Nagaland Government School Students Participate in Prestigious Sakura Science Program in Japan

Two exceptional students from government schools in Nagaland — Shethilu Medeo from Ruzhukhrie Government Higher Secondary School and Iris Zomawii Lushai from Chumoukedima Government Higher Secondary School — have been selected to represent India at the prestigious Sakura Science High School Program 2025 in Japan. This international science exchange initiative, held from June 13 to 21, offers a valuable platform for high school students from across Asia to enhance their scientific understanding and foster cross-cultural collaboration.

The two students are accompanied by Gihukali Sema, a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) from Chumoukedima GHSS, who is serving as the official escort for the trip. Their participation is being facilitated under the supervision of India’s Ministry of Education (MoE), which is also fully sponsoring the program. The selection of the students marks a proud achievement for the state of Nagaland, especially in the context of government school education.

The Sakura Science Program is an initiative of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). It forms part of the broader Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, which is designed to encourage scientific exploration, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among young minds across Asia. The program brings together top-performing high school students to engage with Japan’s advanced scientific and technological institutions, experience its rich culture, and build lasting connections.

The Nagaland students were selected through a merit-based process conducted by Samagra Shiksha and the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). The selection criteria focused on students who had passed the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination from government schools and are currently enrolled in the science stream at government higher secondary institutions. This ensured that deserving students from the public education sector had the opportunity to gain international exposure and experience Japan’s cutting-edge scientific environment.

Throughout the 7-day program in Japan, the students are participating in various educational and cultural activities. They are visiting top schools and universities, interacting with peers from other Asian countries, and exploring renowned technological hubs and research centers. Additionally, they are engaging in cultural exchange activities, presenting about India and Nagaland, and learning about Japanese traditions and innovations. These experiences not only broaden their scientific perspective but also contribute to their personal growth and confidence on the global stage.

The program’s full sponsorship by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, underscores the country’s commitment to nurturing young scientific talent and providing equal opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. It also reflects a strategic effort to strengthen educational ties between India and Japan, promoting mutual growth in science and technology.

The inclusion of Nagaland’s government school students in such a prestigious program is a milestone for the state. It highlights the increasing focus on educational quality and international engagement in the northeastern region. This achievement is expected to inspire other students in Nagaland and across the country, demonstrating that talent and hard work can open doors to global opportunities, regardless of geographic or institutional constraints.