Bhubaneswar: The 13th edition of UNWIND, one of SAI International’s flagship events, was organised on December 11 under the theme of ‘Fantasy: Embrace the Unknown’.
One of the country’s largest school-based, student-driven mega cultural fests, UNWIND 2022 saw a footfall of over 30,000 people.
The day-long event was managed by Class XI students of the Commerce and Humanities stream, with support from mentors.
A brainchild of Founder-Chairman Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, UNWIND is held every year with the motto to learn, lead and serve, and provides a mega forum to inculcate entrepreneurship, leadership & 21st-century learning skills in students beyond the learning horizon of books, and imbibe experiential learning, providing hands-on experience to students.
UNWIND 2022 chief guest Dr Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, declared the event open.
“I am happy to be here at UNWIND 2022 as this platform proffers an entrepreneurial outlook in children and inculcates leadership skills in them, from a really young age, as envisioned by my friend, mentor and guide Late Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo. His words were embodied in the efforts of our budding entrepreneurs, who have worked tirelessly to make this event a huge success,” Dr Rai said.
The presence of kids and inmates of Pratibha Ashram, a child care home, added to the merriment of the event.
There was a stall dedicated to the 100 Library Project, a brainchild of the Dr Sahoo.
“It gives me immense joy to see my SAIoneers of Commerce and Humanities put up such a mega and immersive fest for UNWIND 2022. The vision of Founder-Chairman Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo was to build critical thinkers, problem solvers with insightful and focused thoughts, the future entrepreneurial citizens of India. He dreamt of creating global leaders who are critical-thinking innovators with flourishing careers and ready to re-shape the world for the better. I am elated to see my SAIoneers walking on the path laid down by our Founder-Chairman,” said Dr Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group.
The day was punctuated by enthralling activities, including delectable delicacies, games, adventure sports, e-games, virtual reality escapades, competitions and an array of high voltage cultural performances by students.
Over 100 food stalls with a wide array of scrumptious national and international cuisines and 60-plus game stalls with fun-filled activities.
Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) under the aegis of ‘Mission Shakti’, Odisha government, put up a stall to showcase financial independence and women empowerment.
Holistic Parenting awards were presented to the achievers of 2021-22 for their outstanding performance, relentless efforts, perseverance and devotion in CBSE Class XII Board exams.
The highlight of the fest was the evening concert and featuring spectacular fireworks display.
Renowned musician and Bollywood singer Rituraj Mohanty was a big hit of the event.
