228/2025-2026

Lunglei, September 10, 2025: The Office of Deputy Commissioner Lunglei, in collaboration with the School Education Department, Lunglei, today inaugurated Lunglei’s Cosmic Classes, Mizoram’s first-ever Astronomy Labs, along with a series of pioneering educational initiatives designed to strengthen learning outcomes and ensure inclusive education in Lunglei District and Lungsen Aspirational Block.

Dr Vanlalthlana, Hon’ble Minister of School Education graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The Minister inaugurated the Cosmic Classroom at Government Leitlangpui High School, Lunglei, and subsequently launched Cosmic Classrooms at Higher Secondary School, Lungsen and Govt Middle School, Tlabung through virtual mode.

At the formal programme held at the Conference Hall, School Education Complex, Lunglei, the Chief Guest launched a number of educational initiatives initiated by Office of Deputy Commissioner Lunglei , including Learning Bridges (QR Code), the Book Nest Initiative, the English Language Foundation (ELF), Project Period Pride and Money Wise (Financial Literacy Campaign). He also distributed bicycles to Out-of-School Children under the Learning Bridges Programme (supported by Disha Foundation), book sets under the Book Nest Initiative and Science Laboratory equipments provided by the Directorate of School Education to designated schools and examination centres.

The programme was attended by Lunglei HPC Vice Chairman & Lunglei North MLA Pu V. Malsawmtluanga, Lunglei South MLA Pu Lalramliana Papuia, Lunglei West MLA Pu T. Lalhlimpuia, LMC Chairman Pu Lalzuithanga, along with dignitaries, government officials, teachers, VC/LC & NGO representatives, church leaders, political party leaders, members of the media and students.

In his address, the Chief Guest, Dr Vanlalthlana lauded the District Administration and the School Education Department, Lunglei for their concerted efforts in strengthening educational opportunities in the district. He noted that these initiatives are in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the State Government’s vision of providing quality, inclusive and equitable education for all. He further expressed hope that the programmes launched today would bring meaningful transformation in the lives of students across Lunglei District.

Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei, Pi Navneet Mann highlighted that the initiatives form part of a holistic approach to education encompassing academics, science, health, financial literacy and life skills. She emphasised the need for continued community participation to ensure the success and sustainability of these programmes.

Highlights of Key Initiatives Launched:

(1) Cosmic Class:
The first-of-its-kind Astronomy Labs in Mizoram have been established at Lunglei, Lungsen and Tlabung, spearheaded by the District Administration, Lunglei, in collaboration with the School Education Department, Lunglei and AstroScape, New Delhi. Cosmic Class is designed to nurture curiosity and a scientific spirit among students through interactive lessons on stars, planets, galaxies, and space exploration.

(2) Learning Bridges (QR Code):
An innovative, community-driven initiative to identify and bring back Out-of-School Children (OoSC). Special QR codes are displayed in public areas, allowing citizens to identify dropout cases easily, enabling timely intervention by authorities.

(3) Book Nest Initiative:
A community campaign to collect and distribute reusable textbooks and storybooks to Government Schools in Lungsen Aspirational Block. YMA Branches will lead the collection drives across the Lunglei town area, while SHG workers under NULM will handle sorting and compilation. To encourage participation, the Top 5 YMA collectors and SHG teams will be recognised and rewarded. This initiative not only promotes a culture of sharing but also strengthens community participation in improving education for children in remote areas.

(4) English Language Foundation (ELF):
A foundational learning programme implemented with Disha Foundation to enhance English proficiency—listening, speaking, reading and writing—among primary school children in Lungsen Aspirational Block. The Education Department serves as the execution agency, with the District Administration, Lunglei as the funding agency.

(5) Project Period Pride:
An awareness and empowerment initiative for adolescents aimed at breaking taboos surrounding menstruation, promoting menstrual hygiene, creating a supportive environment and fostering confidence among young girls. The programme encourages girls to take pride in this natural process through open discussions, educational sessions and awareness activities.

(6) Money Wise (Financial Literacy Campaign):
A campaign jointly organised by the District Administration, the District Education Office and financial institutions within the district, under the guidance of the Lead District Manager and BDO Lungsen. The programme aims to impart essential financial knowledge to students—including savings, budgeting, digital banking and responsible spending—so they grow into financially literate citizens.

With the launch of these initiatives, Lunglei District becomes the first in Mizoram to establish Astronomy Labs and pioneer comprehensive programmes integrating science, language, health, financial literacy and community-driven educational support.

These efforts seek to ensure that no child is left behind while preparing students to become knowledgeable, confident and responsible citizens.