Kalahandi (Nilesh Kumar Nag): A padyatra (awareness march) and educational awareness programme were organised in the Bhatangpadar Gram Panchayat of Lanjigarh block under the Odisha Government’s “Aasa Aame School Jiba” (Let Us Go to School) campaign. The event was jointly organised by the Lanjigarh Block Education Office, Bhatangpadar High School, Cluster Resource Centre, and Gram Panchayat.
The primary aim of the campaign was to re-enrol children who had either never been admitted to school or had dropped out, thereby ensuring their right to education. Teachers, volunteers from social organisations, and local youth went door-to-door collecting information on such children. They interacted with families, explaining in detail the importance of education.
Economic hardship, transport difficulties, lack of awareness, family circumstances, and social barriers had kept many children away from schooling. The administration sought to attract them back by informing families about facilities such as free textbooks, uniforms, midday meals, and hostel accommodation.
The educational awareness padyatra saw participation from all teachers of the school, Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator, Sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti Member, alumni association members, and parents.
Under the supervision of Block Education Officer Rusia Meher and Bhatangpadar Cluster Resource Coordinator Manoj Kumar Sahu, the march extended to the remote forest village of Musiguda. In this village, 20 children from nine families were found to be out of school.
Following awareness efforts, 16 children (Dashami Majhi, Arati Majhi, Sukanti Majhi, Basanti Majhi, Rita Majhi, Geeta Majhi, Tulasi Majhi, Manjula Majhi, Rasmita Majhi, Labani Majhi, Chanu Majhi, Sanamati Majhi, Madhusmita Majhi, Kemit Majhi, Sanjay Majhi, and Pinki Majhi) were enrolled in Bhatangpadar High School, while the remaining four were admitted to open schools or age-appropriate classes.
Speaking on the occasion, Block Education Officer Rusia Meher told villagers, “Our goal is clear — every child must be in school. No child will be left behind. This is not merely about education; it is a mission to shape the future.”
Headmistress of Bhatangpadar High School, Lilima Manjari Sunani, teachers Purnima Das, Durbadal Patel, Nilanchal Bhaisal, and Bibhudatta Bhoi, Panchayat Samiti member Rupendra Chhatria, Sarpanch Dashami Majhi, alumni members Bijay Majhi, Madan Majhi, Lanji Majhi, and Sarat Nag, among others, were present.
Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator Manoj Kumar Sahu remarked, ‘Aasa Aame School Jiba’ is not just a slogan — it is a symbol of every child’s right to education.”
