A vibrant confluence of culture, foundational learning, and cutting-edge innovation unfolded in the state capital today as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the state-level children’s festival, ‘Suravi-2026’, at the Unit-3 Capital High School ground.
Organized by the Department of School and Mass Education, the three-day extravaganza (November 12–14) has brought together over 2,500 talented students, teachers, and more than 1,000 officials from every corner of Odisha under the resonant theme, ‘Samruddha Bhasha, Samruddha Odisha’ (Enriched Language, Prosperous Odisha).
A Major Leap for Rural Tech and Foundational Learning
Marking a transformative day for Odisha’s public education sector, the Chief Minister dedicated 807 state-of-the-art robotics laboratories across government schools, established at an investment of ₹164.33 crore. Designed to bridge the rural-urban digital divide, each lab is equipped with four robots, robotics kits, computers, and 3D printing facilities. Students from Classes 6 to 10 will gain hands-on exposure to robotics, coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and 3D printing, enabling them to build over 100 innovative projects.
Simultaneously, CM Majhi launched the ‘NIPUN App’ to strengthen the ‘NIPUN Odisha’ mission. The digital tool will streamline classroom observation and individual competency assessments, ensuring every child achieves foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Class 3.
Rewarding Excellence and Mother-Tongue Mastery
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister conferred the prestigious ‘Mukhyamantri Siksha Puraskar’ (Chief Minister’s Education Award) upon 375 individuals and institutions for the 2024 and 2025 cycles. Recognizing top-performing administrative regions, Nabarangpur, Kataka, and Kalahandi districts were honored with the coveted award. Across block, district, and state levels, the government has earmarked over ₹138.97 crore in financial incentives under this scheme.
To champion the Odia language, the Chief Minister also rolled out the ‘Mukhyamantri Odia Bhasha Brutti’ (Odia Language Scholarship), granting ₹7,500 annually to 7,350 meritorious students statewide who excelled in Odia in their annual High School Certificate (HSC) exams—selecting 20 students per block and municipal corporation, 10 per municipality, and 5 per NAC. Ten top-performing students and four CHSE toppers were felicitated directly on stage.
“A Teacher at Heart”: CM’s Message to Students
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi grew nostalgic about his days as a teacher before entering politics, noting that stepping onto a school campus always awakens the educator within him. Comparing childhood to unbaked clay in a potter’s hands, he urged parents and teachers to mold young minds with strong values and discipline.
Offering candid advice for the digital age, the Chief Minister cautioned students against digital distractions: “In an era where information is at your fingertips, learn to distinguish truth from misinformation. Let mobile phones be a medium for acquiring knowledge, not merely for entertainment.”
Quoting the popular cinematic maxim, “Kabil bano, kamyabi tumhari peeche daudegi” (Strive for competence, and success will chase you), he urged youth to break free from the rat race of chasing marks or solely government jobs. “Today, skills—not just degrees—are the true guarantee of employment,” he emphasised, pointing out that rapid industrialisation in Odisha will soon generate lakhs of jobs for a skilled workforce.
Building a Knowledge-Driven Odisha for 2036
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond highlighted how platforms like ‘Suravi’ nurture holistic growth beyond textbooks through debate, creative writing, painting, quizzes, and cultural performances. Looking ahead to Odisha’s centenary celebrations in 2036, Gond stated that the state’s vision of a Viksit Odisha rests heavily on preserving its linguistic heritage while empowering youth with modern skills.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the state’s ongoing reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), including the rollout of Shishu Vatikas, Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalayas in every panchayat, extension of mid-day meals to Classes 9 and 10, and free education from KG to PG.
Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, School and Mass Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr. N. Thirumala Nayak, and OSEPA State Project Director (In-Charge) Sangita Behera were also present on the dais to encourage the participating students.
