Suravi 2025 Concludes with Vibrant Celebrations; Over 2,400 Students Participate in State-Level Children’s Festival

Bhubaneswar: The State-Level Children’s Festival Suravi 2025 concluded on a vibrant and inspiring note on Friday, celebrating creativity, talent, and the spirit of young learners across Odisha. Chief Guest Nityananda Gond, Minister, School and Mass Education, graced the valedictory ceremony and presented awards to the winners, commending their enthusiastic participation throughout the three-day festival.

Held at Capital High School, Unit-3, the festival drew students from every corner of the state, transforming the campus into a lively hub of performances, competitions, exhibitions, and interactive learning sessions. Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasised that alongside academics, activities like sports, painting, music, and dance play a crucial role in the holistic development of children. Suravi, he said, continues to serve as an ideal platform for students to explore their potential and showcase hidden talents.

He further highlighted the importance of nurturing curiosity about global knowledge and integrating new technologies in education to make the system more self-reliant. Acknowledging the vital role of teachers, he noted that their dedication shapes both individuals and society.

Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, speaking on the occasion, said that children across the state eagerly look forward to Suravi each year because it offers them an invaluable opportunity to exhibit their skills. She lauded the School & Mass Education Department for organising the festival on such a grand scale.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr. N. Thirumala Naik encouraged students to carry forward the same enthusiasm into future editions of Suravi, urging them to refine their talents and prepare for future challenges. Ananya Das, SPD, OSEPA, and Manoj Kumar Padhy, Director, SCERT, were among the dignitaries who attended the event.

During the closing ceremony, around 170 students were felicitated for their achievements in various competitions. The Odisha State Open School also released simplified Class X textbooks in five subjects—Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Biology, and Physics—designed to support learners through concise and easy-to-understand content.

A special attraction this year was the array of 25 exhibition stalls highlighting flagship initiatives such as NIPUN Odisha, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), NEP 2020, Sishu Vatika, PM-POSHAN, Adarsha Vidyalayas, and Olympic Values Education. Visiting dignitaries appreciated the creativity, clarity, and effort reflected in the displays.

The festival offered a rich blend of activities, with the Mock United Nations emerging as a major draw for students interested in diplomacy and global issues. Interactive sessions like Meet the Personality inspired young participants, while the new segment Suravi Sambad promoted media awareness through student-led newsletters and bulletins. Students were also taken on guided visits to nearby historical sites, adding an experiential learning component to the event.

In keeping with the NIPUN Odisha – NIPUN Bharat programme, children from Classes I to III were included at the school and cluster levels, broadening the festival’s reach. Overall, more than 2,400 students, accompanied by their teachers, and over 1,000 government officials and staff took part in the 2025 edition.