The Odisha School and Mass Education Department on Monday organised the state-level Seva Sankalpa Abhiyan programme at Government High School, Unit-I, Bhubaneswar, celebrating the participation of more than 10 lakh students in a statewide campaign promoting service, creativity and civic responsibility.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, who attended the event as the chief guest, lauded the enthusiastic participation of students and the collective efforts of the department in making the campaign a success.
Among the dignitaries present were Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Central-Bhubaneswar MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Ward No. 40 Corporator Asiya Begum, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Special Secretary Durga Prasad Mohapatra, and OSEPA State Project Director (I/c) Sangeeta Behera.
The Seva Sankalpa Abhiyan, guided by the principles of cleanliness, service and commitment, witnessed large-scale participation across Odisha. As part of the initiative, debate and painting competitions on the theme “Mo Swapna ra Bharat” were conducted in more than 48,000 schools across the state, engaging over 10 lakh students.
Students expressed their vision of a Viksit Bharat through paintings, speeches and other creative presentations. Addressing the gathering, Minister Gond said the students had effectively portrayed their dreams of a developed India through their artwork and ideas.
Speaking at the programme, MLA Babu Singh stressed the importance of drawing inspiration from the values and ideals of previous generations to build a developed Odisha. He said the involvement of students would significantly contribute to the state’s progress and strengthen Odisha’s position among the country’s leading states. MLA Ananta Narayan Jena congratulated the participants and appreciated the department’s efforts in organising the campaign.
Delivering the welcome address, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr. N. Thirumala Naik highlighted the achievements of the department under the Seva Sankalpa Abhiyan. He informed that around 12.5 lakh students, parents, teachers, community members and other stakeholders participated in various activities conducted across schools in all 30 districts of Odisha.
The competitions were organised in phases, beginning at the school level and progressing through block and district levels before culminating in the state-level event. An exhibition of students’ artwork was also held, showcasing creative ideas and visions for nation-building.
A total of 180 students took part in the state-level competitions. Of them, 18 outstanding students were felicitated for their achievements in drawing and speech competitions across three categories.
The initiative aimed to foster creativity, social responsibility and a spirit of service among students while inspiring them to contribute towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat and a developed Odisha.
