Bhubaneswar: The state-level Sargiful festival concluded with a grand celebration, showcasing the talent and skills of Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) students from across Odisha.
The event was graced by the presence of Nityananda Gond, Minister of School and Mass Education, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste Development, Minorities, Backward Classes Welfare, and Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Gond emphasized the significance of “Sargiful” as a symbol of purity and a representation of the socio-cultural and economic development of tribal society. He highlighted how the participation of children added vibrancy and grandeur to the festival.
The Minister also stated that the festival serves as a platform to showcase the talents of students in departmental schools and hostels while fostering their skill development. He congratulated the department’s officers and staff for organizing the festival successfully and encouraged the students to strive for a bright future.
The festival’s valedictory function also saw the presence of other dignitaries, including Scheduled Tribes Director Poma Tudu, who delivered the welcome address and reflected on the festival’s success.
Other attendees included Scheduled Caste Director Laxman Kumar Mallick, Other Backward Classes Director Jugaleswari Dash, ATLC Joint Director Samarendra Bhutia, and Deputy Director Santosh Rath.
During the event, 12 students from the Science, Commerce, and Arts streams who excelled in the higher secondary examinations were honoured. Additionally, eight students from Ekalabya Adarsh Residential School who performed exceptionally well in the CBSE board examinations were recognized. A total of 88 students who participated in various competitions were also awarded for their achievements.
As part of the celebrations, the Minister unveiled the special souvenir “Sargiful 2024,” and Editor & Professor Dash Benhur and ATLC Joint Director Samarendra Bhutia were felicitated for their contributions.
The festival concluded with a captivating cultural program performed by students, leaving the audience mesmerized.
