’s conservation practices, traditional agricultural systems and wildlife protection efforts. Interactions with youth leaders and eco-guides familiarised them with indigenous approaches to sustainable living.
The team also toured the Nagaland State Museum, where exhibits of tribal artefacts, traditional costumes, tools and historical materials offered insights into the state’s cultural diversity. They later visited the Kohima Cathedral Church, noted for its architecture and serene setting, and were briefed on the region’s spiritual and cultural evolution.
On November 26, the delegation engaged with students in local schools as part of the academic exchange. At Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School, they attended the morning assembly, interacted with students and observed science classroom activities. The exchanges facilitated discussions on teaching methods, co-curricular activities and student-led initiatives.
At TM Government Higher Secondary School, the visitors took part in a cultural and sports exchange programme. Students from both states played kho-kho and other traditional games from Madhya Pradesh, participated in friendly tug-of-war matches and joined Naga students in traditional dances, fostering camaraderie and cultural appreciation.
The delegation also visited the Kohima War Cemetery to pay respects to soldiers who died in the Battle of Kohima. The solemn visit provided historical context and deepened their understanding of Nagaland’s role in global wartime history.
Before their departure, the team is scheduled to visit the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre in Dimapur on November 27. The centre is known for its bamboo innovation initiatives, skill development programmes and promotion of sustainable livelihoods. The visit will introduce the students to bamboo craftsmanship, resource management and entrepreneurship in the state.
The tour, conducted under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme, reflected the spirit of national unity by promoting cultural appreciation, mutual learning and meaningful interaction among students. Samagra Shiksha Nagaland said it looks forward to continued collaboration with its paired state to strengthen ties and deepen understanding through future exchanges.
