42nd Foundation Day of CHSE Odisha Celebrated with Emphasis on Holistic Education

Bhubaneswar: The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha, celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day today with a focus on encouraging creative and moral education among students. The event was graced by Santosh Kumar Upadhayay, Chairman of the Police Recruitment Board and former Director General of Fire Services, as the chief guest.

In his address, Upadhayay urged for greater enrollment in government schools and highlighted the importance of promoting extracurricular activities like environmental protection, sports, music, and physical exercise, alongside moral education. He emphasized that a well-rounded education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of students.

Subhashree Nanda, Additional Secretary, School and Mass Education Department, and Srikant Kumar Tarai, President of the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), attended as guests of honor. Nanda spoke about the National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020, stressing that students now have the freedom to choose subjects according to their interests. She mentioned that this flexibility would allow students to showcase their talents in innovative ways.

Tarai highlighted the importance of vocational education, revealing that students could now choose vocational courses as a third language option from the school level. He emphasized the ongoing development of vocational education and its integration into the curriculum, which is key to fostering skill-based learning.

In his welcome speech, Ashwini Kumar Mishra, Chairman of CHSE, provided insights into the council’s progress, including the successful conduct of examinations, curriculum changes, and the community outreach efforts of the National Service Scheme (NSS) wing. Subhrabala Behera, Secretary of CHSE, presented the council’s annual report, outlining its achievements over the past year.

A special souvenir titled Prajna was unveiled to commemorate the occasion. In addition, winners of the Chairman’s Cup debate competition and students who excelled in the National Sports Competition (SGFI) were honored with trophies and monetary rewards for their outstanding performances.