Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday motivated the children to excel in life with competitive attitude.
Addressing the closing ceremony of SARAGIFUL, a level festival that explores hidden talents of ST &SC students, the Chief Minister said that children of Odisha are not less than anyone.
“Go ahead with a competitive attitude and gain prestige in life. You strive for success, my blessings are with you,” the CM said .
The Chief Minister said that he attends the program every year and is also involved in their happiness.
Giving the example of prominent sportsperson Dilip 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. The Chief Minister said that he is a role model for the youth.
The Chief Minister congratulated the children who successfully passed the matriculation examination and their teachers. He said that 5 lakh Scheduled Castes and Tribes children are currently studying in various government hostels of the state.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that 100 more hostels will be built for them by December 2023.
The Chief Minister also unveiled a souvenir named Sargi Phula. He also digitally launched a poster book on holistic education. A video film on holistic education was also shown.
In his speech, ST & SC Development Minister Jagannath Saraka highlighted the various initiatives taken by the department for the tribal children.
SARAGIFUL Festival has been organized for 12 years. This year 1200 students and 170 teachers participated in the festival. The students who achieved success in the high school examinations of 2021 and 2022 were felicitated. Children who excelled in various competitions were awarded.
Special Development Council Adviser Pradeep Majhi, Chief Adviser of Chief Minister’s Office R. Balakrishnan, Development Commissioner P.K. Jena and Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian were present on the occasion.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of ST & SC Development Department, Roopa Roshan Sahoo delivered the welcome address and Member Secretary, ATLC, Indramani Tripathi gave vote of thanks.