Kalahandi, YNN (Rajat Bansal): The second day of Prabesh Utsav and Khadichhuan festival at Luhagaon Project Upper Primary School in the Brahman Chhendia cluster of Dharamgarh block was marked with enthusiasm and traditional ceremonies. As part of the new education policy, the state has introduced “Shishu Vatika” (pre-school education) this year, prompting primary schools across the region to organise Prabesh Utsav and Khadichhuan to welcome young learners. The event at Luhagaon was held under the chairmanship of Headmaster Dhirendra Sunani, reflecting the community’s commitment to education.
The Block Education Officer (BEO), Pankajini Majhi, attended as the chief guest, actively participating in the festivities. She was joined by several distinguished guests, including CRCC Arupananda Bhoi, ABEO Biswajit Behera, Kashibahal CRCC Rajendra Duria, Brahman Chhendia CRCC Tikeshwar Naik, educationist Birendra Panda, SMC member Kshirasindhu Sunani, volunteer teacher Jagabandhu Naik, and two Anganwadi workers.
The programme aimed to raise awareness among the SMC, parents, guardians, and the wider community about the appropriate age for enrolment in Shishu Vatika and Class 1, as well as the Nipun Odisha initiative, which focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy. In a traditional welcome, guests and teachers greeted the new students with flower and tilak. BEO Ms Majhi personally performed the Khadichhuan ritual on slates for new students absent on the first day. The newcomers were also given nutritious laddoos, while two outstanding students from the school were honoured with bouquets and certificates of appreciation.
Following the ceremony, a meeting was held with parents, guardians, SMC, and local dignitaries to discuss local education-related issues and challenges. Afterwards, guests and parents visited various educational activities organised as part of the second day of the enrollment drive, showcasing the school’s efforts to engage its students.
The event was expertly managed by senior teacher and Kankeri CRCC Premlal Jagat, with all teachers and staff contributing to its success. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by CRCC Tikeshwar Naik, expressing gratitude to all participants for their involvement.
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