On the occasion of National Science Day, with the state's first ever recognition of pioneers in Science and Technology instituted, awards in the category of girl child, research, outstanding achievement and young scientist were presented. (Morung Photo)
State Level celebration of National Science Day
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 28
With Nagaland state registering more than 70,000 unemployed youths even as hundreds of Naga students graduate every year, I Himato Zhimomi, Principal Secretary for Science & Technology on Saturday remarked that the statistics in this regard indicate that “90% of them are arts students.”
Addressing the state level celebration of National Science Day, 2026 at Capital Convention Centre Kohima on February 28, he said that there is a correlation while proclaiming that, “I can guarantee you that every single person who graduates from a science field will never be unemployed in the decades to come.”
Taking a commitment to ensure that children will take on science in the school, college, postgraduate and thereafter, he underscored that, “it's very important for us to understand that science has to be the fundamental basis of Naga society.”
Impressing upon that everyone in the world today is struggling for limited resources, whatever it may be, he also highlighted that “there is imminent threat of war looming in the world today.” Citing that the United States has rallied its arms against Iran, he further explained that the war is all about science and technology. “It's about nuclear weapons”, he said while pointing out that nuclear weapons are a result of science and technology.
Even while not undermining arts, he said that it's very good that Nagas love to sing and dance and have a strong culture. “But that can only take us that far”, he pointed out.
Towards this end, he underscored that, “for your base, for our mode of production, for Nagaland's foundation, we need science graduates. Whether engineers, doctors, technicians, whatever it may be, I can give you in writing if you young children get through the science stream you will never be unemployed.”
“Whereas I don't want to disparage against art students because I too am an art student but if you go for arts, I'm not saying that you'll be unemployed but just one percent of you might make it in some competitive exams or the other”, he further related.
Whereas, he said, “the 99 percent of the art students are going to have a lifestyle which is below that of a plumber or an electrician, somebody who is even uneducated, just class 10 plus.” In this regard, he urged upon the gathering to keep their options very clear and see where we are headed.
Impressing upon that the state is going to take that direction, he emphasized that it needs the concerted effort of parents, young children, students and teachers to direct “our entire energy towards the science stream.”
He also noted that the first ever state and technology awards have also been instituted for this very foundation. Stating that the state will not lag behind anybody, he pronounced that, “we shall put our best foot forward, and those who work here will be scientifically and technologically capable.”
“Those we send out from our state for employment will also be shining in the field of science and technology, not in physical menial jobs”, he added.
Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat
On this year's theme for National Science Day, “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat”, he stated happiness to see that 80% of those present are women while pointing out further that, “science and technology is very much related to Viksit Bharat.”
While this is the first time that Nagaland is having a research and development award, he however commented that, “it's never too late because with technology, you can take a quantum leap.” He stated belief that with a small step, Nagaland state will also take concrete steps with the help of young minds into Viksit Bharat, “particularly women in catalyzing our state towards being equal partners with the rest of India.”
Highlights of the event included welcome address by Zeneikhonuo Vimero, Joint Secretary & Ex-Officio Director, Department of Science & Technology, Science Drama presentation by PM Shri. Government High School, Thahekhu and vote of thanks by Kekuneil Ltu, Deputy Mission Director, NSM, Department of Science & Technology while Asano Zashu, JSO, Department of Information & Public Relations chaired the programme.
Awards presented under Nagaland Science Mission
On the occasion of National Science Day, with the state's first ever recognition of pioneers in Science and Technology instituted, several awards in the category of girl child, research, outstanding achievement and young scientist were also presented by the Principal Secretary, I. Himato Zhimomi.
Sashimongla I Longkumer was conferred with the Girl Child Award, 2025 while Awards of Research Grant for Indigenous Nagas of Nagaland 2025, containing a cash award of rupees five lakhs each was awarded to Dr. Visesato Mor, Dr. Samadangla Ao, Dr. Limamanen Phom and Thsope Medo.
Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Science & Technology, 2025 was awarded to Dr. Sapu Changkija and Dr. Vinotsole Khamo while Dr. Imlisongla Aier was conferred with Award for Young Scientist, 2025 respectively.
