Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday called upon the tribal students to acquire knowledge about their culture, traditions and values to make a significant contribution to the society and the nation.
Speaking at a function, organised to felicitate the winners of Zonal Sargiful-2023, in Bhubaneswar, Naveen said, “Achieving personal success in life is great. But when we accomplish something unique for our state and nation, it adds greater meaning and success to our lives.”
He advised the students to seize the opportunities provided by mother tongue-based education, computer education and health check-up programmes, initiated by the state government and encouraged them to excel in studies, pursue their chosen careers and fulfill the aspirations of their parents.
Minister of ST & SC Development Jagannath Saraka said the two zonal-level Sargiful-2023 events held in Sundargarh and Gajapati have shown innovative ways to explore the talents of students from across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of School and Mass Education, Revenue and Disaster Management Sudam Marandi said, “When I was a student in a tribal school, opportunities to explore our talents were scarce. Now, due to the initiatives of the government, especially by educating tribal students in Anwesha schools through English language education, there has been a sea-change in the success of tribal children.”
In her welcome address, Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Secretary, ST & SC Development, M&BCW department underscored the talents of students from tribal communities. “During Sargiful-2023, Odisha’s 30 districts were grouped into two zones of Gajapati and Sundargarh. Over 1,300 students participated in more than 18 workshops and 13 competitions. Of them, 297 students won prizes in different categories.”
The attendees were also shown short videos showcasing the organisation of Zonal Level Sargiful-2023 and the various activities of the ST & SC Development, M&BCW Department.
The chief minister also released Students’ Magazine on Sargiful-2023 and a coffee table book with paintings by the students of various tribal schools on the occasion. The participating students presented a memento in 62 tribal languages (including 13 PVTG groups) to the chief minister.
Director of ST, ST & SC Development, M&BCW Department Indramani Tripathy was present.
The Zonal Sargiful event in Sundargarh began on December 7 with participation of over 600 students from 15 districts. Activities such as elocution, quiz, painting, sports competitions and cultural programmes reflected their tribal heritage.
A few days later, Zonal Sargiful 2023 took place in Gajapati from December 14 with students from 15 districts participating in it. The festival included a science exhibition, math games, a magic workshop and a cultural event featuring instrumental music.
