Bhubaneswar, Ap 4: The new academic year in Odisha will officially begin on Saturday, with schools across the state witnessing an enthusiastic start to the academic activities. This marks the beginning of the school year with the traditional ‘Khadi Chhuan’ ceremony, where children will begin their educational journey.
In Bhubaneswar, the state-level event will be hosted at the Raj Bhavan Government Primary School, where the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, will be present. He will initiate the ceremony by welcoming the children with the traditional touch, marking the beginning of their educational journey.
As part of the celebrations, various teaching kits will be distributed to students, and a special "Shiksha Chetana Rath" will be flagged off. The vehicle will travel across different regions to spread awareness about the importance of education.
The National Education Policy 2020 will also be highlighted through the distribution of the first-to-eighth grade textbooks in this state-level program, which aims to reinforce educational efforts in the state.
In total, around 5 lakh invitation cards have been distributed for the event, though the date of the "Khadi Chhuan" ceremony was initially scheduled for the 2nd of April but was postponed to Saturday due to administrative reasons. The ceremony will see children welcomed into school with flower garlands and tilaks, accompanied by songs and prayers for their successful learning journey.
At the school level, preparations have been made to decorate schools with flowers and traditional items. The children will be greeted warmly, and a welcome ceremony will be held where children will be given flowers and tilaks. The event will include a special reading of the message given by the Chief Minister, who will also distribute educational kits to the children.
A special session for parents will also be conducted, where they will share memories of their children’s early school days and reinforce the importance of education. The children will also have the chance to visit various "Learning Stations" on literacy, mathematics, and creative arts, helping them explore different aspects of their education.
As part of the "Khadi Chhuan" ceremony, a pledge-taking session will be conducted, urging students and parents as well to focus on education, commitment, and community engagement. The schools will also initiate a special WhatsApp group for parents to stay informed and involved in their children's educational progress.
This celebration will set the tone for the new academic year, filled with enthusiasm and learning. The state is making significant efforts to bring education to the forefront of children’s lives, ensuring their future success.
