Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while addressing the concluding day of children’s festival Sargi Phula, advised to continue it with a competitive attitude.
Motivating the children in this unique program of schools under the ST & SC Development Department, the Chief Minister said that children of Odisha are not less than anyone. “Go ahead with a competitive attitude and gain prestige in life. You strive for success, my blessings are with you,” he encouraged them.
The Chief Minister said that he attends the program every year and is also involved in their happiness.
Citing the example of prominent sportsperson Dilip Tirkey, the Chief Minister said that he is an Odia boy. Due to his skill and hard work, he became the captain of the Indian hockey team and today he became the president of Hockey India. The Chief Minister said that he is a role model for the youth.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the children who successfully passed the matriculation examination and their teachers. The Chief Minister said that 5 lakh Scheduled Castes and Tribes children are currently studying in various government hostels of the state. The Chief Minister announced that 100 more hostels will be built for them by December 2023.
ST & SC Development Minister Jagannath Saraka in his speech highlighted the various initiatives taken by the department for the tribal children.
In the event, the Chief Minister unveiled a souvenir named Sargi Phula. He also digitally launched a poster book on holistic education. A video film on holistic education was also shown.
It is worth noting that Sargi Phula Festival has been held for 12 years. 12 students and 170 teachers and students participated in this year’s celebration. The children who achieved success in the high school examinations of 2021 and 2022 were promoted. Children who excelled in various competitions were awarded.
In this program, Special Development Council Adviser Pradeep Majhi, Chief Adviser of Chief Minister’s Office R. Balakrishnan, Development Commissioner P.K. Jena and Chief Minister’s Secretary (5T) VK Pandian were present.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of ST & SC Development Department, Roopa Roshan Sahoo, delivered the welcome address and Member Secretary, ATLC, Indramani Tripathi gave vote of thanks.
