Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined little children at Raj Bhavan Upper Primary School in Bhubaneswar during the state-level Khadi Chhuan Divas, marking the symbolic beginning of their learning process.
Majhi said the Vidyarambh Parba is being celebrated as a festival in every village and locality across Odisha to encourage parents to send their children to schools.
Stressing that education must inspire interest and respect, not fear, the Chief Minister said the government distributed five lakh invitation letters this year to ensure 100 per cent enrollment. He assured that no child in Odisha would remain deprived of education.
During the event, the CM symbolically initiated the children’s education by making them write the words ‘Maa’ and ‘Bapa’ (Mother and Father) on slates with chalk.
Interacting with the kids, the Chief Minister asked them simple and affectionate questions such as: “What is your mother’s name? What is your father’s name? Where is your maternal uncle’s house? What did you eat before coming here?” Through this heart-touching interaction, CM Majhi tried to win over the children’s minds and make their first step into education joyful and stress-free.
Majhi visited an exhibition showcasing subject-wise learning materials developed for students under the ‘Nipun Odisha’ and ‘Padhiba, Gadhiba Odisha’ campaigns. During his visit, the CM inspected various stalls displaying innovative and child-friendly teaching-learning materials prepared for school students.
The Chief Minister also distributed education assistance kits to the children. He also went around the painting stalls set up by the students and appreciated their creative efforts. The little children joyfully presented their self-drawn paintings as gifts to the Chief Minister.
Addressing the children and parents present on the occasion, CM Majhi said that Khadi Chhuan is a sacred and age-old tradition in Odia culture. He informed that the state government has been officially celebrating this tradition from last year. This year, the government has distributed a record 5 lakh invitation letters across the state with the aim of significantly increasing school enrolment. “We have started this festival to ensure that no child in Odisha is deprived of education. We are taking all possible steps so that children develop interest and respect for education instead of fear,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the government’s target is to achieve 100 per cent enrolment of children in schools. In line with the New Education Policy, Anganwadi centres will gradually be integrated with Shishu Batika (pre-school centres), he said.
In a word of advice to teachers, Majhi said: “Treat the children with the same love and affection as you would your own. Identify their talents correctly and take sincere efforts for their overall development.”
On this occasion, CM Majhi flagged off the Education Awareness Chariot (Shiksha Sachetanata Ratha) by waving the flag to mark its ceremonial start.