Bhubaneswar: The 17th edition of UNWIND 2025, a school-based, students-led cultural festival in Bhubaneswar, saw enthusiastic crowd of over 25,000 attendees.
The flagship event of SAI International Education Group was formally inaugurated by chief guest Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NALCO, Bijendra Pratap Singh.
Singh applauded the students for organising an event of such magnitude. Drawing parallels with the historic ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, he emphasised on perseverance, teamwork, adaptability, and viewing failures as stepping stones. “Aim high, stay committed, and pursue excellence with unwavering focus,” he urged the young audience.
As part of the inaugural proceedings, the chief guest presented the Business & Humanities Model Awards. He also toured the student-led stalls, appreciating the entrepreneurial spirit on display before declaring UNWIND 2025 open.
The two-day extravaganza, conceptualised and executed entirely by Class XI Commerce and Humanities students, stayed true to the core philosophy of experiential learning that UNWIND has championed since its inception in 2008 by the late Founder, Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo.
Themed “Limitless Beyond: Reach the Stars!”, the campus transformed into a vibrant galaxy of experiences guided by the festival’s beloved mascot, Kung Fu Panda – symbolising courage, joy, and determination.
A Platform for Inclusive Education and Philanthropy
UNWIND ris philanthropic, student-driven initiative. All proceeds from the festival will support the Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo 100 Libraries Project, which aims to establish full-fledged libraries in government and private schools across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, furthering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education for All.
In a heartwarming gesture of inclusivity, SAI International collaborated with Living Humanity and invited 30 students from Palli Unnayan Seva Samiti – a residential school for underprivileged children – to experience the festival.
Each child was gifted books under the 100 Libraries Project, nurturing their curiosity and love for reading.
“UNWIND 2025 is a testament to the boundless potential of our students. Witnessing their imagination, discipline, and collaborative spirit unfold so beautifully is truly inspiring. The guiding vision of our Founder remains deeply embedded as we shape future-ready leaders who embody values, empathy, and global excellence,” said SAI International Education Group chairperson Dr Silpi Sahoo.
A Galaxy of Experiences
The campus buzzed with immersive zones: the Global Gourmet Experience, high-octane E-Sports Battle Zone, Heritage Ensemble Stage, Family Play Arcade, Explorers’ Action Park, Enchanted Carnival Rides, spontaneous Flash Mobs, and the grand Open-Air Arena featuring captivating cultural performances by students across classes. The evening reached fever pitch with electrifying performances by celebrated bands Bullet and Bohemians, leaving the audience spellbound.
In a special gesture, Dr. Silpi Sahoo presented custom SAI-branded T-shirts to the celebrity guests, adding a personal touch to the glittering Celebrity Gala Evening.
As the final notes faded under the starlit sky, UNWIND 2025 concluded on a triumphant high – a resounding celebration of youthful creativity, leadership, and the belief that every child can indeed reach the stars.
