Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said that the children of Odisha are not less talented or below anyone.
Inaugurating the Sargiful festival here, he exhorted the tribal students to continue with a competitive attitude.
Motivating the children in this unique program of schools under the SC & ST Development Department, the Chief Minister said that children of Odisha are not less than anyone.
“Go ahead with a competitive attitude and gain prestige in life, ” he exhorted the students.
“You strive for success, my blessings are with you,” the Chief Minister encouraged the students.
The Chief Minister said that he attends the event every year and is involved in their happiness.
Citing the example of prominent sportsperson Dillip Tirkey, the Chief Minister said that he is an Odia boy.
“Due to his skill and hard work, he became the captain of the Indian hockey team and today he became the president of Hockey India,” Shri Patnaik said.
The Chief Minister said that Shri Tirkey is a role model for the youth society.
On this occasion, Shri Patnaik congratulated the students and teachers who successfully passed the matriculation examination.
Saying that 5 lakh Scheduled Castes and Tribes children are currently studying in various government hostels of the state, he announced that 100 more hostels will be built for them by December 2023.
Minister of SC & ST Development Department Jagannath Saraka highlighted the various initiatives taken by the department for the tribal children.
In the event, the Chief Minister unveiled a souvenir named Sargiful. He also digitally launched a poster book on holistic education. A video film on holistic education was also shown.
Notably, Surgiful Festival is being held since 12 years.
As many as 1200 students and 170 teachers participated in the event this year and those students who achieved success in the high school examinations of 2021 and 2022 were felicitated.
Students who excelled in various competitions such as logic, quiz, science exhibition, creative writing, musical instrument competition, sports competition and folk dance competition were awarded.
Chief Adviser Chief Minister’s Office R Balakrishnan, Development Commissioner PK Jena and Chief Minister’s Secretary VK Pandian were present.
Secretary SC & ST Development Roopa Roshan Sahoo, SCSTRTI Director Indramani Tripathy and other officials graced the occasion.