Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Saturday said education should go beyond preparing students for a livelihood and focus on character building, responsibility and enabling them to lead dignified lives.
Addressing the 125th annual day celebration of Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar High School in Khordha, Kambhampati said the milestone was an occasion to recall the institution’s long tradition of education, character formation and service.
The Governor said the school had shaped generations of students and contributed to the intellectual and social development of Odisha.
Referring to the historical significance of Khordha and the institution’s association with Buxi Jagabandhu, Kambhampati paid tribute to the Paika leader and recalled the Paika Rebellion of 1817. He said Buxi Jagabandhu’s courage and sacrifice in the fight against injustice continued to inspire generations.
“The true legacy of a school is not reflected merely in its buildings or achievements, but in the lives it has shaped,” the Governor said, stressing the role of teachers in nurturing discipline, honesty, self-confidence, compassion, courage and a sense of responsibility among students.
He urged students to dream with courage, work honestly and respect their teachers and parents, saying the strength of a nation depended on the character of its youth.
Kambhampati said while the education system needed to evolve with changing times, it should remain rooted in values. He said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasised holistic and experiential learning, critical thinking, vocational education, digital literacy, Indian knowledge traditions, arts, sports and life skills.
The Governor noted that the shift from rote learning towards curiosity, creativity, competence and character building was in harmony with the school’s emphasis on NCC, Scouts, sports and moral education.
He congratulated the school’s alumni, teachers, staff, students, authorities and the district administration and expressed hope that the institution would continue to contribute to the development of Odisha for the next 125 years and beyond.
Four distinguished alumni were felicitated during the celebration, while the school magazine ‘Abakash–125’ was released.
Khordha MLA Prashanta Kumar Jagadev, Sambad Group founder Soumyaranjan Pattanaik, Major General (Retd) Asim Kohli and organising secretary-cum-school Principal Jyotirmayee Priyadarshini Panda also addressed the gathering.
Alumni Association chief coordinator B K Dash delivered the welcome address and Festival Committee President Professor Narayan Rao proposed the vote of thanks.
Earlier, the Governor interacted with students and inaugurated an exhibition.
