Bhubaneswar: The state-level Sargiful Mahotsav 2025 concluded successfully, marking the end of a vibrant three-day celebration of students’ talent and creativity. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Nityananda Gond, Minister for School and Mass Education, ST & SC Development, Minority and Backward Classes Welfare, and Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who addressed the students and participants.
Several senior officials were prominently present at the valedictory programme, including B. Parameswaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary; Laxman Kumar Mallik, Director, SC; Jugaleswari Dash, Director, OBC; Sudhakar Sabor, Director, SCSTRTI and Member Secretary, ATLC; Sujata Mishra, Special Secretary; Banita Das, Financial Advisor-cum-Special Secretary; and Devendra Kumar Nanda, Additional Secretary.
Addressing the gathering during the valedictory evening, the Minister encouraged the students and extended his best wishes for their bright future. He stated that “Sargiful” symbolizes purity and provides an important opportunity to discover and nurture the hidden talents of children. He added that the enthusiastic participation of students made the festival more vibrant and dignified. The Minister further emphasized that the primary objective of the festival is to bring the talents of students studying in departmental schools and hostels to a public platform and to support the development of their skills. He also congratulated all officers and staff of the department for successfully organizing the state-level event.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to reduce the school dropout rate, the Minister informed that financial assistance is being provided to students through the Madho Singh Hatho Kharcha Yojana. In addition, initiatives such as the Child Tracking Survey and the “Aasa School Jiba” campaign are helping bring dropout children back to school. He stressed that collective efforts from all stakeholders are essential for the success of these initiatives.
The three-day festival witnessed the participation of 1,160 students and teachers across 22 different competitions. Meritorious students were awarded by the chief guest. Additionally, five best-performing Eklavya Model Residential Schools were felicitated, while 10 students who excelled in the CBSE board examinations from Eklavya schools were also honored. The department further recognized 50 best high schools and 10 best higher secondary schools under its administration.
