Kalahandi, YNN (Rajat Bansal): In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this year’s Pravesh Utsav and Khadi Chuan will celebrate the enrolment of Grade 1 pupils along with children eligible for Sishu Vatika (pre-school) across Kalahandi. Scheduled from 2nd to 5th April 2025, the event aims to provide a festive and inclusive welcome for children and parents. Preparations are well underway across the district.
Kalahandi DM and Collector Pawar Sachin Prakash visited Malipada in Bhawanipatna on Thursday to distribute the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s invitation letters (Nimantrana Patra) to parents of eligible children. The district administration has set a deadline of 25th March for the completion of invitation card distribution.
Accompanying the DM were District Education Officer (DEO) Radhakant Chhatri, Additional DEOs Pabitra Mohan Sahu and Subhalaxmi Naik, Pedagogy Coordinator of Samagra Shiksha Kalahandi Shraddhanjali Dash, Bhawanipatna Block Education Officer Achari Sabar, and Bapuji Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator Swadhini Sahu.
Four-Day Celebration in Schools
According to DEO Radhakant Chhatri, the four-day event will feature a variety of school-level activities aimed at engaging pupils, teachers, and the community:
• 2nd April: Khadi Chuan O Namalekha Divas
Schools will be beautifully decorated, with parents, teachers, School Management Committees (SMCs), Mothers’ Committees, and local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) participating. Children will be welcomed with a traditional tilak, handmade badges, or floral garlands. The Chief Minister’s message will be read out, followed by the distribution of welcome kits. Local dignitaries, educationists, and public representatives will join to discuss education-related topics, including enrolment, retention, attendance, and the role of SMCs.
• 3rd April: Literacy Station and Kuni Sangata
Classrooms will transform into Literacy Stations, offering storytelling, puppet shows, and interactive role-play based on traditional tales from the Panchatantra and Odia folklore. Under the Kuni Sangata (Chhota Sathi) initiative, new pupils will be paired with senior schoolmates who will support and mentor them. Traditional songs, rhymes, and Kalahandia folk dances will also be showcased.
• 4th April: Numeracy Station
On this day, activities will focus on developing numeracy skills through engaging games and activities. Children, guided by their Kuni Sangata buddies, will participate in number-based storytelling, mathematical songs, and interactive learning exercises to foster a love for mathematics.
• 5th April: Prabhat Pheri and Closing Ceremony
The celebrations will conclude with a Prabhat Pheri (awareness rally) led by pupils, teachers, parents, and SMC members, carrying placards advocating for school enrolment and early education. Schools will exhibit pupils’ artwork, including wall paintings, rangoli designs featuring Odia alphabets and numbers, and creative projects. The day will end with a collective pledge for 100% school enrolment. Additionally, Parents’ WhatsApp groups will be established to facilitate communication and strengthen community engagement.
Community Awareness through Sachetanata Rath
To spread awareness throughout the district, Sachetanata Raths will tour various blocks of Kalahandi. These mobile units, flagged off by district and block-level officials, will share information about age-appropriate admissions, the key features of NEP 2020, and the significance of foundational literacy and numeracy. At selected stops, community members, alumni, SMCs, and pupils will participate in discussions before the raths proceed to their next destinations.
Collaborative Efforts for Effective Implementation
Headmasters are working closely with SMCs and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) to identify all eligible children. To ensure inclusive participation, district officials will visit schools during the event. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) and headmasters have been oriented on the implementation process. Furthermore, the event’s progress will be documented through audio-visual and print media.
With the collective commitment of all stakeholders, Kalahandi is determined to achieve 100% enrolment and provide every child with a joyful and enriching educational experience through Pravesh Utsav and Khadi Chuan 2025.
