Bhubaneswar, Dec 24 (FN Representative) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday asked the tribal students to cultivate knowledge about their culture, traditions and values, in addition to their day-to-day studies. Understanding these aspects would enable them to make a more significant contribution to society, the state and the nation,Patnaik said while addressing the gathering at the state-level felicitation ceremony of Zonal Sargiful-2023 winners. He encouraged the tribal students to excel in studies, pursue their chosen careers and fulfill the aspirations of their parents and seize the opportunities provided by the state government. Achieving personal success in life is great, but when we accomplish something unique for our state and nation, it adds greater meaning and success to our lives,” the Chief Minister remarked Extending his best wishes to the participants, Patnaik highlighted that Sargiful-2023 had provided a unique platform to showcase the talents of tribal students across Odisha.
ST & SC Development Minister Jagannath Saraka said the two zonal-level Sargiful-2023 events held in Sundargarh and Gajapati have shown innovative ways to explore the talents of students from across the state.” School and Mass Education Minister Sudam Marandi said there has been a sea-change in the success of tribal kids after studying in Anwesha schools through English language education. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of ST & SC Development, Roopa Roshan Sahoo, said, “During Sargiful-2023, Odisha’s 30 districts were grouped into two zones – Gajapati and Sundargarh. Over 1,300 students participated, engaging in more than 18 workshops and 13 competitions, she said adding . 297 talented students and prize winners were honoured. One of the highlights of the event was the release of the Students’ Magazine on Sargiful-2023 and a Coffee Table book by the Chief Minister with beautiful paintings by the students of various tribal schools.
The participating students also showcased their cultural diversity by presenting a memento in 62 tribal languages (including 13 PVTG groups) to the Chief Minister. The Zonal Sargiful event in Sundargarh began on December 7, with over 600 students from 15 districts. The festival also featured workshops on sustainability, where students crafted items from waste materials. A few days later, Zonal Sargiful 2023 took place in Gajapati, from December 14, with students from 15 districts participating in science exhibition, math games, a magic workshop and a cultural event featuring instrumental music