‘The kind of books you read influences you in decision making’

11th Edition of Nagaland Spelling Bee ChampionshipMorung Express NewsKohima | October 21Underscoring the importance of reading, Advisor to State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT), Achumbemo Kikon remarked on Tuesday that the kind of books one reads influences them in decision making and other aspects of life. Addressing the inaugural of the 11th edition of Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship as Bee Guest at SCERT on October 20, he said, “I am not discouraging you to use technology” but urged that they must wisely choose the kind of contents they watch or listen to, and read the kind of books that influence their thinking.Tracing the origins of Spelling Bee, he highlighted that it has travelled for 200 years and has now reached our doorsteps. He cited a young Naga participant of 2012, who is now serving as an IAS Officer and told the young students that their participation would take them a long way in life.Stating that all of them are winners by the fact that they are already a participant, he also noted that reaching the state level has given them a lot of advantage from their peers. “You have already gone through the process of reading, and that itself is a big achievement. None of you should go back discouraged even if you don't get the trophy,” he urged. Further stating that, “we would like to see our children grow with full modern knowledge linking the past and present and look forward to the future,” he underlined the importance of equipping and reigniting the minds of children. Will help build a strong and vibrant society. “The Department endeavours that the text books produced are in tune with the changing times and the developing brain of our young minds,” he said, to ensure that quality education is imparted, and quality textbooks are produced.Highlighting that Fountain Club could not organised the Championship for two consecutive years owing to fund constraints, he also declared that, “for dearth of funds, we cannot deprive our young minds for this kind of platform.” He said that this is an investment in the future and also revealed that from next year onwards, it should be a core activity of the department.In the meantime, he encouraged the young students by saying that a competition is always tough and that there is no short cut to success, and asked them to give their best. “If you give your best, even if you lose, you don't have any regrets,” he added. He also congratulated the Fountain Club on the initiative while expressing that it's not easy to organise such an event and appreciated the parents for encouraging their children to read. Convenor of Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2026, Neizokhotuo Belho highlighted the formation of Fountain Club in 2005 by like-minded student activists, and who felt the need to make a small but significant contribution to the society by organising the Spelling Bee Championship. He acknowledged the partnership of the SCERT Department in the common vision and also informed that hereafter it would be held annually despite not being able to for a couple of years in the past owing to various circumstances. Kegwalo Thyug, Additional Director, SCERT encouraged the students to give their best while asserting that, “the objective is not to win the prize but to develop a strong foundation in language.”Earlier, Pastor Ade Sophie said the blessings and Seyievinuo Belho presented a special song while Emma Thonger was the compere.