Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the Vidyarambh Parba (Initiation of Education) is being celebrated as a festival in every village and locality across Odisha, which is encouraging parents to enroll their children in schools.
Speaking at the state-level Prabesh Utsav and Khadi Chhuan Programme-2026, the Chief Minister highlighted that this initiative is creating enthusiasm among parents for their children’s education. The programme was held at the Government Upper Primary School inside Raj Bhawan here.
During the event, CM Majhi symbolically initiated the children’s education by making them write the words ‘Maa’ and ‘Bapa’ (Mother and Father) on slates with chalk.
Interacting warmly with the tiny tots like an experienced teacher or elder, 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.
CM 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.
On this occasion, CM Majhi 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 Chhua 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.CM Majhi further stated that, in line with the New Education Policy, Anganwadi centres will gradually be integrated with Shishu Batika (pre-school centres).
Addressing the media persons, CM Majhi said that journalists act as a vital bridge between the government’s various schemes and the general public. He urged them to create mass awareness about the importance of education by highlighting that every child of Odisha is the future of the state. “Education is the real wealth. Through your respective media platforms, kindly turn our education campaign into a statewide movement,” the Chief Minister appealed.
Advising teachers and educators present on the occasion, CM 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.
The state-level programme was graced by the presence of several dignitaries including School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Khurda MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev, Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, social activist Jagannath Pradhan, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department N Thirumala Naik and OSEPA Project Director Ananya Das.
