Bhubaneswar: SAI International Education Group proudly unveiled its flagship event, UNWIND 2025, on Sunday, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 25,000 attendees. Recognised as one of India’s largest school-based, student-led cultural festivals, the 17th edition of UNWIND once again highlighted the power of creativity, leadership, and collaboration among young learners.
This year’s fest, themed “Limitless Beyond: Reach the Stars!”, transformed the campus into a galaxy of pulsating experiences led by its lovable mascot, Kung Fu Panda, an embodiment of courage, joy, and determination. The entire event was conceptualised by the students of Class XI Commerce and Humanities, strictly adhering to the core philosophy of UNWIND—Experiential Learning—which was founded in 2008 by Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo as a platform where children could learn beyond textbooks, fostering creativity, confidence, entrepreneurial thinking, and emotional intelligence.
UNWIND 2025 was inaugurated by the esteemed Bijendra Pratap Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NALCO, who attended as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Mr. Singh warmly congratulated the students of SAI International for conceptualising and executing an event of such scale, creativity, and leadership. He encouraged them to build on their capabilities, reminding them that true growth comes from continuously refining one’s strengths. Emphasising the importance of adaptability, he urged students to remain flexible in a rapidly changing world and to cultivate resilience, discipline, and purpose. Highlighting that failures are not setbacks but stepping stones, he shared the inspiring story of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, illustrating how perseverance, teamwork, and determination can help individuals conquer even the highest peaks. Encouraging every young learner to believe in their potential, he concluded with a powerful message: to aim high, remain committed to their goals, and pursue excellence with unwavering focus.
As part of the inaugural proceedings, the Chief Guest also presented the Business & Humanities Model Awards. The ceremony concluded with the declaration of SAI UNWIND 2025 officially open, after which he visited various student-led stalls, appreciating their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
UNWIND is a philanthropic, student-driven initiative sponsored by corporations, with its proceeds going to the Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo 100 Library Project, aimed at establishing full-scale libraries for students in government and private schools across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This initiative nurtures reading habits and curiosity, contributing to the global mission of Quality Education for All, a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.
A defining highlight of UNWIND 2025 was its unwavering commitment to holistic, inclusive education, exemplified through collaboration with Living Humanity, an organisation devoted to nurturing values, scientific curiosity, and social awareness in young learners. Thirty students from Palli Unnayan Seva Samiti, a residential school for underprivileged children in Bhubaneswar, were invited to experience the vibrant world of UNWIND. As part of SAI International’s commitment to inclusive education, these students were gifted books under the Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo 100 Libraries Project, enriching their learning journey and fostering curiosity.
The visionary legacy of the late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo continues under the leadership of Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson of SAI International Education Group, who has carried his mission forward with dedication. Reflecting on this year’s fest, Dr. Silpi Sahoo said, “UNWIND 2025 is a testament to the boundless potential of our students. Witnessing their imagination, discipline, and collaborative spirit unfold so beautifully is truly inspiring. The guiding vision of our Founder remains deeply embedded in everything we do as we shape future-ready leaders who embody values, empathy, and global excellence.”
This year’s edition offered a rich array of immersive experiences on campus. Visitors enjoyed the Global Gourmet Experience, explored the high-energy E-Sports Battle Zone, attended dynamic performances at the Heritage Ensemble Stage, and revelled in the vibrancy of the Grand Open-Air Arena, featuring magical cultural presentations by students across all classes. Families enjoyed the Family Play Arcade, adventure seekers flocked to The Explorers’ Action Park, and the day’s energy was amplified by the Celebrity Gala Evening, the enchantment of Carnival Rides, and spontaneous Flash Mobs that ignited excitement across the grounds. Together, these experiences created an unforgettable atmosphere of joy, creativity, and youthful spirit.
The highlight of the evening was a scintillating performance by the famous bands Bullet and Bohemians, whose electrifying stage presence and pulsating tracks enthralled the audience. Later, the celebrations took on a personal touch, with Dr. Silpi Sahoo presenting specially designed SAI-branded T-shirts to celebrity guests in attendance.
